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

Every year, Vivian Kirkfield holds a magical contest– how much story can you pack into only 50 words or less? For more information on how to enter, or to read the hundreds of amazing jewels there, head over to her blog here, but first, let me share mine! The first is not my entry, but rather an exercise: could I write ABOUT the contest and the act of writing poetry in only 50 words? Not only that, but could I make each line of the poem have one more than the one before? I did, and in just 10 lines and 46 words. (Not counting the 3 word coda).

And now for my actual entry — an entry my son calls a bit hypocritical, since I don’t always practice what I preach, but I’m trying! I come by a tiny bit of hoarder instinct quite naturally since my mom’s house has always been stuffed full and even as a little kid I had a hard time parting with old toys and books. But as I’ve often been told, “stuff is just stuff” — it’s the memories that go with it that are important. So please enjoy “FREE” – my entry for the “50 Precious Words” contest. Wish me luck!

My entry for Kaitlyn Sanchez’s annual writing contest, “Fall Writing Frenzy”. Enjoy! The photo is by Josh Hild on Pexels.com (One of 14 offered to writers as a prompt). I worked hard on this piece which is less child-focused than I had originally intended, but I think the theme is universal.

Sometimes I want to be alone. 

I don’t want anyone to “fix it.”

I don’t want to be told I am ok.

I don’t want to be told to smile.

I just want to be quiet and to think.

To be unjustly mad and sad and tired.

But…

Sometimes all I want is to be found.

I want someone to say “We have missed you.”

I want to know my being is enough.

I want to feel the weight of a warm hand 

Resting on my shoulder:

Holding space for my feelings,

When they’re too heavy for me to hold alone.

And…

If you see me by myself, 

It may be hard to know,

Do I step in or do I step away?

The line between alone and lonely can be nebulous.

Precarious as hammocks in the fall,

Which beckon but belie uncertainty.

Will you be welcomed with a swaying calm,

Or tossed into the unforgiving leaves?

So…

If there is no way to know: just be.

Let me decide what kind of space I need.

Like rustling branches whisper “I am here.”

And if I need you, I’ll extend my hand.

But if I don’t… I hope you’ll understand.

Melanie Kyer

September 24, 2023

Awaiting the Procession
Entry for “Fall Writing Frenzy” 2022

When I was a tree, I stood so tall– 
Straight at attention, standing guard
Along the path where you would tread. 
My sisters and I proudly threw our leaves to line your path,
Their colors a kaleidoscope of welcome.
Even the stones, who shrug the seasons with indifference year after year,
Appeared to glisten with expectancy.
The moss and lichens glowed along our flanks 
Like shimmer on a princess’ cheek.
My limbs not quite as limber as in seasons past, 
But still I waved them, ready to salute.
Would you pass by today, dear mother, to inspect your work?
Would we be blessed to catch a glimpse of you in your autumnal dress?
Your name is in the whispers of the wind,
Who rumors in hushed tones: it’s Time. She comes.
-Melanie M. Kyer , October 2022

Did everyone else’s summer go by as quickly as mine? I thoroughly enjoyed spending time reading on our new screened porch, researching potential agents, binging TV shows. We spent a great week traveling as a family, visiting friends and relatives on the Eastern Seaboard. Unfortunately, I just didn’t get to blogging, but with school starting this week, it’s time to have fun and play with some great picture books before I dive back into teaching.

Lots of great books this month! Enjoy!

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