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It’s so boring sitting here day in, night out, with just my binoculars for company. No, I’m not a nosey-parker, I’m a coastguard stroke lighthouse keeper. Look, I’m up here, waving to you, coo-ee!
I’m on daytime duties this week. Nothing much is happening today. Nothing much happened yesterday. The most exciting thing that’s happened of late was watching my mate topple off his paddleboard!
Ships that pass in the day are far less interesting than ships that pass in the night. After dark I watch those glitzy cruise liners and try imaging the fun the passengers are having. Right now, all I’m seeing is trawlers – which reminds me, it’s fish and chips for supper tonight!
There’s a seagull staring at me though the glass. I wish they wouldn’t do that. Boo, shove off!’
What’s the time? Yawn. Three hours til beer-o-clock. Yawwwwwn, double yawwwwwn.
Oh look, there’s a mermaid, and another, and another! Topless too! I say, their tail’s are off the scales!
Strettttch …. ooooh! I think I must have dozed off. I had a lovely dream though! Hopefully I didn’t miss anything.
Oh dear, that party boat looks like its got a problem, it’s leaning over. If they’re not careful they’ll spill their drinks! Now they are waving in my direction.
How inconsiderate to require assistance when it’s so close to my knocking off time. What is the time? Mmm. My replacement’s due very soon for his night shift.
I think I’ll leave it for him to sort out!
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Thanks to Jenne Gray amd CEAyr for hosting The Unicorn Challenge
© Ayr/Gray
Haha! I would imagine this job being particularly boring at times. Finally some excitement but too close to shift-end. I get him… Who wants overtime when it’s beer o’clock?
Undeed. One has to get one’s priorities right!
Absolutely!
fun story*
*you mentioned trawlers, I made reference to them (obliquely) in my comment at Nancy’s story this week. Lighthouses (or, to be more precise, their light) was such an encouraging thing to see when returning from Georges Banks.
Not that they provide a essential warning in these days of GPSeseses and such, but at night, on watch, their oscilating illumination, very welcomed.
All very true. The one that protected ships from danger off the coast where I live has recenty been dismanted and brought ashore where it’s to be rebuilt to house a marine information centre.
very fun
Thanks, Prior!
I like the conversation with the reader, Keith – takes us right into the MC’s boredom with his job.
And his drifting off and delicious (day)dream.
Made me smile, although if I were his replacement, I doubt I’d be smiling!
Thanks, Jenne, he probably enjoyed having someone to chat with!
Oops! Not very dedicated to his job.
…putting it mildly!
😅
Wonderful story Keith. I really admire how your inspiration takes your stories to unique places from just the photo prompt. Realy great idea and well delivered…
P.S…Hopefully our lighthouse keeper can get some sleep and the part boaters are rescued safe and sound.
Thanks for your generous words, Suzette. I just checked and the party boaters are all ok!
You are most welcome. Oh good to hear they are safe and sound. Thanks Keith!
Oh dear! Give the lighthouse keeper a coffee, quick! Great story of life looking over the waves 🌊🌊🌊
I’m sure he’d appreciate it! Thanks so much.
Pretty inconsiderate of them sinking when your man’s got a drouth!
Tell us more about the mermaids, Keith. Any photos?
It sure is.
I would have taken pictures if I could but I’ve not yet mastered the technique of photography during dreams!
The contrast between YOUR lighthouse keeper and CE’s lighthouse keeper is stark. Holy mermaids!
Great story — love listening to you read it.
Exactly what I thought when I read his!
Thank you so much, Sally.
Now there’s a man who’s in the wrong job. Can’t stick to a regulation work roster when there are sinking boats to be dealt with. I like the monologue approach in this. Very effective. And fun. Nicely done.