2025 Fall Writing Contest 

     The waves lured me like a siren's call through the night. Ribs aching, heart breaking, and yet the water beckoned me further off shore. I knew what had sent me here, and I knew that this chilling sensation was a lingering presence of you. Dropping to my knees I could feel the wet splotches of sand riding up my sides; lightly grazing the edge of my trousers. I started to wonder what it all meant. The way the waves clashed against my feet, recoiling at the touch. The way the ocean was not just home to the critters hiding below, but to ships lost at sea and stories yet to be told. 

     I dragged my body through the sand, trudging the muddy mixture with my fingertips. Out popped a speckle of white, clear contrast to the gloomy comfort on the horizon. I moved my hands deeper and soon others appeared before me. The way it resembled an array of stars piqued my interest, taking my focus off the emotional turmoil before I cupped some of the Incoming wave in my hand and poured It over them. I found shells, one after the other, closely admiring each one. The cold stung at my fingertips, reminding me of the frostbitten fever dreams around this time last year before--

     I drew back, retreating to my thoughts, but that's when I saw it. A shell washed clearly by the wave, its twists and turns provided a slope so subtle, but unique to the touch. I picked up the foreign object in awe, looking through the gaping hole in the middle. It resembled the shape of an eye. Something in me changed then, and my perception became new. Realizing that all along I was so focused on my past, that I had forgotten to appreciate what is right in front of me. How the cold embrace of the sand and the sea might not resemble the familiar forest of home, but fulfilled it with my own--and with my purpose not lacking, but one of rebirth again and again. 

     There is something singularly beautiful about the way change will hit you. But something even more beautiful about it when you take a look.

     Stepping outside into the chilly air, I wrapped the soft scarf around my neck and tightened my jacket around my shoulders. I felt for the bag of strange shapes in my pocket and let my fingers rest against them as I walked towards the woods. Once I got to my small fort In the woods, I pulled the bag out of my pocket and dumped the objects onto the slab of wood I called a desk.

     They clattered ungracefully on the hard surface, displayed before me in all of their mind-boggling glory. I picked one of the odd shapes up and Inspected It, turning it over many times in my hand before picking up the next one. I did this until I had put down the very last one. I had no Idea what these things were, but they intrigued me beyond belief. I gathered them all in my hand to feel them one last time before returning them to the comfort of their bag. 

     I picked up the wondrous item I had found the day before and left my fort, heading northward. The ground crunched beneath my feet, so I stopped, stooping down to pick up a lent. I twirled It between my thumb and forefinger, continuing my journey.

     A few minutes later, two arrived at the tiny cottage, knocking three times on the door.

     "Ah, Mable! What have you brought for me today?" Old Jean asked me. I stepped inside the warm room, noticing the grey fire looming in the fireplace. 

     "I was hoping you could tell me," I answered, still twirling the leaf between my fingers as I handed her the bag and the strange, poky object. "What color is the leaf today, Jean?"

     "Your leaf Is orange, like the fire," Jean told me, pouring the contents of the bag onto her table.

     "Orange," I whispered, liking the way the word fell from my lips.

     "Now this, Mable, is a very Interesting thing. It has no color, so you're not missing anything there," the old woman explained, referring to the poky Item.

     "Oh," I muttered in fleeting disappointment before curiously asking, "But what is it?"

     "This Is a flower. But It's not a normal, pretty smelling flower like I've shown you before. This flower is made of wire; that's why it's so pointy and rough to the touch," she told me.

     "Wow. A wire flower. How interesting!" I exclaimed, taking the object back.

     "Very interesting, indeed. Now, Mable, this bag you brought is very valuable. It contains precious jewels that are worth money," Jean said.

     "Really? What color are they?" I asked in excitement.

     "Well, there are a few different colored ones. These two are blue. This one is purple..." Jean picked up each jewel, telling me the color.

     "Should I sell them, Jean? I like them," I said sadly.

     "Only sell them if you want to. In a few years, you'll be able to see them in all of their beauty. I have a present for you, my Mable. Wait here," she told me, walking into her bedroom. She reappeared holding a small, ovalish shaped object. 

     "What is this?" I asked, reaching for It.

     "It's a seashell. Do you remember when I told you about the beach?" Jean questioned her.

     "Of course! You said you'd take me there when I'm able to see color!" I exclaimed, turning the shell over in my hand.

     "I got that shell from the beach. I want you to have it until I'm able to take you with me," Jean said. 

     "What color is it?" I breathed.

     "Ahh, ahh. This one, you'll have to wait for, dear," she told me.

