Worth Saving?

I expected more from this job. I know CPR. I have on my hazmat bodysuit. I’m ready to save someone!

But at Scud Beach, there are no vacationers with debris from all the bombings littering the shore.

“Hey! Get out of here! Private property!” I yell at some local urchins picking around for anything they can sell. I’m more of a security guard.

I see a little guy chasing a ball on the crumbling cement bridge overpass. Another scavenger, no doubt.

The ball bounces down the stairs and stops, like it’s waiting for him. The kid calls to it like a pet. Weird! Before I realize it they are both in the water! The kid is flailing and goes under.

This is it! I run and dive into the waves. I can’t find him. My only rescue all summer and I’m blowing it!

I look deeper. Something scrapes my leg. I try to keep searching but it hurts like hell! Images swirl and I sink.

I wake up leaning on the rusted bridge support. The kid smiles at me.

“Thank you,” he says.

“Who are you?”

“I am the Pearburst sent from Mother Earth to see if hope remains.”

That was my Campaign entry. It was a real challenge! And here is another part - a poetic blurb about the story.

Mother Earth has been abused

She has naught left to give

Her pearburst she sends out to seek

If man deserves to live.

In the form of boy and ball,

Pearburst with protector

Gather fruits of worthiness

But mostly sour nectar

Ragamuffins fend for selves

The rich ignore their pain

When lovingkindness can’t be found

It’s time to start again.

Until a youth brings hope to bear

A selfless act he makes

He gives his life to save another

Do more have what it takes?