“A horse came into the pub and the landlord said ‘Why the long face?’”
We all groaned having heard it a thousand times before. Bob is notorious for recycling old jokes. “Just for that it’s your round,” said Jim.
An elderly gentleman sat alone at the next table, staring into his pint. He muttered something.
”Pardon?” asked Bob.
“Horses have feelings,” he said, still looking down. “I lived on a barge when I was a kid. My parents took coal up and down the canal. A horse pulled us along. Ned, his name. Sometimes I rode on his back”.
He took a sip of ale. “After my parents died I carried on. Ned and I were friends, the only friend I ever had. I knew when he was happy, I could see him smile. I knew when he was weary too which is why one day I decided he had to retire. I said he needed to go away. Ned looked me straight in the eye, and I swear he shed a tear” The old gentleman sighed and raised his head. “Ned, he passed away the next day”.
He struggled to his feet, grabbed his cane and limped off.
“A lobster came into the….” Shut up Bob we yelled.
Sunday Photo Fiction is hosted by Susan Spaulding. J S Brand provided the photo
Keith's Ramblings 
A nostalgic and tender story. I like the photo.
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Thank you so much
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Funny and sad Keith. Hard to achieve, but you did it. The chap in your photo goes to my tailor.
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You clearly have great taste in attire! Thanks once again for your picture.
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I just don’t like to throw anything away.
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Poor Bob, sometimes it’s good to lighten the mood, sometimes it’s best to wait a moment!
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The comedian’s most important tool – timing! Cheers Iain
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Hi Keith – love those horse’s heads though … and fun tale – now about that octopus … cheers Hilary
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I assume you refer to the octopus that waked into bar and the landlord said….!
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I smelt the stale beer, but enjoyed the tale.
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Thanks so much Michael
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Nice mix of humor and pathos, which is hard to pull off – well done!
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I’m relieved it worked! Thanks Joy
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Good story, Keith, cleverly crafted
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Very kind of you, thanks
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Awww! Yes, horses have feelings, too. Well told.
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I’m sure they do. Thanks Mimi
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Aww… Sniff… Yes, animals have feelings and/or some awareness of what’s coming. An excellent take on the prompt photo.
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They certainly do. Thanks so much Christine
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That would have been a really ill-timed joke!
Nice read! 🙂
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Typically Bob! Cheers
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Hahaha! Cheers! 🙂
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A poignant tale of friendship between a man and a horse. Touching!
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I’m pleased that came across. Thanks Abhijit
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Ah! The subtle balance between humour and emotions. I love the story.
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Thanks so much Piyali
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