Writing Prompt One: A Single Talent

Not exactly a special skill that helps me stand out in a crowd unless that crowd is at Beacon Fell national park in Preston.

Let me explain.

When I was younger there was a wooden snake sculpture in my local national park that ramblers and families would famously walk across, it was around 100m long.

My friends and I would run from one end to the other and time it with our phones. My quickest time was so quick compared to everyone else that even I was shocked. Wearing just my cheap plimsolls at the time, I’d keep my balance while running on this narrow wooden rail, barely breaking a sweat.

My single talent is that I’m good with my feet, I have good balance.

Photo by Adi Perets from Pexels

The secret was simply to keep my cool under pressure and when there is potential for physical pain, try not to succumb to that pressure. Easier said, but I’ve physically fallen many times in my life. Of course, it hurts but I’m always ready to feel it and overcome the pain, although not desiring it, I’m open to the risk.

Not the most glamorous of talents, if a talent at all, but I was very proud of myself and discovered that my balance was far superior to what I would ever have thought until time-trialing the famous wooden snake.

I think it has been removed now because the wood inevitably rotted, so I can’t prove anything! I’ll have to mention this to those who witnessed it but knowing my friends they will probably ironically deny that they ever witnessed it at all!