Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Childhood Song

~ John W. Howell

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

 

The coffee machine has finally come to an end. Reminds me of the song we sang in the schoolyard. “Ring around a Rosie. Pocket full of posies. All fall down.” Since that song was inspired by the bubonic plague, it seems fitting in this situation. The machine has given up the ghost and must be replaced. The new one is on its way, but until it arrives, it must be jiggered to override the internal controls. With much jiggering, a cup comes at last.

The first sip brings to mind the statue of Roger Rabbit. A deep sigh follows the thought of having to get rid of it. The first task is to see if it is still there. A check of the ring doorbell on my phone shows it is no longer on the drive. To confirm the security shutdown process is begun. The claymore mines disarmed. The tower machine guns are placed on standby. The boiling oil vat is secured. The moat net retracted. The concertina wire rolled back. The trebuchet was secured. The gate lifted. The locks and deadbolts reset. The front door opened.

Looking at where the statue used to be confirms it is gone. In its place is an envelope. Tearing it open, there are two messages. The first is from someone who signs their name, The Phantom. It reads No Police. If you want to see your stature again, you’ll follow our directions. We will be in touch.

I hope the would-be kidnappers are happy with their statue since there is no reason to respond to any demands. The second message is from Linda Hill. It reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “a song from your childhood.” So think of a song from your childhood and just write. Have fun!

If you would like to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it will be. You can also see other prompt responses. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/05/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-6-2023/

Childhood Song by John W. Howell © 2023

“So you did ring around the Rosie?”

“Kinda morbid, wasn’t it?”

“Ever lose a coffee machine?”

“Can’t say that I have. I would have picked London Bridges’ Falling Down.”

“Why that one?”

“Well, the machine has taken a fall, and I thought that would be more appropriate.”

“It would work well too.”

“So what about that statue?”

“I think I’ll just ignore the kidnappers when they contact me.”

“You think that’s wise?”

“Why not?”

“They might be gang members and come after you.”

“Over that stupid statue?”

“Well, they want money.”

“Yeah, I didn’t think of that. I’ll find out what they want, but I sure do not want the statue back.”

“I get that. Do you remember the song, “Nick knack paddy whack?”‘

“‘Give the dog a bone.” Sure, I remember.”

‘”This old man came rolling home.” Remind you of anything?”

“Help me.”

“A few too many VooDoo Rangers.”

“Of course. Punch up, Uber.”

“You are the best.”

“I guess that means I’m buying.”

“So kind to offer. There’s our ride.”

 

 

60 thoughts on “Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Childhood Song”

  3. Great dialogue, John. Now I’ve sweet memories of songs we sang as children. Intruders weren’t an issue in our household. Of course, living in no-man’s-land with several not-friendly dogs in the yard might have helped. 😄

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I hope your new coffee machine gives you a most excellent cup of java, John. Perhaps you can leave the old one out in the driveway so the statue thieves can take that too.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Nick knack paddy whack is nice. There needs to be a childhood song written for the Bourbon Tour. After all we are only as old as we think. With semi sincere apologies to Voodoo Ranger…

    Liked by 2 people

  8. I’ve been introducing my 3-year-old grandson to some of these nursery rhymes, but I’m not telling him the background until he’s older! The thieves are in for a big surprise when you don’t respond to the ransom demand. Maybe you could tell them to sell it if they need the money!

    Liked by 2 people

  9. This one gave me flashbacks of a movie called Ruthless People. If you haven’t seen it, Danny DiVito’s wife, Bette Midler, is kidnapped and they demand ransom. Danny is ecstatic. It’s hilarious.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Aww good memories with the songs you picked despite the lyrics of Ring around the Rosie because they were not just singing but movement too. I especially liked nick knack paddy whack give the dog a bone.

    Liked by 2 people

  20. You covered some of the classic childhood songs. I’m glad I didn’t know Ring Around was about the plague growing up! Good way to get rid of statue but it will interesting to see what they want.

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. Row, row, your boat
    Gently through John’s moat
    Warily, warily, warily, warily
    Voodoo Ranger down your throat!

    Like

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