Competition Thirty-Three Shortlisted: The Carriers of Light by Amanda Losinski
In the land of gloom and gunmetal shadows, the citizens carried jars of light. Many hid this treasure away under layers of clothing or sealed tight in rucksacks strapped to their backs, for there was nothing more precious or more coveted. A few carried their jars proudly aloft, and watched them shining and sparkling against a starless, black sky. Others held their jars in protective arms whilst casting furtive glances at their companions.
And then there was you…. You, who opened the jar into the palm of your hand, dipped your finger into the light and pointed the way. You, who tucked the brilliance behind your eyes, handed out gifts of iridescent sparks to passing strangers, trailed photons in your wake as if there were an infinite supply. You, who took my jar from my hands, poured the light over me, and smiled at my incredulity and delight as it soaked through my pores.
The light will leave us, of course; it always does. But until then, oh, how we will dance, how we will laugh at the darkness, how we will play amongst the stars.
Amanda is a retired higher education manager who lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband and two dogs. She has recently rediscovered a passion for writing and particularly enjoys the challenge of flash fiction. When not writing, she enjoys travelling, playing golf (badly) and walking her dogs in the local countryside.
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