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, with links to your own blog or website, next Monday.”
The Interview by John W. Howell © 2018
“Excuse me, sir.”
“Yes, what is it.?”
“Do you have a moment to speak to KRIM News?”
“News? What about?”
“We are asking everyday citizens about how effective they think their government is performing.”
“Oh, my. I may be the wrong person for that kind of question.”
“Oh, come on sir. It is nothing hard. Just your opinion. There is no right or wrong answer.”
“I’m not sure.”
“How about your comrades. Maybe they might be willing.”
“They are with me and what I say goes.”
“Will you give them permission to speak.”
“Well, that is the whole problem. They only do what I say and don’t have a mind of their own.”
“How about the guy with the Fri-End jacket? What does that mean anyway?”
“Friend. The word is friend. He won’t have much to say. Okay, if you insist I will talk to you. Then we need to be on our way.”
“Super. Thank you so much. What I will do is ask your name— “
“No names. We need to be anonymous. In fact, we need to be off camera.”
“Er. I guess that will be okay. No name then. I will be explaining to the viewers that we are interviewing people about their government and then I’ll ask the first question.”
“What is the question?”
“What can you do to improve the government?”
“Oh, I like that. It will give me an opportunity to talk about what I like and dislike.”
“Terrific. This is going to be a swell interview. Okay, so standby. We will be recording in three, two, one. Hi, viewers, this is Sally Mae Masters reporting to you live from the central market. Today we are talking to everyday citizens about their feelings regarding the performance of our government. Our first guest is a young man who has asked that we not show him on camera. We are respecting that wish. Hello, young man.”
“Hello, Miss Masters.”
“So tell me how you think we can improve our government.”
“Well, Miss Masters since I feel our government has failed us miserably I think a massive disruptive event will underscore how the oppressed citizens feel.”
“Wow, that sounds like a powerful expression. What do you have in mind.”
“We think a large bag of red paint representing our rage dropped on an unsuspecting politician or even a TV personality should do the trick.”
“That sounds like it could be messy. Do you have a politician picked out?”
“Yes, we do. We are going to surprise Senator Smith. We are on our way there now.”
“Senator Smith is out-of-town.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, I covered his departure this morning.”
“Well, I guess it will have to be the personality then.”
“Who do you have in mind?”
“How are your ratings, Miss Masters?”
“Down, way down. This is Sally Mae Masters signing off. Excuse me I gotta go.”
“I think red is your color. Down with the government oppressors.”
