Welcome to our new 🍂Fall Fiction Fill-In Series🍂 where we invite you to finish the endings of our stories and poems. So, come join us and have fun because…
It’s your turn to….
Write. Imagine. Continue….
Today’s we have a poem titled:
Off Course
Written by Tannika Nikeya
The leaves gently dance to the ground,
Their vibrant reds, greens, oranges, and yellows swirl around.
The brisk, cold air greets each of us as we get in line.
I stretch gently but firmly and await the time.
With my bookbag on my back and my headphones on,
I crouch down, I get in position like the moon at dawn.
I glance up briefly to look ahead.
I put my head back down,
And I start to feel dread.
My stomach churns in knots.
Down my forehead, sweat slowly drops.
Yet, I haven’t even begun.
And then I hear the pop of the starter gun.
I take off.
I don’t believe I’m ready.
I try to catch my breath,
But it isn’t steady.
I jog at a slow pace.
I smile through every race.
I was taught to push through and mind my face.
With years of pain,
Tears rolling down my face
Like slow drips of rain.
I get pleasure as they cheer me on,
But then I lose focus once the praise is gone.
I pick up my pace,
And I begin to focus ahead.
But I hear others on every side.
I try to keep my attention forward.
My expectations are high, but my confidence is lowered.
Comparison is creeping up in my heart.
My insecurities I can’t hide.
Fear grips me,
Like we are running together,
Holding on to me like a child to its mother
In stormy weather.
I run ahead, remembering someone prayed for me
And remembering what I prayed for.
But I come to the realization that I am weighed down.
I can’t run this race with joy
If I am trying to carry God’s crown.
It is something I am not capable of carrying,
So I am learning to lay it down.
With folly, I am running my race with heavy weights—
Doubts and fears,
Pride, grief, and past trauma
God wanted me to release for years.
Versions of myself
I had to outgrow.
He has been teaching me to trust Him
And to let go.
His yoke is easy,
And His burden is light.
I could win this race
If I believe He has already won
And can make me right.
My leg begins to cramp.
My head begins to hurt.
I slow down, but keep pushing forward
Because I have put in too much work.
But as I jog on,
I trip on a rock.
I keep going,
And I approach an unfamiliar block.
Did I detour?
Where is everyone?
Did I get lost?
My place in this race was paid for
But do I understand what it cost?
I am getting tired
I look ahead
I could give up
Or keep moving instead…
Hey Loves, now it’s your turn…
Write. Imagine. Continue….
the story!
For YouTube short video, visit https://youtube.com/shorts/oaDs0-O0hv8?is=7UJW_lt5vZupwQEj
