AnElephantCant drive a big choo-choo
He is not even allowed to get near a fast train
He wants to be Casey Jones
But he hears all the moans
So he has to once more dauner home in the rain
Once again it is Friday Fictioneer time.
Railway Superintendent Rochelle collects the tickets from talented travellers telling tall tales.
And AnElephant is still stationary.
The idea is to write a very short story, circa 100 words, based on this picture prompt (below).
That’s it.
© Jennifer Pendergast
Well Trained
It is the only way to travel.
Jumping a freight train is more difficult nowadays.
But few things are impossible for a resourceful guy like me.
And the benefits make it worthwhile.
It is cost effective.
It is fast and reliable.
It is better than driving.
You can enjoy the scenery, beautiful in this part of the world.
You don’t get pestered by annoying fellow-passengers.
You don’t have the hassle of security checks.
You have a high level of anonymity.
These last two are crucial to someone with my lifestyle.
Like I say, it is the only way to travel.
Adore the title…I always see an elephant in an easy chair, legs crossed, editing his poems 🙂
marvelous as always. Story was great, but I truly love the preceding rhyme.
AnElephantCant always find a rhyme
He’s not as smart as a giraffe or a panther
But he finds it a breeze
A lovely lady to please
He hopes he has eased and not teased Samantha
my own poem! Thank you, says a very well pleased Samantha 🙂
He’s an intriguing character – lifestyle eh? That’s an interesting word choice for what I suspect he does. Well told.
AnElephant is always quite circumspect as to his actual activities.
Very happy you enjoyed.
I wasn’t finished with my comment and it published on me! When I was much younger we called the men jumping trains, Hobos. I remember mother making a meal called, “Hobo Stew.” I guess that probably dates me. 🙁
hmmmm, I used the word Hobo in my story, PJ. Guess that dates me….and I am really not that old. Well read, that’s it, we are well read 🙂
That’s right! I haven’t heard the term, “Hobos” used in a very long time. I haven’t heard that term nor the term, “Beatnicks” in a long time!
I see a train, I think of hobos!
That’s funny! So do I. 😀
Okay, ladies, enough of the chit-chat.
AnElephant’s page is full now!
OMG I didn’t realize this conversation was happening in the comments of your blog, I am sorry!
AnElephant is always delighted to be host to two such charming ladies.
Hugs
Thank you. I feel very embarrassed. ((Hugs))
I could picture you jumping on the train for traveling. That method of travel has always intrigued me
AnElephant is not a kangaroo, dear Joy, but your imagination does you credit!
That sounds like an interesting lifestyle – though I have to wonder what he’s up to that requires no security checks and anonymity… Great story.
A nefarious character, AnElephant suspects.
Very happy you enjoyed, thank you.
Dear AEC,
You have captured a lifestyle that I am sure is becoming more rare with every passing day. Little islands of anonymity amidst the hustle and bustle of our connected world. Think of the stories untold that live out there. Thanks for telling this one.
Aloha,
Doug
We all seek our occasional oasis of tranquillity, Doug, for whatever reason.
Glad you enjoyed.
Not sure elephants have a choice about traveling in freight cars. Pretty much mandated, isn’t it?
Is Dave suggesting that AnElephant is perhaps a little broad across the beam?
Dear Elephant,
I think this piece could almost be set to music,. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
M’lady knows, of course, that AnElephant writes only rock and roll!
I would love to travel that way — once. Just to say I did it. But I could find it on my bucket list, ha.
Thanks for taking the time to visit and comment, Mike.
Good to see you here.
I love your story and you are right about being alone – sometimes you need to. Good job! Nan
AnElephant dances at your praise and promises Nan that she need never be alone!
An interesting way of travelling this is indeed, and I can understand the appeal.
Very well written.
Thank you, Francesca, always good to know you enjoy AnElephant’s efforts.
It does solve a lot of issues, like money and people asking questions, though it’s a bit of a trade-off. My friends and I actually considered taking a trip like this at one point in college but decided not to because of how illegal it is. Still, it does sound like fun. Have you ever tried it?
-David
While AnElephant prefers to draw a veil over his youthful (mis)adventures, he assures you that it is not as much fun as it sounds.
Nice narrative from a well trained writer!
AnElephant bows his head before such praise.
A lovely well thought piece, which has left me wishing I could travel in the same way. 🙂
You are very kind, Heidi, AnElephant is happy to fuel the lovely lady’s imagination.
Good story but I especially like the title.
Then AnElephant could have saved 100 words!
Ooh, full of intrigue and mystery; I wonder who this guy is and why he needs to be so secretive. I like the idea of jumping on freight trains though; I wrote a story about a guy who did just that once, and he was definitely up to no good.
He is a character who spends a lot of time in AnElephant’s flash fiction.
AnElephant loves the expression ‘up to no good’.
One of Mummy Elephant’s most used lines!
I’ll go with Sandra.
On the train, dear Indira?
You are right, of course.
With her comment dear.
To be honest, sometimes I imagine traveling that way…free from all the constricts of society. Well told story, as usual.
Thank you, SFAF, AnElephant is happy if his little tale triggers a thought.
Yep, that’s a menacing kind of character. Up to no good I’m sure. Nice one.
Thanks, Sandra, you are spot on as usual!