#50PreciousWords is my all-time favorite kidlit writing contest. It’s run by Vivian Kirkfield, and it was the first writing contest I ever entered. I love the challenge to write small and two of my previous entries, Dig: an archaeological lift-the-flap and A Handful of History, have been selected as finalists. I’m excited to share my entry for 2024 below.
Grandma’s Flute
(c) Katie McEnaney, 2024
Word count: 50
When Grandma’s flute trills, my heart sings.
My turn:
Pucker, blow…
Squeal!
Screech!
Hugs. Encouragement. Try again.
Squeals become notes.
Screeches transform into melodies.
Nana cheers my recitals.
Graduation.
Until I have only her flute.
Silent.
Finally, my daughter—ready to learn.
Her great-grandma’s flute trills, and both our hearts sing.
The image of the flute used in the Canva version of my story come from Marco Verch on Flickr and is used with attribution under the Creative Commons license 2.0.