I recently had the pleasure of writing a short story about bravery for one of Susanna Hill's fabulous contests!
The story I entered just sprang into being as soon as I heard the theme.
After getting the thumbs up from my wonderful critique partners, I sent off this story:
THE WILDFLOWER
One bright day as the south wind blew,
a wildflower seed caught the breeze and flew.
She danced on the wind with a heart full of hope
till she came to a sign that hung from a rope.
"Gillingham's Greenhouse: Order today!
Only two months until Valentine's Day!"
She nestled herself down among the small sprouts,
but began to have deep and discouraging doubts.
The rude roses tittered "You don't belong here!"
The catty carnations looked down with a sneer.
She watched as the other sprouts burst into bloom
and glared at her own tiny petals with gloom.
"The roses were right!" she said with dismay.
"No one wants wildflowers for a bouquet."
But deep in her roots she clung to a thought:
"I've got something to offer the others do not."
"You roses are classic and beautifully dressed.
Carnations, your colors are some of the best.
I know I'm not mainstream, that's easy to see,
but I dare to be different. I dare to be me!"
With a twirl of pride, she presented herself
at the front of the store's most popular shelf.
A woman came in the very next hour
and said, "What a fresh and wonderful flower!"
And so, by the end of that Valentine's Day,
everyone wanted a wildflower bouquet.
To my delight, I woke up this past Monday to the news that my story had won an all-around honorable mention!
Thank you to everyone who helped shape this story into its best version and to Susanna for hosting such a fun contest!
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