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.
Home. By John W. Howell © 2021
“We finally made it.”
“What did we make.”
“I mean, we have finally arrived at our new hometown.”
“Looks kinda creepy.”
“Nonsense. The view from this hill is the best. It looks like the castle is all lit up, just waiting for us. All we have to do is go down the hillside, cross that main street, and go up to the castle.”
“I think easier said than done.”
“Oh, come on. We’ve come all this way. We are almost there.”
“Do you realize how far away the castle is from here?”
“Can’t be more than a couple of miles.”
“Listen to yourself. A couple of miles? That is like halfway around the world.”
“We’ve gone farther.”
“Yeah, but we had something to ride. We are on foot now. Tell me again why we had to leave the other place.”
“You know as well as I do that it became unsafe.”
“Oh, come on. You read those organic articles and think there a deadly threat on everything.”
“Did you try to walk across the kitchen floor?”
“Well, no. You scared me with your belief.”
“Belief? Didn’t you see the white line on the floor?”
“I saw what you told me to see. I can’t be certain now.”
“Let me tell you. That place was infested with poison.”
“Where’s the proof?”
“Didn’t you see the human in green toting that spray canister?”
“The one with O-R-K-I-N on his shirt?”
“He did look pretty out of place. Who names their kid Orkin?”
“That is a company name which means death to us.”
“One thing, I can’t figure out.”
“What?”
“Why do humans go nuts when they hear our species name?”
“Our name must mean something frightening in their language.”
“Roach is the nicest name possible.”
“To you and I.”
“This castle?”
“Yeah?”
“How safe is it.”
“They never heard of Raid.”
Fiction Favorites 
Two miles is a long way when you’re only two inches long.
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Several days worth I would say.
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They can fly quite well, but only for short distances – and that valley could be an issue.
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Good thing this is fiction.
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I was thinking termites.
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They would have been good too.
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🙂
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A good one!
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Thanks, Darlene.
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Nice job, John!
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Thanks, Jill.
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Good job, John. You almost have me feeling sorry for those guys.
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This message was brought to you by the political action group Remember the Roach. 😁
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They’ll be here long after we’re gone, John.
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So true, Dan
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Well, there goes the neighborhood! Great job, John!
All I got was those pretentious castle owners don’t know how to conserve energy!!
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I thought of something along those lines but couldn’t pull it off. Thanks, GP.
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I wouldn’t want those guys as house guests, but that was a fun story. Loved the closing line. Great job, John!
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Thank you, Mae. 😊
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I’m one who doesn’t like creepy crawlies, but you’ve championed the under-appreciated and brought a bit of sympathy — and plenty of smiles. Good job, John. Loved it. 😁
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Thank you, Gwen. 😁
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If only all roaches had this level of sense. Be so much easier to get rid of them.
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You could give them free passes to Disneyworld.
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A tale of persecution and migration. Love it.
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A metaphor. Glad you caught it.
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“Who names their kid Orkin?” Great job, John.
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Thank you, Staci. 😁
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Poor misunderstood roaches. They’ve stood the test of time for a reason.
Course, this is a helluva trek for ’em!
Only you would go with a bug’s view of things!!
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Thank you, Dale. Someone has to represent the under appreciated. 😁
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You have a point. You are a good man 😉
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Hahaha. Thanks.
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🤗
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Ha ha. It started dawning on me with ORKIN. Great story, John.
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Thank you, Diana.
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Poor guys, so misunderstood, lol
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I know right?
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For potheads, roach is a very welcomed part of the vocabulary. So if this castle doesn’t work out, I say they head for Cali . . .
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Yes indeed. They will be the only ones moving in.
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No doubt
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The Californians are moving here in droves.
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Ironic, isn’t it?
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We are doing our best to maintain our individual rights in face of the Union of Socialist Republic of California invasion. 😁
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This is true, LOL
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😁
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Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Beautiful written, John! Thank you for the pleasure, and enjoy your Wednesday! xx Michael
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What a nice thing to say, Michael. Thank you. Have a beautiful day.
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;-)) Thank you as well, John! Enjoy you day too. xx Michael
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😊
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🙂
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😊
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[…] Read more … […]
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Thank you, Michael.
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🙂 Loved this one! Beware the ORKIN man all ye creepy crawlies.
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The ORKIN man comith. Are you prepared? 😁
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Noooo!!!
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LOL!! They’d be totally caught unawares here as the pair who come do my house look normal! No uniforms, but the truck has its name on it. 😀
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What is the name Bug Snuff?
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That would be cute! No, they’re Wild West Pest Management. 😀
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Sounds like a great name. 😁
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😀 I think so too. Perfect for this western state.
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HaHa, good one, John! I was thinking ‘mice,’ but ‘roach’ is pretty scary, too.
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Yes I never met a roach I liked. They seem to be in a hurry all the time.
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Lol! Yep, that white line across the kitchen floor is a sure sign it’s no longer safe! Good one, John!
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Yes it is. Thanks, Jan
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Hahaha!
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😁
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[…] Home by John W. Howell © 2021 […]
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