Photo by Elfleda (Creative Commons)
I thought it might be fun to mix things up and share some work today. Here is a piece I wrote pretty recently. Hope you enjoy it! Please share your work too in the comments below. Thanks!
The White Goose
I scampered off the pavement and into the cool grass. An inviting retreat for my toes, the thick blades of grass gently soothed my feet with each step. Across the pond I see you watching me. Suddenly you began to move in the water and swim toward me. Your face brims with contempt as the waves bounce off of your cream colored feathers.
As I wander around clumsily in the park, I find myself thinking, dreaming, and observing the water, and admiring the trees. You are a freckle-faced bully on the playground who steals juice boxes and Twinkies. You don’t just want my bread; you want my pride and dignity as well. You want me to drop the food and run screaming. You glide across the lake with charm and grace, but your beauty is part of your deception.
I know you want to control me as you give me your cold black stare. I’m scared of your sharp pointed beak and bad attitude, but I’ll never say this out loud. I know you will certainly feed off my fear. So I immediately erase those thoughts from my mind.
I walk along and intentionally look in every other direction. I focus on the towering green trees and the rustic stone bridge. A brown duck cheerfully quacks at me as toss a piece of bread toward it’s chocolate colored feathers. The bluegills make a ploop sound as they come to the surface, thankful for both the food and my attention.
In the corner of my eye, I see your dirty white feathers getting closer, but I keep walking, not giving you the attention you feel you deserve. “Damn goose, why are you so bold?” I thought to myself.
The sun beat down on my forehead and I felt small beads of sweat form on my brow. I found a drinking fountain and the water was icy cold on my lips as it quenched my thirst. The temperature was getting unbearable, so I decided it was time to leave.
As I walk back toward the car, and I feel your stare. Your evil gaze is making my thoughts race. I have clearly upset the balance of this place.
I’ve had enough. I moved back toward the pond. I searched the landscape for a stick or branch to protect myself should you decide to attack. But you are surprisingly still; sitting and staring. Just simply sitting and staring with those eyes of black marble. I toss a few bread crumbs in your direction as a peace offering. Completely ignoring them, you carry on with your evil stare. You won’t humble yourself to eat in my presence. “Stupid arrogant bird,” I whisper to myself.
I felt an unsettling feeling in my stomach as I move over from the grass and into the parking lot. As I look out the car window, I notice three baby geese pop out from behind you as you sit on the shore.
Will you share something that you created in the comments? I’d love to read it! Thanks.