     A few years later, I woke up and I knew that my world was different. I sighed a bittersweet sigh and got out of bed. I looked at my small room for the first time in color.

     "It's beautiful, Jean," I whispered. Upon thinking of my late mentor, I pulled the bag of items out from under my bed and pulled out the shell.

     It's color had not changed. Sometimes, things change, but the best things in life, sometimes stay the same. Reliable and wonderful.

     The coldness of the jewel felt good against my fingers. I grab them one by one, placing them in my small blue bag, each falling with a small clink, each a reminder of why I am here. I reach to grab one of the few remaining jewels and my touch falters when the tips of my fingers hit the jagged edges. 

     This is the one. The only jewel that truly had any value to me. I quickly grab It, placing this one in my pocket. My finger slid across the edge, causing a sear of pain in my hand..

     The alarm of the museum started to blare and that's when I realized I overstayed my welcome.

     My shoes made a clicking sound as I rushed down the hall. The marble floors were slick beneath me, making my steps uneven. I checked frequently making sure the small green gem was still in my possession.

     The gem was my father's. It was the only thing police left before taking my father to jail. I cherished it with all my heart until the museum claimed he had stolen it and took it back.

     Now, fifteen years later, here I am following in his footsteps.

     I take the stairs two at a time, trying not to get caught, but five steps from the bottom I was sent flying head first onto the marble floor. My body stings as my nose starts to bleed. The sound of jewels clattering on the floor fills the room. My hand reaches for my back pocket and my fingers once again meet the green stones jagged edges. 

     I scramble to my feet and run towards the door. As I push the door open, the cold winter air hits my skin. I quickly tie my scarf around my neck and walk into the busy street just as police sirens are coming into the distance. 

     I slam my apartment door shut and place the small jewel next to a picture of my father and I. I grab the rose he made me using barbed wire and run my fingers across the sharp edge. I click the TV on, and the news is. already covering the crime I had just committed for my father's sake. 

     I don't regret what I did. It would be shameful on my father's name if I did. I do It so I can feel close to him. Like I still have a piece of our relationship, even though I can never actually get that back.

     I look outside, the snow now covers the ground and the few trees that remain in the city. The thought of my father hearing the news, and knowing it was me passes through my head.

     I don't have time to finish my thought before there Is a knock at my door. In that moment, I know it's the police. 

     But it doesn't scare me. Peace washes over me knowing I will finally be with my father again. Even if bars of a cell separate us, we will have each other again, and nothing could ever take him away from me again.

METAL FLOWER

rip tear snipp snipp

snipp tear rip rip

metal petals covered In blood

shredding wire faster than a flood

rip tear snipp snipp

snipp tear rip rip

giving you all of my love

receiving nothing but the flower in blood

rip tear snipp snipp

though now I know I'll never love

anything but the flower covered in blood

FIGHT

I fight for the day

I can wake up and say I love him

Not be shamed or flamed for being me. 

I fight for the day

I can wear those beautiful jewels

My mother gave me.

I fight for the day I'm not kept a secret.

For the day he gives me a flower so I can keep It.

TIN FLOWER

Threatened

Indignified

Neglected

Failed

Loathed

Objectified

Worthless

Empowered

RESPECT

TO BE LOVED

Rust forms on a tin flower like fear of change. Slowly and unchallenged. Light reflects off jewels like my power and might. I fight and fight and fight just for the right to be loved and cared for.

GLOW

Spark glitter gleam

glow glisten shine

like the divine

jewels are meant to shine not be a crime

love who you want sparkle glitter glow

Don't let the dust settle

You are special

QUEEN

Born to be a Queen

Covered by society

Born to shine

forced to dull

Born to strut

told to walk

Born a jewel In a world of stone

don't tell me what to do I will not go

I AM HUMAN TOO

I am human

I am me

I am strong

but bullied

I am torn

I do love

nobody knows

How hard I try

How I suffer In silence not even a cry

I am a jewel In a world full of stone

I am a Queen who deserves a throne

     The Ivory glistens, freshly polished and buffed to perfection. When I am finished, I use white gloves to put the precious metal back Into Its case. I step back and bow to It, as It's the only relic I have left of the royal family. This kingdom used to be phosphorous, thriving under the rule of Lord Isiah. He ruled with diligence and great respect to the common people.

     I can remember when I was a little girl, the magnificent balls that were thrown In the palace's ballroom. The swirl of dresses and the clinks of drinks as everybody toasted to Isiah's health and good fortune.

