Look down. You’ll find one by a trail if it’s from a gum tree. Or maybe you’re in luck and walking by a creek where the wind has blown so hard, it’s dropped a branch from a willow; perhaps a week ago. Take your time. It’s important. There’s no rush nor greater decision.
Make sure it snaps from the branch. Dead; but not drained of life’s juices. Bend it and check its tensile strength. If the bark crumbles away, but the stick doesn’t break, it’s a keeper. Take all that bark off so it gleams. Swish it through the air; slice and dice the universe and listen as your stick cuts it to pieces. Hold it under your arm ala Hitler or was it Himmler and goose step 50 paces whilst saluting like a Nazi. Feel the power in that stick. I know it can be frightening. Now brandish it. It’s a sword. You’re armed. You’ve been weaponized. They’re all around you, but they know nothing of your skill. Role to the ground cutting at the tendons of their ankles. Leap to your feet and on to that stump. Take the high ground. Command it. It’s yours. Find an ants’ nest and dig them out with all the mercy of a spider. Root them out and lay them to waste. When you see those little white things scattered from here to kingdom come, you can rest. They won’t be regrouping anytime soon.
Take a walk. Trail your stick behind you so that it makes snake tracks in the gravel, raising red dust as the end sharpens. Now you really are dangerous. Prod your brother if he’s there and see what he makes of it. Get ready to run or fight; it’s up to you. You’ve got a stick. Or maybe your brother will grab that stick and break it off in your hand. Or maybe, and this is most likely, he’s got a stick of his own. So, feel the sting as it whips your legs. See the welts redden instantaneously on the back of your hand as you defend with your sword. It hurts. Try not whimper. Pain has its place among the firmament. Don’t back down. Fight back. Give him what for on his legs. Don’t get angry. Don’t disgrace yourself; you started it. Don’t lose your love for him. Find your heart. Know yourself. That’s what sticks are for.
deliriousgirl, 9 months ago
To paraphrase: WOW!
LOVE, jen
deliriousgirl, 8 months ago
I just love this story!
Yasemin Sumner, 8 months ago
Wow. This is incredible. Such a voice. I was there the whole way.
Digby, 8 months ago
Thanks Yasemin.
Jessica Tremp, 7 months ago
oh my…yes, i was there the whole way too
Digby, 7 months ago
Thanks for your comment Jessica.
fleur14, 7 months ago
gosh y’re really rather good
man who honoured the stick
how fabulous to have ‘discovered’ y. :-)
Davina, 7 months ago
I rather like this. You made me feel as though I were just young and carefree again, and for that, I thank you.
Digby in reply to Davina’s comment, 7 months ago
Thanks Davina. Young and carefree and being whipped by a stick. I have two very young sons (twins). One day, I was taking them for a walk by a creek and I gave them a couple of sticks to play with. It took me back, so when I came home I wrote this.
Davina, 7 months ago
Being whipped by a stick can be…fun. =)
Natella2020, 5 months ago
This is incredibly well-written, just an all-around good read. Definitely a favorite. Glad I came across it.
Digby in reply to Natella2020’s comment, 5 months ago
Thanks a lot Natella2020. You’ve made my day.
bellmusker, 5 months ago
It takes a hell of a lot to place me inside the mind of a child – I have issues with that part of my life – but this is rich and imaginative and for a moment, I almost felt like I was a freckled cherub with blonde plaits and a pure heart, walking with my sister by the creek on my uncle’s deer farm….no wonder this was featured!
Digby in reply to bellmusker’s comment, 5 months ago
Thanks bellmusker. You’re the greatest. Plus I hope it wasn’t that deer farm where you learnt the ins and outs of beastiality that you used to enlighten your English class.
bellmusker, 5 months ago
I do believe you just made me cackle! I said a pure heart – not the salacious wench that sits here typing now – it’s not only my hair that’s darkened! But thank you for that thought just before I lope off to bed. If I have confusing dreams about deer tonight, you’ll be to blame.
Gregory Edwards, 4 months ago
Wow, this stick as your focus has wonderous visions within its magic!!!
Digby in reply to Gregory Edwards’s comment, 4 months ago
Thanks Greg. It’s just your garden variety stick, but I thought I’d give it a break.
LindaR, 3 months ago
excellent ~ I wish you could see my face and know the experience is delivered ~ inside a little boy I now know ~ thank you! xx