THE WINDLEBUM
by Fiona Martins, 12
Surrey, British Columbia
The Windlebum was born in the trees out of a frenzy of warm and cold reactions. As a child, it was strong enough to knock leaves to the ground and snap off the odd branch. As a child it was a delight. But it was not a child for long.
The Windlebum does not speak. It screams and howls. The Windlebum does not have any legs or arms, but when it is angry, it can pick you up off your feet and toss you. When it is angry it can send chills down your spine as well, if not better, than any vampire, ghost, or werewolf. The Windlebum feeds on chaos and electricity. "Nature makes it go," one scientist once said. When it is fully grown, it is as large as a city. When it is this size, not even all the armies in the world can stop it.
The Windlebum does have a soft side, though. If you respect it, the Windlebum will hold up your airplane or your hang glider or your kite or your balloon. It will carry you safely to your destination. It will swing you to and fro. It will refresh you. If you respect it.
The Windlebum is immortal. As long as there are days and nights, and as long as the earth spins, it will be there. Other scientists have said, "Never take it for granted. It has the potential to be one of the most powerful things on the planet."
Is there anything more frightening than that?
