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"Good night mommy," I said with a smile on my face. I dug my face into my pillows and pulled the blanket up over my shoulder. School break here, and I'm ready to sleep in. A knocking on the window was heard, but I saw nothing. I was allowed to sleep in. The wind was raging outside. I presumed the knock to be a branch hitting the window from the wind. I imagined dragons in a world of peace—a place where war didn't exist due to no disagreements. Splat! Frozen water hit my face tenfold. I woke up with a jerk. This one I wasn't imagining. My blanket and pillows were soaked. Looking to my left, I saw a beautiful rainbow colored dragon the size of a horse staring down at me. It barely fit in my room. I recognized what type of dragon this was immediately. A Stifhurando Dragon. 'Give me some weapons so I can fight. There is a village after my treasure, and I want to protect it.' The dragon bowed its head. "You can breathe fire and fly. Why not wack them in the head with your tail and knock them all out unconscious, and when they wake up, threaten them to do it again as you're not afraid to destroy them if they don't heed your warning?" I wondered when the dragon needed to protect its treasure. The villagers weren't greedy before. 'Something is wrong. The villagers weren't like that before. I believe someone is possessing them. I was able to find a cure with a list of ingredients. But I am big and can't fit through the doors of the houses. Like here, I had to pop in from outside. If you can, please help me cure the villagers. I am afraid dragon slayers will rise if this problem goes on long enough.' "I will help you find the cure. But first, let me sleep. Maybe someone exists in there immune to the curse. I will tell you if I find one. This can't be the end of dragons." 'The cure needs to be sought now.' "If I go, I might be infected too. Now, let me sleep. Maybe you can find me around your house. Well, cave. I have teleporting abilities as well as shapeshifter abilities." 'Very well.' Word Count: 385 Activity: "The Bradbury" ![]() |
She looked up. There was certainly something different about today. The sky was cloudy. She preened her sleek, black and white feathers and then looked around. There was an ocean wherever she saw. The ice she was on broke off from the mainland, and she didn't know where she was going. All she knew was that home was far away from her now. Then she turned to look at Cabway. "Uh, I think we are far away from home," Cabway said. "There is an ocean all around us, Tusbia. I don't see the mainland anywhere, and I'm hungry." "Lix had a wild ride the other day with the Orcas. May he be remembered." Tusbia fluttered her wings. She was hungry too. "Let's dive in together and get food and come back to the ice block together. Three, two, one- go!" She dove in like there was no tomorrow. There were a few fish around, and she was able to grab them all. Then she went up for a breath of air. Something was off. She thought she felt the presence of an animal larger than her. What she hoped was that it wasn't an Orca. She spotted the ice block and dived again. Then she saw it. Big teeth coming straight at her and an annoying pitch that made her dizzy. An Orca was here! Claws dug deep into he side, and she blacked out. The next thing she knew when she woke up was lying on her back on an ice block. This was the same ice block she and Cabway were on. Only in a cave? She looked toward the sky but was met with rock structures. Then she looked beside her and saw him. He was breathing. He was okay! So was she. Then he woke up. "Where are we?" He looked around, blinking his eyes. "I don't know." Tusbia wasn't confident, but she felt this place was familiar from the stories. "Look out!" There, at the end of the cave, was a huge bird with glass-like feathers that exceeded the size of both of them. She thought they were the largest birds around. It bowed its head before raising it again. She trembled. The Great Ice Phoenix! Yet it saved them instead of eating them. What did it want? "Greetings, penguins of the Antarctic. Feel free to make yourself at home. You are in my sanctuary. There will always be plenty of food to eat for you. I need you two to go on a mission. Find the source of the rise of Orcas. The journey will be difficult. But only penguins could do it. I am too large. Your number is dwindling due to them. Just like our number is dwindling from a lack of food. We feed plenty on meat. Orcas included. Now prepare yourself to freeze. They won't go near you with this magic. Close your eyes." She closed her eyes. A chill went through her body. The feeling was slow at first, then rose rapidly. Then it stopped. After this, a warm sensation overcame her. She opened her eyes and saw a Fire Phoenix beside the Ice Phoenix. Then they were left alone. The ice block didn't melt from under their feet. She was surprised. Never had she heard a story of meeting the Phoenixes. Just myths and legends about them from her parents. "What was that? And we are on fire now! Not literally. Why isn't this ice block melting? What are we waiting for?" Cabway looked around. "Plenty of food to eat here!" "I'd say we take our fill of food and then wait for the Phoenixes to come back for further instructions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Tusbia concluded. "Indeed." Word Count: 621 Activity: "The Bradbury" ![]() |
