 | |
| |
Short Stories Miscellaneous Stories I'm The Pirate!
|
|
|
I'm The Pirate! |
|
| Written by David Neve | |
| Tuesday, 15 April 2008 | |
Michael watched patiently as the mist slowly cleared. Gradually he could see a young boy, ten years of age. He was riding a roller coaster, hands high in the air, hair flying all about. The boy was radiating joy as he took his eyes off of the tracks for only a moment to smile at his dad sitting beside him. Michael stayed with the boy for as long as he could, sharing the happiness that the boy was experiencing.
Reluctantly, he had to let the image go as the mist took over again. When it cleared he found himself at a breakfast table watching the same young boy. The boy's family was with him at the table, along with stacks of pancakes, bacon, ham, and eggs. Michael could smell the mix of flavors and feel the pleasure that the boy experienced as he allowed himself to bask in the love that surrounded the boy.
That image left also, as the mist claimed Michael again. This time when the mist cleared he saw a group of boys in a field beside a river. This was a dangerous place for children of any age to be playing. All along the edge of the field where earth met river the land had eroded away; there was a twenty-foot drop to the edge of the river below.
The entire group was standing dangerously close to the edge. There was an argument taking place within the group and Michael moved closer to the boy as he listened. It was pretty apparent, the argument. It was the never-ending confrontation of bully versus passive, good kid.
"I want to be the pirate, so I'm gonna be the pirate."
"That's not fair! You always pick whatever you want, even if somebody already picked it! You have to be somebody else - I'm the pirate this time!"
"I'm the biggest one here, so I can do what I want!" The bully glared at each and every one of the boys, one at a time, daring somebody to challenge him, "Which means, I'm the pirate."
The other boy looked around at everyone in the group to see if he was going to get any support, and saw that it was a lost cause. Michael could feel the rage building up inside of the boy; something that he knew the boy had never experienced before. Tired of the bully always getting his way, the boy finally snapped and yelled, "Fine then! I'll be the murderer!" as he shoved the bully over the edge.
* * *
Michael woke quietly, not opening his eyes. Tears were streaming down his cheeks as the strength of the dream slowly faded. He remembered that day well enough without the seemingly endless nightly assault. He remembered how one moment he was fine, and the next he was consumed with uncontrollable rage. He remembered being afraid for everyone that loved him.
He slowly felt around to confirm his surroundings. The metal rack he slept in, the flat featureless pillow he rested his head on. Still shaking from the dream, he let go a breath of relief as he confirmed that everyone was safe. Seventeen-year-old Michael Sparks, the good kid, the passive kid, was still in prison.
Comments (13) |
 04-15-2008 05:06, Very strong story...But it seems weird that Michael should be in prison for something he did as a child? » Reply to this comment... » See all 1 replie(s)  04-15-2008 07:49, Great story. » Reply to this comment...  04-15-2008 08:04, Wow...great story about child rage. And here I thought I was going to read about pirates. Got my hopes up too! » Reply to this comment...  04-15-2008 11:17, I also thought this would be about pirates. This wasn't greatly written, but a lot of your stories seem to have a worthy lesson attached. And that's nice to see. To act out on emotion without thinking of the repercussions (consequences). (Though, it's true, the kid going to prison was a little surreal. Heh.) » Reply to this comment...  04-15-2008 14:38, Going to bed now feeling a bit sad.Gotta admit i thought it had pirates init.Good story about the lessons of life. » Reply to this comment...  04-16-2008 18:52, Tarhead, this is a fine story. But its not about pirates. » Reply to this comment...  04-16-2008 20:24, Well I think if he fantasizes about murderers instead of pirates then he probably had problems before the cliff incident. Good story » Reply to this comment...  04-18-2008 11:29, nice work about reflecting on ones past unfortunate deeds » Reply to this comment...  04-19-2008 02:40, damn i wanted pirates! great story though...my sister has fits of fury i dunno why...maybe its coz i sit there and poke her...i just dont know. lol im sry im too tired to write something meaningful. keep the writing up :) » Reply to this comment...  04-24-2008 12:32, clicked on the story thinking it was about people with peg legs and parrots but was compltely fooled...good story, maybe the bully should have given up his position of pirate though » Reply to this comment...  04-27-2008 14:18, I was wondering if Michael was a guy traveling through time watching this kid but the ending gave a more shocking answer as to what was happening. As you would say, Write on! » Reply to this comment... 04-27-2008 14:44, ...Wow... That was... it was... amazing » Reply to this comment...  04-28-2008 06:59, Powerful message you've written about here. My only suggestion would be to show not tell. And to use the five senses more. Great write. » Reply to this comment... |
| Only registered users can comment. Please login or register. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
