The Unbroken Spine - By Kimberly Cawdry

Written By: Kimberly Cawdry

Category: Flash Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a captivating entry for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Kimberly Cawdry presents "The Unbroken Spine." This piece, belonging to the flash fiction category, explores the passage of time through the lens of a family's interactions with a mysterious book. With a narrative that spans decades, Cawdry's work invites readers to ponder the weight of unspoken words and untapped potential, encapsulated in an object that has silently accompanied a woman's life journey.

About the Work

"The Unbroken Spine" weaves a narrative rich in symbolism and emotional depth. Through vivid imagery and a poignant storyline, Cawdry portrays the evolution of a family and the silent presence of a book that holds untold stories. The piece reflects on themes of patience, unfulfilled promise, and the eventual courage to begin anew. Its mood oscillates between nostalgia and hope, offering readers a contemplative look at life's quiet but persistent invitations to grow.

The Unbroken Spine

Original Submission by Kimberly Cawdry

The Unbroken Spine

In the beginning was the Great Book. Although the Book had never been opened, it had been read many times.

Not by anyone who knew the Power it held.

It had been read by her older sisters, who had brushed it aside when she was fifteen, and had told her: You have lots of time.

It had been read by her mother, who had dusted its cover once a week and said: When you’re ready.

At eighteen, it had moved out of home with her.

At twenty-five, it had been a guest at her wedding.

By the time she was thirty-five, it had travelled the globe with her and had witnessed the birth of her daughter. Year after year, it had waited patiently, and had quietly kept her company on her bedside table. The pages were no longer crisp and white.

Her daughter was a lively one. A firecracker, some may have dared to say. She was an open book, a problem-solver, a giver and a speaker of truth. She was also observant. She had seen the book become frail over time.

The book that had never been opened, had been relegated to a small box in the corner of the garage by the time she had reached her fiftieth birthday. The days had become darker. The curtains remained closed.

On one of these dark, heavier days, a friend of the daughter had asked for a favour.

She couldn’t make any promises, but she could ask. After taking a deep breath, she’d ascended the stairs to her mother’s room.

The woman was still in bed, wearing her gown. It was after midday. “Mom, can I ask you something?” she had tentatively asked. When her mother made no response, she had pressed on. “One of my friends has fallen on hard times. He needs a place to stay for a while. Would it be…”

“No.” This had been the harsh answer. The daughter had nodded.

“I had not even finished my sentence, Mom. He is willing to contribute to the rent. You have a five-bedroom house, with more than enough space!”

“You need to cover your rent first,” had been her mother’s reply.

Wide-eyed, the daughter had thought: Within just two days I lost both my jobs!

Outwardly, she had bravely voiced: “You have unrealistic expectations of me! Not only would this be helpful to you during a difficult period, it is an opportunity to help someone else.”

Her mother had responded with the words: “I can’t.”

The daughter had yelled: Yes, you can! You just won’t.

The flames inside the firecracker were coming alight. “I see the spine is still unbroken,” she had gestured toward the book. Her mother couldn’t have met her eyes, and had remained silent. POP! Pop! POP! You are the most selfish person I know!

The disabled daughter descended the stairs slowly, though in her mind’s eye she was running free. She was learning, albeit slowly, to let go.

A few years later, when the daughter had left, the fragile woman looked up.

Finally, she opened the Book.

Written in bold on the first page, was GENESIS.

After more than sixty years, she began.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary creativity and expression. This prestigious platform provides writers from around the world an opportunity to share their unique voices and stories. From poetry to flash fiction, the competition embraces a diverse range of categories, inviting participants to engage audiences with their imaginative works.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kimberly Cawdry for her insightful contribution, "The Unbroken Spine," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative flash fiction piece enriches the narrative tapestry of the competition and inspires readers to reflect on the unturned pages of their own lives.

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.