In Keith’s words. “Using this photo as inspiration, (Below) write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
The photo.
The Answer Man by John W. Howell © 2018
“Excuse me, sir, but can you give me some information.”
“That depends on what kind of information you need.”
“I was told that the Answer Man is located in this area.”
“That is true, Ma’am.”
“Can you tell me where I can find him.”
“Of course I can tell you where you can find him.”
“Um. What are you waiting for?”
“I believe I answered your question.”
“Well, where is the Answer Man?”
“An excellent question, Ma’am. He is right here.”
“Where?”
“Here.”
“You?”
“Yes.”
“OMG. I knew it was too good to be true.”
“What is too good?”
“That the Answer Man would have answers.”
“How do you know the Answer Man has no answers.”
“Listen to you. Do you have a straight answer?”
“I do if you would ask a straight question.”
“Okay, then. Here goes. Where can I find tickets for tonight’s opera.”
“At the box office.”
“Of the theater?”
“Yes.”
“Where is the theater.”
“See those people to my right?”
“Yes.”
“There. Right behind them.”
“Are there any good seats left?”
“What do you mean by good?”
“See another question rather than an answer.”
“There are usually seats left at this hour, but your definition of good may not be the same as what is available.”
“Okay, you got me there. How did you get this job?”
“I was hired away from the government.”
“Where did you work in the government?”
“At the Department of Motor Vehicles.”
“I can imagine you did a good job there.”
“Thank you. Please step to the next window. Now serving number ninety-nine.”
Fiction Favorites 
Of course the old man knows the answers – but who knows the questions? Talk about his job being in jeopardy! 😀
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Everyone likes the sweatshirt. I wanted to do something with that but it never came to be. 😀
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The shirt logo says “Never underestimate an old man who graduated from the Open University”. It’s one of a “Never underestimate” series done by (according to my search earlier) just about everybody both sides of the pond.
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Excellent, Keith
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“Is this where the Number 5 bus stops?”
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Love it, GP. Thanks. 😀
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Nice, John! I’m cracking up at GP’s comment. 🙂
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He does have good ones. Thanks, Jill
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There’s always a catch with these kinds of things. Usually that one has to be specific. I love how the guy’s shirt says ‘Old Man’.
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Me too. Its like stating the obvious
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Fascinating photo and great dialogue. I love the sweatshirt. 😀
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Thank you, Gwen. I liked the sweatsirt too. I was going to do a whole story on it but couldn’t find the muse. 😀
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Who’re you kidding! That’s the guy’s wife wanting money to buy a relic!
Good one, John…always imaginative! ♥
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Billy Ray.
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That was freaking brilliant. The last three lines are pure gold on their own.
Thanks for the laugh!
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Thank you for the lovely words, Mae. 🙂
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This guy could make a great income as one of those help telephone guys.
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“I would be glad to help you out sir. Which way did you come in?” 😀
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Ha!
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😀
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The Answer Man! I’m laughing out loud at this one, John. 🙂 And the Department of Motor Vehicles twist is hilarious!
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Thank you, Jan. I can just imagine the kind of training that goes on at the DMV
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It’s a good thing he wasn’t a genie, that woman would have needed way more than three wishes.
The last time I was at DMV, I had to wait in a line to be told what line to wait in.
Nicely done, John.
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Ha haha. Thanks, Dan
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That was funny! Yes we do need to have the right questions of course!
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Yes . The answer man does his best with the questions at hand.
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Everybody loves the DMV, right?? Great job with this one, as usual, John. I found myself examining the wall behind your Answer Man — it’s simply gorgeous!
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I think I have PTDMVSD (Post Tramatic DMV Stress Disorder.) Thnank you, Debbie.
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This was good, John! Love the sweatshirt.
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Buahahaha!
A former veteran of the DMV . . that explains it!
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Of course it does. Thanks, Marc
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