The coffee machine has finally come to an end. Reminds me of the song we sang in the schoolyard. “Ring around a Rosie. Pocket full of posies. All fall down.” Since that song was inspired by the bubonic plague, it seems fitting in this situation. The machine has given up the ghost and must be replaced. The new one is on its way, but until it arrives, it must be jiggered to override the internal controls. With much jiggering, a cup comes at last.
The first sip brings to mind the statue of Roger Rabbit. A deep sigh follows the thought of having to get rid of it. The first task is to see if it is still there. A check of the ring doorbell on my phone shows it is no longer on the drive. To confirm the security shutdown process is begun. The claymore mines disarmed. The tower machine guns are placed on standby. The boiling oil vat is secured. The moat net retracted. The concertina wire rolled back. The trebuchet was secured. The gate lifted. The locks and deadbolts reset. The front door opened.
Looking at where the statue used to be confirms it is gone. In its place is an envelope. Tearing it open, there are two messages. The first is from someone who signs their name, The Phantom. It reads No Police. If you want to see your stature again, you’ll follow our directions. We will be in touch.
I hope the would-be kidnappers are happy with their statue since there is no reason to respond to any demands. The second message is from Linda Hill. It reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “a song from your childhood.” So think of a song from your childhood and just write. Have fun!
If you would like to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it will be. You can also see other prompt responses. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/05/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-6-2023/
Childhood Song by John W. Howell © 2023
“So you did ring around the Rosie?”
“Kinda morbid, wasn’t it?”
“Ever lose a coffee machine?”
“Can’t say that I have. I would have picked London Bridges’ Falling Down.”
“Why that one?”
“Well, the machine has taken a fall, and I thought that would be more appropriate.”
“It would work well too.”
“So what about that statue?”
“I think I’ll just ignore the kidnappers when they contact me.”
“You think that’s wise?”
“Why not?”
“They might be gang members and come after you.”
“Over that stupid statue?”
“Well, they want money.”
“Yeah, I didn’t think of that. I’ll find out what they want, but I sure do not want the statue back.”
“I get that. Do you remember the song, “Nick knack paddy whack?”‘
“‘Give the dog a bone.” Sure, I remember.”
‘”This old man came rolling home.” Remind you of anything?”
“Help me.”
“A few too many VooDoo Rangers.”
“Of course. Punch up, Uber.”
“You are the best.”
“I guess that means I’m buying.”
“So kind to offer. There’s our ride.”
