Island Soul
By Renee Geffken, Coastal Dunes Branch
HELP ME!
I am stranded on an actual deserted island. Please Rescue Me! On the back of this paper are the coordinates of my whereabouts with a drawing of my island, which I’ve named Single Soul Island. Upon my rescue, you’ll be the first to hear how I became stranded and the drastic measures I undertook to ensure my survival.
Contemplating my fate for ten unbearable months revealed three basic needs an individual requires, besides food and water. Number One: Hearing voices. As in, the human voice. Several weeks after inhabiting Single Soul Island, colorful parrots began to mimic me by shrieking “Why Me?” with an impeccable whiny attitude. Another three months passed, and my talented birds unintentionally learned another phrase of “Why Not You!” accented with the right amount of anger. Six months of relentless taunting by these mean birds forced me to reconsider my inept teaching methods. Our later lessons filled me with dread but did accomplish their purpose. Now, my marvelous birds say “I Love You” with an astonishing soft tone.
Number Two: Faces of loved ones. In the movie “Cast Away,” Wilson the volleyball provided steady companionship for the Tom Hanks character. Therefore, I drew faces on green coconut husks the best I could to resemble my kin and arranged them throughout my living quarters. Their caricature faces never failed to lift my mood, particularly on the saddest of days — missed birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Unfortunately, I took sick from an infected insect bite for which I suffered horrific nightmares. The first morning I felt normal, in the fire pit were charred remains of my adopted coconut family. Since then, no other coconuts have been defaced.
Number Three: Being touched. My chatty birds continue to decline my request to perch upon my forearm, and monkeys are not indigenous to Single Soul Island. Since I find it desirable to cuddle, I lovingly embrace every tree I pass, provided it’s free of insects. Unfortunately, trees are incapable of returning the favor.
It is only during my prized dream of being amongst my dearest ones that I feel safe and blessed. Awakening to noisy tropical animals and booming waves painfully reminds me how alone I am, and envisioning a lifetime of solitude on Single Soul Island terrifies me.
Dear Rescuer. I’m indebted to you for finding my SOS message inside this 16.9-ounce water bottle. Before notifying the authorities to initiate a search and rescue, first, hurry home — straightaway — to your precious family. With loved ones gathered around you, please cherish their caring faces and comforting voices. When you’re lovingly embraced, prolong that rapturous moment until realization hits that your existence will never be as wonderful.
Then find me.
I’m here waiting to share my incredible story and a treasure chest to boot.
We presented the prompt “If I were stranded on a desert island and had unlimited writing tools, what I would write, and why?” This one had a 500-word-or-fewer limit. Renee Geffken ingeniously responded with the very best thing to write. A rescue note. But no real writer would let it go with that – not without delving deep and using the opportunity to share insights and advice.