from the mixed-up files of a middle-aged mind

Let me first just say to all the entrants, you got game! Thanks so much for playing. I had a great time reading your submissions! The Fab-o-u-lous Entries: from la yen Challenge 1: Tyson and McKenna In Fair Mantua 'twas there a school For plucky tweens and such And there, in class, two lovers met: O'er dissections their palms did touch. But lo! The bell doth ringeth and in time They parted. Off to chemistry and math Separated they, sad partings, wo, Yet their digits still, they hath Saith he: QT, ILU WWYC. Wrote she. H2CUS. WKD? KOTC, ILU2 NOT OTC, BUT OTL MoS! She sent But 'twas too late; the phone was gone Not to be returned until well after Lent. Two star-crossed lovers, cried and moped, Without texting, they were naught 'Twas Friday night and how to meet? They had to chance being caught. So under humblest pretext of A library study date They left next morn to meet again And betwixt them plan their fate Twas unconscionably cruel, they two agreed To confi...

Thanks to the brilliant idea of one of my favorite new bloggers, jennifer b. over at Going Barefoot , I am sponsoring my first ever writing contest. Your job, should you choose to accept it (and please in the revered name of St. Valentine and all that is romantic , do play), is to write the rest of the story . E-mail me (henfeatherzATgmailDOTcom) your best prose regarding how these young lovers ended up here , eternally entwined: That's only Challenge I . To complete Challenge II , simply come up with a better parting shot than that uttered by Romeo, " Thus with a kiss I die. " So dip your pens in their inkwells ladies and gents. Let's Play! ( All entries are due by midnight, February 13, and will be posted on Valentine's Day. Then we'll vote on a favorite. The winner will receive a $20 gift card to The Olive Garden . Thanks for playing! )