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.
I’ll Show You by John W. Howell © 2021
“Okay, so the next thing you need to know is not to touch that pole with your beak while sitting on the wire.”
“Why’s that?”
“If you touch the pole, you will create an ungrounded connection, and the electricity will fry you.”
“Geez. Why do you guys sit on these wires anyway.”
“You mean to tell me you don’t sit on wires back in your town?”
“Heavens no. We have trees.”
“Trees?”
“Yeah, big green bushy things that have limbs you sit on.”
“Sounds nice. Well, anyway we have no trees, so I’m trying to give you some pointers on how to survive in the big city. How long you going to be here?”
“Just a week. I have to attend a nest clearing. My cousin is becoming an empty nester.”
“Lucky bird for sure. Okay, back to the lessons.”
“Why are you hanging upside down?”
“I’m not upside down. See that bug on the sidewalk.”
“Un-huh.”
“Don’t touch it.”
“What do you mean. All bugs are fair game.”
“Not that one. He’s a made bug.”
“Made bug. What does that mean.”
“He is a member of the bug mob.”
“Yeah, so.”
“You touch him, and you’ll have every bug in town wanting to cash in on the hit notice.”
“You serious? I never met a bug I couldn’t handle.”
“Hornets?”
“Well, no. I stay away from them.”
“They are the mob enforcers.”
“Good to know. What else?”
“Don’t take any popcorn from the old lady on the bench.”
“Why not?”
“She has a cat in her valise that loves birds. The popcorn is bait.”
“Good grief. I need to get back home.”
“You flying?”
“Yes.”
“Watch out for the Peregrine Falcons.”
“The what.”
“Birds of prey. They sit on the buildings and wait for pigeons.”
“I’m not a pigeon.”
“Some are nearsighted. Just be careful.”
“How do you survive in this jungle?”
“I keep my wits about me and one more thing.”
“What’s that.”
“I pay protection.”
Fiction Favorites 
LOLOL
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Thank you, Chris. 😁
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Haha! That was brilliant, John. I especially loved the nest clearing and the mob enforcers.
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Thank you, Mae. 😁
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Now I understand the expression, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Well done, John. I love this dialogue and the morning chuckles!
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I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks too for letting me know. 😊
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Great perspective of city life!
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Thank you, Pamela.
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This was great, John! 😉
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Thank you, Jill.
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Inspired silliness–I love it! 😀 😀 😀
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I think that describes my writing to a T, Liz. Thanks 😁
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You’re welcome, John! I’m a big fan of inspired silliness. 😀
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I have lived with that trait my whole life. I’ll always remember my 9th grade French teacher asking, “John, when are you going to grow up?” I thought at the time, “I hope never.” I think I’m going to make it. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John. I’m hearing titters from the back of that French classroom.
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Yes, indeed.
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“Nature, red in tooth and claw” – Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-92)
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So true. Thank you, Keith. 😊
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A fun story! I’ll have to watch out for this bug mob — as long as it’s obvious which bugs are in the mob 🙂
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You can tell by the fedoras they wear. Thanks, Dave.
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Hahaha – this was a great way to start my Tuesday, John. Thanks!
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Good to hear, Dan. 😁
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You do know how to entertain us!!
Mine was simply: “Ya know, Ethel, I’ve never told anyone this, but – I’m afraid of heights.”
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LOL. Yours is terrific. 😂
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You sweet-talker.
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😁
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I thought “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse” was a story that highlighted urban and rural differences. These city birds don’t mess around! Great story, John.
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Thank you, Staci. I’m glad you liked it.
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Another great one from the mind of John Howell.
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Thank you, Craig. A big compliment given your creativeness.😁
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Only you could come up with this from that photo! I am giggling over heah!
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Thank you, Dale. I think you are right about only me. No one else is that nuts.
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It’s why we love you, John! Your imagination is fabulous!
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Aw. Thank you Darlin’ 🤗
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🧡😘
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❤️
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Love that ending.
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Thank you , Charles.
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This jungle is for the birds ! Even the popcorn isn’t safe.
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No it is not. Do not touch it. Kitty is not fussy. Might even eat buckeyes.
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This is great, John. I’ve always wondered first, why birds hang out on the wires, and second, what they’re talking about 🙂
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Well. now you know. 😁
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That’s a tough life being a city bird!
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It is for sure, Denise.
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I am laughing out loud, John! The bug mob? Paid protection? Brilliantly done!
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Thank you, Jan. I’m glad you liked it and thanks also for letting me know.
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Wow! What a learning session! Thanks, ‘Birdman of Lakeway’! Great job! 🙂
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Hahaha. Thanks, Billy Ray
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I love where you went with this! Laughing all the way. Watch out for those city birds.
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They are the tough guys for sure.
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😀
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Haha! The dangers of city living. Loved the “nest clearing” and “empty nester” references.
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Thank you, Pete. 😊
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[…] Tuesday – A Little Personal – Kreative Kue #308 by Keith Channing […]
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Thanks for sharing my post.
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Your mind is a marvel of science, you know that?
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Must be the gin. Or tequila. Maybe the bourbon. Oh, Well thank you, Pilgrim.
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Any of the above will do just fine.
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Oh, John, this is hilarious.
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I’m glad you like it, Ronnie. Thanks for letting me know.
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You have me laughing out loud again, John! Indeed, this was brilliant!
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Thank you, Maria
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Lol! Who says birds don’t have it tough? Good one, John. 🙂
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It is a rough world out there. Thanks, Mark
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Bug mob, mob enforcers…John, how do you think up this brilliant stuff? Now my heart goes out to the birds in big cities. 🙂
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Yes the poor dears. Of course they feel sorry for their country cousins for being so clueless. 😊
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😁
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Haha! This was absolutely hilarious 😀
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I’m glad you liked it. It was nice of you to let me know. 😁
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My pleasure 🙂
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Sounds a bit too familiar. Not the story but the circumstances.
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Yes. Slice of life for sure. 😁 Thanks for the visit.
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Birds of all feathers, stick together
Thank you for the Prompt
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[…] I’ll Show You by John W. Howell © 2021 […]
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Struggling in sunshine
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Thanks.
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