The Message

Source: Children Come First
http://www.childrencomefirst.com/message.shtml

Contests
The Message
By Heidi Schulz, Contest #200711

"Beware of man eating turkey…beware of man eating turkey." What could it possibly mean? This is the question that has haunted my existence since late last night.

I was taking a late evening constitutional across Memorial Bridge when seemingly out of nowhere a dark figure appeared.

I am not a timid man. But my mother always taught me that it is unwise to address strange men in the lonely dark of night. I had nearly made up my mind to agree when the stranger reached out and pinched my ear.

My “I beg your pardon!” was cut off by the words “Beware of man eating turkey!” whispered in a guttural growl. And then, as quickly as he appeared, the stranger was gone.

I am not ashamed to say that I cut short my walk and quickly returned home. I am, however, a bit ashamed to tell you that once there I locked myself in the bathroom and cried like a terrified child. For Thanksgiving is coming and there are so many unknowns. Who is the stranger? Why did he choose me? What does it all mean? And, will I eat… or be eaten?

Heidi Schulz, from Columbia, MD, doesn't really like turkey. She only eats it because it is traditional to do so.