A Day Out.

Sandie Seward · A Day Out.

The following article I wrote as part of a "bare bones" exercise, in which you have to write a short story based on a given theme. The story must be totally un-edited, and be presented as it comes, without any alterations, or corrections.

This was my ten minuets worth. Hope you enjoy it.

After what seemed like an age, I managed to break free from the overall skin that had been my protection.
I slowly flexed my legs and wings, and stiffly climbed along the branch. The sun was hot and welcome on my body that had for months been cooped up inside that hollow brown carapice.
I could see it hanging by it's thread from the twig, it looked a poor, shrivelled travesty of a thing now. All life gone from it, just a broken case that had given me protection from any predators whilst I slept through the Winter.

I flexed my wonderful wings and they shimmered in the dancing sunlight. I felt wonderful life coursing through my tiny body as I suddenly, almost before I realised it, I was flying, hovering over the rippling water.
I felt a current of air and I rose, letting it take me where it wanted to. I saw others such as me, all joyous to be free of their ugly restraints and flying and hovering in this beautiful world.

I knew what I had to do. I had to find a mate to breed with, so my species could go on for another generation. Suddenly, there she was, the most beautiful insect I had ever seen. I flew close. Our wings touched and we fell, down and down, onto the grassy bank by the side of the water. We made love, quickly, without fuss or formality.

My job was done. She would lay her eggs, which I had fertilised, and a future batch of young Dragonflies would be born again. And so the age-old cycle would continue. I could enjoy the remainder of my short life, and die content.

c. Sandie Seward 2008.