Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle, the undisputed master of what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
She sets the weekly challenge, the standard, and the prompt photo.
The idea, as always, is to write a story of around 100 words based on the picture below, which this week is supplied by Dale Rogerson.
© Dale Rogerson
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Ventriloquist
I am a ventriloquist with a unique act.
My dummy is a man.
I am a handsome German Shepherd.
I do not shove my paw anywhere inappropriate.
I work him with the strength of my personality.
He does nothing other than to speak on command.
And he turns his head abruptly, to and fro, for comic effect.
I/he/we tell a few jokes.
People laugh.
We take questions and reply with humour, sometimes biting, almost contemptuous.
Audiences love this.
For the grand finale he sings an old Rolling Stones number.
Walking the Dog.
It brings the house down.
And my lips never move.
The Ventriloquist by C. E. Ayr
The brains, the looks and the talent.
I just speak the words.
This was awesome!
Thank you, Dawn, this is the sort of comment that makes me glad that I write.
Yep! Pets are usually the real masters.
And I am only an occasional visitor…
Talented pooch. I would have thought it would finish with a ain’t nothin but a hound dog number.
Ah no, those lyrics don’t apply to our relationship!
hi ceayr, I’ve just had a request for you to access my old site. I’ve just realized my old url is still linked to. My new one is https://anthonynorth.com/blog/
Sorry about that.
No problem, Anthony
Doggedly funny – enjoyed it.
My first time here – and rather late.
A bit late, Anthony, but very welcome nonetheless.
Glad you enjoyed, maybe you’ll come back again
I wonder is the tail wagging the dog. I like the role reversal, it seems a dog act is very popular with audiences. Finishing with a Rolling Stones number probably does indicate it is time to leave the stage.
It is an easy act, James, if you don’t know how to do it I’ll show you how to walk the dog…
This made me laugh. I think all animals, if well-loved, control our lives.
I have the privilege of spending the occasional fortnight with this chap when his permanent human takes a vacation.
He is always entertaining company, very intelligent and funny, and I basically do as I’m told..
Great POV. Brillant. 🙂
Thank you, Susan, glad you enjoyed
It does seem as though the dogs are in charge! We take them out in the rain, drive them around, deliver their food, and they lay around wagging their tales. At least that’s how it is at my house. Great take on the prompt!
And none of us resent it.
Thanks, Russell
Rather brilliant, C.E. Funny, and completely believable 🙂
Thank you, Linda, you are always very kind
LOVE this story!
Ronda
LOVE this comment!
I thought this only happened with cats…
Nah, Bjorn, dogs are much more fun…
Say what? asked the lover of cats.
Unfortunately I have serious allergies to cats
Quite a dog, and quite the act! I wonder if the audience cotton on to who’s really in charge?
I think it is probably obvious, Ali!
It is important to know who is in charge. Lovely canine.
But usually not hard to tell, Jo!
And yes, he is a beautiful, intelligent animal.
i love this. one of your best.
Thank you, Plaridel, very much appreciated
I think I saw one of those duos in the park the other day … 😉
Another master and human relationship, Na’ama?
Yeah. The human was crouching to the ground, reverently picking up the master’s refuse, and carrying it with much care all the way to the Master-Refuse-Guarding-Chalice where the sacred refuse of other masters was deposited. Then the human bowed to the master and gave him a treat that they’d been carrying for them all the way from the abode.
I can’t imagine a cat doing that! Then again I can’t see a dog doing it either, but I’ll take your word for it.
He is smarter than the average bear, Keith!
That’s talent!
Very creative 🙂
He is that sort of pooch!
Whoa, brilliant! Makes you want to say, “Wish I’d written this!” 😃
This is perhaps the best comment I have ever received.
Thank you
Oh’m glad! And about our canine friends, I’ve always wondered…if they could speak, they’d be running for parliament
I agree, and generally they are more intelligent and show more empathy than we do
Ay, for sure. And more intelligent, yes! Better ears too.
Very handsome fellow. I think the dogs are the beauty and brains behind most canine/human relationships. I know mine have me wrapped around their little paw…
I am staying as a house guest while his usual person has a holiday.
His home, his rules…
What a beautiful animal! Does he have a Scottish accent?
Great take on the prompt, CE, and nicely constructed.
He is très beau, as we say here, Penny.
And he is French, with a deep and powerful voice, like Christophe Lambert as Tarzan, when he growls.
Thank you
What’s more, it would probably work!
It might at that, Liz!
He is smart enough for anything
He trained himself to keep his paws controlled. I am impressed 🙂
Well, Mike, he’s not going to put them where they traditionally go, is he!
Easy to see who is the master in this relationship.
Yep, the one with the brain, the looks and the charm!
Dear CE,
Barking satire. Pass the kibble. Applause for a story well written.
Arf!
Rochelle
Thank you, m’lady.
In the interests of fair play, I have added his photo to the post.
Give him a scratch behind the ears for me. 😉
Wonderful! Would love to see a show like this 🙂
He is a barrel of laughs!
And I added his photo to the post.
Thanks for that!
I bet he is very handsome and keeps his paws clean… Loved this. It’s a dog’s world.
Thank you, Tannille.
Judge for yourself, I added his photo to the post.
Beautiful Boy! Smarter than dad I bet 😀.
Oh, very good! Loved the way you switched their roles. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thank you, Susan.
And I added his photo to the post.
Biting humour indeed!
Nice one, Neil!