Josh was tired of counting pink elephants. Ever since he had become a Christian in his Junior year of high school, he struggled to fight the temptations common to young men his age. The pink elephants was a trick his youth pastor had taught him. Whenever an attractive young lady insufficiently clothed passed his way, he would look up to the sky and count 10 pink elephants in the clouds. Yes, it was corny, but at least half the time it worked. The problem was, Josh had chosen to attend college at a Christian University in hopes that the pink elephant counting would end. Now, as a sophomore, he found his perceptions were naďve. Perhaps if his choice had been in Alaska instead of Alabama…1
He knew he wasn’t the only fellow with struggles. The guys often talked among themselves, praying for God’s help in dealing with the girls whose clothing seemed more influenced by supermarket fashion magazines than biblical principals. The topic had been addressed in chapel and an occasional editorial in the campus newspaper, but the problem continued.2
Josh decided the nuclear approach was in order. Now with male RA’s representing every dorm on campus, he revealed his plan. Next Friday, officially designated “casual day” by the administration, every male on campus would go to class in boxer shorts. T-shirts would be printed with bold block letters stating “Cover Yourself.” 3
The RA’s looked incredulous. 4
“Do you realize how much trouble we’ll be in.” one senior RA said.5
“They can’t expel us all.” Josh replied. “Besides, they certainly haven’t done anything to solve the problem.”6
“I wear whitey tighties.” Another RA said.7
“Look, we’re not vying for the cover of Play Girl. Buy yourself some boxers and join the party.” Josh said.8
Soon excitement filled the room.9
“This might really work!” The president of the Junior class helped rally the other fellows. “It’s time we took matters into our own hands.” 10
Josh raised his hands and quieted the crowd. “First off fellows, we must keep this completely secret. Every guy must promise not to tell a single faculty or staff person. Further, no matter who is dating or engaged to who, not a single woman must know about this. Can it be done?”11
By this time the RA’s were enthusiastic. Things had been pretty boring on campus lately. Josh’s project would bring excitement, if not modesty to the small campus.12
As the day approached, the tension was palpable. Five hundred t-shirts had been printed and rumors were that Walmart had completely sold out of Sponge-Bob boxers. The unveiling of the Prank was to happen at 9:55 when the men were to gather in the court yard and march into chapel in their scanty apparel. Josh wasn’t expecting 100% participation, but he knew of at least 100 guys who would be joining him in the crusade.13
Friday morning arrived and throngs of men covered in long coats, towels and sheets made their way to the court yard. After a short pep speech, Josh gave the word and 232 men dropped their coverings to reveal a rainbow of under shorts, including at least 3 pairs of fire engine red briefs. As a crowd gathered including several irate administrators, a stirring was heard in the bushes. Out from behind the court yard wall appeared 300 women, all donning men’s boxer shorts. The press from the nearby metropolis was on hand for several revealing shots and the scene became chaotic. Soon the Dean of Students appeared and the offending students were sent to their dorms to change, after signing their names to the dean’s memo book. Chapel was cancelled. Things had not gone according to plan. 14
The repercussions of the day were felt for a long time. Josh and his female counterpart were on probation with maximum demerits. The senior banquet was cancelled, and after boxer-clad students appeared on the cover of USA Today, applications to the University increased ten fold from the previous year.15
Author notes
I would love to make this a little longer. Any suggestions are very welcome.
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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i liked this alot, but i also was curious about what made the women decide to join in?
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That's a nice piece of encouragement to say
that my rhyming nonsense isn't all astray.
I will readily admit
that I idolize YOUR wit
and your final statement really made my day!
~~~
Love and hugs, XXX Hugh. -
Thanks for the suggestions and applause, Hugh. My prof. said he'd like to see some short-short stories so I think I'll leave it after all.
I always enjoy your rhymed comments!
Jennifer -
Dear Jenny,
~~~
Not all the slyness is confined to foxes
nor all the wily schemes to campus schools.
This tale of yours about rebellious boxers
is certainly one way of bending rules.
But if you wished to make your story longer
without the fear of carrying it too far,
I think you'd make the plot a little stronger
if the women all went topless with no bra!!
~~~
A very colourful story. I'm sure you can invent your own sequel to extend this story and I will eagerly await further episodes. I find that boxer shorts, made in China, have very poor quality elastic which, after a few washes, stretches to provide no further support whatever. Does this give you any inspiration?
Applause, love and hugs, XXX Hugh.
Edited on Jan 18, 7:39 p.m. because 'Had to hitch up my shorts!'. -
Pleasent read!
It was a good story but you neglected to mention what spurred the women in the story to don boxers as well. Did someone tell or was it part of a greater master plan. That explanation in itself could give you another three or four paragraphs possibly more if you approach it the right way.
I would like to see this completed or maybe some sort of sequel!
You have a knack for modern tales! -
Fun story. Told in a fun way. Good writing. Odd what xtian schools do to people, but good story. B
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Good story – you are getting very good at these humours vignette/tales. To add a twist – could there be collusion from the staff? Similar to the rather good twist in the first ‘Death Wish’ – i.e. the ‘powers that be’ strongly disapprove of the methods but find themselves innamoured of the results… I think though on the whole I would leave as is – such short stories with a humours twist are often sought by periodicals as ‘fillers’. Another possibility if you are set on lengthening would be to have another tale in the same place – bookends as it were – or perhaps a sad tale as a mirror image?
Typos – ‘Ever since he had become a Christian (((in? during?))) his Junior year in high school~’ and not so clear cut but - the University increased 10 fold from last year. (((The previous year)))
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haha. That's a cute short story. I really liked it. At first it sounded cheesy and immature but then the twist at the end was great!
S t e p h
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