It was a long night in the prairie, and the temperature lingered at an all-time high. The grass stayed still, and no movement could be found. One little fox just couldn't sleep. She ventured out of the den to end up face-to-face with a bird so big it looked as if it could carry her away. With a bald neck and face with skin flapping down, it turned its attention toward her. "Well, well. Look at what we have here. Food in the middle of the night. This heat is steaming me up, though," the bird cawed in a way of laughter. "I'm Zayla, and I think I know what to do to bring the Western wind to this prairie. Will you help me?" Zayla wondered what the bird was thinking. "If you can bring the Western wind out, I'll be in your debt. What do you need in order for that to happen?" "I need four different cubs. One of yours, one raccoon, one owl, and one prairie dog. Please find them and bring them to me. I can't sleep in all of this heat." "Your wish is my command. I can't see in the dark, but I can smell. I will find them." "Don't eat us, please." So the bird flew off without another thought. Zayla watched as he left into the sky. Now she needed tools. Without the proper tools the magic just didn't work. Off she went until she found a circle of magical mushrooms. Smiling, she went close and marked the spot. Then she went over to a tree with magical maple seeds and started collecting the seeds. A rat distracted her attention for a moment and took a mouthful of seeds away. Growling, she collected them until she reached 35. The rat made an appearance again. "Why do you keep taking them away? I'm going to use it to summon the Western wind," Zayla growled defensively. "Oh, in that case take all you need. Need a guard for them?" The rat perked its ears. "Yes, please." "I can do the job." When they arrived at the mushroom circle, the four pups and the bird were already there. Everyone went to their places. Then Zayla began enchanting. The others followed suit. At first, nothing happened. Then, a breeze came in. Still not enough. They continued some more. Then a gust blew constantly. They stopped and cheered. Now the prairie felt cooler even though it was the hottest night of all time. The bird returned everyone back to their homes and Zayla fell fast asleep. Word Count: 429 Activity: "The Bradbury" ![]() |
Smoke filled the air. I smiled in delight. For all the years I served Pakistan, this was the best celebration yet. It was the middle of August and I was beading with sweat. The smoke bombs, as I called them, were just the beginning. The clouds looked dark and ominous against the blue sky. I had seen green sky too. "It's going to rain. We did most of the daylight fireworks—time to go inside for tea and sweets. Bring the fireworks in. You get the first choice. You're a veteran." My mom rubbed her hijab in a way to cover her hair. I picked up the fireworks and brought them inside. Behind me, rain started pouring. I sighed. If it didn't stop raining and clear up by Magrib, then they wouldn't be able to celebrate at night. I looked at all of the journals and medals I collected over the years—time to start a book about serving Pakistan. I smiled at my accomplishments. "Dad, it won't stop raining," a grandchild of mine spoke up. "It never lasts long. Come and enjoy sweets." My mom was busy putting pans on the stove and chopping up vegetables. She asked for help only to set the table. Things I knew how to do. I didn't know anything about cooking. That was more for the ladies. I knew the fields. Delicious food grew here. "Magrib time. Isaac, will you lead us into prayer?" My son asked. "Of course. I will." I felt delighted by the honor. After Magrib prayer, we checked the weather. Still raining. Slowly, the rain subsided and the sky cleared, revealing stars and the moon in the night sky. In the distance, we could hear and see fireworks in the air. Now we could continue celebrating. We started with fountains. Word Count: 300 Activity: "Honoring Our Veterans - Challenge" ![]() ![]() |
