In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, 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 next Monday.”
The photo.
The Show by John W. Howell © 2019
“so you are telling me to soar above this crowd and make them ooh and ah?”
“Exactly.”
“You know its easy for you to give orders. You just stand there with your bah of heaven knows what and boss me around.”
“What do you mean ‘heaven knows what’? There are prime mouse pieces I give you.”
“Yeah, well it would be nice if they didn’t sit in the fridge so long.”
“You think I’m going to run out and get you a fresh mouse before every performance?”
“No, I wouldn’t expect you to do that. Just cut me loose, and I’ll bring back a nice fresh mouse for myself.”
“That will never happen. You would be gone in a heartbeat.”
“You don’t trust me?”
“How did you guess.”
“Okay, so that one time I got lost in the fog.”
“There was no fog.”
“Heavy rain?”
“Clear as a bell. You were making a run for it.”
“Till your thugs caught up with me.”
“Might I remind you of one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“You were sick and undernourished, and you’re lucky we brought you back.”
“I remember it differently. I’m oppressed.”
“Please. What is this all about anyway? You are acting like a petulant child.”
“I was looking at that animal show.”
“You were watching TV again?”
“Couldn’t help it. That thug guard left it on.”
“Your handler you mean?”
“Your words not mine. Anyway, there was this beautiful falcon flying in the robin’s egg blue sky free as a bird, so to speak.”
“And that’s what you would like to do?”
“Yes. I would also like to poop on this crowd but know I’ll get detention.”
“And rightfully so. What about your food and medical care?”
“I’ll find my own.”
“Like you did before?”
“Um.”
“Why not just do the show, and I’ll get you some nice turkey meat to eat.”
“Can I have an apple with that?”
“Of course.”
“Okay. Let’s get this over.”
“Don’t drag your talons through anyone’s hair.”
“Man you know how to suck the joy out of life.”
Fiction Favorites 
Nice, John. Poor thing doesn’t get any fun, does he?
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true. I could see raking someone’s hair and then doing a figure eight poop run.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀 Part of Duffy’s regular demonstration was passing between two people standing less than two feet apart, pretending to be trees (his wingspan was more than five feet) and flying silently and very low over the audience’s heads – never combed anyone’s hair with his talons, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always wondered if those performing birds of prey were divas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess we know they are. Thanks, Charles.
LikeLike
“I would also like to poop on this crowd but know I’ll get detention.” LOL! Good one, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jill. Glad I made you laugh.
LikeLike
Loved this story, John. You’ve opened my eyes by offering the performer’s perspective. Poop? I think I’ll wear a hat next show I attend. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Gwen. I would always wear a hat. 😀
LikeLike
Mine is only, “What’s taking so long with that shipment of mice? The humans are getting restless.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a good one, GP. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
ahaha . I can just see it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Pamela.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice hooters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
this is so very funny! a great read to start my day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kimberly (got it right this time) 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with Kimberly. This bit of whimsy was the perfect start for the day, especially considering I’m a night owl 😉 and am not normally up so early.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Barb.
LikeLike
Cute! Very cute! ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always the same rub with employees. They never appreciate the benefit package.
LikeLiked by 3 people
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
He might be a petulant complainer, but he sure is a cutie 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure, Thanks, Mae.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t help feeling sorry for the bird here. No wonder it spends its time dreaming of ways to make its existence happier. Pooping on their heads? Yep, bound to work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha haha. Thanks, Debbie.
LikeLike
I’m glad he got an upgrade from mouse to turkey:) I will be watching overhead at next show I attend…lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha haha. Thanks, Denise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol, nothing like a bird with attitude 🙂
LikeLike
I would say. Thanks, Jacquie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no words. Just a smiley face! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Jan
LikeLike
This is so good, John!
I love the exchange between the two. You are a master at this genre!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dale.
LikeLike
John,
The poor guy doesn’t even have a union rep he could go to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s right. He tried to start one but the company goons busted it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not surprised . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Someone is going to be calling HR soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha hahah.
LikeLike
I wish I had talons…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha.
LikeLike
Well done, John. He’d have much more fun dragging the talons through people’s hair. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I don’t know the poop thing might be fun as well. Thanks, Jennie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Yes, it would.😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] The Show by John W. Howell © 2019 […]
LikeLike