Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Tape”

~ John W. Howell

 

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

 

For the second week in a row, the coffee appears without drama from the AI drama queen. The cup to the lips and a long slow sip is interrupted by the sounds of a calliope followed by the amplified voice of Phil Harris. “Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages. Welcome to the Warner Brothers Looniest Show on Earth.”

A quick run to the back door confirms the big top is up and packed with people. “And now I turn your attention to the center ring where, for your entertainment, the most recognized animal trainer in the world. The trainer of trainers. The honorable Elmer Fudd puts the ferocious beasts through their paces.”  Slipping into the tent during the applause, taking in the scene is overwhelming. A white-hot spotlight converges on the likeness of Elmer Fudd decked out in high boots, jodhpurs, and a pith helmet. He is snapping a whip, and the so-called ferocious beasts are cowering on their perches. Claude Cat, Arnold the Pit Bull, Hector the Bulldog, Baba Looey, Charles the Dog, Lola Bunny,  and Toro the Bull look like they would rather be anywhere else.

To make matters worse, the calliope music is obviously on tape, and Phil Harris is nowhere in sight. Elmer coaches each to perform. Claud gives a half-hearted roar. Arnold barks at the audience. Hector and Baba Looey chase each other, Charles and Lola do a leapfrog routine, and Elmer shoots his pistol when Toro takes a run at his backside. The audience loves it. Elmer grabs a chair to force toro back on his perch.

Underneath the chair is an envelope held by tape. Elmer rips it off, opens the envelope, and reads the contents over the sound system. He announces it is a message from Linda Hill. The message reverberates around the arena.”Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘tape.’ Use it as a noun or a verb. Use it any way you like. Enjoy!” The crowd goes nuts, and Elmer takes a bow. If you would like to enjoy go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2023/03/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-18-2023/

Tape by John W. Howell © 2023

“Calliope on tape?”

“Well, there is  a matter of the prompt.”

“Yeah, but that seems like cheating.”

“I didn’t see you in there helping.”

“Hey. I didn’t create this whole Saturday fantasy gig. You did.”

“You are right about that.”

“I wish I had that Fudd performance on tape.”

“On tape? You crazy? You could just use your iPhone.”

“It’s an expression. I didn’t really mean tape. I meant a recording.”

“Shows your age.”

“I guess. You know what else shows my age?”

“Let me guess. Time in a bar.”

“Shows I’m at least 21.”

“Times three.”

“Aw, come on.”

“I’m buying.”

“Make it times four. Hitting the uber app.”

 

95 thoughts on “Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Tape””

  1. You must not live under the rules of a homeowners association. That’s quite the circus! I had to jog my memory and look up Claud and Charles. Loved it, John.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. It’s been ages since I’ve thought about a calliope, but I delighted in the journey down memory lane — a circus, a showboat, a fair, and an antique store in northern CA. Always loved them — taped or not. Well done, John. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  5. You do find things that stretch my memory. Being as I think of my brain as a black hole (everything gets sucked in, but nothing ever escapes), You make me dig deep into that abyss.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Phil Harris is an awesome addition. Great voice. And you put him in a perfect place. Loved all the characters including Baba Looey !
    Will there there be a second performance ? If so I’ll be there. I’d like to TAPE it.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Hope you didn’t have to cut thru a lot of red tape to exhume Phil for the show. Congratulations, it sounds like it was a great event.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Ha! Ha! I can visualize this, John. It might have made for an interesting cartoon episode. 🙂 Good think this is fantasy. Otherwise, the HOA would be sending you a large notice! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Now that is quite the circus! I had to look up Claude the Cat as I had forgotten about him. I love how you have brought them all to life (not that your neighbours appreciate it, I’ve no doubt).
    Happy Saturday and Cheers! It’s VooDoo Ranger night! It’s wine over here 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  18. As Foghorn Leghorn would say ‘Well son I say you got out of that one. Now does that bartender have enough energy to wander back over here ? Or do I have to pass out from thirst waiting ? ! ? !

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Well, at least it’s not time in prison behind bar(s).

    The circus sounds like mayhem. Fudd in a pith helmet? Mine is missing.
    Could it be? It seems anything is possible with this stream of consciousness thing going on.
    OX 🐂 OX 🐂

    Liked by 1 person

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