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Fly Food
Finalist Melbourne Food & Wine Young Writer Competition
Stephanie Rea Aged 13 Melbourne Girls Grammar School
‘The Best Meal I Ever Had - Fly Food’
It was a gorgeous day, the wind low, the humidity high and the sounds of lulling cows echoed around the valley. The smoke from the farmhouse chimney gently coiled into mystic grey clouds. I curled up and out, stretching to gradually wake. Breakfast was being served – (my brother had collected today’s food) so I took the time to sleep in and enjoy a few moments of this glorious day. The smell of breakfast wafted up my nose and I could no longer resist the temptation to eat, my stomach growled and I was up.
I relish the routine in my life. It consists of waking up, eating, visiting my particular favourite parts of the farm, visiting my family (whom were all scattered within 10 acres of us) playing, eating and then sleeping. I live in a house on a farm, near a town, which is so in-bred practically everyone is family. Within this small town (exactly 5 farms away from us) there is the minimum amount of shops, but the right collection. The butcher, the fish and chip shop, pizza shop and the rarely used fruit shop, which was rumoured to be going broke. My meals rarely differed. The taste of the same meals, though now imprinted on my tongue still thrilled me. I was driven by food.
After breakfast I had an urge to get moving. I began to stroll through the first of my many favourite paddocks. The fresh breeze filled my lungs, the sun warmed me and the drops of dew clung lightly to my feet. After a friendly conversation with my uncle and my cousin… well I’m sure we were related, I lay back feeling content. From on top of the hill I could see our whole farm. The several paddocks each with sheep, or cattle or horses on them, all, like me content. I could see the familiar smoke of the farmhouse and the farmhouse itself, so modest, so satisfied. I began to go back and hunger filled me. I stopped as if sensing something, when the wind changed its’ direction. A smell wafted straight towards me as if sending a message, a message directed to me. Excitement fulfilled me, my head spun, my natural instinct guided me. I quivered with anticipation, my senses, on edge – the choice was not mine, my body guided me instinctively. Closer I got. My vision became clearer. The smell became more powerful. My body shook with exhilaration. I had arrived at last. I closed my eyes, I let my head revolve on my neck. Bliss, joy and happiness fulfilled me. I breathed faster. I gazed, the aroma was overwhelming, the sight beautiful, every inch a different texture, no pattern repeated. It was unique. Dare I devour such beauty? I questioned but let me assure you there was no hesitation. I salivated, pretending the moment of consumption had began. My lips came close to the engraved lines and then I touched. It was hot, fresh and steamy. One could say ‘liquid brown’. I looked to my friend and we glanced at each other. He had done his job and I hadn’t even began mine. Splat! I was in. I submerged my head. In my ears up my nose. It was a euphoric taste and smell. It was mine. I felt like a gourmand. The thought of sharing filled me with greed and anxiety. I re-surfaced, no relatives – phew! I continued to wallow in the glorious patty.
What the Judges said:
Good characterisation and snappy conclusion (albeit a little confusing). I liked the way she described the anticipation of eating.
I guess the love of food extends past humans!
Imagination reigns supreme – but more work. The idea is the beginning – the rest is perspiration.
Punchy & Fun - reminded me of some Asimov short stories.
Stephanie, you have set up a really interesting situation with great descriptions and terrific writing. I think if you are a fly though (and you need to help the readers here as it’s not quite clear) you should be “buzzing” occasionally!