     Then it all came crashing down.

     During the coronation of Isiah's eldest son, a terrible tragedy occurred. Lady Rose was struck down In the conservatory. A blood curdling scream could be heard throughout the palace. When the authorities arrived, It was too late to save her. The crowd rushing to either Lady Rose's side or leaving the palace had ripped young Alexander from the royal family. The royal jewels were knocked from the podium, scattering every which way, some shattering on Impact. Suddenly, the lights cut out, and three gunshots rang out. People were screaming, toddlers yelling for their mommies, and the palace guards trying to keep the situation calm. 

     When the lights turn back on, there are three figures lying dead: Alexander, my father, and Lord Isiah. My eyes can't believe what they see: not my father! NO, NO, NO!

     I try desperately to go towards my father, lying on the floor. He was my only home, but guards grab my arms and pull me backwards.

     "Please! That's my dad!" I cry, but the guards had to do what needed to be done.

     I shake my head, clearing the memory of the horrific night. I rustle my skirts and make my way to the door, but a quiet humming stopped me. I turn to find the humming and something blinds me. I shield my eyes with my hands. The Ivory rose Is glowing golden.

     I have heard about this before. 

     The legend is true then.

     Legend has it that only the worthy In the royal family could produce the light. But it doesn't make sense... I'm a servant. I'm not part of the royal family.

     The memories.

     They flood back from the abyss, When Lady Rose would dance me around, the palace cook sending me éclaires, when Lord Isiah would play catch with me.

     I gasp, my knees hitting the floor. The thought almost hurts to think.

     I am the Illegitimate daughter of Isiah. I am a child of an affair.

     The light carries me up Into the sky, changing my rags to silk.

     I am not worthy, but the rose has declared me immortal. The rose floats gently Into my hand, giving me rightful rule of the kingdom, but I cannot help but wonder.

     Who was Lord Isiah's mistress?

     There was an old locomotive parked in a train shed. Oh so cold and so long it had been after years of use, but it was forgotten, lost to time, until one fateful day...

     Jack poured himself a cup of tea In his favorite cup with blue engraving. It was the last thing he had of his mother. His mother, Jamie, had made it for Jack when he was young. He still held onto It. His mother had died In 2021, when he was 26. When he was out driving his locomotive, Jack thought she was Inside, so when he departed... he vowed not to drive It again and sealed it to collect dust.

     After he drank his tea, he saw the old shed and had a yearning to explore with It... but thought about what had happened. The lock was rusted from the elements. He found the key under the mat and with a familiar click, it popped off. 

     It was moist and dark Inside. With a flick and a buzz, the light flickered on. After the incident, the metal outer framing had been removed, exposing the wooden frame. It was In surprising condition; the antifreeze and mold killer had done well. Still, it was cracked in some places. He lit a log and tossed it in. 

     Thankfully, the engine still had the metal on it. After throwing in more fuel, he opened the main gate and pulled the old lever, ran it back and started moving. He went to the path he loved. The rails were overgrown, but the train cut through the greenery. After a bit he ended up near the "rock end" as he liked to call It. Jack slowed the train to a halt. 

     He got out and overlooked the sunset. He set his mother's cup on the spot she liked. He said goodbye to the area, picked up the cup, and rode home.

     It was a cold snowy morning In Dallas, Texas. Miranda woke up and drank her morning coffee, just like normal. She was sitting In her living room chair watching the morning news when all of a sudden Miranda stood up, a freezing cold breeze shooting towards her. She was freaked out, but tried not to let anything get to her head. Miranda went to put her coffee cup in the sink like she normally did, but when she stood up she noticed that one of her statues from her collection was missing!

     She walked up to the cabinet where they all were and looked around. Miranda loved her statue collection. She had recently bought a dog statue. It was a grey brown color and looked a little old. She didn't realize it was the one missing until she found the empty spot on the shelf. Miranda searched her house for her little dog but never found it,

     "Well.... I probably shouldn't look for It too much, or I will lose my mind," she told herself.

     A little while later, it was about 1pm. and Miranda was hungry. She wanted some chicken buffalo dip with chips. She went to the fridge and casually found the dog statue. She didn't think much of It until she saw a note on the bowl saying, "Just like expected." Miranda was shaking in her boots when she heard a loud BANG! 

     She jumped and let out a little scream. All of Miranda's books on her bookshelf fell. Miranda looked around a little in the bookshelf. She saw a little wooden train sitting on the third shelf from the top. She pulled the train but It wouldn't come off of the shelf. That was when she realized that the bookshelf was opening.

