Words take wing

IN six words, this is Airtime. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, an ephemeral exhibition at Altona Meadows skate park features six-word stories by Bayside Secondary College students. 

“My life is filled with melody,” proclaims the yellow flag of year 8 student Fiona (pictured) atop its mast. The micro-memoir flutters in the wind next to other compact stories, sometimes called hint or twitter fiction. 

The stories were written as part of this year’s National Literacy and Numeracy Week. ‘Launched’ last week, the exhibition was inspired by Hemingway, who won a bet in the 1920s when challenged to write a complete story in six words.

 “For sale: baby shoes, never worn,” he wrote. 

Airtime runs until April at the Queen Street hang-out. An exhibition of students’ work will also be on display at Altona Meadows library until January 31.