Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #318 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell

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

Photo of a bridge.

The Walk by John W. Howell © 2021

“Why did you let them go through?”

“They didn’t look like someone I wanted to know.”

“That has nothing to do with it. We are running a business.”

“Yes, but the business has to have a heart.”

“You let too many go through, and we’ll be out of business, let me tell you.”

“Ah, it was only two. More will come along.”

“What made you decide to et them through?”

“Like I said, they didn’t look like people I wanted to know.”

“What’s to know? You just collect the money, and then they are on their way.”

“I like to have a little discussion with ’em.”

“Discussion? I can’t imagine what you have to discuss.”

“Okay, you pretend to be one of them, and I’ll show you.”

“Fine. Seems stupid, but I’ll do it.”

“Okay, ready. You are at the entrance to the walkway.”

“Got it.”

“And I’m in my regular spot.”

“Yes, yes. Come on, show me.”

“My first line is friendly. Ahem. Here it is.”

“For heaven’s sake, get on with it.”

“WHO DARES APPROACH THE WALK OF THE TROLLS.”

“Sounds okay so far.”

“Thanks. Next, I do a variation on the Fe Fi Fo Fum bit.”

Let’s hear it.”

“Okay. ‘FE, FI, FO, FUM. WHERE ON EARTH ARE YOU GIRLS FROM.'”

“Now, wait a minute. You are supposed to say something like ‘I smell the blood of an Englishman'”

“But these are girls, and they are Americans. See what I mean? It becomes difficult.”

“Just tell them they need to give the troll a toll.”

“Some giggle.”

“What?”

“Yeah, right to my face.”

“Do you have your scowling face on?”

“Yup, and they laugh.”

“Maybe we need a new approach.”

“Like what.”

“Um, let me think. Okay, I got it.”

“This should be great.”

“FE FI FO FUM. PAY THE TOLL, OR I’LL TELL YOUR MUM.”

“I’m sure they’ll be shivering by then.”

“You have something better?

“Well. How about FE, FI, FO, FUM. PAY THE TOLL, OR I’LL SPANK YOUR BUM.”

“For heaven’s sake. We are trolls, not perverts. Kill that one.”

“How about just simply putting up a sign that. says Troll toll. Pay what you want.”

“What about those who refuse to pay?”

“Yeah, good catch.  How’s this, Troll toll. Pay what you want or be eaten.”

“Nice ring to it.”

“So, in reality, the ones you let through didn’t look good enough to eat?”

“Bingo. They looked all tough and stringy.”

“Oh, I hate that.”

“Me too.”

67 thoughts on “Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #318 by Keith Channing”

  8. I’m with Mae on this post — it deserves an ovation. Great story, John. Picky trolls — who but you could have contrived that story? 🤣

    Liked by 1 person

  14. “Tough and stringy”?!? Hmm, seems these two are awfully choosy with their meals. Of course, given a choice, I wouldn’t want tough and stringy either. Good one, John!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Hilarious, John! Tough and stringy does not sound like a good meal. I cracked up at the “spank the bum” comment. Oh, the mind of John Howell. If you ever put out a book of short stories, that would need to be somewhere in the title. “From the Cavernous mind of John Howell!” 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, Mae. I think a standalone was just right for me this time, for my energy and what I wanted to work on as a writer. I’m so honored that you enjoyed it, and thank you for all the wonderful comments here. ❤

        Liked by 1 person

  20. “Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum.
    Where on Earth are you girls from?”

    “Mind your business, you big old brute
    Or I’ll turn you into a shriveled old mute.”

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Pingback: Kreative Kue 319 – Keith Kreates!

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