Highly Commended
Under 12 Years Category
By Dewi McConnaughie
The air was filled with sound as the midnight bell struck. All the noises of the world softened into a clean and still silence. Everywhere, blackness covered the land.
The fields were still, for there was no wind that night. Around me my family and friends were resting until the sun should rise. The stillness continued.
Everyone and everything was taking in the smooth and comforting night air. But I was awake.
Suddenly I heard a faint and fascinating noise from the clear black sky. A haunting shadow swooped over me. The creature eventually perched daintily on a thorn bush near a stream. It was a beautiful brown bird with huge great wings and dazzling moonlit eyes. The creature looked at his surroundings, gazing at places where he might receive a meal.
I have always wanted to reach out and touch things but I cannot. I wish I could decide where I go. I wish I had hands or paws to use.
Time went so quickly. Sunrise was coming soon. My time for wishing and reflecting was nearly up. As I gazed with intense fascination around my growth, I saw a bright silvery light on the stream gleaming like diamonds as the moon’s glare settled upon it.
Now the sun crept up from behind the horizon. My wishing was over.
