Elephants And Mice - By Katy Jones

Written By: Katy Jones

Category: short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In this compelling entry for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Katy Jones, writing under the name "elephants and mice," delves into the intricate dance of identity and self-perception. Her short story, "Elephants And Mice," invites readers into a world of introspection, contrasting self-doubt with the desire for acceptance. As part of the short story category, this piece provides a poignant exploration of the internal conflicts that shape one's sense of belonging and self-worth.

About the Work

"Elephants And Mice" by Katy Jones paints an evocative picture of the duality between self-imposed isolation and the yearning for connection. With vivid imagery and a fluid narrative style, the story captures the oscillation between feeling like an outsider and the aspiration to shine brightly. The raw emotional undercurrents reveal the protagonist’s struggle with self-acceptance and the societal pressures that shape personal identity.

elephants and mice

Original Submission by Katy Jones

Elephants And Mice

By Katy Zayde Jones

My body shakes so slightly, I hope they do not see. My eyes are wide so I can take it all in. who watches who and how they react when they notice me. Where they will want to go and if I will be in the way. I’m always in the way.

Her big bright smile and her eyes filled with unmasked joy to the brim.

The pretty people everywhere,

Everywhere,

Everywhere.

I am an elephant among mice. Stay small. Stay silent. Stay still.

Back into the wall, further- all the way…

Yes, in the shadows is perfect.

Keep your mouth clamped, nothing exposed, quiet. Quiet. Quiet.

Don’t look at me. don’t look at me. Don’t look at me.

I can’t breath.

Dig into your skin.

Deeper, deeper, deeper…

Never deep enough.

“Hi! How are you?”

Sentences shatter. Letters tangle and choke in my throat. The conversation moves on before my broken words have a chance to escape.

Wait. Please wait, let me try again.

Short, sharp, shallow, and shaky.

Breathing. Breathing. Breathing.

Too heavy. This is not breathing.

Do not tremble. Do not quake.

Do not let the body betray.

Replays of every horror.

My footsteps, the friction of my clothes, the sounds of my body staying alive, all too obvious, all too loud. Betraying my big feet and their heavy fall, the clothes I could have worn if I looked like her, and signs of my life at all.

She is sunshine and everything golden.

Her feelings show proudly.

Letters dance, words perform and sentences are a symphony from her parted lips.

I will always be the moon.

Cold.

Desolate.

Alone.

A wasteland.

Oh,

But how I wish

To be the

Sun.

My body shakes violently from the laughter that comes too easy. My eyes are closed so they can’t see in. please don’t look, don’t look too deep. The cracks will show and all will seep.

All I hear is my voice, too loud, too much. Don’t look too deep you petty people all around,

All around,

All around.

I am a mouse among elephants. Be big. Be brave. Be bright.

Sit in the centre- a little left… a little right,

Yes, in the light is perfect.

Keep the conversation going, everything on the table, talk. Talk. Talk.

Smile as wide as you can.

wider, wider, wider…

never wide enough.

“Hey! How are you?”

“Dead inside!”

My perfectly placed limbs and lips ensure everyone takes my open wound as a jest; everyone laughs.

My body is a cast, concealing the boiling magma inside. My face a mask, so pleasantly polite.

Deep, delicate, deceptive, and desperate.

Bleeding. Bleeding. Bleeding.

Too light. This is not bleeding.

Do not let the fear slip, do not let the need show through.

Do not let the mind break.

The horror on repeat.

The doubt of my worth, the fear of being forgotten, the terror of an empty funeral. All chiselling away at my already cracking confidence. Why can’t I be as content as her?

She is moonlight and everything ethereal.

Her stoic stance daring the world to ripple and recede.

All things obnoxious and regrettable spared from rot and waste behind her gated tongue.

I will always be the sun.

Poisonous.

Burning.

Seering.

Blinding.

Oh,

But how I wish

To be the

Moon.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and creative expressions across the globe. This prestigious event provides a platform for writers to showcase their literary talents in various categories, including poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. Participants are encouraged to explore themes that resonate with personal and universal experiences, contributing to a rich tapestry of global narratives.

Thank you, Katy Jones, for sharing your profound short story "Elephants And Mice" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of identity and belonging offers a thought-provoking perspective that resonates deeply. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to more of your insightful work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.