Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy: “Reminiscence”

One of the great things about autumn is the arrival of autumn writing contests, followed by winter holiday contests. I love these blog contests, because they’re fun to write and they’re fun to read. If you’ve never followed one, start with the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy right now, then wait for Susanna Leonard Hill’s Halloweensie at the end of October!

Here’s my entry. It’s, um, a little more disturbing than my previous holiday stories. Let’s say this one is for older kids, okay?

This story is based on Image 11.

“Reminiscence”

Two crows perched on a single branch, sharing memories.

“I remember when there were cows in this field,”

Said Edgar. “Not cows,” said Allen. “Horses.”

“Maybe both.”

“I remember when there was a scarecrow in that field,” Allen said.

They both looked across the road, and shivered.

“I never liked that scarecrow.”

“Me neither.”

Edgar shuffled his feet. Allen ruffled his feathers.

“I remember one night . . .” began Edgar.

“Stop!” replied Allen. “I don’t like that story.”

“But it happened!”

“Maybe it did and maybe it didn’t. But let’s not talk about it.”

They looked away from the field. They cawed at a passing dog.

“Whoever heard of a scarecrow walking, anyway?” Allen asked at last.

“If all it did was walk,” replied Edgar, “That wouldn’t have scared me.”

“That night,” Allen said, “The stormy night. . . ” He couldn’t finish.

So Edgar told the story: “Its head blew away in the gale.

And the scarecrow walked.”

Allen covered his head with his wings.

“When it came back,” Edgar finished, “it had a new head.

I always wondered how it got it.”

“I NEVER wanted to know.” They looked back at the empty field, and flew away.