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 on 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 time.”
The Photo.
The Box by John W. Howell © 2022
“Well, boys, I never expected this.”
“Oh, Sir. You deserve a surprise.”
“Since I’m leaving the school, it was nice of you to think of me.”
“We have thought of you every day, Sir.”
“How lovely. Hear that, staff. These boys have me in high esteem.”
“I would say we constantly have you in mind, Sir.”
“That is so nice. By the way, why did you insist that this be opened out of doors?”
“The sentiment contained inside need not be confined by restricted space, Sir.”
“I am overcome with such a kind thought. I hope you didn’t spend a lot of money on this.”
“No, Sir. That is a natural gift, and we made it ourselves.”
“Even better, boys.”
“Yes, Sir. A couple of servings of toast and beans, and we were all set.”
“Oh, your lunch before you made the gift?”
“Yes, Sir. Seems you are having difficulty opening that.”
“Yes, quite.”
“We wrapped it quite well so the surprise would not be given away before its time. Maybe a pocket knife would help.”
“Do you have one?”
“Not with us. We will be right back.”
“Look at those boys. It just makes your heart sing with such dedication. Do you smell that? I say, check your shoes, will you, chaps?
Fiction Favorites 
😂🤣😂
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Thanks, Chris.
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Confession time: I was originally torn between a stink bomb and a jack-in-the-box surprise before I decided to go all smartass and try a different poetic format.
Just for background, this was the official opening of the National Bird of Prey Hospital™ at The Hawk Conservancy Trust by HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (pictured with the boys) on 4th July, 2002.
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Amazing that he was there. I did not recognize him at all. 🙄
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Neither did I, truth be told… 😀
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😁 I must say his suit doesn’t look Seville Rowish to me.
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Quietly understated is so much classier than gaudy show, don’t you think?
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I’m talking about the wrinkled and poorly tailored suit.
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Yikes. Sadly, I’ve heard of that prank happening a lot. Gross.
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I agree. Gross. Thanks, Charles.
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Keith sure had his imagination going during this story of yours, John!! 😂
My first thought was – “These child-proof tops will be the death of me!’
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I thought of that but decided to go darker. Thanks, GP.
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There’s a noir side to you, John.
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Yes there is. 🤣
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I had a feeling that the gift would be of the scatalogical variety.
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Ha ha ha. A beloved schoolmaster.
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😀
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Oh I smelled that one coming from a mile away!
Always a fun one with you, John!
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Thank you , Dale. 😁
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🙂
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Ha ha ha. Somehow I knew it was going to be a skunk of a gift. The last line was a crack-up. Great story, John.
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Thank you, Diana.
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Oh dear Lord! Not a very nice gift, I’d say. 🙂
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No not nice at all. Thanks, Jan.
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Checking my shoes. 🙂
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Tim
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I’ve stepped in it enough times that it’s not silly to check. 🙂
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Ha ha ha.
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Oh the “innocence” of youth. It fades so quickly. And goes hand in hand with the naivety of inflated egos. See how they love me. Just how many tricksters does it take to fetch a pocket knife ? Good one.
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LOL! Great story, John! I’m wonder where the idea came from. 🙂
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Good one, John. At least it wasn’t on fire.
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Ha ha ha. I did think about setting it on fire though. 😁
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Of course you did.
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😁
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Such innocent expressions on their faces, too! I’d say running was a good choice!
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Yes getting away was important.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing, Michael.
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Oh, you are very wicked, John. Lol I hope you never have done this yourself. Best wishes, Michael
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Never, Michael. Only in my head.
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Fine literature, for sure.
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Ha ha ha
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So funny and not far from reality for young boys to do. I can almost smell it from here.
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Check your shoes.
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I hope you’re not speaking from a place of experience, John.
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No all fiction. Thanks, Pete.
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John, you gem. You’ve given me something to fantasize about as a change from someone (the pervert across the street) being struck by lightning. LOL. Hugs on the wing!
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You could give him a box on the porch.
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Gross…
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Ha ha ha.
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I had a feeling (or I could smell it already). Good one, John! 🙂
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Thak you, Lauren.
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Buahahaha! I wish I would’ve known this trick back in elementary school!
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Yeah we learned to poop in a bag and light it on an offender’s porch. The natural instinct would be to stomp out the fire. Heh, heh
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Right!
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😊
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🙂
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Haha!
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😊
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