YOUNG POETS CONTEST 2020 - AWARD WINNERS - Jackson District Library
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
YOUNG POETS
CONTEST
2020
AWARD
WINNERSFrom the Director The Jackson District Library is honored to present the annual Young Poets Contest and it is exciting to see how the students have responded over the past 16 years to this program. This year, 879 entries were received from students in all grade levels throughout Jackson County. Students from public, charter, private, and home schools participated. We congratulate all our student authors for participating in this year’s contest, and for expressing themselves through poetry. This booklet contains the award-winning poems from the 2020 Young Poets Contest, as selected by our judges. On behalf of the Jackson District Library board and staff, I thank our outstanding panel of judges for their dedication to reading all submitted poems and selecting the winning entries. We thank all the parents, teachers, librarians, and staff of Jackson County schools for encouraging students to participate - making this a successful event year after year. This year the support from our sponsors helped provide for the publishing of the poetry booklet as well as certificates and prizes for our award-winning authors. We gratefully acknowledge their generosity and support. Please take time to review these award-winning submissions on the following pages and offer your congratulations to the student authors. Thank you, Sara Tackett, Director Jackson District Library
Acknowledgements Judges Dr. Ann Green, Chairwoman Elissa Alden Asa Fleming Val Peterson Martha Petry Joe Scarpino Autumn Rose Wood Primary Sponsors Friends of the Jackson District Library Jackson Breakfast Rotary Club The Flip & Monette Thorrez Giving Fund Co-Sponsors Catherine Nowak
Table of Contents Author Poem Page (1st Place Winners in Bold) (1st Albert, Ian Green Is... 44 Alger, Wyatt Credo Poem 42 Allen, Jacob Untitled 23 Baker, Suzanne Remember Me 50 Barney, Andrew Poetry Assignment 21 Batterson, Brianna Untitled 40 Blankenship, Raina What Does It Feel Like? 20 Brandeberry, Parker Art Room 13 Childs, Ben On the Lanes 43 Coughlin, Phillip Science Who Knew it was Physical - Eagle Path 34 Cumberworth, Ava Motorcycle 28 Davison, Quinn Him 48 Dawson, Rosie Rosie 13 deGlee, Brynn ABC's of 4-H 19 Everline, Mikayla Orchids 31 Fannin, Gracelyn Birthday Parties 10 Fracker, Amelia Louise I Am a Shy Girl with a Past 25 Gretzner, Jordan Birds 38 Helm, Elijah Tacos 8 Horsfall, Brayden Mountains 24 Hosmer, Katy Science is Cool 33 Hurst, Isabella Babies 10 Jean, Jace Matter 36 Johnston, Jake Kleenex 18 Lefere, Helen There Once Was a Turtle... 21 Locke, Annie The Gentle Forest 27 Lucas, Gracen Air Show in the Snow 16
Table of Contents Author Poem Page (1st Place Winners in Bold) (1st (1st Magnusson, Melaina Shards 26 Magnusson, Zoë Hope 17 Maples, Tavin Outsiders Outcast 39 Martin, Coral Rainbow Tears 45 McClain, Clark Snow 14 McGee, Maeve I Love Flynn 11 Newton, Ben Rapper 15 O'Neal, Madisyn Gone 22 Osborn, Haley I Believe 41 Peter, Quade Darwin 43 Pollak, Owen My Summer Day 7 Powell, RJ Run and Play All Day 12 Prough, Cannon I Love Turtles 7 Ramirez, Juniper Escape from the Challenge 9 Reamer, Morgan goodbye 55 Rizzo, Stella Snowflakes 15 Saucedo, Gabriel Snow 9 Schwartz, Carissa The Ruination 56 Shoemaker, Grace This I Believe 52 Snabes, Olivia The Answers You Seek 32 Spaulding, Chanel Science 36 Spender, Amier I Love Sharks 8 Tyson, Sage The Ocean 29 Vermeulen, Reese Letter to a Mermaid 14 Walsh, Kaitlyn The Beauty of Friendship 31 Weed, Ruby Pillows 23 Wentzloff, Jude My Snake Hope 17
Table of Contents Author Poem Page (1st Place Winners in Bold) (1st Williams, Ella Ballet 37 Willoughby, Grace Light versus Dark 48 Yaniga, Claire Gods and Golems 50 NOTE: We regret that we were unable to reproduce all original formatting; however, care has been taken to reproduce the poems as they were originally submitted.
7 Kindergarten First Place My Summer Day by Owen Pollak Bean Elementary School Swords, spiderwebs, wood, ladders, imagination, Happy, nervous, adventure, Blue, rainbows, relaxing, love, friends Second Place I Love Turtles by Cannon Prough Dibble Elementary School I like turtles. They can swim some. They go so slow, I can pick them up. They are so cool. I’d love to have a pet turtle… But I already have a hamster. I love them so much, I’d like to pick it up and hug it, Then put it back in the ocean.
