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Treasure

“Treasure” by Holly Sheidenberger

Always wondered if there really was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Decided to go find out.

Wasn’t that hard. Surprised more folks don’t give it a try.

Found an iron cauldron full of gold coins.

Didn’t know what to do with the things. Thought about melting ’em down.

Found out a blacksmith’s forge would be just the thing, so I built one.

Melted the things down and got rich off the gold. But what was I gonna do with that forge?

Got to looking at that iron cauldron… Decided to make a wrought iron chandelier. Turned out pretty good.

Some rich lady loved the thing. Sold it to her even though I didn’t need the money.

Did need the work, though. Spend all my time with that forge now, making chandeliers. Never been so happy in my life.

Turns out the real treasure wasn’t the gold after all.

Homesick

“Homesick” by Holly Sheidenberger

Something smells foul. My sense of dread grows as the noxious odor fills my nostrils.

Suddenly a rock smacks into my shoulder. I stagger backwards, clutching at the hot, searing pain.

That’s when I see the Beast.

Our eyes lock. I’m paralyzed, frightened by his disturbingly human-like gaze.

His huge hairy hands grab my throbbing shoulders and drop me into a deep, dark hole.

I am captive.

He brings me raw meat each morning and sleeps next to me at night.

He is not cruel, but he smells.

Finally, I escape. I run, desperate for the sanctuary of home.

But my story is received with taunts, jeers, ridicule, and suspicion. They whisper that I am stupid and crazy.

I am shamed, a fool. I want to hide.

I am homesick for that deep, dark hole. I think I miss the Beast.