Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "Actions Speak Louder than Words" (without using the actual phrase). (02/21/08)
-
TITLE: Family Ties | Previous Challenge Entry
By LaNaye Perkins
02/27/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“You’re calling’ me a slacker? You got a lot of nerve buster. You couldn’t keep up with me out there in the field. Ma had to keep slowing down just so you could get caught up. Ya big whine bag!”
The two brothers raged on, hurling one insult after another. Lucky for them their mom and dad had left to pick up some hamburgers for dinner. They’d be back soon and Todd knew the hay needed to be unloaded before they could eat. Shaking his head, he walked quietly to the barn, all the while his brothers fussing up a storm outside. They’d come to blows pretty soon from the sounds of it.
Looking down at the dog, Todd said, “Well Jasper, it looks like it’s just you and me. Reckon, we best get moving cause I’m hungrier than an old bear, and food’s on the way.”
Slowly and methodically, Todd threw some hay bales off the hay wagon, then went to the hay stack and started to stack them. He was careful to stack it properly so that it would stand tight all the way to the rafters. Layer by layer, the hay stack climbed higher toward the ceiling.
Each time he stopped to rest he could hear his brothers, their voices locked in battle. Each one was trying to argue that they were the better worker, claiming to be the stronger of the two. Todd shook his head.
“I guess I don’t even get a vote in that contest, huh Jasper?”
The big dog wagged his bushy tail at Todd, and walked over to get his ears scratched. The two sat quietly for a brief respite while Todd finished off a can of coke.
Walking back to the wagon, Todd unloaded the last of the hay from the wagon. Then, hopped down from the wagon to stack it. He’d made a series of steps with the hay so the last of it could be put up in the pitch of the roof. With muscles bulging and sweat pouring down his body he threw five bales at a time, working his way to the top of the stack.
Outside the barn the brothers noticed their younger brother was missing. Both assumed Todd was off daydreaming somewhere and headed to the barn. When they saw Todd struggling to put the last 50 bales unto the hay stack their faces dropped. Both were ashamed they had let such a petty argument preoccupy them and Todd had gotten stuck with the bulk of the work.
“Hey, hold up there buddy. Let us at least give you a hand with that.” the oldest brother said.
Both brothers pitched in and helped Todd finish stacking the hay. Afterward, the boys sat in the barn eating their hamburgers and rested.
“Man, I feel like a jerk Todd. Here I was fussing and trying to prove what a strong worker I am, and all the while you were outdoing us both. “
“Yeah, I’m ashamed of myself too and how I let our stupid argument keep me from helping you. We‘re family, and family pitches in and helps till the job is done. We both should of been full of more action, and less talk.”
“Hmm, so I guess that means you both owe me, BIG TIME, huh?” Todd laughed and pushed both his brothers off their hay bales as he went by.
That was all it took. The two older brothers quickly jumped up and chased Todd down.
“Hey, Todd smells pretty bad don’t ya think?”
“Yep, an old polecat couldn’t smell worse than he does. I think he needs a good rinsing!”
Todd laughed and fought with his two brothers as they dragged him over to the water trough. Before the tussle had ended all three boys were splashing and dunking one another in the huge tank. All the while Jasper hopped and jumped around the edge happily barking.
From the barn door their parents watched and laughed at the antics of their teenaged boys. Both prayed that their family ties would always stay so strong.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Good job with the setting, too.