Fingers numb, Sadie ties
wolf skins to the pack
on the toboggan.
The river is finally solid.
She’s told she’s big enough
to toddle over ice.
She double-checks
her knots, picks up
the family hen, and steps
onto the margin between countries.
Crossing Saint Clair
Published by
Northwest Journals 
Great little story. Loved the imagery. ♥
Thanks much, Kathy! To many good entries this week. I’m trying to get to them all.
I love this! It’s a great story in and of itself; the fact that it’s related to your family history make it all the better. Very, very cool. Thanks for joining the gargleblaster this week!
Thanks for having me, Christine!
Powerful tale-in just 42 words-awesome!
I like the imagery. The detail, particularly that chicken, bring the moment alive.
I really enjoyed this — and want to know more of the story!
Hee Hee. Me too! Thanks empress for the comment.
I have chills.
Wow, thanks Robbie!
Well-written and evocative. You took me there!
You’ve painted a full picture here with just a few words–great job!
“The margin between countries”
That could mean a lot of things. I’ll probably think about that turn of phrase for awhile. Enjoyed it.
The knot made it so real for me! Great story in just 42 words.
What a cool story for a family history. I love the detail of her picking up the family hen.
Thanks Marcy! Trying to convey that she was doing what she could to help her family immigrate across the river, but I think it’s still too vague. I like the kernel of the story though, so I’m going to keep at it!
ooh a curious adventure!
Indeed! One that she’s been waiting patiently for.
I agree, the last line is a great hook. Well written, and I can feel the cold. 🙂
Thank you, Claudette!
I taught school one year in Canada, one of my students loved to tell me how he swam across a creek to the States at his grandparents all the time. At twelve the world is your oldster.
Ha, yes, back in the days when it was just that easy!
This is great. Especially love the last line.
Thanks, Meg!