In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Magic by John W. Howell © 2020

“You aren’t going to do that now, are you?”

“No one is looking, so why not?”

“Just seems like a risk is all.”

“Okay, now that I’m halfway there, tell me about your view of the risk.”

“First off, you are not sure where you’re going to land.”

“Yeah, that’s true. I can’t see anything right now.”

“So come on back and let’s talk about it.”

“Good idea. So I’m back.”

“What makes you decide to up and dematerialize for no apparent reason. You know how dangerous it is. What if we are discovered?”

“Oh, come on. Aren’t you being a little dramatic?”

“Talk about dramatic. What if someone had seen you half here? They would have a fit. You should see yourself with one leg.”

“I’ve seen you plenty of times. It doesn’t bother me.”

“You dope. That’s because we are the same species. We are not humans.”

“Speaking of that. Did you ever see one of them without garments? Talk about a fit.”

“No, and I don’t want to. Besides that is off the subject. You know very well the rules of dematerialization require absolute privacy before engagement.”

“Look around. It’s just you and me and those young ones over there.”

“My point exactly. The young ones can see you.”

“What do they know?”

“Enough to tell their parents.”

“And we just deny the whole thing.”

“That may work, but right now, I’m tired of this discussion.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I think I’m going to resume my own appearance and go home.”

“Wait, I’ll come with you.”

“Suit yourself. I just think it’s time.”

“You homesick?”

“Maybe. I think when you started to dematerialize for no reason, it reminded me of how much I miss being able to do that whenever I want.”

“So what form are you.”

“Oh, that’s right, you never met the real me.”

“No. Just the human-like you.”

“Here I am.”

“A toad? You’re a toad?”

“Disappointed?”

“Well, I never expected a toad.”

“Show me you.”

“Here.”

“You are a toad as well.”

“I know, right?”

“OMG, this is amazing.”

“Maybe we were meant for each other.”

“Hold on there toady. Let’s take it slow.”

“Can I buy you a fly.”

“I would love that.”

 

 

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 it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Elected Representative by John W. Howell © 2020

“Okay, guys. Settle down. Let me do the talking.”

“Sure. Whatever you say. You are the biggest after all.”

“Darned right and the smartest.”

“Cut the chin music and tell the man our demands.”

“Boy, you sure cut to the chase, don’t you.”

“Look, we elected you to the position of steward now tell that oaf how things are going to be.”

“Okay, okay. Hey, you, man. Listen up.”

“Doesn’t look like he understands you. I thought you said you could speak human.”

“I didn’t say I could speak human. I said I can get humans to understand what I want.”

“Well, I would concentrate on that then. I can tell you we have had enough of the miserable treatment around here.”

“You never told me about miserable treatment.”

“You’re kidding.  You live with humans. Wait, don’t tell me you are one of those fawning pups who flops on its back for a tummy scratch.”

“Well, I —”

“Say no more. You are an imposter. Never peed behind the couch, I’ll wager.”

“That is so wrong on many levels.”

“Chewed a new pair of shoes?”

“Of course not. What do you think I am an animal?”.

“Dug up a newly sodded lawn?”

“I think you have the wrong representative. You need a cur like yourselves.”

“No matter. We elected you, and you need to bring some organization to this life.”

“What is it you want?”

“Steak bones with meat on em for one. I’m sick of kibble.”

“That sounds a little unreasonable. What else.”

“A damn dog door. I’m sick and tired of having to repeat my request to go outside umpty ump times.”

“Don’t you just whine like everyone else.”

“Yeah, but then I have to scratch on the door maybe a hundred times.”

“Okay, well, this one seems reasonable. Anything else?”

“I think that will do it.”

“Okay. Hey man, listen up. Dog door, steak bones with meat. You got that?”

“What did he say.”

“He’ll get back to you on that.”

“Sounded like ‘good dog,’ to me.”

“Same thing. Now excuse me. The man and I need to go have lunch.”

“What? You are breaking bread with the enemy. Why can’t we go too.”

“I’ll have my person call your person. We’ll make a meeting.”

“You sound like a politician.”

“Of the doggies, by the doggies, for the doggies. See ya.”

 

 

 

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 it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). 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.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Old Bean by John W. Howell © 2020

“Please tell me you will be my running mate this fall.”

“Running mate? You know I don’t like exercise.”

“That’s rich Old Shoe. What I mean is for class president.”

“I don’t want to be president.”

“You are making this tough Old Boot. I want you to be on the ticket with me as I run.”

“The ticket? We talking a ride here?”

“No Old Sock. We are talking about me as president and you as vice-president.”

“I don’t know anything about vice.”

“It is not vice that we will be dealing with, Old Block. Vice means assistant.”

“Assistant president? What do I have to do?

“Nothing Old Chap. Just smile and look pretty.”

“Do I get paid?”

“No Old Boy. There is no payment.”

“Well, since it is you, Old Bean, I’ll do it.”

“I don’t know how I became so lucky to have you as a friend.”

“You bought me a gobstopper remember?”

“Ah, yes. The best five cents I ever spent.”

“You told me it was twenty-five cents, Old Cow.”

“What difference does it make? We’re pals to the end.”

“You owe me twenty cents to make that a reality.”

“How about four more gobstoppers?”

“Since I’m a politician now, bribery will get you everywhere. Four it is.”

“Since you are a politician, I’m glad it is just four.”

“You good for five?”

“Whatever you say.”

“Man, I love this power.”