FIRLING'S FRIEND
By: Molly Ippolito Word Count: 250 Firling breathed in the cold, crisp breeze. Though he stood only as tall as the park bench beside him, he could still sense the yuletide in the air. Firling’s thin branches stood still. He could hear the warm laughter in the snow covered park. His scarce pine needles vibrated with joy as the sweet notes of Christmas carols echoed off the frozen pond. ‘Tis the season! Firling thought. Soon I’ll be dressed in my Christmas best! Firling watched as rows of nearby trees were adorned with colorful ornaments. Yards of beautiful garland twisted and twirled around his tree neighbors. Bright stars twinkled and angels perched atop trees as far as Firling could see. Who will decorate me? Firling worried. Suddenly a small girl approached. “Aw! Poor, little tree! You’re the only bare one in the park.” Firling felt his bare branches sag. “Oh Christmas Tree, I can help! You stay right here! I’ll be back!” Time passed and Firling began to worry that the girl wouldn’t come back. As the sun was just starting to set, the girl returned. Carefully, she hung hand cut paper hearts from Firling’s branches. She wrapped long strands of braided yarn from trunk to tree top. Finally, she placed a brightly painted cardboard star on Firling’s highest branch. The girl beamed at her work. “Oh, little tree! How lovely are your branches!” The little girl flashed Firling one last smile, before heading down the sidewalk. Here I am, Firling thought. Dressed in my Christmas best! Image courtesy of: The Post & Courier
17 Comments
12/7/2020 07:47:13 am
I enjoyed visualizing this story as it developed. I love that the child went hope to make decorations. So sweet.
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Molly
12/7/2020 09:15:54 am
Thank you so much! :)
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12/7/2020 11:15:47 am
I love this story! I love Firling and his little friend!
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Molly
12/8/2020 06:12:49 am
Thank you, friend! I appreciate your help with making it come together! :)
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Amy Whetstone
12/7/2020 06:24:17 pm
Love this, so descriptive and such a sweet story!!!!
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Molly
12/8/2020 06:13:13 am
Thank you! <3
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KELLY SWEMBA
12/7/2020 07:38:23 pm
I love this!!! So much sweetness told so beautifully! Good luck!
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Molly
12/8/2020 06:13:28 am
Thanks so much! I appreciate the kind words! :)
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Ashley Congdon
12/7/2020 08:00:51 pm
I love the language you use and the rhythm you've created throughout. Unique POV and how the tree sees the decorations as getting dressed. What great imagery you've created and the sweetest line, "Soon I’ll be dressed in my Christmas best!" Great job and good luck!
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Molly
12/8/2020 06:15:12 am
Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind feedback! Good luck to you too! Excited to check out your entry as well!
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12/8/2020 05:37:05 am
Such a vibrantly visual story, I could see it playing out.
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Molly
12/8/2020 06:15:26 am
Thank you so much! :)
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12/8/2020 07:01:04 am
Sweet story! I love the image of the one "Charlie Brown" tree amidst all the others.
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Molly
12/8/2020 04:34:44 pm
Thank you so much! That's exactly what I was going for...so glad it came through! :)
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12/9/2020 12:56:57 am
I love the name Firling and so special he got homemade love decorations to make him look his best 😁
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12/12/2020 03:57:42 am
So sweet, I love the line calling back to the "O Christmas Tree" carol. Good luck!
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AuthorMy name is Molly Ippolito. But, my 3rd graders call me Mrs. Ippy! I love to learn, I love to teach, I love to write. Archives
February 2021
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