Tuesday – Anything possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Responsible”

~ John W. Howell

Today, I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 63 and, with my eyes closed, pointed to the page. The word nearest my finger was “responsible.” That is our prompt today.

Responsible by John W. Howell © 2026

“All right. Who do you think is responsible for this mess, Jackson?”

“You think someone is going to own up to this?”

“They’d better, if they know what’s good for them.”

“I think you are dreaming if you think someone will step forward.”

“Well, let’s just see, shall we. Johnson.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What do you know about this mess?”

“Nothing, sir.”

“You sure?”

” Yes, sir. I am.”

“Baker.”

“Yes, sergeant.”

“What do you know?”

“Nothing, sir.”

“Figures. You covering for someone?”

“No,o sir. I just got here, sir.”

“Wier.”

“Ye,s sir.”

“How about you?”

“All I know is the call went out to gather here. By the time I got here, this mess was already made.”

“This was supposed to be our lunch. Johnson.”

“Ye,s sir.”

“Who else was here besides you three?”

“I hate to say this, Sarge, but a few gulls were flying away when I got here.”

“Gulls?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Didn’t I tell you to watch our lunch while I got a few more fish?”

“They were so quick, sir.”

“You are an ospre,y for heaven’s sake. You could have taken them out.”

“Gulls are nasty, sir.”

“I’m not saying eat them. You could have scared them away.”

“Next time, sir.”

“You three go get more fish. I’ll stay here with Jackson and guard the one left. Now go.”

62 thoughts on “Tuesday – Anything possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Responsible””

  15. You completely fooled me with the military squad setup—the Osprey and seagull reveal at the end was so clever and funny! I was right there with tokragly thinking this was a real interrogation. I also loved the line Liz Gauffreau pointed out about an osprey finding gulls too ‘nasty’ to fight off. Such a fun way to use the prompt, John!

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  19. I can imagine ospreys in the armed services. Well portrayed. Say, sorry about the poetry challenge, I didn’t explain well enough that G-rating excludes adult habits like smoking and drinking alcohol. Hope there’s another aspect that makes you happy that you’d like to share. Your poem can be any style as long as it’s fewer than 50 words. Gracias.

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