PUBLISHED 03 March 2022
A huge congratulations to Kathryn who has today been announced the overall winner of United Learning StorySlam 2022.
Kathryn is a sensational writer and an avid reader. Her written piece was inspired by the book Oranges in No Man's Land and our discussions about refugees in our diversity topic.
Kathryn decided to use foreshadowing and time jumps that create a fierce ending. She follows in her brother Oliver's footsteps who also reached the National Finals.
SYRIAN WAR
Volleyball with my best friends, the time when I am at my happiest. I hit the crimson ball up into the fierce air when something…. something else…. came down. I was ready to return the hit. This was my moment; nothing was going to stop me. This wasn’t an ordinary ball. But what was it...….?
“Baba? When are we leaving to got to the restaurant?”
There was no answer, where is he? I went looking round the house for him. I found him at last, in the kitchen. “Baba, when are we leaving?” I asked impatiently. He didn’t seem to hear me, so I tried again, but there was still no answer. I went up to my room thinking. After waiting upstairs Then suddenly, I heard the door open, they were leaving without me?? Without ME?? Me? Can you believe it? But why.... this thought zoomed round me.
There was a sound of jets overhead. What was happening? Then suddenly I saw my ball coming down, I get ready to hit the ball when…. I did it, the ball came flying back to me. But I had just hit it? It comes back to me at great speed when it happened….
I go downstairs to get my shoes, so I can follow Baba to the restaurant. Hurriedly gathering them and sprint own the dusty road towards my parents and the restaurant. Why did they abandon me? Why did they leave me? What was making them so sad? Each day they wept and cried…. But also, ignored me.
The ball left my outstretched palm, that made the most perfect impact, a certain point... The smile started to be etched upon my face, when those around me had the face of horror. I knew in this moment I was the Queen of the court. They began to run.... I never hit it that hard, did I?
I finally arrived at the restaurant, panting, feet without a scratch on them. I ran bare foot. There they are, in the corner. They have a photo of me smiling on the table. The expression painted on my parents' faces is one of loss, grief and despair: this is their life now. Baba stretches out his hand and embraces Mama’s and grips it tight... The tears begin to form, then they began to rain down....
My feet land on the Earth, one last time, as the ball bounces in the perfect zone. ‘I hope someone saw that’ I mused to myself, however, I was alone... Everyone began to flee, it wasn’t the perfect strike to make them run, it was another strike.... a drone strike.... and it was my last action on this Earth.
To view Kathryn's recital of her written piece click here.