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.”
Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/11/13/kreative-kue-407/
The Photo.
Eternal Job by John W. Howell © 2023
“I don’t think I have it in me.”
“What d’ya mean?”
“Look at what I’ve done so far.”
“Aye, and you’ve earned some good time too.”
“But it was all done by hand.”
“That was the agreement.”
“Would it hurt to get a loader or tractor to help?”
“Now, laddie, you know that’s not possible.”
“But it would help us so much. Just the dirt alone takes eons to scoop to fill these foundations.”
“I feel yer pain, my son. But it is what it is.”
“Give me one reason why we can’t get some machines.”
“Well, son, if you must press me.”
“Yes, one good reason.”
“Machines haven’t been invented yet.”
“What?”
“You know, part of yer redemption was to work with yer hands.”
“I know that, but who said anything about going into the past?”
“Twas the only way to keep ya from temptation and see it worked.”
“I’m so tired.”
“Think how tired you’d be shoveling the devil’s own coal for eternity. Let’s get to work, shall we?”
Wow! Tough régime!
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Yes indeed.
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Well, he DOES have eternity after all . . .
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That is so true. Thanks, Pilgrim.
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The devil’s coal? That sounds pretty nasty. Who wouldn’t opt for a hands-on job with an incredible view? 😊
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The road to salvation is riddled with obstacles and like most of us the complaints run high. Thanks, Gwen.
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Wow! Hope he gets insurance.
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I don’t think he’ll need it. 😁
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Ha ha ha. Now he’ll pay attention.
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I think the odds are better. Thanks, Pam.
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I hadn’t thought of that – nothing unusual, eh? I thought it was a city building competition and one guy did cheat and use machines!
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That sounds good too.
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Nice!
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This would make an amazing story.
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The road to redemption. 😁
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Keep digging!
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Good advice. Thanks, Jill.
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Redemption is a hot and dirty business, it would appear.
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Yes it is and not easy work either.
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It’s not like he has to rush anything… he’ll learn to gauge his work – since he has forever to do it, right?
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That is so true. I don’t think the agreement had a timetable. I think he would like it to be over sooner than later. Just may not be possible. Thanks, Dale.
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Well… I figured it wouldn’t but hey…
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Yeah, hey indeed.
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😉
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**Oh, laddie. Wait until we get to placing the shubbery and the little gnomes just so…**
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Ha ha ha. Love this, Lois
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You would think he’d be grateful to have a shovel. Bare handed digging is really serious work.
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Especially with the size of the place needing filling. Thanks, John
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Makes you appreciate these Old ruins even more and just what went into their creations.. And loved your story…. Hard work in so called modern day times… My Grandad was down the coal mines when the Pit ponies were there…
Enjoy your week and Hugs to Twiggy xx
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Love that story of your granddad, Sue. Thanks for sharing.
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🙂 He worked down the Pit, Coal mine, all his life from aged 14 until he retired at 65…. xx When it was pick and shovel in those early years… He was born early 1900’s
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My goodness. He did see a lot of improvement I’m sure.
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He did…. xx
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😊
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Oh, my, he should have thought harder before agreeing to that form of redemption 😹 Good one, John!
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Thank you, Marie. I think he got a glimpse of hell and would agree to anything. 😊
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Oh my goodness! Yes, shoveling coal for the devil would be much worse. Fantastic flash fiction, John!
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Thank you, Jan
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Good one, John! 🙂 That’s a lot of dirt to shovel, but it does beat shoveling Satan’s coal.
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Yes for sure. Thanks, Tim.
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Put that way, I’d get back to work lickety-split if I were him!
Great fic, John! 🙂
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Thank you, Mae. I’m glad you liked it.
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At least he doesn’t have to carry that sand in a sieve!
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Good point Debbie. That would be much worse.
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Well, when you put it like that…it could be worse! 😀
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Yes indeed. Thanks, Deborah.
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Those are a lot of bricks to lay by hand, John, but it will keep him out of trouble for eternity. 🙂
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I think you are right, Diana. You are so busy today thanks for stopping here too.
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My pleasure, especially after seeing you everywhere cheering me on. Much appreciated.
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At least he’s good at his job. Being an eternal underachiever would really stink.
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Yes indeed.
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I see blisters in his future!
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Many
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Ah ha! You nailed this one, John.
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Thank you, Jennie
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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That will keep him busy for eternity.
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It will. Thanks, Denise.
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