R.I.P Challenge: This one is from our social media director, and it's a staff favorite. In our fashion, the winner takes the $100, and this one is judged solely by the social media department. 500 word minimum. We can't wait to read these! In this writing challenge, you will be tasked with creating a story in which the old version of yourself is killed off and a new character is introduced. This new character should be a transformation of the old you, representing the growth and change that you have undergone. To begin, you will need to think about what aspects of your old self you would like to leave behind, and what qualities you would like to cultivate in the new version of yourself. Consider what events or experiences led to your transformation, and how you have grown as a result. Next, you will need to develop your new character, giving them a unique appearance, personality, and backstory. As you write, be sure to incorporate elements of your own life and experiences, as well as any symbolism or themes that are important to you. Finally, you will need to craft a story that brings your old self to an end and introduces your new character. This could be a tale of redemption, self-discovery, or personal growth. Whatever direction you choose to take, be sure to make it a compelling and meaningful journey for your readers.

Leighinthewild

Soul

How could you be the best part of me and I be the worst of you?

Unbalanced we waiver.

Belief's that together we make the best love flavor.

When the truth is; I live off your breaths; I suck air out of you.

A parasite leeching on, struggling to survive clawing at your skin for life.

Without you I'd be forever dangling in the after-life.

How could you be the best part of me and I be the worst of you?

How do we survive this?

To let me go means I'd shrivel up and die.

And if I thought it any different I'd be remiss.

To stay though, means you wilt away, the truth you can't defy.

And I love you too much to stay and watch.

Do we toss ourselves into the deepest abyss?

Or hold onto our time like some kind of stopwatch?

Somehow i can't see the end in my minds eye.

I wish we could forever stay in this deep kiss.

Our love now tastes like doomsday.

How do we balance this unwavering balance we've become, who do we sacrifrice?

Here is our judgement day.

The selfish parts of us question our ending.

But there has been enough pretending.

I stand in defensive, by heart transcending.

All this feels repressive, oh so mind-bending.

With knife in my hand I see no longer that we are one.

No longer is our end, something we can out run.

And I'm left crying for my loved one.

On opposites sides we play

And I know our end sounds like a cliche.

But I'm reminded that I'm nothing but a parasite.

We believed we could make it work how wrong we were in hindsight.

Awakened by the only the dazzling moonlight.

Your love the only poem I know to recite.

All those times you promised to make things right if only, I just sat tight.

But, I leeched onto your soul.

And it was all beyond control.

I clung to you for life, you were my watering hole.

And now I've sucked it all out.

Your sunken in eyes, the scattered feather of hair left behind is proof of the drought.

I know I'm killing you.

I used to believe it was all in my point of view.

And now you are so used to my poison that you don't taste it.

You were always a half-wit.

you don't feel your impending doom.

I just don't know how to love.

I wore the costume.

Pretended that I could play the part of lover, the doctor of this strange love.

But some things can't be hidden.

the forbidden things always, in plain sight.

Our love is war-ridden.

No one will ever comprehend our plight.

So now I'll confess that we were on opposite sides.

And it's hurts the most because I only ever wanted to stand by your side and call myself your bride.

We're at war.

You just don't know it yet.

And now it's your turn to take the floor.

You are just blind to the threat.

Deaf to the explosions.

How we've both toyed with each other's emotions.

Were enemies.

The fault is both our own no one could count the penalties.

This symbiotic love.

We've both been neglectful of.

We both love too much to confess who goes.

But in the end perhaps we will meet under the willows.

So in defense I stand with my switch-blade.

My actions I've betrayed.

Should I run you through?

How that would change your empathic world view.

Should I hold onto your soul through the decay?

Or should I slit my own wrists and deem you free as you watch me fade away?

You said life without me would equal death but how do I stay with your withered soul?

I admit that I have no self-control.

I now see the end, I watch as my own crimson soul pools at me feet.

In that instance I know I've set you free hasn't it all been bittersweet?