Photo Story: The Jungle Gym

Kodachrome image of kids playing on the jungle gym.I remember this moment. Shrieks and laughter that I ignore. Cold metal on my hands, dizzying anticipation while I calculate whether woodchips are sufficient enough to soften my fall. Always thinking, even then.

I hold the old photo in my right hand. It trembles when I look at my ring finger, and then beyond at the decision closed in a small black box on the coffee table.

I remember I jumped. Wildly. My shriek eclipsing the others, red dress spilling out around me like feathers. I’m different now. Indecision robs me. It presses into my stomach like a playground bar.

 

Hanne Christensen is an instructional designer from Michigan. She has a BA in creative writing and lives with her partner next to one of the busiest intersections you’ll ever see.

Photo credit: unknown (courtesy of Thomas Hawk)

4 Responses to “Photo Story: The Jungle Gym”

  1. Anonymous says:

    I can remember the childhood memories of playing on the monkey bars outside. Great story

  2. Anonymous says:

    This is very relatable and reminds me of me doing monkey bars and hands hurting and always thinking if I should let go and if its soft enough to fall on the wood chips.

    It did get a bit confusing in the second and third paragraph but it was clear and very creative in the first paragraph.

  3. Julian says:

    SHUT UP!

  4. Tony Press says:

    I really liked this one – an excellent response to the photo.

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