Weekend Freewrite: Kiss The Cod

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“Then play, please," Jonny said. He sang "Dig my grave with a Silver Spade and bury me under the willow tree.”

‘I don’t know that song,” exclamated the wizened up old sailor. “How about a Newfoundland ditty.”

Then he grabbed the spoons, beating them rhythmically against his knee,

♫ “I’se the boy that builds the boat. I’se the boy that sails her. I’se the by that catches the fish and brings them home to Liza.”♫

At the end of the bar the group of Newfoundlanders joined in the singing. When the singing finally stopped, there were shouts for,

“Make him kiss the cod!”

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“Not to worry barkeep. They are just going to ‘Screech-in’ Jonny.”

In a rage, she puts her finger through her hair. Paul, who was waiting for a reaction, goes on.

“Nay, it’s just a few newfoundlanders having a bit of fun with my friend Jonny. I’ll step in if it gets out of control.”

Nancy knew something about Newfoundland Screech distilled spirits and if these folks were drinking it...she started dialing her boss.

“Come to the bar at once there is going to be a fight between the Newfoundlanders and the two Scots. I can’t control this group without the bouncer!”

The regular bouncer had a personal emergency and taken the night off, leaving Nancy to take care of the bar and any unruly customers. Wednesdays were usually quiet but not this evening.

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In the frantic actions going on in the bar, Jonny thought it best to leave but slipped on the alcohol spewed floor before reaching the exit. He thought for sure he had a twisted ankle.

Suddenly he was grabbed under the arms and placed in a chair. Out came the bottle of Screech and a shot poured for Jonny.

“Yay! he was a Screecher now and was committed to drink the shot and make an oath about it.”

After a long muttering of words the cod fish was shoved in his face. Jonny knew what was expected ...why hadn’t he drank more earlier? It was impossible to avoid looking at the dead glassy eye, He had no choice but kiss the cold wet thing and satisfy the gathering crowd.

There were more calls for songs and everyone was dancing but not Jonny. Not only did he smell fishy, he had a twisted ankle to boot.

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The prompts for each 5 minute freewrite are in bold type. Check out @mariannewest for the #freewrite prompts.

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