Spring Fling Contest 2023
Here in Washington, DC, every Washingtonian awaits the few, precious weeks in Spring when the Japanese Cherry Blossoms bloom around the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial.
There is so much beauty, love, and a sense of new beginnings in our beautiful city, as we welcome visitors from around the world.
So, this year, for Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez & Ciara O’Neal’s contest #SpringFlingKidLit, “Blossie,” was born as an ode to the cherished cherry blossoms.
The rules for the Spring Fling Kid Lit Contest are simple: write a spring-themed story, inspired by a GIF in 150 words or less for children 12 and under, with no illustration notes.
Last year, I was lucky to win 11th place, so here is hoping to year #2! :)
And if you haven’t made it to DC during this spring time phenomenon, add it to your bucket list! You’ll never forget it!
Thanks for reading!
Alicia
BLOSSIE
By: Alicia Meyers
WC: 150
“How long, Mama?
How long?” I ask.
“Be patient, Blossie, it won’t be long.
Seasons take time. Stand tall and be strong.
Soon we will show them the depths of our heart,
our color, our beauty, that sets us apart,” Mama says.
I wait in the branches
for the first temperature lift
with the utmost patience.
“It’s time,” Mama whispers.
My vines tickle.
My florets pop-
puffs of pinks and whites.
From sun-up to sun-down,
Festival-goers sing my praises.
“Exquisite!”
“Extraordinary!”
But, too soon–
brisk air blows.
Rain pours.
I’m not ready to go.
My time, as always, seems short.
“You were beautiful–bountiful, Blossie! It’s true.
You showed people all that was coming and new.
Your beauty was bright, straight from the heart,
And that is exactly what sets us apart,” Mama says.
Green leaves curtain me and Mama.
Our billowy, pink petals flutter to the ground.
Like teardrops.
Farewell.