Today I randomly opened Our Justice to page 53 and pointed to the page with eyes closed. The word “punch ” was closest to my finger, our prompt today.
Punch by John W. Howell © 2025
“Go ahead. Take a swing.”
“Oh, come on. I’m not going to punch you.”
“But that’s what you said.”
“Yeah, I used the word, but in a different context.”
“Let me quote you. ‘If you don’t leave the girl alone, you’ll get a punch.'”
“Yes, that’s accurate.”
“So what part of that wasn’t a threat that you will punch me?”
“What I meant was the girl would likely punch you if you didn’t quit annoying her, not me.”
“Well, she didn’t.”
“Yeah, that’s because you turned on me instead.”
“Besides, I wasn’t annoying her. She was asking me for a ride.”
“Why would she ask you for a ride?”
“Hello. I’m a horse. She is all dressed for riding, so why not?”
“No one asks me for a ride.”
“That’s cause you are a donkey.”
“I don’t see the difference. I have four legs and can support the weight.”
“But you are not sleek-looking, and your voice is annoying.”
“Who said that?”
“It’s a fact.”
“Well, that is disheartening.”
“Forget it. I’ll run with you.”
“I appreciate that, but it doesn’t make up for no one wanting to ride me.”
“I’ll tell you, having a Gen X spoiled kid on your back is no picnic. Be glad.”
“Well, I see what you are saying.”
“Besides, you do a great job keeping the coyotes out of the pasture.”
“You’ve made me feel better.”
“Great. Let’s go run before that girl comes back.”
Fiction Favorites 
Your conversations are always delightful, John…
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Thank you, Jaye. So nice to hear. 😊
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💖💖
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Run and run fast!!!!
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Yes sir. 🤣
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Donkeys deserve better treatment. They’re the rough terrain mount.
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Yes they do. 😊
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And on that day their epic adventure began.
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Which will be covered by the Nature Channel.
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In my neck of the woods, we have wild horse and burro sales. The folks who purchase the horses say the burros are wonderful with the horses and they get bought just as quickly. I had no idea.
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Most burros keep out unwanted pests like raccoons. If horses eat animal poop there are serious consequences.
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Good one, John. It’s better that they’re going to have a run. A hoof punch would be damaging, especially if he’s wearing horseshoes.
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Ouch. That would hurt.
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🌟😲
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😀
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Great conversation. I loved the having a Gen Xer on your back is no fun! Donkeys can be mean or sweet but seem to get along great with horses. Good companions.
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Yes, they are. Thanks, Noelle.
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Poor donkey. It’s unseemly to compare a donkey to a horse … kind of like comparing apples to oranges, huh? Well, at least nobody got punched!
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There you go. 😀
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Great conversation, John. I hope they got out of there in time to enjoy the run.
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I think they did. Thanks, Dan
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It reminded me of a corporate affair where you’re trying to avoid ‘that guy.’
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I may have told you this before, but when I was working, there was this guy from Alabama who would corner me for the sole purpose of making sure I knew how much good work he was doing. At one gathering, he did the same, and after several minutes of one-sided talk, I excused myself and walked over to his boss and whispered, “Your guy needs a friend, and I’m not it.” Never bothered again for the next five years.
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That’s a great story, John. I love that line.
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I think it worked. Of course, it became part of the company legend.
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m
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Thanks, Noelle.
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Cute! Pleased as punch that they worked it out and a lovely visual at the end. 🫏
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I think it was good too. Thanks, Michele.
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Hey, donkeys are special…they even have their own TV show, Hee🫏Hah🐳
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Yes, they do. Thanks for the laugh, Jim
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Buddy would be proud of you.
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😊
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Love this one and good thinking to get out of there before she comes back 🙂
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Good idea. Thanks, Denise. 😀
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Honestly, I don’t know where you get your ideas. 😄 Very, very clever, John. I’ve never ridden a donkey, though I find them cute. And you are right, horses and donkeys are rarely together.
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Thank you, Gwen. So glad you liked the story.
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There’s no shortage of donkey love out there. From Eeyore to the donkey from Shrek (I forget his name) to the childhood game Pin the Tail. And the horse is right, who needs a bunch of entitled little punks riding them around for their Instagram page?
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Yes indeed. Time to take a powder.
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LOL
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“I’ll tell you, having a Gen X spoiled kid on your back is no picnic. Be glad.” Love it!
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So true. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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Lol, John! Those Gen X kids! 🙂 Great use of the prompt!
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Thank you, Jan. So glad you liked it
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Thanks for this lovely light hearted piece! The first time I read the point prompt and it’s a great idea.
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Thank you, JJ. I do one every Tuesday. Glad you liked it.
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You always create such wonderful yarns with your point challenges. Loved this one.
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Thank you, Monika. I’m sometimes surprised how they come out. So glad it works when it does. 😊
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Ha ha a horse and a donkey I did not expect that. It is a fun and clever story.
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Thank you, Thomas. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😊
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😀
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😊
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