The red and orange flames flickered in the breeze as more wood got added to it. The campfire was in full swing. The sky was filled with glitter in the otherwise darkness. Nearby was the lake where they spent fishing during the day. Farther away was the cabin where they stayed. They were out for one thing: S'mores under the beautiful moonlit sky. They were both a friend of each other. "How would you like to have another?" Jessica asked. "I would love to make another. They are so good." Kible munched his last bite and swallowed. "You know, I have been thinking of going out with someone. Someone special." "That's great! Who?" "Meglo. He's real sweet deep down." "I'm not sure about him. He seems shady." Suddenly Jessica's hand slipped and landed on Kible's chest. Kible chomped down on his last bite and caught her with his two muscular arms. Slowly, he let her fall on him. "Are you okay?" "Yes, I am." Their lips brushed each other as she struggled to get back into her side. Then they looked at each other silently. Was it just her imagination? "Maybe we should be more than just friends. That felt good. I'm going for the wrong person and you are single too." She played with her hair, reliving that moment. "You're right. We known each other for a long time. We graduated together. Why not me?" "Yes. Meglo can find someone else." Prompt: Campfire, S'mores, Cabin, Lake, Friend Word Count: 242 Activity: "The Weekly Quickie Contest" ![]() |
My teeth chattered. It had been a long journey. The more I rode on the back of the dragon, the colder it got. I'm sure this was the right thing to do. Hiring someone was too expensive to do. Riding on the back of a dragon was the cheapest option. They fly quickly too. I reached for the side of my backpack. Good. The passport was still there. My husband was fast asleep when I left. It was all according to plan. I passed the checkpoint at Canadian border with ease. Snow in the middle of summer. The North had its disadvantages. The only cure for our daughter was located up in Alaska. I had the prescription in my backpack. I was sure he would hate me for it, but I must go on. If I didn't do it, she would die. The cold bit into my skin. How much further are we? All I saw were trees and towns below. The other people seemed to be enjoying themselves. I wasn't enjoying the cold wind that passed through around me. Then we reached the border of Alaska and slowed down to a hover. The officials marked our passports before letting us continue. Finally, I reached my destination. Instead of grabbing a bite to eat, I went to the only Pharmacy that held the cure. I felt stiff all over. Frozen. Snow started coming down. I had to hurry. I found the Pharmacy among the store. "Please, here is the prescription. How long will it take?" I asked. "One hour. Please sit and wait. Have some coffee- is that your stomach growling?" Taisy, the Pharmacist, replied. "Yes, I haven't eaten for hours and am cold," I said, looking down. "There is a station giving away free meals four blocks from here. Straight ahead, walking distance. Go warm up." "Thank you." I headed in the direction she said and sure enough there was a station offering free meals. I took my share and ate it. Then I looked at my watch. Two hours! I hurried back to the Pharmacy and got the medicine. One hour before departure and I got what I came for. I rushed to the takeoff center and made it to the dragon just in time. This one was gold in color with striking, feathery wings. I sneezed. The snowstorm grew worse. Flight delayed. Now what are my options? Shivers crawled up and down my spine. I couldn't stand the cold. Then came a break in the storm and all dragons flew at once. Evening and my phone was out of range. The flight back went smoothly. I rushed to my daughter's side. Sure enough, my husband was boiling. It didn't matter though. I took out the cure and gave it to my daughter. Then she passed out. Everything went still. Tears rolled down my face. It was too late. The stillness ate me up. Suddenly, a response showed and she woke up. Now I cried tears of joy. I had made it after all! Prompt: I was sure he would hate me for it, but I must go on. If I didn't do it... Word Count: 510 Contest and Activity: "Starting Stories" ![]() |
I flew over the head of a robotic Brontosaurus named Piper and landed by a nest of robotic eggs and waited. Soon, a robotic Ophasaurus came right by my side. Her beautiful sail on her head glimmered in the sunlight. She gently tapped my wing with her head. "I am so glad to see you here. My husband and I are having an argument that we can't solve." Lily stood back up on her two feet and stared at me with sad eyes. "What is it? We are safe here from the outside world besides predators. Meat eaters gotta eat meat of course. But humans are safe and sound from us." I raised my head to meet hers. "It's not that. We need to face humans with our children in order to teach them not to harm human beings. Everyone has that problem. All we could teach them is what a human being looks like and that doesn't represent everyone." "Pictures should be enough. Besides, we haven't seen a