Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Writing (01/11/07)
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TITLE: The Gift and The Inspiration | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tabiatha Tallent
01/17/07 -
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“Julie?”
“Oh, hi Steph. What’s up?”
“Are we still on for this afternoon?”
“I don’t know, I’m still working on that poem for dad’s birthday.”
“Really? Did you try 'roses are red'?”
“I don’t really think that’s an option. It’s been done. There are only so many words that rhyme with blue. Besides, I want it to be something really special for him.”
“Whatever. You should’ve just bought a tie like I told you. Anyway, you need the exercise, Jules. After our run, you’ll probably have tons of ideas.”
“Okay. I’ll be there, but I’m only doing two miles. I’ve got to get this done today.”
“No problem. I’ll see you at two.”
“I’ll be there. Bye Sis.”
Back to work now. Come on Julie, you can do this.
‘Dad you are so special,
you are so very kind,
and for your silver birthday,
I’m writing you these lines'
Okay, this is not working. Maybe I do need a break.
She rose from her chair and went to the refrigerator, but nothing there sparked her interest. She picked up her pad and pen and headed out to the porch.
The rocking chair squeaked as she rocked, lulling her into a tranquil slumber.
“Julie?”
“Huh, what do you want?”
“I came to help you.”
“Help me with what? Who are you?”
“I’m here to help you with your dad’s gift. You know, you shouldn’t be napping. You’ve got work to do.”
“I wasn’t sleeping, just resting. I, I was thinking.”
“So, let me see what you’ve got.”
Julie straightened in her chair and wiped the side of her mouth. She leaned forward and covered the page with her forearm. “I’ve got most of it typed into my computer.”
“Oh, I see. The pad was just in case you got an idea while you were, you know, resting?”
“Yeah. Um, I need to get back to work, so if you’ll excuse me. I’m gonna go back in. Nice to meet you, um”
“Sam.”
“Sam? Do I know you?”
“The beach. Think about the beach.”
“What?” Julie sat back in her chair thinking back to the beach. She’d only been once. It was so long ago.
A clap of thunder overhead caused her to jump sending the pad and pen tumbling to the concrete. She picked up her things and looked up to Sam, but he was gone.
Okay. That was weird. What is that smell? Salt, smells like salt. Strange.
Julie went back inside and settled back in her chair. She moved her mouse revealing the few lines that she had left there. Opening a new page, she imagined the sounds of the waves crashing against the sand. She remembered the night at the beach. Her thoughts had returned there so many times over the years. As the words flowed from her heart, her fingers clicked the melody.
***
The smell of the ocean
The waters so blue
The stir of the breezes
They remind me of you
We walked their together
You held to my hand
You told me about Him
The dearest of friends
We watched as the sun set
And watched the crabs race
I listened intently
To your story of grace
You said that He loved me
That He’d always be close
You held my attention
Even as the sun rose
All night you'd taught me
You'd held my regard
I thank you for caring
For sharing the Word
As long as I live
I will never forget
The night on the beach there
You introduced me to Him.
Thank you, Dad. I love you.
***
Julie stared at the screen for a moment more before printing. She looked at the wall clock as she pulled the page from the printer. Almost 1:30, I’d better get on my running shoes and get going.
Remembering the thunder, she peered out the window. The sky was a beautiful periwinkle with white fluffy clouds spread out over the heavens. A beautiful day to run “Thanks for the inspiration, Lord.”
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Your poem would be easier to read if it was broken into stanzas, but I loved the poem and its message.
I like how the word gift in the title has a double meaning in the story.