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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#90: Down to Earth

On April 22nd 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated in the US. More than 50 years later, this annual event unites millions across the globe, as we turn our attention towards climate action and building a safer home for ourselves and all life on Earth.

Earth Day provides an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our relationship with the planet — and what better way to do that than by writing about it? Whether you follow in the footsteps of the Romantics, who believed in the rehabilitating powers of nature, or the SFF giants whose dystopian novels have long forewarned the demise of Earth Prime, let’s join in the spirit of Earth Day and get closer to nature with this week’s prompts!

This week's prompts

Write a story that weaves together multiple lives through their connection to a particular tree.

Spring – 246 stories

Write a story in which an endangered species (of plant or animal) plays a central role.

Middle School – 94 stories

Set your story in a world living with the consequences of a climate apocalypse.

Science Fiction – 133 stories

Write about a community that worships Mother Nature.

Summer – 82 stories

Start your story with someone sitting on a crowded train and end it with them looking out over beautiful natural scenery.

Spring – 258 stories

Stories

“Where Elephants Tread” by Peter Stanley

Submitted to Contest #90

WHERE ELEPHANTS TREAD My wife, Mame and I were dining with Reggie, a Director of Carson’s who looked after the tea and rubber estates in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. One of the foremost hunters in the country and head of a well known family, he lived in a fine old colonial house with his family and a retinue of ancient retainers; both he and his wife Yvonne were well known for their hospitality. As an agriculturist Reggie had considerable knowledge of the island's soil and climate, the ingredients of the meal we were eating came from the ...

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“Mark and Linda ” by Rose Quartz

Submitted to Contest #90

“I don’t want you hiding any more secrets from me,” Linda said to Mark. “I haven’t hid anything from you.” Mark claimed. “Then how do you explain the death threats in your computer? Did you write those to yourself?” “I am in danger, Linda. I didn’t want to put you in danger by telling you about it.” Mark said. A new notification had appeared in your inbox, would you like me to read it out loud? Mark looked over to Linda, who stood there with her arms crossed, and directed him with her eyes to play the message.&nbs...

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“The Bank Raid” by Iona Cottle

Submitted to Contest #90

Freezing water splashes over the bow of the boat and into my face, but I don’t dare take my hand off the side to wipe it away. The biting wind cuts through all the layers of my clothing and rags, and soon my bones are sore from the cold. Hargreaves leans over from where he’s clutching the rail next to me. “Makes a pleasant change, doesn’t it?” he laughs. “A change yes. Not so sure it’s pleasant.” The heat we were trapped in only a week ago seems like a distant memory, but at least my body didn’t ache so much there. I could also see the...

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“A Darker Forest” by Colin Devonshire

Submitted to Contest #90

“Here we are, kids. I used to play hide and seek with your auntie when I was your age. Lovely old tree, isn’t it?” His memory, like Movietone, pictured his black and white sister grabbing the biggest and best conkers from the ancient horse chestnut, branches bowed with the weight of prickly inedible fruit. The family Alsatian, Bruno, tail wagging, ran around in circles, begging for a ball to be lobbed into the trees. Bounded to and from child to trunk. “When are we going home?” asked Sadie. “Yeah come on Dad, there is no connection out here,...

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“Mother Nurtures” by Kendall Defoe

Submitted to Contest #90

“Let the joyous festivities begin!” Wild applause rang up and down the valley as the Observants unfurled their banners and told the Supplicants where they could dance and sing. The Cleaners were right in front of both groups to make sure no damage was done to the wide expanse of nature in front of them. And at least they had a beautiful day for it. Carnelius spoke once more. “Remember, flora and fauna: we commune with Nature because Nature is within us and without us. It sees us and we see it. Enjoy what you will.” More applause ra...

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“The World Through a Child's Eyes” by Lily Rebecca 🐰🐾

Submitted to Contest #90

My battered brown shoes act as a mirror. Reflecting my unworthiness. My hand brushes against the side of my face. My hair clings to my sodden cheek, making me seem small and dirty. The train rattles on. Its carriages swaying up and down with the motion of the tracks. Rain beats against the windows, its soft sound lulling me into a place of peace. A man moves near me and immediately walks away. I sigh and put my hands in my lap. No one sits near me. An orphan abandoned at the mere age of 2. My brother, Auberon, looked after me. Until he didn'...

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“The Reflection” by Sol Mondschein

Submitted to Contest #90

I woke up. My head felt heavy and I was sweating. I tried to stand up but I couldn’t. My legs had gone numb. But I wasn’t surprised. It happened all the time. I have this nightmare every now and then, but when I wake up I can’t remember what it was about. Well, I don’t over think about it, because I don’t really have the time. I live quite a busy life. I live with my dad and little sister in a village far away from the city. We moved here when my mother died. If I remember correctly, it was about five or six years ago. I still remember my mo...

