waterstones competition-

[mary_j_59]

Well - my original short story having been far too long, here is the drabble/prose poem I submitted just now to the Waterstones short story competition. I'm very pleased with it, actually; it's the first "Christopher" story I ever thought of, and I'd never considered doing it in this style or from this pov. Here goes - not under a cut because it's g-rated and very short:

Skateboard

You're NEARLY 10, you say.
Old enough. You want a skateboard.
At first, I scream inside my head, "NO!"
I'm a nurse.
I've seen what happens.
Greenstick fractures, concussions, even worse.
I fear for you. I fear
hard stone and pavement, tons of moving metal.
I fear gravity.
But
I lock my thoughts behind my lips.
We agree: you'll get your board.
On Christmas Day, you rush outside,
a gawky fledgling, knees bent, wings outstretched.
Then, oh then (my reward) I see you take to the air, fearless,
and fly.

Comments

[anne-arthur.livejournal.com]

Oh lovely! But I did like the other one, too.

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Anne! I am so glad you like this one, too, since I'm quite proud of it. (Of course, it's Michael, overprotective though he also is, who talks Jane into letting Chris have this present). About the other story - thanks to your comments and my younger sister's, I've revised it slightly and may be sending you the revision tonight. I think it's improved, but I'm thrilled that all three of you liked the original version. Now I just have to think of a place to send it -