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.”
Here is a link to Keith’s post – https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/10/23/kreative-kue-404/
The photo
Alarm by John W. Howell © 2023
“What the heck is that noise.”
“I’m not sure. Sounds like an alarm of some kind.”
“But who set it off, and for what reason?”
“I have no idea. Let’s go out and see.”
“You crazy? If it’s an alarm, you could get hurt.”
“I suppose you’re right. It’s just how long can that noise last?”
“I would suspect until the danger is over.”
“Yeah, that certainly makes sense.”
“So you’re staying put?”
“Until it stops, I am.”
“Smart.”
“Wow. The silence is deafening. It stopped.”
“Now you can go out there and see what it was.”
“You coming?”
“I’ll watch you from here.”
“Okay, I’ll report back.”
“Wait. It’s a trap. That Bald Eagle over there made that noise to lure you out of the den.”
“Whoa, that could have been a big mistake.”
“He loves chipmunks, and a big tasty bite like you would have been right up his alley.”
“Hold on.”
“What?”
“You calling me fat?”
“Erm. Might be better to take my chances with the Eagle.”
“You said it, not me.”
Fiction Favorites 
Thanks, John. Your story reminded me that Larry was probably the best intruder alarm they could have had. He could be heard from anywhere on the park, and you knew from the tone of his call, that he was “greeting” someone. Geese are good for that, too.
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In an early life I had two geese. They were the best watch dogs. The downside was they terrorized the kids.
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Makes a change from the kids terrorising birds 😄
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That is for sure. I still have the memory of my daughter running screaming with this goose chasing her. Hard not to laugh.
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😂
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Domestic life has its challenges . . .
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It does.
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Beautiful post
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Such beautiful birds, and strong. Be careful😉
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Yes. Best stay put.
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Very clever eagle.
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Not so clever chipmunk
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I believe the polite term is ‘deliciously plump’.
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Said the wolf to the third little piggy
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A plump chipmunk would be a tasty treat. And here I thought the eagle was demonstrating how easy it was when mom fed him.
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I never would have thought of that one, GP. Terrific.
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Doh! You got me again, I didn’t see the chipmunks coming. I love the snarky ending.
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I have to say I enjoyed the ending too, Liz. It went on for a couple of more lines but I edited off at the snark. 😁
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Good authorial choice!
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😁
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I think the eagle will need a few chipmunks! What a beautiful creature. Good one, John.
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Yes our characters would be a good starter. Maybe a nice big bass.
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Hahaha! And here I was expecting a story about an eagle playing a rooster!
Always so good, John 🙂
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Thank you, Dale. I thought about that too. Just went to a different place.
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I’m glad you did because I don’t doubt that would be a popular choice 😉
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😊
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I guess a plump chipmunk would be a good appetizer, but I hope the eagle doesn’t break up the band. 🙂
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Tim.
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😀
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😊
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It looks like he’s doing the after-dinner gargle. Cleansing his palate for the next best thing.
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That would be a good story, Lois. 😁
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Smart chipmunks not to be lured out of their den 🙂
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An eagle’s scream is spine-chilling. It’s probably a good idea to stay hidden, lol
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I agree, Jacquie.
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Aw, a chubby chipmunk … how cute! I think they’re wise (whatever their size) to hide from Mr. Eagle.
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I have to agree, Debby.
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A fun chipmunk POV, John. Definitely better to stay inside.
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Yes unless you have a little chipmunk death wish.
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Ha!
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😊
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And just when I thought ‘all is well’ . . . Well done, John. 😄
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You know how it is in Howell Writing Land. Thanks, Gwen.
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🤣
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Great ending John. Hugs, C
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Thank you, Cheryl. 😊
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A tasty snack, indeed. Great use of the prompt, John.
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Thanks, Jan. Your foot looked good on Insta.
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Oh my goodness!
Well done, John. Hugs on the wing.
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Thank you, Teagan. Hugs.
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Well done, John. I loved the ending! 😀
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I’m glad, Jennie. 😊
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🙂
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Plump chipmunks are the cutest! I’m always surprised by the critters you have in your stories, John. Love your imagination!
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Thank you, Marie. 😁
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Oh the things we say that we wish we could get back. Good one, John.
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Thanks, Dan. The question that chills the heart, “How do I look in this dress?”
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Oh, please don’t ask.
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No.
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Smart chipmunks, John! Very cute and clever story!
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Thank you, Lauren.
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[…] Alarm by John W. Howell © 2023 […]
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