Kindergarten 8 Third Place I Love Sharks by Amier Spencer Dibble Elementary School The littlest shark Went swimming around the whole reef Looking for a friend, It was an octopus! When he found his octopus friend, They had a coral reef school. Sharks are so cool. They swam in a coral reef pool. They like to swim around And eat fish. Because sharks have BIG teeth. They have BIG fins! I love sharks. Honorable Mention Tacos by Elijah Helm Hunt Elementary School Looks tan. Smells dilishis. Sounds crunche. Tastes tastee. Feels soft.
9 Grade One
First Place
Snow
by Gabriel Saucedo
Queen of the Miraculous Medal School
I am from the sky,
I am white,
And,
You can make a snowman out of me.
I am from the North Pole,
I am from water,
And,
You can melt me while I lie on the ground.
I am cold,
I come from the South Pole,
But,
When springtime comes,
I will just say, “Goodbye.”
Second Place
Escape from the Challenge
by Juniper Ramirez
Homeschool
Escape from the challenges you face this morning.
Look at the Christmas ornaments falling down from Christmas trees.
Whoa whoa whoa
Rain can’t hurt you.
It will grow plants for the challenges.
Rain does not hurt you a drop, and we like rain.
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh.
Skip through the world
We can glide but we’ll be safe.
Just hold onto my shoulders, it’ll be alright.
And always we’re home now
We figured it out
Hallelujah now.Grade One 10
Third Place
Babies
by Isabella Hurst
Queen of the Miraculous Medal School
Babies are cute.
I love babies so much because they're so silly.
I can’t sleep at night because they're loud.
Babies are warm.
Babies are sleepy.
Babies are always hungry.
Babies are fun to play with.
Babies are playful.
Babies are snugly to cuddle with.
Babies are loving.
Honorable Mention
Birthday Parties
by Gracelyn Fannin
Pioneers Homeschool Co-Op
Friends, piñatas, and games,
There are so many names.
Ice cream and food,
I am in a happy mood.11 Grade Two First Place I Love Flynn by Maeve McGee Warner Elementary School If you kissed Flynn he would give you bug-eyes. You would love it. He would laugh if you blew bubbles on his belly. It would make you laugh. He was so chubby. He was cute. He had big blue eyes. Flynn was handsome. But then the day came that he died. He was five months old. Sometimes I cry myself to sleep. I miss you, Flynn. Where did you go? I love you Flynn! He was so sweet. He was loved.
Grade Two 12 Second Place Run and Play All Day by RJ Powell St. John School I wish it was day all the time. Run and play all day. I wish it was sunny with no rain. Run and play all day. I wish the sun and moon would rise together. Run and play all day. I wish the stars would shine with the sun. Run and play all day. I wish the clouds were light all the time. Run and play all day. I wish I could run and play all day. Run and play all day.
13 Grade Two
Third Place
Art Room
by Parker Brandeberry
Jackson Christian Elementary School
The sound of an art room is,
splat,
swoosh,
whoosh,
snip,
scratch,
rip,
brush,
rattle,
And wow!
Honorable Mention
Rosie
by Rosie Dawson
St. John School
Radiates light
Oddly silly
Smiles a lot
Is friendly
Every person’s friendGrade Three 14
First Place
Letter to a Mermaid
by Reese Vermeulen
Queen of the Miraculous Medal School
Dear Mermaid,
I want to send you mail
I would if I could
So I’ll give it to snail.
It may take forever
You know how slow snails can be
I should’ve sent an e-mail
But like Snail, Wi-Fi is slow in the sea.
I’ll have snail give it to whale
He should be much faster
If not it will be a disaster.
Let me know if you get my letter
It will make my day
If you can send me a sea turtle
In my bathtub it will stay.
Second Place
Snow
by Clark McClain
Jackson Christian Elementary
Snow
white and fluffy
floating and falling
quickly
puffballs from heaven15 Grade Three
Third Place
Rapper
by Ben Newton
St. John School
Rapper
Cool Fast
Singing, Beatboxing, Jamming
Microphone, Headphone, Dress, Shoes
Turning, Flipping, Spinning
Strong Smart
Dancer
Honorable Mention
Snowflakes
by Stella Rizzo
Queen of the Miraculous Medal School
Sparkling frozen drops
Falling diamonds from the sky
Falling on my tongueGrade Four 16 First Place Air Show in the Snow by Gracen Lucas Warner Elementary School That airplane contest in December Was easy to remember The paper was hard to fold With our hands so cold Eli’s plane was a dart It had trouble from the start Instead of going straight It plopped down like a weight Instead of being fast All the others flew past SImeon’s plane was made for stunts With a nose that was blunt Instead of doing barrel rolls It flew straight into a pole When it didn’t turn loops All he could do was say “Oops” I made a glider and threw it high Then the wind caught it and it went bye bye When we found my plane, It was so wet It looked like my dog slobbered on it So, we had a snowball fight instead But the air show disaster was still stuck in my head Even though the show was a bummer Maybe we will try again this summer
17 Grade Four
Second Place
My Snake Hope
by Jude Wentzloff
Queen of the Miraculous Medal School
My snake’s name is Hope
Yes a snake not an antelope.
