Here is a summary of the rules for the contest:
• Write a children's story, in poetry or prose, maximum 350 words. • The story must be about something that really says "SPRING" to you - something that really makes you feel that spring is here!
• The only other requirement is that the last line must be "[Character Name] knew Spring was really here!" or "[Character Name] knew Spring was here at last!"
More information can be found on Susanna's website, here.
Since our family celebrates the Biblical foundation of Easter, I composed this little story at 347 words.
Suzie's Spring
Suzie's favorite season was Spring. She couldn't wait for it to arrive.
Will Spring be here soon, Mama?
"Not until the bluebells push through the earth, Sweetheart."
The next day she asked, "Today? Is it today?"
"No, dear, the robins have not come home to sing. Maybe tomorrow."
Tomorrow arrived, but not the Spring. "Is it here?"
"Not yet, honey. Be patient! The buds of the forsythia bush have not begun to bloom. "
Suzie could wait only two more days. This time, she was sure it had come.
"Now, Mama? Is it Spring?"
"I'm very sorry bunny-kins, but no. The robins have not arrived at our bird feeder."
Suzie was not happy. In fact, she was cross.
"I can't wait, Mama!" she complained.
"Darling, have a seat on my lap. I want to tell you something."
Suzie obeyed, but not with a happy heart.
Mama continued, "Remember when we talked about Jesus, and His special work on the cross for us?"
"Yeeaaaahh. And we made those res...res..resurr..."
"Resurrection cookies. That's right! Remember how, after we put them in the oven, we taped it shut?"
"You let me do it, Mama!"
"Yep. And the oven was like the tomb where Jesus was laid after they took him down from the cross. And why did we taped it?
"'Couldn't open it because Jesus stayed in the tomb for three days."
"Good, Suzie! Now, when we removed the meringues and bit into them, what did we discover?"
"I know! They were empty in the middle."
"Exactly!"
"Just like Jesus' tomb...empty!"
"Yes...Jesus came back to life again, just like He promised, so those who believed could someday live with Him in Heaven. A new life, and a new beginning!
"But when is Spring coming?"
"Just at the right time...when new life comes, Spring will begin!"
Three days later it happened.
"Mama, guess what!! Guess what I saw!"
What dear?
A robin, a yellow blossom, and bluebells!!
Well, well," Mama said, "new life has begun. Spring has sprung!"
Suzie's Spring had come at last.
