response

Hi! My name is Kelly to! I am six! How are you? I am good. I love flamingos! They are my favorite animal. Is your flamingo pretty? I like plaid! Could he keep the monsters out of my closet? Does your flamingo have a name? I would love to have your flamingo if you can not have him. Where do you live? Could he fly to my house? I can not wait to meet him! Can you send me a picture? My address is on the envelope! I am glad you love flamingos! I hope you like college!

Sincerely,

Kelly

imaginary friend

WANTED

Kind owner for a pleasing plaid flamingo.

This flamingo is well traveled and well behaved.

He enjoys trying to camouflage as one of your shirts in your closet and riding on the back of your bike. He also enjoys a good game of go-fish.

The only reason I must find a new home for this pleasant flamingo is because I’m moving away to college. Growing up. But I am hoping to find another child who could love him as much as I have. If you are interested please write a note to:

Kelly Mardy

P.O. Box 2598

Huffington, IL

[childhood]

School zone: 20 mph. I was going at least 40. Red house to the right. Elementary school to the left. Music up, windows down. On my way to work.

But as I passed the school, something caught my attention: a child— probably 6 or 7 frolicking in the grass by the sidewalk and an older woman— probably her grandmother walking slowly behind. She carried the little girl’s backpack. Small though it was; it represented chores, homework, responsibility. But the grandmother held it all for her.

So carry her burdens a little longer and let her run free as a child.

5.12.11 cascade - a drabble of 100 words

“Look out, Captain! It’s a huge waterfall!”

The boat careened wildly toward the precipice. The water leaped over the cliff, heedless of the sharp rocks at the bottom. The river dragged the boat along in its mad flight, despite the desperate workings of its captain and crew.

“Captain, we’re not going to make it!”

The young mother looked outside her kitchen window, absently stirring her chocolate chip cookies. At the edge of the yard, she could see her little son playing with the garden hose, piles of small stones, and a plastic ship. Behind her, the pasta pot boiled over.