Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Writer’s Skill/Craft (04/22/10)
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TITLE: A Sailor's Missive | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joanna Stricker
04/29/10 -
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“Captain, the last of the cargo is being loaded now.”
“Thank you, and Sal?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“I will come to the ship when I am through. Please see that I am not disturbed again.”
“Aye, aye, Captain,” The sailor turned and headed out of the small building, every step stomping with a force kin to that of a thousand-pound buffalo.
The Captain returned to his script, “This voyage…“ The door slamming shut behind Sal made him wince. An inkblot obscured the last word; he would have to copy the letter.
He returned to writing, “This voyage has been harrowing and filled with every danger imaginable. Please…”
Through the open window, angry voices rose over creaking of wagons and snorting horses. He sighed and thought about closing the window. But, it was the only thing bringing any semblance of relief from the stifling wharf air; a seagull landed on the window sill and ruffled its feathers keeping an eye on the human inside.
“You don’t think I should close it either, do you?” he asked the daring creature.
The bird cawed and peered in, examining the room.
He returned to his paper…what had he been saying? He scratched through the last word, and immediately remembered. “Enclosed are papers for my brother, in the event I do not…” With a squawk the bird landed on the far edge of the desk, nicely out of reach.
“Really! That is too far!” He scolded the bird, which barely moved, merely tilting its head to observe the Captain’s activity.
He couldn’t help smiling at the bird’s antics. Little Sally would love this story. The last time he’d been home she’d been a lively three-year-old, constantly underfoot, and chattering nonstop. Her favorite word was “Why?”
When he’d said goodbye, all the kids made special requests. Peter wanted a map of the South Seas; Lily, a bolt of silk cloth; Louis, a whittling knife; Elizabeth, a picture book; and little Sally—she wanted a talking parrot. Her mother had privately vetoed that idea.
“Don’t you even think about bringing a filthy bird to that child!” He’d reassured her that he wouldn’t dream of it. Well, he may have considered it before she’d said something, but not after.
The bird dipped its head mimicking him as he returned to his letter. He was nearly done. “Enclosed are papers for my brother, in the event I do not return by winter.” There was a real possibility that the ship would not make it, extensive repairs were needed. He prayed that the patching they’d done while in port was sufficient.
He dipped his pen into the inkwell. From outside came a screeching sound; another brawl had commenced. He deliberately ignored the escalating sounds.
“Do not fear the future. The Good Lord knows our trials and gives sufficient aid in the hour of need. I venture to say that I am much worn by the hardships of this voyage and yet, He has continually encouraged my heart to look unto His unfailing love and faithfulness. Our futures are secure in His loving care. If He should grant me the grace to complete this last passage, our financial woes should be behind us. If not, then know that I have dedicated all that remains unto Providence and trust Him to succeed where I have not.”
He paused; the bird had hopped almost within arm’s reach. Keeping an eye on the wayward bird, he scribbled his salutation.
He set the pen aside and straightened in his chair. The gull squawked, jumped back a step and tilted a questioning head toward him.
“Curious creature, aren’t you? And bold!” The bird edged back a bit but eyed the plate by his hand.
In one smooth movement, he rose, picked up the plate of bread, stepped to the window and tossed the bread out. The bird unfurled its feathers and dove for the window. He laughed as the bird nabbed a large piece of bread midair.
Returning to the desk, he pulled out a new paper. Laying his first copy beside, he began transcription.
“My Dear Wife,
It has been two years since we said our farewells. My heart longs for the day we meet again…“
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I've come back to read this a few times. Love it!
Maria
Love it!
I have one minor suggestion. I thought the names Sal and Sally were too much alike. It distracted me for a minute, but it certainly didn't ruin the story. I loved the sailor's message in his letter. Very touching.
Big thumbs up.