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“Drops of Hope (A Neo Kosmo Story)” by Josh C

Submitted to Contest #90

Squalor. That was the only way Cairo could describe the scene. Even at 11 years old it was apparent. Far from the gorgeous green fields and full, flowing rivers that had been promised, his family had arrived to a barren plain, skulking grey skies, and the only view an enormous concrete wall separating them from the European Federation of States.“Can you watch your brother please? Go meet your father, he should be coming home any moment.” Cairo’s mother called from the entrance of the temporary prefab shelter, one hand on her enlarged belly, ...

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“Thou Shalt Not Kill” by Iskra Lazarova

Submitted to Contest #90

This story has no happy ending. At least not for you. You are the ones that create problems and solve them with war and destruction. Your cruelty towards all you touch, see, breathe, causes horror, scars me, haunts me. Destroys me. You call me beautiful, yet intoxicate me, say you’re grateful for all I’ve created, and you slaughter all the beauty, all mortal souls. You spend millions on killing parasites, still you are the worst kind, disgusting miserable leeches. At first, I was furious. I sent you many signs, warned you. I gave you a ch...

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“10 Centimeters” by Nova Artino

Submitted to Contest #90

Kol. I was staring at the pale ocean water as it lay stagnant in the windless air. I have been laying here for a while now, pondering what my life would be like with someone to love. All of the touching and the feeling of my lips brushing against hers. Of course, I haven't been interested or even come to think of this until recently, it's almost embarrassing to admit. I tend to spend my free time swiping my feet off the banks of the ocean as I stare into the reflection of my eyes like I may get to see my future. I have hope for myself al...

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“The Land of the Tigers” by Darya Silman

Submitted to Contest #90

For Abbey ForrestIA Siberian tiger was old. The last winter, when the temperature fell to minus 40, took its toll. The Tiger didn't have the strength to enjoy the fast-pacing spring, brooks growing into rivers and rivers becoming mighty, insurmountable streams. The lukewarm sun couldn't reach the underwood through the still naked branches, and the first pheasant's eyes on clearings coexisted with deep snow lumps in the ravines. Green blades of grass stretched upward, piercing the wetness of yesteryear fallen leaves. Golden petals with white ...

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“Murder Train” by Raymond Ogilvie

Submitted to Contest #90

First class was heavy with perfume, the scent so thick it could’ve had a physical presence. A splitting migraine ensued and it was only eleven thirty. I decided I needed a break from the alcoholic air and made my way to the lavatory, nearing the caboose. Upon arrival (not even entrance!) I instantly wished I had toughed out my headache. A nauseatingly rotten smell had assaulted me. It came from the lavatory car, but the odor was atypically bad. I have no clue why, despite this, I opened that door. The compulsion could have been what saved...

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“The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica” by Ella Eichel

Submitted to Contest #90

“You don’t want to be late, honey!” Maria's mama yelled. Maria ran out the front door, but then frisked back inside to retrieve her lunch bag. “Oops,” Maria said, “I suppose I was so excited it slipped my mind.” “I figured,” her mama said with a smile. She kissed her on the head and Maria sprinted out the door. This was going to be the best day ever; she was going on a field trip to the coolest place in the world: The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica Maria rushed out the door and her friend, Esperanza, who lived down the street, was al...

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“we'll be alright in time ” by Kiki Shanae

Submitted to Contest #90

" its okay to cry Pete " My bestfriend Michael comforted me as my tears kept flowing like a waterfall , a waterfall that pours its sadness in my soul. I miss my mama. Just last night I was getting ready to bed whilst my mama was reading me a bed time story as I hug my teddy bear, now I am inside a train with my cabin having five other boys headed to a "safer place" they said, the only thing that has not changed is the fact that Im still hugging my teddy. Michael is a year older than everybody else inside the cabin, but he is m...

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“A TRAIN SCENERY” by Opher 51 2022 REYES

Submitted to Contest #90

A year ago, I went to Multan via train throughout the late spring get-away. I significantly appreciated this rail line venture as I acquired some important encounters during it. A colleague of mine and I were going together to Multan. The train began from Lahore at 8 on a June morning. The sunrays were hitting our compartment straightforwardly, so we needed to put down the shades over the windows. Some way or another, the climate got overcast around early afternoon, and we drew up the shades for full light and for having a perspective on the...

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$50

Prize money

813

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Apr 23, 2021 EST

Won by Nina Chyll 🏆

Title: The Tree Surgeon's Dictionary

Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.

Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!

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