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/2023/12/18/kreative-kue-412/
The Photo
My Horse by John W. Howell © 2023
“So I told the stable master that you need a new stall.”
“Why would you do that. Mine’s perfectly okay.”
“I think it is too small for you.”
“Are you saying I’m fat?”
“No, not at all. You are a big horse, is all.”
“I like the cozy stall.”
“But wouldn’t it be nice to just be able to stretch out?”
“I get to do that all day. Look at us now.”
“I mean when you’re sleeping. Wouldn’t it be great to totally relax?”
“I hate to say this, but when I’m sleeping, I am totally relaxed.”
“I wish I could do something for you that would make you more comfortable.”
“Well, there might be one thing.”
“Oh, yes. Just tell me what it is.”
“If we could ditch the person with the lead rope and ride wild like the wind, I would be more comfortable.”
“Aw gee. I don’t have the riding skills for that kind of riding.”
“All you would have to do is hang on.”
“That’s just it. I don’t have the leg strength yet.”
“Well, if you had the strength, does it sound fun?”
“Yes, it does.”
“Great. We’ll put that on the agenda.”
“One thing, though.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t tell my Dad.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t speak, Dad. Only kid.”
Fiction Favorites 
I’ve often wondered what it would be like to communicate meaningfully with other species; not necessarily Doolittle-fashion, but empathically. I think many of us would radically alter our approach to our fellow travellers on this planet if that kind of understanding were possible.
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I’ve often wondered what my dog is thinking.
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I think we all do, Liz. 😁 (Not specifically your dog but all our dogs.)
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😀
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😊
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These days, I think Eos’ thoughts reflect her age more than anything else. Something along the lines of go away and leave me alone, I’m trying to get some rest here!
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😁
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I believe the same holds true for our dog, Mr. Johnson. Go away and leave me alone. My husband thinks he’s asking for attention.
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Probably an age thing. Mr Johnson, not Mr Gauffreau 😁
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😀
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Love that name.
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Thanks, John!
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😊
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That is an interesting thought, Keith. I think understanding would lead to changes to the same degree that current understanding of our fellow humans leads to changes.
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There are important decisions, als to make by horses. Thanks for sharing, John! Enjoy a nice rest of the week! xx Michael
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Thanks Michael. I hope you have a great week as well.
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Sounds like the horse I ride when I was 8. Only it didn’t ask if I was okay with it and didn’t care.
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Ha ha ha. Most are like that.
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I love it!
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😁
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Film at eleven.
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😁
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This is beautiful, John. I love that last line!
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Thank you, Dan. 😊 That line came from my relationship with my daughter’s horse, Calvin. He and she would leap over five foot fences in competition and were a couple of pals. Calvin would let me give him a treat but that was about it. His attitude was “I have one buddy and you are not it.” Given his care for my daughter that was okay with me.
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That’s great.
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We had a lot of fun for 20 years
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🙂
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😁
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I love this story. I wish my dogs could speak to me.
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I’m sure they would have a lot to say about going out in the rain and selection of food. 😁
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Great job with this photo, John!
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Thank you, Jill. 😁
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I love that last line. It’s perfect in every way. 🙂
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Thank you, Kymber. 😊
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I love this, John. Why do we lose the ability to understand our beasties? Wonderful story.
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Thank you, Dale.
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My pleasure, John 🙂
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Good one, John! That horse is indeed huge, and it’s cool that he only speaks kid. Dad and kid are definitely two different languages. 😀
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They are for sure, Tim. Thanks.
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Aw, that’s a great language!
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It is Deborah. Thank you,
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Now that’s a horse I would like! There’s a whole lot I didn’t tell my dad…
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There is a whole lot Dads shouldn’t be told too.
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Aww, that was fun! Nothing like a horse and a kid. As a kid, there was nothing I wanted more than my own pony. 🙂
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My daughter was the same. She got her wish.
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Wow, lucky her!! 🐴
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Was very good for her too.
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🙂
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Kidspeak is a beautiful language but only critters seem to understand it. I love your story, John. Perfect for the season. 😊
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Thank you, Gwen. Yes, seasonally inspired.
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I would much rather be able to talk to animals than most people.
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I agree.
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Awww…anyone who speaks only kid is great in my book.
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I agree, Jennie.
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😀
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A horse that speaks only kid?? Be still, my heart — I wanted that kind so badly when I was little!!
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Think of the secrets that could be shared.
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