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A Turkey Named Harold, by Phyllis Souza

18/12/2020

 
Harold flew out of a giant oak. His feet hit the ground, three toes forward and one back. Like a Spartan with a red plume, he raised his head and showed off his vermillion dome. He flapped his wings and propelled himself forward.

He gobbled as he pranced across the field.

Kids bussed to grade school gazed out of their windows looking for Harold. The local football team's mascot dressed up like a turkey and strutted in front of the stands. Excited fans shouted, "Go, Harold, Go!"

Everyone loved Harold. Except for Olaf.

Olaf drooled for a turkey. Only one problem: he couldn't afford one. If he could catch Harold, he'd invite Wessel to his one-room shack on the edge of town for Christmas dinner.

Wessel drank wine, picked up cigarette butts off the ground, and scrambled through garbage bins behind restaurants.

With a gunny sack slung over his back, Olaf crept onto the harvested field before dawn. He looked this way and that way, searching for Harold.

He sat on his haunches behind a tree. Drawing a bottle of wine out of his tattered jacket, he took a swig. With a grimy hand, he wiped his twisted mouth.

When Harold appeared with the sun, Olaf quietly got to his feet, and carrying an open bag, he protruded his lips and made like a turkey.

Harold eyed Olaf. Tail feathers splayed and talons stretched, a reminder of who ruled the range. Like a bull in a pen, Harold scratched the dirt.

"I'll catch you," Olaf yelled. He dropped the bag. Drunk and confused, with outstretched arms, he stumbled and crisscrossed the lot.

*

On Christmas day, Olaf and Wessel sat on a park bench.

"No turkey this year," Olaf said. "But we still have this." He held up a bottle of Thunderbird.

"Yep," Wessel reached for the wine.

And Harold, he marched in a one bird Christmas parade across the field.
​
Jim link
18/12/2020 04:06:20 pm

This is fun, Phyllis, with a subtle underlying reminder of those less fortunate not only during the holiday season, but year round. I must admit, as the story progressed, I was worried what might happen to Harold - I'm one of those people who won't watch a movie if I think something is going to happen to the dog! But Harold prevailed!! Smile.
Nice one.
Jim

phyllis souza
18/12/2020 05:49:38 pm

Jim, Harold was real. Everyone loved hime. Phyllis

marjan sierhuis
18/12/2020 11:50:12 pm

A cute story, Phyllis. Congrats,

phyllis souza
19/12/2020 12:26:18 am

Marjan, Thanks for reading.

Sue Clayton
19/12/2020 05:43:25 am

This was so comical, if a little sad, Phyllis. And I loved the description of Harold, and the fact that he was real and loved.

phyllis souza
19/12/2020 06:14:08 pm

Thanks Sue for reading. Harold put on a great show. He was even written up in the local newspaper. The world could use more Harolds.

Susan F. Reid
19/12/2020 10:35:21 pm

Go, Harold, Go. Glad you got to strut your feathers across the field, letting everyone you know you won.

phyllis souza
19/12/2020 11:22:58 pm

Susan, Loved your comment! Harold was one smart bird.

Mary Wallace
21/12/2020 08:31:34 am

I always barrack for the underdog. It seems I'm for the underturkey too. Go Harold. Fun story Phyllis.

phyllis souza
21/12/2020 06:04:23 pm

Mary, 'Underturkey.'' Good title for another story! Thanks for reading.


Comments are closed.

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