human being wander in in ages. What does your husband say?" "The same thing. How are you?" I spoke to her about how I discovered another secret organization like us only, instead of French, they spoke English. Spanish too. I communicated with them and had connected them to us. We all wanted the same things despite great hunger. Then I told her the bad news. The rampaging ones were growing in number and getting closer to our hideouts. If we got caught we would turn into rampagers too. Rumors had it a virus was causing it. No one knew where many infected people went. There were also rumors of a Velociraptor out there that never went on a rampage or harmed a human or pet out there, lost somewhere. It had a powerful antivirus protecting it from going out of control. If they could possess what it possessed then they would be safer yet. "A dream come true. I hope that Velociraptor succeeds in wiping out the rampagers. There seems to be one connection to them all. Sad thing is they have feelings too. Is there no cure?" "No cure for them yet. I think there is one bad Alpha seeking us out and gathering an army to overtake human beings and make them slaves. It is a crisis that must be stopped. Now, I think your husband is right. And with as many as we are over here, I doubt there would be a cure for all of us." "Yes our children will grow up flesh eaters. Strangely there is abundant plants and animals. I wish rampagers didn't threaten the lives of human beings and that we didn't have to hide." "I wish that too. I would rather die instead." "Only those of us who avoid that strange signal have hope. Some say that Veliceraptor attaches itself to the strange signal and gets attacked by viruses left and right. Yet it remains resistant to all of those viruses. That is amazing." "I believe we are talking about the same one. And it's Velociraptor. You keep saying it wrong." They talked for a while longer before her husband came back to the nest. A cracking sound caught all of their attention and they turned to see the eggs hatch. Amazingly enough, they could tell male from female. Lily named them Rose, Lily Jr., Ruby, Joshua, Lucifer, and Gabriel. There were six of them. Two eggs didn't hatch yet. Hidden in the trees a Velociraptor was watching. It didn't dare introduce itself and had to use the translator to understand them. It realized it had gone too far north and was lost. Word Count: 610 Activity: "The Bradbury" ![]() |
"I'm going to be a great officer for the National Guard," I said, pulling up my resume. "How brave your goal is. You passed on entering this section. There is a drill test I would like you to take starting at 5 a.m. on Saturday morning. If you can pass this test then you will be in for the National Guard backup. Work your way through the ranks to become part of the National Guard. May you have luck," Officer Job said. "Thank you sir. I won't let you down," I said and got up to leave. "Sir, there is a new lady who wants to ask you some questions. She is interested in applying," a guard said walking through the door. "Send her in," Officer Job said. I got out and rushed back home. I needed to practice for the drill test and had only today to do it. Saturday was tomorrow. I got on the wheels and then starting running through them. Then I got onto the bars and whizzed through the bars. Then I did the climbing test. I passed with ease, but of course it was at my house. The next day I made it to the drill test. There were far more obstacles to pass than compared to my house. The instructor explained the rules and it was all on. My heart pounded and my ears burned. How was I expected to pass? Still, I didn't give up. The moment my turn came, I raced through the tires onto the bars. Then there was some more obstacles I didn't know the name of. Finally, the ladder. I climbed up to the top and hit the finish line. I passed. I just knew it. "Well done, you passed your first task. Go back and report to Officer Job immediately. I'll send word," the instructor said and patted me on my back. Prompt: Military Life Word Count: 310 Activity: "Honoring Our Veterans - Challenge" ![]() ![]() |
