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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”
Link to Keith’s page https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/10/10/kreative-kue-381/
The photo.
The Blink by John W. Howell © 2022
“You think you can get away.”
“I know I can. I just have to turn around and walk.”
“How foolish you are. I have locked onto your eyes, and you are now in my power.”
“Who you trying to fool, you big bully. All it would take is a shot from a gun to eliminate you.”
“You have a gun?”
“No.”
“Then, under my power, you shall remain. A warning to you. I have not had lunch yet, so don’t even blink.”
“What do you mean ‘don’t blink.'”
“You blink, and I strike.”
“What are you, a snake?”
“You are not that lucky. Hawk’s my name. Vermin’s my game.”
“Oh, very clever. Big talk from what amounts to an oversized sparrow.”
“From where I sit, you are in no position to be insulting.”
“Tell you what. I’ll give you to the count of three to buzz off.”
“Then what?”
“If you are still here, I’ll lift my tail and hit you with my best shot.”
“Shot of what?”
“It’s not bourbon, I can tell you that.”
“Now you have me curious.”
“Which is a feeling that killed the cat.”
“You look like a cat.”
“Only to Pepe De Pew. Trust me, I’m no cat. One.”
Fiction Favorites 
Ewww! I can’t believe that a blast of skunk junk to the face would make for a happy Harris’ Hawk. Nice one, John.
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Just so the hawk doesn’t think he can buffalo everyone there is always something more threatening. Thanks, Keith.
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😀
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A good one!
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Thanks, Darlene.
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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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Fantastic, John! You pulled the last out of this grim looking face. 😉 Have a nice day! xx Michael
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Thank you, Michael. Have a good one as well. 😁
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Thanks, John! 🙂 xx Michael
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Good one, John! Funny thing, yesterday I had to save our resident duck, Donald, from a hawk!
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Oh my goodness. It is good you could do that. 😁
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That would be an interesting battle to watch.
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I think it would be over pretty quick. Thanks, Charles.
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Uh-oh. I think that hawk’s in for a nasty surprise. Great work, John.
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Can you imagine? Thanks, Staci.
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One smelly Hawk, coming right up!
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Yup.
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I can hear the heavy reverb chords from an old spaghetti western.
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Perfect. With the back and forth eye shots.
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Ha ha ha! Brilliant! That is one tryst I would not want to witness.
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I don’t think the hawk will want to either. Thanks, Pamela.
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Boy, a skunk would have me on the run.
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Me too. I got sprayed by one once and it was horrible.
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Great twist, John. Very well done!
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Thank you, Dan
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Good one, John! 🙂
Odoriferous surprise in the chamber, ready to fire! Raising the tail releases the safety.
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Look out Tim 👀
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😊
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😁
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John, have you added skunk juice blasts to your security system?
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I’m afraid they would get caught in the wind and then where would I be? Sure would be effective though.
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Good point. Nobody wants skunk blowback.
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So true. 🤣
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Love the story. Actually the Great Horned Owl is the known predator of skunks. Mainly because both are nocturnal. Also it most likely comes down to size and strength. Owl talons will go through any protective gloves bird handlers have. Not sure it the skunk scent has any effect on birds. People put hot sauce on bird seed to keep rodents from eating it and it does not bother the birds. The skunk scent certainly does not protect them from Great Horned Owls. None of these facts ruined the story.
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“Um love the aroma. What did you bring home for dinner hon?”
“Skunk.”
“Love it.”
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I loved “Big talk from what amounts to an oversized sparrow.”
Great job as always, John!
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Thank you, Mae. 🤗
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That was one of my favorite lines, as well, Mae!
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I’m glad you guys liked it. 😁
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😀
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😊
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LOL! I imagine that only happening once and every hawk is aware of that shot and they don’t go near those guys!
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I think you’re right, Deborah. Wife hawk says to husband hawk as he comes home late after being sprayed with a skunk. “Have you been drinking?”
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LOL!
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😊
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Ha!!! John, you slay me! “…Hawk’s my name. Vermin’s my game.”
“Oh, very clever. Big talk from what amounts to an oversized sparrow.”
But then you just kept on going. You’ve outdone yourself, my friend. Hugs on the wing … or the poof.
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Thank you, Teagan. Glad you enjoyed my fliverousity.
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“Hawk’s my name. Vermin’s my game” was my favorite line as well, Teagan!
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Gee thanks, Gang.
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You’re welcome, John!
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😊
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The hawk is going to pay for that if his sense of smell is good.
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Yes, indeed.
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Another good one, John. You must have a million of ’em!!
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I make them up as I go. I don’t think I’m going to make a million.
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I had a close encounter with a skunk once. Fortunately I stared it down like Mr. Hawk here, and then ran away. I’m no fool.
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I had one too. It was midnight and I pulled into the drive and opened the door. I hit a skunk with the door and he sprayed me and the inside of the car. I shed my clothes and climbed into the bed. My wife says,”Have you been drinking?”
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😂
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😁
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The ‘Hawk should probably get going before he raises an even bigger stink than he bargained for! Well played good man.
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I agree. Move on Mr. Hawk.
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Haha!
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😁
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I say, I say son, I’m not a chicken, now that’s a couple of chickens (enter Twiggy and Lucy) Great post, Foghorn.
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Thank you. Son
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Now that’s good stuff
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😁
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Not the kind of face one would want to mess with.
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Thanks. Pete.
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Frightening photo for so many giggles. Cute, John
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Thank you, Audrey. 😊
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Lol, John. Entertaining, as always!
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Thank you, Jan. So glad you liked it.
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That hooked beak looks like it can do some damage. Best to avoid this one!
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Yes for us anyway. I think the skunk could make a go of it though.
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Ah, pretty clever, John. Enjoyed this!
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Thank you, Priscilla. I enjoyed writing it too. 😊
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Good ole Pepe…too clever for his own good. Nice job, John. And a terrific image.
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Thank you, Monika. 😊
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Pepe Le Pew. That was perfect. Well done with the prompt, John.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😁
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[…] The Blink by John W. Howell © 2022 […]
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