Part C: The A-Z of Unusual Words

I am publishing this a bit early. As of 9 PM Pacific time, my last contest, part B, will conclude.

As always, you are welcome to submit an entry for every letter in the appropriate contest page's comments. This will count toward the end as long as it's done before Z concludes- I will use it for some big final contest. Part A judging has also been completed and the two winners paid. Click the links above to learn more.

With that, I have not figured out how to add comments when I send tips to the winners. The last winners both got unlabeled $1 tips. If anyone understands how to use this function fully and wants to leave that information in the comments, I'd be so grateful.

Now, the contest:

If you want the full rundown of the contest, start here. The rules are the same for every letter. The short version is below:

1. Choose a word not in everyday vernacular that begins with C. This can be a technical word, a cultural word or something else out of the ordinary. Provide a definition, either from a dictionary or in your own words.

2. Tell me why you connect with the word and the themes that it evokes.

3. Create a microfiction/microessay or poem based on the word and its themes. Try to keep this to no more than 100-125 words.

4. Mention this contest and link to the contest page.

5. Put a link to your published story in the comments below.

Each contest ends on a Tuesday night around 9 PM Pacific time. This chapter will end on October 15. Judging is always the week after, so watch for letter B winners the week of October 7 and letter C winners the week of October 21.

How to Win

There will be two $1 winners in two categories. Two different people will win each time (unless only one person enters).

Best word and meaning/connection: The winner of this category has some combination of a unique, fun word, a personal connection with a compelling story, and a thoughtful explanation of the themes that the word evokes.

Best poem/story: The winner of this part has a beautifully written piece that does a good job exploring the themes in their word.

My Example:

I have enjoyed taking on this challenge with the rest of you. Here is my take on the letter C.

Crepuscular: A term referring to animals who are most active at dawn and dusk.

My Connection:

I spend much of my headspace in shadowy, gray, in-between spaces. At work, I often end up explaining to others the places where nature and rules conflict. This is where the spectrum of an ecosystem or natural feature won't fit on just one side of an arbitrary line. At home, I also get to parent a tween who is just beginning to explore the shifting state between child and adult.

Although I am at home in the diurnal light of day and under the starry nocturnal sky, so many of the best conversations- and the most opportunities for growth- happen in the crepuscular world. These transition times can be difficult, but they are beautiful and magnetic. Coming-of-age stories are timeless. Sunsets and sunrises are regarded with unflagging awe. In shifting from one thing to another, we are required to examine what we cannot leave behind and discard much of the rest. We must find the courage to try out the terrifying new realities that come next.

My Poem:

Crepuscular

For a minute,

the trees will draw thick, dark lines

across the earth and

boisterous day

will start to

self-censor

into tiny granules of light and sound,

sprinkled throughout

a blanket of whisper and dark.

Within the shift, we of golden fur

hide in breaths of dawnlight

or silhouette against too-bright

setting sun.

Here,

now

we can be as spirit Coyote,

cast echoes and shadows

to confuse

into stillness

our prey.

We slip,

unnoticed,

unhurried

through cacophony

of egoist birdsong.

Summer twilight

ripens and

swells,

we spend long minutes

on the brink

of dark

inches from

the duties

of light.

We are beings

of the ephemeral-

to stay here,

to choose neither night

or day

we must remain nameless,

fluid

unexplored.

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Good luck to those who enter!