This is my entry for the 2020 Fall Writing Frenzy contest hosted by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis. The contest objective is to write something (200 words max) inspired by one of the provided fall images. Below is the image I selected and the piece it inspired.

It’s been awhile since I wrote something other than a structured story, so working off a prompt was a lovely creative detour for my mind and soul! Let me know what you think in the comments!

Brewing

There's a story brewing around me. It’s cool, and it’s damp as it twirls and swirls. Teasing, tickling, begging to play -

But I don't know how to play with it.

This story that’s brewing surrounds me. I let it in, and feel it thrash. Tangly and mangly, contracting and pushing. Stifled, restrained, begging to grow - 

But I don't know how to grow it.

There's a story brewing inside me. It hints at what it could be. It uncoils and lengthens, stretching and shooting. Budding, blooming, begging for me to write - 

But I don't know how to write it.

This story that’s brewing consumes me. It questions all that I know. 

Am I smart enough? 

Am I strong enough? 

Am I good enough? 

To find the words for it to grow?

It swells, and it builds, this story inside, makes me feel like I just might explode.

It twists and transforms, until we’re both shaped anew. 

One writer. 

One story. 

One storm.

I’m a story that’s brewing. I’m expanding, and burning, a force that’s unfurling. Longing, learning, begging to dare -  

Am I brave enough to dare it?