Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Bridge (07/31/08)
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TITLE: To BUild or Not to Build | Previous Challenge Entry
By Annora Williams
08/07/08 -
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There is a faint pink on the horizon as the sun pushes its way into the sky. In the woods a solitary figure steps purposely through the undergrowth. A bamboo pole is balanced on one shoulder. A red and white bobber catches the first rays of the morning light while a chorus of chirps rises from the small wire container found in the opposite hand. Rain from the night before has left the leaves of the surrounding trees glistening with crystalline drops that shower down as the figure passes by and brushes them with the end of the pole.
Murphy whistles off key as he makes his way to his favorite fishing spot. It’s a perfect day to drop his bobber. The smell of the freshly washed woods invigorates him and puts a spring into his step. A feeling of peace and serenity engulfs him as he approaches his destination. A simple yet functional structure stretches across the creek that flows between the banks below.
He takes a step onto the worn wood knowing that it is sturdy. He brought the wood and hardware out here himself and constructed it. He takes a few more steps in order to move to his preferred spot- right smack in the middle. He eases himself down to allow his legs to swing freely over the edge. He sighs as he settles himself in place. This is his little piece of heaven on Earth.
Carefully he baits his hook and lowers it into the water below. He watches as the current of the creek moves the bobber ever so slightly. A group of small fish has appeared to inspect the intrusion, and as Murphy watches, he notices that they begin to nibble on his bait causing the bobber to move more quickly. He absently shifts the pole to the side just a bit, and then turns to look at the object supporting him. His hand caresses the smooth wood of the boards and he notices the nails and bolts that hold it in place.
He recounts the hours of hard work he put into building this bridge. If only it were as easy to rebuild the bridges he has damaged and burnt in his life. How many relationships would still be in tact or at least in better condition if he had spent as much time trying to cross those gaps as he did with this bridge? A sad smile passes over his lips as the thought occurs to him that wood and metal are much less complicated to work with than feelings and emotions. The latter two always seem to raise some kind of problem along the way. However, both structures can be true works of art if the time and energy is put into creating and maintaining.
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