As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”
His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo and my interpretation.
The Peddler by John W. Howell © 2015
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Fifty dollars for this wood and screen?”
“That madam is no ordinary timber and screen. That has power beyond belief.”
“Yeah sure. It looks like a simple wall hanging to me.”
“I can assure you. The magic in that item could make you rich.”
“Rich? You must be nuts. I’ll give you four bucks.”
“I cannot accept your nice offer. If I do the magic will turn black and might be harmful to you.”
“Man, you won’t give up will you?”
“I must protect you. I could let that go for forty dollars and all the right magic will still be intact.”
“What if I still say no and put it down.”
“Oh, I’m afraid it’s too late for that. Once you pick it up, the magic stays with you. If you set it down, the magic will drain out of you. You’ll be cursed.”
“Do you have a license to sell these things?”
“I get my permissions from God.”
“OMG. I’m putting this down now and walking away.”
“Suit yourself madam. Only you will be the one to suffer. Oh, and your family of course.”
“Goodbye, sir.”
“God speed madam I have to take this call. Hello, Sam. How many times have I asked you not to call me while I’m working? Sales? Naw not going so well. Yes, I am trying the curse strategy but no one takes me seriously. Sure I could lay a curse on someone but I’m thinking we should get into another line of business. These wooden things can’t suck enough. Yes, I know your wife makes them but come on. Look you can’t talk to me that way. What? Yeah, I could curse you and don’t call me Lucy. My name is Lucifer.”
