From the Judges:
“In these ruminations on scenes along the Kamo River, a skater flies with the wind, finding freedom along this picturesque artery flowing through the city. The river’s banks attract all sorts of people, and in this piece one with physical challenges wistfully envies the fluid motions of the other.  And yet, thoughts transcend envy and energy is absorbed. Age finds hopefulness in youth.”

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On Repeat

You carve a figure eight along the Kamo’s banks: careless; carefree.

From Shichijo bridge, my body braced against the railing, I envy your fluidity as you map infinity.

On short blades, you cast long shadows as you roller ski the river’s path. You are a silhouette, a solitude, a surprise.

I am solo, too, though far less lively, my crutch at rest as one knee wages war and my hand and shoulder beg surrender.

In a space beside some steps, you turn and loop, a twist tucked in the middle. You trace your tracks with speed, though don’t seem in a rush.

Teasing concrete walls, flirting with the stairs, you swirl and twirl. Flinging poles kiss solid ground as thick thighs form an askew V, pushing, pulsing, playful.

I share your reverie.

Walkers glance. Joggers scatter. Artists frown, while lovers laugh and stroll. The Kamo stays its course. It will not define you, nor can it confine you, as you challenge all convention in a state of grace.

Black leggings and a yellow helmet flash and slash while willows weep for want of green and ginkgo comfort, golden.

Stick in hand, I hurry on my way. Across a river that divides, along a bridge that connects, I struggle to advance as you chart destiny.

I don’t glance back; time presses on me now. I need to think that you’re still there, your patterns on repeat.

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Abigail Deveney, a journalist born in Canada, has lived and worked globally, including two stints in Tokyo. Abigail co-founded The Lupine Review literary magazine in Whistler, Canada, was shortlisted by Event magazine in her first competitive creative-writing foray and held a senior role at The Guardian newspaper for nearly a decade. Abigail lives in London, UK, and earned her MA Japanese Studies from SOAS.

Moments in time play on her mind: alpenglow on Whistler peaks; strawberries and wasps in English summer; the dance of shadow and light in Kyoto. Endlessly curious, Abigail won’t let bad knees hold her back.

For the full list of this year’s competition winners, click here. For this year’s original competition notice (with prize details), click here.