Chop to Win

Chop to Win ©
By Artemis Quill 4/4/2025
“No problems, overwhelmed with blessings”

The sun rose over the small town of Timber Valley, shining brightly on the annual tree chopping contest. Ron the woodsman stood tall, his muscles coiled like springs, ready to tackle the competition. He loved this event. Each year, he looked forward to the thrill of wielding his axe, the adrenaline coursing through him as he battled against the other participants.

But this year felt different. Clarice, his girlfriend, had tossed around an idea that lingered in his mind. “Why not think smart instead of just swinging with force?” she had suggested one evening, as they watched previous contests on TV. At first, Ron had scoffed. Tree chopping was all about strength! But deep down, he felt the pressure to prove himself, not just to the crowd but also to her.

As the contest began, Ron found himself facing off against sturdy opponents, all eager to claim the title. The first few rounds were straightforward. Swing and chop, swing and chop. Cheering erupted around him, and every swing brought him closer to victory. Yet, as he glanced at Clarice in the crowd, he recalled her point. Maybe there was more to the game than raw power.

Then came the quarterfinals. Ron faced a burly man named Hank, known for his brute strength. The tension was palpable. Ron gripped his axe tighter, focusing on timing and technique. The whistle blew. Ron swung with precision. He aimed to strike the wood at the perfect angle. With each chop, he recalled the mechanics Clarice had drilled into him. He could feel the crowd’s energy shift as they noticed his strategy. The cheers grew louder, not just for strength, but for skill.

Yet, Hank lumbered forward, swinging with wild strength. Splinters flew. He was a force of nature. Ron felt the urge to overpower him, but he remembered Clarice’s words. “Sometimes, the fastest way is not to use strength, but to outsmart.” With a renewed focus, Ron pivoted. He started using lighter, quicker swings, aiming for precise hits. In a surprising twist, he took down his opponent, using brain over brawn.

With each round, the stakes heightened. Ron looked toward Clarice, who beamed with pride. Each victory was sweet, yet he understood the growing challenge. The competition was fierce. Ron's final opponent stood before him, a woman named Mia, equally skilled with a sharp mind and striking technique.

The finals began. Ron felt nerves prickle at his spine. Mia was no less a contender. Every swing counted now. They began chopping in a rhythmic dance. Ron remembered Clarice’s encouragement. He utilized every skill she'd taught him. Tension danced in the air as splinters rained down. The crowd held its breath.

And then it happened. In the final moments, Ron recalled how Clarice had shown him how to use leverage. Rather than force, he aimed to strike with calculated precision. He swung his axe one last time, feeling the energy of the crowd pulse through him. With a clean hit, the tree fell. Euphoria erupted. Ron stood as the last man standing, not just because of his muscles but because he outsmarted his opponent.

As he looked out at the cheering crowd, his eyes sought Clarice. She rushed to him, pride shining in her eyes. “I knew you could do it!” she shouted. Ron smiled widely, realizing that her belief in him was what truly made him strong. Together, they celebrated not just the victory, but the lesson learned: that sometimes, thinking ahead is just as important as sheer strength.