I’m entering another contest! Why? Because I learn a lot when I step outside my writing comfort zone. For Susanna Hill’s Holiday Contest we were given the theme of “Holiday Helpers” to work with in 250 words or less. I hope you enjoy my entry, inspired by the endless amounts of tinsel around my house this year. Ho-ho-ho, everyone! 🙂
Sparkle 3000
The holidays are here and there’s so much to do!
Just me and my mom, we’re too small a crew.
How will we manage to cook, clean, and shop,
when I still have school and her work doesn’t stop?
Then Sparkle 3000 arrives at our door.
Arms like an octopus, he rolls on the floor.
He gets straight to work and says, “Please, excuse me.”
His lights blink and flash like our new Christmas tree.
He shakes out the carpets and dusts every shelf,
flashing and humming like a big metal elf.
He straightens and sweeps, tosses trash in the bin.
This robot works hard! It makes my head spin!
“He did it! It’s done!” All is shiny and new.
But Sparkle keeps going, even when we’re through.
So tired from watching, we collapse in our beds,
as gingerbread dreams dance in our heads.
When morning arrives, I creep out to see
that Christmas is gone! “How can this be?
You took down our tree because it’s not neat?”
The presents and turkey are piled on the street!
“I want to be helpful.” Sparkle turns blue.
“I’ll learn to do better, I can watch you.”
I say, “We must fix this!” Sparkle’s lights flash.
“I’ll teach you the difference. Treasure or trash?”
A few hours later, Mom wakes and comes out.
“A perfect holiday,” she says without doubt.
I wink at Sparkle. “No working today.”
He slumps in a chair with one word, “Okay.”
Treasure or trash…great entry!
Thank you, Brittany! A dilemma I am often faced with.
Oh my goodness. I love the fact that Sparkle did not know when to stop! Great job and good luck!
Thank you, Colleen! 🙂
I, on the other hand, don’t seem to have that problem when it comes to cleaning. Haha!
I thought at first that Sparkle was the helper, but you made a great twist to show that even helpers sometimes need helpers to teach them.
At first I thought Sparkle was the helper, but that was a neat twist to show that even helpers need helpers sometimes.
What a fun story! I love the unique premise and the Christmas morning twist.
Thanks for reading, Sarah! 🙂
The Sparkle 3000 was being a little TOO helpful! Fun story 🙂
Haha! Yes, sometimes helpers can go overboard. But, it’s the thought that counts. 🙂
Ummm, can I have a Sparkle 3000? Such a clever idea!
Someday… Thanks, Jen!
Thank God we can still teach a robot a thing or two! Loved it.
Haha! I know, right? Thanks, Mom! 🙂
So fun! I wouldn’t mind a treasure/trash-trained sparkle 3000 finding its way to my door this season… Great entry, good luck!
Right? This is my own little Christmas wish, too. Thanks, Brenda! Best wishes.
Bonnie, this is such a great story idea! It taps into collective fears about AI and yet Sparkle has an innocence about it. I love the illustration for it, too. Fabulous! Good luck in the contest.
Thank you, Jill! Oooh, I didn’t think about that AI fear – glad you pointed it out. I love how these things surface when you share your work. 🙂 Good luck to you, too!
Treasure….trash…who can tell the difference? I’m definitely ready for a Sparkle 3000. Fun story, love the illustrations.
It’s hard to tell the difference around my house! Thanks, Jean!
This was so fun to read! Where can I order my SPARKLE 3000?
Bonnie, Loved your story – Sparkle 3000 is a good name – and love your illustrations. Great site too!! Good luck! Rosanna
Thanks, Rosanna! ☺️