Untold International is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Colorado. Our focus is on literacy and storytelling.
Supporter-submitted short stories, anecdotes, poetry, and other writings under 100 words on the theme of perspective.
Your voice matters. Share your story here.
How is a spider like a skinned knee?
I’ve used so many metaphors to try to capture, to grasp, to harness, to hold the things I’ve experienced. Spiders, puddles, skinned knees, disinfectant. It’s become almost a game – how to reframe an experience (a hard, painful, confusing experience) into something relatable and approachable. Which metaphor will bridge the widest gaps? Why? What is it about this person that lets them hear me in this way as opposed to another way?
It’s nice to be heard, but sometimes, I have to admit, I get tired. I don’t know, I want to say. But that, metaphorically speaking, only shuts doors.
– K Paige Medina, United States
Chanda chema
Twende pamoja ukingoni.
Mkono wako ukiwa kwenye dibwi langu la mawazo.
Huku jua kali la kiangazi likiwaka kwenye uso wangu mwororo.
Nikitumia siku yote kuchambua ya walimwengu.
Nikakosa mkate na kurejea kwenye kisima cha wasiwasi.
Tazama huku na kule kutoka kwenye pazia la macho yangu .
Nikitabasamu na kujipa tumaini hewa.
Furaha hewa kuninyemelea .
Mungu si athumani ukingoni wa mawazo kuwasili !
– Dyoniz Emilian Kindata, Tanzania
The Godstone – Part 2
“Touch it, Portia.” Lord Ibarius ordered.
“What, sir?” Portia’s eyes shot open.
“Put your hand on the stone and tell me what it feels like.” The man’s voice wavered between curiosity and impatience.
Portia looked down at Ollet, whose eye squinted and jaw clenched. She turned to the desert guide. “Fa piota aq wii, ri fii-fɛ tina?” Is it dangerous to touch the stone?
“Tina, sɛfni.” Dangerous, yes. The guide nodded her head emphatically. “Ri fii-fɛ pɛlo.” It is a god.
“You need not consult the native.” Lord Ibarius touched his dagger-hilt. “Do as I say, Portia!”
– Onyafoqchɛo
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