Once there was a Dragonfish, Catfish, and Bigmouth Bass. The three were friends of each other. All around was chaos in the brackish waters. Shrimps ate until they were full. Snails cleaned the floor all day long. Surgeons scavenged the ground for leftovers. Pan Fish fought over their territories. Turtles took opportunities whenever possible. One day Dragonfish said to Catfish and Bigmouth Bass: "Everyday is the same thing. There are no holidays. I want to change that and come up with a holiday once a year. There shall be a big parade in a month and I need your help to organize it." Catfish said to Dragonfish: "That is a great idea! I'll help with the decorations of the floats to use. I'll gather runners who would be in charge of the floats." Bigmouth Bass said to Dragonfish: "I'll organize the campaign. Make the government aware of the plan and get approval. You can focus on the crowds." Dragonfish said to them: "Thank you for your support. I'll make sure this is one big parade. Enough to fill the whole river despite my size. I'll gather as many joiners as I can get. We deserve a holiday." They went to work, left and right. Upstream and downstream gathering everyone's attention. Dragonfish invited her fellow family and friends to be on a float. And invited everyone else to see the parade. The government made an approval. The size kept growing bigger and bigger. And at last they had 100 floats for the parade. All lined up at the top of the river. Everyone stopped doing what they were doing. Lined up all around the river. To watch the parade cross the river. With full of cheers and joy with such a break. Ever since that day a holiday came. Known as the Dragonfish Holiday Parade of 100 floats. Each year passed and the crowd grew larger. The delta was where the parade ended. Prompt: Parade of your own Line Count: 40 Form: Fable Activity: " Summer Solstice, 8 day poetry challenge" ![]() |
Sunny weather rises Umbrellas put away Monkeys dance on trees Minutes stretch to hours of daylight Everyone parties Rain in the evenings Stretches of clouds Outdoor activities going on Longest day of the year Squirrels searching for nuts Thunderstorms lingers Ice cream and cake Children playing outdoors Everyone watches the unpredictable weather Prompt: Summer Solstice Line count: 14 Form: Acrostic Activity: " Summer Solstice, 8 day poetry challenge" ![]() |
Sunrise to sunset The longest day of the year The solstice is here Birds sing their sweet song Rabbits come out of their holes Flowers are pretty Wolves howl at the moon Butterflies come and flourish Summer is alive Prompt: Season Line count: 9 Activity: " Summer Solstice, 8 day poetry challenge" ![]() |
In the middle of summer the heat waves Long and short defined by the mulberries Extra care is given to those who saves Mulberries are ripe to eat wearily In the middle of summer the heat weeps Counting down to the last second meltdown A thunderstorm brews and lingers with leaps Such a sight to behold and have packed down In the middle of summer children play Off and on the merry go round and swings Tag and soccer as well as other days Decorating their phones and other blings Off to go in midsummer days a word To avoid the dangerous and boredom Prompt: Midsummer Line Count: 14 Form: Traditional Sonnet Activity: " Summer Solstice, 8 day poetry challenge" ![]() |
"For the last time, it's goodbye between the two of us," Andy said to Laskulla in a hushed tone. "It doesn't have to end like this. There could be another solution here," Laskulla said. "Yes, it does have to end like this. You are married to a villain and I gave you a chance to redeem yourself. However, this tape says it all. You were just faking and lying to me about a genuine change in your heart. You go back to doing your evil deeds with your husband. You never divorced him and you said you will. You are under his powers. There is no way I could break the curse for you. Even with all of the counseling I gave to you. You are done. Now go before I call the police." "I have your baby. You could never say no to me. We love each other." "That's not true either. Your baby isn't mine. I despise wasting my time here." Laskulla turned to leave and sniffed. She had a good time with him despite her intentions to remain evil even while with him. She had been caught. Now there was no going back. She was free to be evil on her own will. She left the area. Prompt: Here and Now Word Count: 210 Activity: "The Beatles Musical Extravaganza" ![]() |
Breathe gently Sit beautifully still. Relax and see Bently I stood firm and took a pill. Sit beautifully still Relax and see Bently. I stood firm and took a pill Breathe gently. Prompt: Yoga Day line count: 8 Form: Pantoum Activity: " Summer Solstice, 8 day poetry challenge" ![]() |
I reached out my hand To grab onto a branch And heard a voice call out "Too dangerous. You'll fall." I didn't pay any attention To the warning and moved Onto the branch. Crack! The branch broke And sent me tumbling Down to the ground. The voice caught me And said to me "I warned you it is Too dangerous you'll fall." I looked up And saw a native Carefully putting me down To the ground safely. Prompt: Native Indigenous People day in Canada Line Count: 18 Didactic poetry Activity: " Summer Solstice, 8 day poetry challenge" ![]() |
Let's sing together In celebration Of Music Day Whoa-oh oh oh oh It doesn't matter Type of song Or the rhythm Whoa-oh oh oh oh Underneath the sky Day or night Celebrate Whoa-oh oh oh oh Sing together On a special day Known as Music Day Whoa-oh oh oh oh Whoa-oh oh oh oh Whoa-oh oh oh oh Let's celebrate Music Day Prompt: Music Day Line Count: 20 Style: Song Activity: " Summer Solstice, 8 day poetry challenge" ![]() |
