Staring at the coffee machine does little to hasten the machinations. Instead, it takes its sweet time and is not responsive to any attempt to intimidate a quicker cup. Then, finally, the black liquid begins to pour from the spout, followed by a creamy foam. The aroma hits the olfactories and stuns the central nervous system’s addictive sensuality.
“Drink it,” screams the pain-addled brain. Thinking that is a good idea, the cup moves jerkingly to the lips. The sip and sigh combo broadcast to the body a message to hold on for a few seconds more. At last, the warmth spreads from the stomach to all sensory points. The body politic is in rapture over the calming effects of caffeine.
At last, there is the notice of a trail of corn kernels leading across the backyard to a box-like contraption supported by a stick. Leaving the protection of the house, an investigation shows someone has set a trap. The stick is tied to a string that meanders off and under the gate. Most certainly, this situation will begin a trial of some magnitude.
It wasn’t long until a roadrunner arrived on the scene, picking up and eating the corn. A quick beep beep sound caused me to jump out of the way. The roadrunner didn’t seem to be worried about the box trap and went about eating all the corn inside. The string goes taut, and the roadrunner jumps out of the way as the stick flies toward the gate.
A quick beep beep, and the roadrunner disappears around the corner. An envelope from Linda Hill on the turf is obviously dropped by the bird. Inside is a message which reads:
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “trail/trial.” Use one, use both, use them any way you’d like. Bonus points if you use both. Have fun!
If you want to have similar fun, visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/05/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-28-2022/
Trail/Trial by John W. Howell © 2022
“Well, you obviously got the bonus points.”
“Yeah. Isn’t it sweet?”
“I still don’t get the cartoon characters.”
“What’s not to get?”
“Why do you use them?”
“Cause they are fun. What’s wrong with having fun?””
“Like the roadrunner can’t carry an envelope.”
“Who says?”
“Logic.”
“Look around.”
“Yeah, what?”
“Where is it written that this place has any logic? This is fiction, for heaven’s sake.”
“But you take us down a rabbit trail every week.”
“Do you know what a trial it is to create a rabbit trail?”
“Makes me want to turn to drink.”
“Good idea.”
“Huh?”
“No excuse, too small to head for the pub. The fact that there is no logic here is a perfect excuse.”
“I’ll buy.”
“You are the best.”
“You drive.”
“The roadrunner can do that.”
“Not surprised. I’m not going to look a gift roadrunner in the mouth.”
“Here he comes.”
“Do we tip?”
“A few kernels extra, yeah.”
