It’s KidLitVibe time again! You have until Sunday to spin the “wheel of feels” and write a 125-word (or less) story for kids that matches your vibe. This year I spun “bashful.” Merriam-Webster and I had to sit with that one for awhile … I’m excited to hear what you think!
River’s Secret Ambition
By: Katie McEnaney (124 words)
(c) 2023
[France, 15,000BP]
River didn’t run with the other boys.
River meandered slowly.
When they threw rocks,
River threw himself into hidden art projects.
When they chased rabbits,
River chased beams of light between the trees.
When his brothers drew their bows to shoot,
River drew secret pictures with his arrowhead.
“Boys must protect,” said his father.
“Boys must provide,” said his grandfather.
So River practiced privately.
Until… he thought he would burst.
River crept and crawled into the cavern.
Torchlight flickered.
Shadows danced like herds of horses leaping along the walls.
His bold fingers flowed across the scene. Reds, oranges, and dark, charcoal blacks. A head, a mane. Prancing, pawing. The horses hummed to life.
River smiled. He had charted his own course.
Image of the Lascaux horses, ca. 15-17000 years ago
Katie–this piece is fantastic. You’ve sketched a rich portrait of River, his community, and the place in just a few lines. I hope to read the rest of River’s story some day–I’m hooked! Well done.
Beautiful and special. I love River and his course!
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