So, so pleased to be participating in a writing contest conceived by the very talented Susanna Leonard Hill:
The 2nd Annual Holiday Contest!!
As outlined on Susanna’s website, http://www.susannahill.blogspot.ca/2012/12/the-2nd-annual-holiday-contest.html, the brief seems simple: Write a children’s holiday story beginning with any version of “Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh.” You may use that actual opening, or you may change it to any similar version “[Verb of your choice]ing through the [any substance you choose] in a [conveyance of any kind].” For example, “Dashing through the sand in a two-wheeled donkey cart” or “Sloshing through the swamp in a green and white canoe” or “Flying through the air in a striped hot air balloon…” You get the idea, I’m sure 🙂
The catch (besides amazing entries from so many talented writers) is that it must be 350 words or less. Without further ado, may I present my 349-word entry:
The Isle of Misfit Mutts
Sailing o’er the seas
In a vintage sailing craft;
“Such a super holiday,”
Ole Jolly Santa laughed.
On a shiny spit of sand
Across the sparkling bay;
Romped misfit mutts without any homes
For either night or day.
Oh, Santa Claus, Santa Claus
He so loves island style;
He sails seas, and
Flies through skies,
Bringing everybody smiles.
Oh Santa Claus, Santa Claus
He so loves island style;
Please don’t forget,
These furry pets
Need homes off their mutt isle.
Nose and cheeks so bright,
Wide-as-clear-sky smile;
He sailed all day, feelin’ oh so gay,
Relaxing island style.
A Golden that’s Silver,
A Newfie, Salty Dawg;
Old, one-eyed Jack who led the pack,
Spike’s lookout on a log.
Oh…
Pups saw that boat did lurch,
They heard a giant crack;
With a roar like a boar, there lay in the bay,
Ole Santa on his back.
Poor Santa flailed and gasped,
Beneath the seas of blue;
Under in a flash without a splash
He couldn’t swim, who knew?
Oh…
Spike barked to raise alarm,
With spyglass, old Jack peered;
As Santa did sink into the drink
He was drowning, so they feared.
The hounds did gather round,
As one they crossed the beach;
Dog-paddled paw by paw,
So that Santa they could reach.
Oh…
But up ahead they spied,
A glistening fin of gray;
They barked at the shark, who jumped like a spark
And swiftly swam away.
With Silver holding feet,
Salty Dawg with mouth round beard;
Eight tiny paws grasping Santa Claus
As heavy as they feared.
Oh…
They dragged him from the surf
Up onto softest sand;
Santa coughed and heaved, feeling so relieved
To finally stand on land.
Looking round him Santa smiled,
As he met each Pup in turn;
“Please, be assured I’ll keep my word,
For you I will return.”
Oh, Santa Claus, Santa Claus
He so loves island style;
He sails seas, and
Flies through skies,
Bringing everybody smiles.
Oh Santa Claus, Santa Claus
He so loves island style;
He won’t forget,
These furry pets
Need homes off their mutt isle.
