The Sound of Caves - By Alison Jones

Written By: Alison Jones

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the captivating short story "The Sound of Caves," Alison Jones takes us on a journey of identity and transformation. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Alison's tale reflects on themes of growth and self-discovery. Through vivid imagery and a narrative that intertwines with the natural world, this story invites readers to explore the profound changes that accompany maturity and the quest for individuality.

About the Work

"The Sound of Caves" is a beautifully rendered narrative that delves into the themes of identity and transformation. Alison Jones skillfully uses the metaphor of a bird's life cycle to explore the complexities of growing up and finding one's place in the world. The story is rich with imagery, capturing the essence of nature and the passage of time, while also conveying a message about embracing one's unique path and the beauty of change.

The sound of Caves

Original Submission by Alison Jones

The Sound of Caves

When he arrived in this world, his eyes were the colour of the sky, though he did not know it himself, he was only a small brown fluff ball relying on his parents to care for him - an easier task on them being raised and cared for by the two-footed featherless giants - Parents that looked nothing like him and though they man share some traits. Due to morph ratios, he may never look like them, - he will look like he belongs with them - He will always be an individual in his own right.

He grew quick, moving around the nest after a month and by four months he was the size of his father only much thinner, he had some muscles to still develop. He was still a brown ‘fluff ball’, the white under his wings came in and he started to match his parents.

His eyes changed as well, they were turning darker now looking like the forming of rain clouds, still light enough to see the sliver lining everyone seems to speak of.

Soon six months had passed and he was starting to look like one of his species, his parents colours starting to form on his feathers, six months turned to nine and a whole different sat in front of everyone.

This was the time he had found a new home, as his parents couldn’t have an adult around if they wanted more children, his tail feathers started to change the signature black marking showing he was an adult developed, though still far from maturity.

His eyes grew darker more like rain clouds passing overhead, still growing darker and fuller as they move over the land.

His red chest now becoming more pronounced - he even proudly stuck it out to show the world, shoulders straight back in an elegant stance. His chin always pointed to sky - on the breast bone fluffy white down feathers always shone through giving the appearance of a hairy chest or a white feathered tie, stealth tucked into a waistcoat made of red-rufous, a tail to match, the once brown shoulders, now turned black like a blazer sitting over the waistcoat, with white strips down his belly, exactly where abs would be counting a total of twelve, such a strong boy growing, his feet a yellow colour which should not match all the other colours around him yet he seems to pull off the stunning look.

Suddenly three years have passed and darker shades fill his eyes looking now more like storm clouds rolling off the sea toward the shore, the start of amber underlining turning them darker, soon to full amber they will change and then to brown as he becomes truly fully mature.

The older he gets the more his voice finds him, his species once mistaken for the jackal’s that roamed the plains, where we should of being looking to the sky for them. He practices his calls in the afternoons when he thinks we can’t hear him, from small squeaks to the full sound of his ancestors.

Another year passes and eyes have changed to a light brown, his white ab marks fading away, his once black feathers now dulled to a deep dark grey, the red waistcoat still ever present along with the white feathered tie, the centre of his back developed white feathers.

He still puffs his proud chest out, along with the elegant stance chin still pointed to the sky, if he were to pose for a medieval painting the artist would add a cane by his side.

His personality he never lost, time and patience is what it takes to get to know this young boy to actually see his full personality, always startled by direct eye contact, so instead gaze upon on, never look at him.

The Jackal Buzzard is to South Africa, what the Bald Eagle is to America, and there’s something in his eyes that makes the statement understandable - Echo

A.R. Jones

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished platform that celebrates the diverse voices and talents of writers worldwide. Participants submit their original works across various genres, showcasing their creativity and storytelling prowess. The competition is an opportunity for writers to connect with a global audience and gain recognition for their literary contributions.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alison Jones for her remarkable submission, "The Sound of Caves," in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her evocative storytelling and vivid imagery captivate the reader, offering a profound reflection on identity and transformation. We look forward to seeing more of Alison's inspiring 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.