Stone Soup

Where young artists paint the world with words

The international magazine of stories, poems, and art by young writers and artists. Published continuously since 1973.

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The Best Thing in the World

The late August sun warms the carpet in my room.
I sit listening to the sounds below me.
Mom and Grandma cooking food in the kitchen.
Dad putting the finishing touches on the cake
Aunts, uncles, cousins, friends ringing the doorbell
My brother running to the door with hellos
Loud laughter sounds throughout the house
Squeals of delight from baby Maddy’s discoveries
“Come down Craig, you’re being rude,” yells Mom.
It’s my birthday, I’m not being rude.
I’m thanking God for the best thing in the world.
The best thing in the world is this moment in my life.

The Best Thing in the World Craig Shepard
Craig Shepard, 12
Camillus, New York