200-300 Words, One Paragraph – Guess the Topic
Three steps, two steps, one step, spin-and-plop. She sighs as she halfheartedly surveys the snow-crusted park sitting on the bench tucked away in the farthest corner from the most frequented areas. It really makes no difference on a day like today; regardless of the clear skies, the biting cold keeps the prudent indoors. Her eyes glaze over as she paws at her fuzzy gloves, considering taking the abrasive things off despite the low temperature. Lips pursing, her gloves suddenly scratch her face, rubbing around her eyes as she tries to force herself to breathe deeply and calmly; the harder she tries, the heavier the weight of each inhale. With her head pulsing, she doesn’t notice the newcomer who gently sits next to her until his hand rubs her shoulder. As his hand slides behind her neck to her other arm, her head falls to his shoulder. He nods, deliberately slowing his respiration, exhaling conspicuously. Almost reluctantly, her breathing paces with his, and her hands fall softly to her lap; he grins, leaning his head against hers and rubbing her upper arm. Again breathing normally, he sits back against the bench, guiding her back with him, silently reminding her to lean on him, silently reminding her she isn’t alone. Wordlessly, they weather the storm passing through this clear winter day the same as any other – together.
What Was That About?
I’m applying for a position that tasked me with writing one paragraph on a certain topic (see if you can guess what it is). The challenge to me is that it’s both only one paragraph and 200-300 words. That, dear reader, is an exceptionally long paragraph in my book. Doable, but way more words than I generally put in a paragraph. (This paragraph, for example is seventy-one words, including this sentence.)
The “challenge” paragraph, in comparison, is 226 words. I tend to write paragraphs under 100 words; shortly after hitting the 100th word, I feel prompted for another indentation. I can write more, for certain, but it seems strange to have such long paragraphs. It seems stranger, still, to cover an entire topic in 200-300 words.
Anyway, I’m posting it here basically because I can, I haven’t posted today yet, and I refuse to break the chain of posts. Additionally, this is way better than anything I can squeeze out in the next few hours; my brain is starting to fuzz over. (It’s also way more kosher to post this than the drafts of thank-you cards I spent the rest of my day on.)
Thoughts?
I’m interested to know what you think of my descriptive take on the topic. I popped the prompt word into a search engine looking for other essays and they were all scholastic-language type stuff. (The shorter ones read as book reports from grade schoolers.) I didn’t feel called to write a book report-style piece. Moreover, the opportunity is for a “creative” role; I’m hopeful that this take will stand out in a good way for being consistent with the position.
Finally, this is also how I think: I was given a one-word prompt. It’s a word that is so close to the heart (probably to many people) that I was tempted to go philosophical on it. I tried; it wasn’t working for me, so I changed tactics. I would much rather describe the scene the word made me picture than philosophize about it. (Hah, that is a word – and it totally fits.)
I hope the hiring team likes it – I really, really do. At the same time, if they’re looking for someone to philosophize… well, it probably isn’t meant to be. As sad as that would make me (I am absolutely stoked about this chance), I’m also learning more and more to trust God: He has a plan, and it’s way better than anything I could come up with myself.
Here’s to hope! Cheers!
