February 2021 winners

Congratulations to the winners of our February competition. Feeling inspired? Have a go at this month's prompt.

Adult winner

Content warning: please note there is mild bad language included in this story.

Sue Whytock

Call this exercise? Lift one foot and then the other? I used to dance all night in heels!

And it's Kathleen, not Kath.

No, I don't want a frame; I'll do it in the chair.

I'm not a 'spoilsport.'

If I could only form the damned words, I'd tell you.

Gaelic winner

Martainn Mac an t-Saoir

Ceuman a’ Chaochlaidh

Nuair theicheas mi leatsa,

ciad-fàth mo smaointean,

fo chraobhan làn duillich

air frith-rathaidean ciùin,

builichidh tu saorsa

bho thruimead an t-saoghail seo,

ro fhaoin-shnaidhmt’ ri innealan,

tòn ghoirt gun lùth;

’s ann stiùiridh tu cùrsa leam

tarsainn gu aotromachd,

is buan bàidh do bheusan

gu àm dhol mu thàmh.

Translation by Gaelic Books Council

The Steps of Change

When I escape with you,

The object of my thoughts,

Under trees in full leaf

On quiet paths,

You grant a release

from the weight of this world,

Ensnared by gadgets,

A sore bottom, no strength;

You steer a path with me

Over to lightness,

Enduring is the affection of your qualities

Until it’s time to rest.

Young writers (12-18) winner

Rhona Mylne, age 12

No Ball Games, read the sign on the wall of her "home"

No Bikes In Stairwell, she was informed every time she entered.

"There's a huge obesity problem among those in Council Accommodation", the TV was blaring. "These people need to stop living off the council's money, and exercise more"

Young writers (5-11) winner

Luke Wilson, age 11

It was a normal gym day, sweaty men lifting weights, grunting like pigs; until a ginormous exercise-monster arrived and jumped on a treadmill. Unfortunately, he didn't have membership, so was kicked out. But the monster wanted to work his muscles so started picking up men and chucking them to Mars.