Eat Dirt

That was one long subtitle! But, "Them's the rules" of L.C. Schäfer's latest challenge! (Although, technically, she didn't ask to include her challenge's name in the subtitle, so it's a bit my fault too).

When I chose the quote, Kera Hollow's "Grandfather's Burial" had too few likes and comments for how hauntingly beautiful it is. Now I see it won a Runner-Up in the "Out of Order" Challenge: way to go, Kera!!

The quote: "What does dirt taste like?" is part of the verse "And I asked you, Grandpa? What does dirt taste like?" that repeats throughout the poem.

This line brilliantly conveys the innocent and playful way only a young child could look at something as painful as the loss of a beloved family member. It stuck with me since the first time I read it, and I kept thinking how I wish I could write something so elegant and eloquent too.

Here's Kera's poem:

(Luckily, in the comments, she reveals that her grandpa is doing well. Which is another reason why I was so impressed by the emotions conveyed in her poem.)

Now, I cannot do justice to the beauty of her words, so I decided to turn them into something awkward instead.

Enjoy!

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"And when I win this thing, you'll be the one to eat dirt!" she said, extending her hand.

"Sure thing", I shook it confidently.

Everyone around us cringed.

God, I wish I'd known she had Pica!

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Author's note: For those who don't know, Pica is a serious mental health condition where people are driven to eat non-edible substances, often to the level of obsession.