Today’s blog post is inspired by Susanna Leonard Hill’s valentine contest. She challenged participants to write a children’s story in poetry or prose about unlikely Valentines–in less than 200 words. Here’s my attempt:
UNDERWATER BLISS
A shark saw his mark when he spied a wee fish,
‘I’ll have her for my dinner. She’ll make a tasty dish.’
But as the shark gave chase, the stronger his emotion
Changed from one of hunger, to love and pure devotion.
‘Look at how she swims. She darts with style and grace.’
Each swish of her tail, made his ol’ heart race.
‘Your eyes are round and beautiful, your scales are just divine.
I promise not to eat you, if you promise to be mine.’
The fish, who’d tired of swimming, succumbed to his charm.
And as the shark promised, she never came to harm.
But she’s ever so careful when she gives her love a kiss,
Lest those razor sharp teeth of his accidentally miss.
This is terrific, Rebecca! What fun! And very unlikely indeed! Well done, and thanks so much for joining in the contest – I’m glad you were inspired
Thanks, Susanna! Now that I’ve found you and your blog, I’ll be returning for more inspiration!
Wonderful story. I love the shark tooth ending, what fun.
Thank you, Catherine! I wanted to end on a humorous note and figured the teeth were the way to go.
Love! Love! Love! it Rebecca. I’m so glad you joined the contest.
Love, love, love your poem too! Thanks for the heads up about the contest. I’ve been following Susanna’s blog but it wasn’t until you shared the link that I decided to spend my Sunday morning composing a poem (instead of working on my PB submission for the crit group).
I love it! Reminds me of that great shark support group refrain from “Finding Nemo”:
“Fish are friends, not food!”
Such a great film! I watched it nearly five times through on a flight to Australia once, thanks to the two year old sitting on my lap. Or I use her as my excuse, at any rate. The story line must be locked in my subconscious. Thanks for your comment, Cathy!
wow! that was super, I loved it. Such an unlikely Valentine. Lovely to read Rebecca.
Thank you, patientdreamer! It was fun to write–and it’s not often I say that about writing.
Really cute and creative! Great job on your third ever blog post! I’m impressed.
I appreciate it, Margaret! Off to look at more of the other entries now.
HA! Loved your ending, Rebecca. Well done!
Thanks, Renee! Your entry made me laugh as well!
Great Job Rebecca! Loved your story! FUN!!! I especially loved your ending–so funny!
Thanks so much, Natalie! I’m glad to hear everyone likes the ending.
Love it! It’s fun and cute at the same time!
Yay! Another Rebecca. Thanks for your kind words. I look forward to reading your entry!
What fun! I love the last line. Excellent entry!
Cheers, Heather! I was just checking out your entry and your fairy sketches at your blog. Boy, do I envy your talent.
Thank you very much! I’m glad you popped over.
I love it! Great poem.
Thanks, Tracy, and thanks for stopping by. Just visited your blog. Congratulations on becoming a World Book Night giver.
Hi Rebecca!
Love the poem! So full of suspense…what will happen? So full of humor…especially the ending!
Welcome to the blogosphere…glad you’ve hopped aboard…get ready for a wonderfully wild ride.
Thanks, Vivian! I’m not sure about the whole blogging thing. I see it as a big distraction from writing. But in this case, it inspired me.
LOL. Full of fun!
Glad it made you laugh! Thanks, Joanna!
Very cute poem!! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank you, Tina! Happy Valentine’s Day to you also!
Now that IS an unlikely Valentine!! Great poem!
Cheers, Erik! But I think you’ve got us all beat on the most unlikely pairing!
Well done! Love the ending. Twilight for fish.
I like that analogy!
Thanks, Hannah!
Quite enjoyed your Valentine – am head over fin!
Ha! Good one! Thanks for your comment, Julie!
What a terrific poem — love the cautious ending! Very unlikely pair. Great entry.
Thanks, Patricia! Btw, just had a look at your blog. A wealth of information there on books that truly help children. Definitely one to follow!
Love these unlikely Valentines.
Loved yours too! I think there needs to be a mustard chocolate bar actually. If chili chocolate can work, surely mustard chocolate can too. Hope you got lots of both for V. Day!
lol, loved it. I’m glad he didn’t end up eating her.
Not yet, anyway.
Thanks, Jennifer!
Thanks for commenting on my story which enabled me to find you quickly. I think this so clever and awesome! I keep reading better and better valentine day stories for the contest. It’ll be hard for Susanna to pick the winner I think. Thanks for sharing. It was fun to do wasn’t it?
Yes, it was! And I don’t know about you, but as I mentioned above, I don’t often find writing fun–only the act of having written. Thanks for your kind comments, Clarike!
lol! Whats love without a little danger, eh?
So true! Cheers, Ben!
The rhythm and rhyme of your poem were spot on! I enjoyed reading it aloud!
I didn’t use my metronome this time so I wasn’t sure it would be.
Thanks for saying so, Eric!
oh yes, the last line is perfect! Great job, Rebecca!
I recognise that name.
Thanks so much, Amy! And thanks for stopping by!
Greetings!
I am hopping over from GUTGAA and trying to visit some blogs before the fun begins. Nice to meet you…you have a lovely blog!
Donna L Martin
http://www.donnalmartin.com
http://www.donasdays.blogspot.com