Author Susanna Leonard Hill is sponsoring a children’s writing contest, in poetry or prose, about “Spring.” There is a maximum number of 350 words. And, the last line must be “[Character Name] knew spring was here at last. Entries should be posted on your blog between Friday, March 15 and Monday, March 19. And you post-specific link should be added to official “In Just Spring Contest” post. My word count is 348.
The Red Kite
Tommy flapped his arms and raced up the hill near his home. The chilly wind blew through his hair and painted his cheeks rosy. He stopped at the top and thrust his arms towards the sky. Tommy turned and faced four different directions.
“The wind is just right,” he yelled to his sister, Emma. “Today is a good day to fly our kite.”
Tommy and Emma ran to the barn and pulled open the door. Their red kite hung on a post. They had spent two days assembling the kite frame with sticks and string. They cut and folded the paper, stretched it over the frame and glued the sides. The last thing they added was a streaming tail.
“Emma, will you hold the kite so I can attach the string?” asked Tommy. “Okay, let’s go fly Red.”
“I c-can’t wait to see Red f-fly,” stammered Emma.
They climbed the hill and searched for the perfect spot to catch a breeze. Tommy handed the kite to Emma and showed her how to place it above her head. He backed away letting the string slowly unwind until he felt the right amount of tension.
“When I start to run, let the kite go” he instructed Emma. “Ready?”
Emma nodded. She felt a tug and let go. The kite lifted into the air. ZOOM! ZOOM! The kite veered to the left and to the right. It suddenly dove into the ground. KER-PLUNK! Emma quickly retrieved the kite.
“It’s f-f-fine,” she called. “Let me t-t-try.”
Scott held the kite and Emma backed away slowly. She felt the wind between them support the kite.
“Now, let g-go,” she called to Tommy. Emma slowly caught a waft of wind and maneuvered the kite’s ascent into the sky with her magic touch. It rose higher and higher. She handed Tommy the kite string.
Tommy felt the power of the wind and the exhilaration of Red soaring amidst the backdrop of a blue sky with billowy clouds.
“We did it Emma!” exclaimed Tommy. “Red flew.”
“Hooray,” Emma cheered.
Tommy knew spring was here at last!