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?”
Fiction Favorites 
Wow! Tough régime!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, he DOES have eternity after all . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so true. Thanks, Pilgrim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The devil’s coal? That sounds pretty nasty. Who wouldn’t opt for a hands-on job with an incredible view? 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
The road to salvation is riddled with obstacles and like most of us the complaints run high. Thanks, Gwen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Hope he gets insurance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think he’ll need it. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. Now he’ll pay attention.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the odds are better. Thanks, Pam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds good too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This would make an amazing story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The road to redemption. 😁
LikeLike
Keep digging!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice. Thanks, Jill.
LikeLike
Redemption is a hot and dirty business, it would appear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is and not easy work either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s not like he has to rush anything… he’ll learn to gauge his work – since he has forever to do it, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well… I figured it wouldn’t but hey…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, hey indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
**Oh, laddie. Wait until we get to placing the shubbery and the little gnomes just so…**
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. Love this, Lois
LikeLike
You would think he’d be grateful to have a shovel. Bare handed digging is really serious work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Especially with the size of the place needing filling. Thanks, John
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that story of your granddad, Sue. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 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
LikeLiked by 1 person
My goodness. He did see a lot of improvement I’m sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He did…. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, my, he should have thought harder before agreeing to that form of redemption 😹 Good one, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marie. I think he got a glimpse of hell and would agree to anything. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness! Yes, shoveling coal for the devil would be much worse. Fantastic flash fiction, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan
LikeLike
Good one, John! 🙂 That’s a lot of dirt to shovel, but it does beat shoveling Satan’s coal.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes for sure. Thanks, Tim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Put that way, I’d get back to work lickety-split if I were him!
Great fic, John! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mae. I’m glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least he doesn’t have to carry that sand in a sieve!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point Debbie. That would be much worse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, when you put it like that…it could be worse! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed. Thanks, Deborah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are a lot of bricks to lay by hand, John, but it will keep him out of trouble for eternity. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you are right, Diana. You are so busy today thanks for stopping here too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, especially after seeing you everywhere cheering me on. Much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least he’s good at his job. Being an eternal underachiever would really stink.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see blisters in his future!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah ha! You nailed this one, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jennie
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
That will keep him busy for eternity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It will. Thanks, Denise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Eternal Job by John W. Howell © 2023 […]
LikeLike