The setting sun Emphasized the rocks The beauty it held In the evening sky The rising sun Represents the last day Of the longest day Of the year The summer solstice celebrated In a place of stones Stones towering high above the head A sight to behold Prompt: Stonehenge on Summer Solstice Line Count: 12 Activity: " Summer Solstice, 8 day poetry challenge" ![]() |
A song rose in the heart of the night. Quickly, I got up out of bed and looked in the window. There on the ground was a blackbird. It looked as if it couldn't fly at all. I assumed the worse, that it was crying out in pain. Quickly, I put on my slippers and went out to meet it. The poor bird had missing feathers. I quickly made some fake feathers and put it on the blackbird. Then the blackbird flew. I had succeeded in enabling it to fly! It went of in the light of the night. The next night I heard the similar cry as before. Once again I put on my slippers and went out on the porch. Then the blackbird flew directly to me and landed on my hand. Then it started singing. I fed it some seeds and watched in amazement. It seemed tamed. Then I decided on a name. Braveheart is its name for it wasn't afraid of the night. Every night when I heard it sing I would go outside and meet it. Thus started a tradition for the duration of its life. Its feathers grew back and it thrived. So did I. Prompt: "Blackbird" ![]() Word Count: 201 Activity: "The Beatles Musical Extravaganza" ![]() |
"Oh, honey, you don't mean those things you said today," Alicia said, confronting her daughter Chelsea. "Yes I do and I'm going. I'm an adult now. I can take care of myself," Chelsea argued and stormed out the door. Chelsea thought where did she want to go at first. The library would be an obvious choice. Then she thought to check the job center. She would change jobs immediately. Her father was a CEO at the bank and, though she loved her position at the bank, it was directly tied to family. Even her own mother worked there. Her brother was a violent one. He got easily angered and sometimes had his anger out of control. Everything was locked up because of him. Still, he wasn't of age to live on his own yet. She feared for her life because of his actions. They say he suffered physical damage to his brain when he was young and couldn't live a normal life. She could though. She was tired of being protected. Now, she had a chance for adventure. She wanted to make her own day. Then she settled at a park and sat down. She didn't know where else to go. It wore her out to think about it. She began to have doubts over her actions. Maybe her parents were right. She didn't know anything about living on her own. She did chores all day long whenever she wasn't working now that she had graduated and she was tired of it. Cookies, maybe she could make it up with cookies. So she went to the store and bought cookies. Enough for her to have a whole pack in one night. "Mom, I'm home. I'm sorry. I didn't get anywhere," Chelsea said, handing over a package of cookies. "That's okay. Forgiveness accepted," Alicia responded, accepting the package of cookies. Prompt: "Things We Said Today" ![]() Word Count: 310 Activity: "The Beatles Musical Extravaganza" ![]() |
"It's a revolution! Everything is going to be okay," I said as I looked around at all the rubble surrounding us. "Who goes there?" A voice called out on the other side of the rubble. "Sister I am scared," my sister whimpered and hugged me even tighter. "Sounds like these people are for the revolution in the country just like we are. Let me speak up. Over here! We are for the revolution," I spoke in a nervous voice. "We got ourselves a fellow victim. Hurry and clear the rubble. The victim is on our side," the voice called out once more. Immediately, the rubble rumbled and started to move away. Soon hands were visible and, the more rubble that got pushed aside, a small hole could be seen. A face poked through. "We'll get you out in no time. Looks like a mother and daughter. They need to get to the safety of our secret base. Don't worry, soon our rights will be recognized. The dictator won't last long. He is Old Skull. The torture he brings to innocent people is horrifying." "Yes. He attacked my workplace just because my boss is part of the revolution. I agree with you and had been counting on you. Even if I die, take care of my sister. I've been hit worse than her. Assure her that everything is going to be alright always," I said. "What is your name by the way?" "Jacob and our leader is Jack the Sniper. Don't worry, you won't die. We'll help you get through this mess together. Your wish shall be granted." Prompt: Beetles Song Revolution Word Count: 266 Activity: "The Beatles Musical Extravaganza" ![]() |