     Miranda jumped back away from the bookshelf.

    It was spinning around and around. When the shelf stopped spinning it landed on a door: a dark brown wooden door. When Miranda opened it, snow came crashing down everywhere on top of her!

     It was like a Christmas miracle! Miranda was freezing cold, so she grabbed her winter coat and jumped through the door. 

     "This is like a dream..." Miranda said. Snow was flying everywhere. There was a long sidewalk with Christmas lights leading the way. Miranda followed the lights until the end. It was at the end of the lighted sidewalk when she saw the huge train sitting there, right in front of her, waiting for her to get on! 

     Miranda looked for a logo on the train, but all she saw was a little sign on the train that read "CHRISTMAS 2001."

     Confused, she thought maybe the train was made in 2001? As she walked on, no one else was boarding the train. No one else was around. Miranda sat in a little red booth praying nothing bad would happen. She just sat there looking out the window.

     All there was were trees with snow falling off of them and Christmas lights leading the pathways. All of a sudden her stomach started to growl.

     Miranda rubbed her stomach and looked for a bell of some kind. She saw a little golden bell and when she rang it, a man dressed In a red suit busted through a push-to-open door with food, drinks, and a book. Miranda took all three items and ate her food. She was starving!

    When she finished eating, she quickly picked up her book. It was white and green. The cover page was blank, but the binder of the book was green with white writing. When Miranda started to read, she realized midway through page 18 that it was describing HER! It knew what she was wearing, what she looked like, everything! 

     Miranda looked out the window to see the train coming to a halt... well, trying to stop at least. She looked up to see another train In the middle of the tracks, NOT MOVING! 

     Miranda started to cry and cry, thinking she was going to die. She looked around just to see a red STOP button. Miranda quietly pushed the button but then everything went black. She truly was In a dream. But when she woke up, she saw "CHRISTMAS 2001" on her phone. Beneath it was a terrible train wreck. 

     Miranda realized she had been living the life that one little girl lived when the two trains had collided. Smashing together, killing her. When Miranda looked the little girl's name up, she read her death certificate and saw Miranda's name on it. It was her grandmother who died that night. She was warning Miranda to never step on a train again. Throughout the rest of Miranda's life, she never even looked at another train. 

     She hated Christmas.

     You're thirsty. You take a drink from your teacup and it spills everywhere. 

     You then blame yourself for ever being thirsty instead of cleaning it up. You make more tea, ignoring the mess on the floor. You try to pour it in the cup and then it just spills more. 

     Your kitchen is a mess. 

     Instead of cleaning It up you blame yourself for being thirsty. 

     Guests come over and walk to your kitchen. They question the mess; you don't address their question.

     "Want some tea?" you ask.

     "Yes," they reply.

     You make them tea. As they attempt to pour it Into their cups, it spills on the floor. You laugh at them, point at them, ridicule them, make them feel bad for ever wanting the tea you offered them in the first place.

The guests never come back. The cycle repeats. 

Your floor, a mess of brown stains; but you have no Intention of cleaning them. Why would you? After all, it was your fault for being thirsty; it was their fault for being greedy and accepting the tea you'd offered. 

Aren't we made to drown in our own mess? 

You continue day to day life, your kitchen floor sticky. As you walk through it your shoes get sticky as well. It can be an inconvenience at times, but it was your fault for being thirsty, and it was their fault for saying yes to the tea offered to them. 

They were greedy.

After all, they were mistakes. How are you supposed to learn from mistakes if you're not constantly living with the consequences?

No guest comes to your house anymore. They are afraid to be shamed. 

You wonder why. You try to meet new people to invite to your house, and you give them all of your time and emotion. It's gotten to the point where you see new eyes and wonder what you owe them. You give them everything, but they still won't come to your house. You wonder why. 

This morning, you grab a teacup, dreading the spill. You grab a different teacup than usual. You pour the tea, and there is no spill. You cry tears of joy. You wonder why it didn't spill today. You look at your usual teacup carefully inspecting It. You then find a huge crack in your cup, one you had never seen, because you had never taken the time to look. After all, why would you look at the cup? It was your fault for being thirsty, and it was their fault for accepting the tea that was offered. 

How could it be the cup? 

You clean the floor. No more spills, but people are still afraid to come over. You wonder why, but this time you actually think about It. You realize that this whole time you were just using the wrong cup. Your cup was blaming others, yourself even, and Instead of learning, you would only sit In the broken pieces. So, after all these years, and lots of thinking, you decided to get a new teacup.

