I’m overdue for writing book reviews, and I promise to get back to that, but my life has been filled with a few other obligations. I’ve spent some of my creative time working on some other outlets including a new non-writing endeavor I’ll reveal soon. In the meantime, there’s another contest in the air, and that is definitely something that keeps my writing heart happy!

The “Spring Fling Kid Lit Writing Contest,” like the “50 Precious Words” contest, focuses on short form — and of course kids! The requirements here are a piece of writing less than 150 words long which is directed at an audience of 12 or younger. And here’s the unique part– you need to choose a GIF to accompany your writing! Since I chose a piece about butterflies I wrote some time ago which fits the spring theme, I had the fun of poring over lots of butterfly images. It was tough to narrow it down to just one GIF, but I love the one I found. Many thanks to Kaitlyn Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal for putting together this contest each year! Although there are awesome prizes, participating in writing contests for me is just another great way to push me to be a better writer– and to provide the chance to connect with others. I always learn so much! For more information about the contest or to read other entries, click here!

So here’s my entry– I may take it down after the contest is over because I’ve been submitting it to editors and agents. I have backmatter for it and would really love to see it get published someday!

First the GIF:

And now the story:

BUTTERFLY JOURNEY
134 Words

Beautiful butterflies, fresh from cocoons,
Dance in the light of a warm April moon.

Colorful butterflies, wondrously bright:
Orange as fire and black as the night.

Migrating butterflies come from the north,
Destined for Mexico, fluttering forth.

Traveling butterflies, stopping to rest,
Nestle for warmth as the sun sets out west.

Delicate butterflies keep up the pace,
Floating on wind like a sky filled with lace.

Ravenous butterflies, eager to eat,
Flit between flowers for nectar so sweet.

Practical butterflies, under an oak,
Hide from the rain so their wings won’t get soaked.

Newly-hatched butterflies, born on the way,
Push from their chrysalis into the day.

Curious butterflies stop to explore
Patches of milkweed, then fly on once more.

Venturesome butterflies, not long to go,
Soar ever southward escaping the snow.

At their new home, with their long journey done,
Weary-winged butterflies sleep in the sun.

–Melanie Manzer Kyer