     It was the crack of dawn. I was sitting at the edge of my teepee, watching the sun shine down on the earth. The rays of the sun were like a warm blanket keeping us from freezing. I walked outside to care for my dog, Frank. He was a curious one who loved sniffing the colorful autumn leaves. Today was the sort of day to travel. 

     We were nomadic, so we were accustomed to walking around countless miles in the forest. I got dressed and started my adventure with my band of people. My mama weaved me new grass boots, the comfiest boots on earth. I walked for hours in the forest, a weird smell of wet autumn leaves in the air. Frank was curious about that. 

     THUMP. 

     I opened my eyes and found myself on wet slippery stone. I had fallen a long distance. The first thing I saw was an oddly shaped cup with blue flowers around it. It was the weirdest cup we'd ever seen. 

     I took a closer look at it and on the bottom, it said, "Made In China." My first thought was What Is China? Was It pronounced Cheena or Chana or... that's when I heard a bark. It was Frank!

     I stood up but slipped Instantly on the cave floor. I crawled, chest pressed against the floor and comforting him. He was barking at a steel tank that had an opening on the outside. I could hear noises from it that sounded like... a... train? The word popped Into my head without a clue of what It meant. I hopped inside with Frank and I saw a lot of... buttons? Another word that just popped Into my head. I pressed one that said the numbers 2, 5, 8, 9. I started to spin, fast. I got dizzy, slowly losing consciousness.

     I awoke. Where are the trees? Where are the animals? I saw floating buildings with grass and lights. This was nothing like the 5th century. There are people made of metal... and It's amazing, but so overwhelming. I smelled this burning, smoking smell. I turned around and there was a fire. The machine on fire and I saw pepole and metal people behind them. One person said, "Grab the fire extinguisher!" and the metal person responded with a quick, "Yes sir!"

     The metal being sprayed this white foam all over the machine and the fire disappeared. I saw a wall behind this wall of glass filled with books. I looked closer at one small book with a green spine that said SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE. I wonder what that means? There were stringed lights with gold, puffy, Itchy looking designs on It. A word popped into my head. "Christmas?" I was taken Into a building called "Adoption Center."

     What a weird place, I thought.

     Frank was gone... my family was gone. So was my bond. But this life is cool. The End."

     It was an adventure that my kids loved. I made the 2619. I'm 43 years old and living my dream life. I learned this technique called "crocheting." It's so fun. I was currently using thin woody looking string to make a tote bag. "How did you like the story of my childhood?" 

     "It was so cool!" my kids said. They spent the rest of their night eating fruit snacks while watching YouTube. I watched the best life ever unravel In front of my eyes. 

     I lost my family and created a new one. I lost Frank, but got another domestivated dog named Rosemary. I'm so lucky I didn't die In that cave. I love life.

     One day Miley and her little brother Maxx were playing in some leaves. They were having so much fun when Miley saw something on the ground. 

     "Hey Maxx!" Miley said, "Come look what I found!"

     Maxx being the silly boy he Is waddled over to Miley. 

     "What you find, sissy?" Maxx said. 

     "It looks like a string of some sort," Miley said.

     "How about we pull on It and see where It goes?" Miley pulled on the string and It lifted and led to the street.

     "Should we follow It, sissy?" Maxx said.

     "Of course we should. It will be fun!" said no one ever.

     Then, all of a sudden they yeard their mom call their names: "MAXX, MILEY--DINNER!"

Maxx and Miley dropped the rope and ran to the door. 

     "Five more minutes, please!" Maxx and Miley said.

     "Okay," mom said. 

     "YES! Let's go play some more!" Miley said. They both ran back to the rope and picked It up. They pulled as hard as they could and a BIG door suddenly opened in front of them. 

     "Wow..." Maxx said.

     "Let's go!" Miley cried.

     Maxx ran In the door and they saw more string. They followed it all the way Into a white room with two doors: one had another room and the other had a fire. Miley did eenie meenie miny moe and chose the left door. They went into the room and a green light flashed. 

     A voice said, "Congrats! You completed the first level of five." A new door appeared, opening out of nowhere. Maxx and Miley walked toward the door, stopping once to look at each other before they walked through the door. They saw a big room full of candy. They both jumped up and down, yelling "Yayyy!" 

     The voice appeared again: "Collect as much candy as you can in 20 seconds. Collect 20 and you win, collect less and you lose. BEGIN."

     They ran to each side of the room and collected as much candy as they could. They both won and the voice said: "See you next time." 

     The room turned black. 

     To be continued....