I think she is the best snake in the world
But when I scared her she curled
She’s a ball python Yes
I can hold her and play chess!
She can eat a 4 in. mouse
She doesn’t live in a house
She lives in a cage
She is very young in age
She likes to hide in her rock
She doesn’t have legs so she can’t walk!
There is a log in her cage but she doesn’t hide in it very much
I don’t know how many were in her clutch
She hatched in an egg
Not with ONE leg
She’s definitely not a dope
That is my snake Hope
Third Place
Hope
by Zoë Magnusson
Bean Elementary School
Hope is what I desire
Flaming like one million fires
Hope is burning through my mind
We have a tight connecting bind
Hope lays lightly across my head
As I lie awake in bed.
Hope…Hope…
Hope.Grade Four 18 Honorable Mention Kleenex by Jake Johnston Bean Elementary School Kleenex, my hero has come to save the day. Hopefully it does not fail to clear the way. My nose, so stuffed about to be free. Kleenex is awesome the best invention to me. So I huff and I puff and blow my nose out. And hopefully my Kleenex does the job for my snout.
19 Grade Five First Place ABC's of 4-H by Brynn deGlee Hanover-Horton Elementary School A group of kids who are going to change the future. Bugs get your animal down…you along with it. Courage is the main factor in walking into a show ring. Doing what’s right for your animal is what’s right for you. Everybody is sad when it comes to saying goodbye to your animal. Fair is the best thing. Games are for people who have time…pshhhh not me. Hay is a tasty treat for your cow to eat. I love my animal. Jealousy isn’t something you need to feel. Kind and caring are your traits. Live to change the future. Money is your prize. No one should ever bring you down. Own up to your mistakes. Parents can’t do everything for you. Queens are the girls who wear an invisible crown. Rule-breaking is not good. Someday we will rule the world. Tomorrow…come on….I have to wash tomorrow?!?! Umbrella, no way! I’d rather be wet. Violence should never be towards your animal. When you wash, make sure to dry. X-rays aren’t necessary for your animal. Your best commitment. Zebras are not for us!
Grade Five 20 Second Place What does it feel like? by Raina Blankenship Dibble Elementary School What does it feel like? You are asking me what it feels like? Only if you know what it feels like. You feel alone. Like someone smashed your head into stone. “You mean depression”. No, I mean the obsession to be someone else. Like you are an elf on the shelf. “Like a puppet” Exactly Like have you ever gone above your budget. “Yeah” You have to put something away “Yeah…” Same but instead you put away your identity Because you are afraid they won’t like your personality. “That got dark fast” I know it did but someone has to bring up the topic. Or else no one will stop it. The End
21 Grade Five
Third Place
There Once Was a Turtle...
by Helen Lefere
Queen of the Miraculous Medal School
There once was a turtle,
Who lived on a beach named Myrtle.
There were reefs with eels,
And ports with seals.
There were various shells,
And ships rang their bells.
People swam and flew a kite,
And came across an awful sight.
They found the poor turtle dead,
Because a plastic ring encircled her head.
Honorable Mention
Poetry Assignment
by Andrew Barney
Jackson Christian Elementary
I’m supposed to write a poem
But I do not know how
Now I feel the pressure
Sweat dripping from my brow
I’m supposed to write a poem
But I do not know how
What do you say? This is a poem?
Wow!Grade Six 22 First Place Gone by Madisyn O'Neal Queen of the Miraculous Medal School When dancing in the clouds Hanging in the rain Running through the meadows Being chased by the man who ruined Everything Hiding in the brisk fog Crying behind a bush With no leaves Fighting for survival Wandering through the narrow path Listening… Watching… Waiting… Wanting to help but Can’t get any You’re Gone
23 Grade Six Second Place Untitled by Jacob Allen Pioneers Homeschool Co-Op Poems are hard to make But to school a poem I must take, Don’t worry, it’s a rhyme, Maybe I’ll write about some thyme, No, that’s too dull, Maybe a cart you can pull, No, no, no, that won’t do, How about a bird that flew? Poems are hard to make, But to school a poem I must take, Maybe a climber that can’t climb, Or a clock without a chime, No, how about a cup that is full, Or how about a great big gull, Or a small plane that is blue, Oh, I don’t know what to do! Third Place Pillows by Ruby Weed Michigan Connections Academy Pillow lies still on my bed She is where I rest my head She has heard my biggest secret One I haven’t even écrit Pillow watches my every action Even if I am doing fractions My pillow is one of a kind It’s insane she hasn’t a mind
Grade Six 24
Honorable Mention
Mountains
by Brayden Horsfall
Northwest Kidder Middle School
White peaks and cold air
Freezing people everywhere
May they reach the top25 Grade Seven First Place I Am a Shy Girl with a Past by Amelia Louise Fracker Northwest Kidder Middle School I am a shy girl with a past. I wonder what happens after you die. I hear the air whisper eerily in my ear. I see a dark figure in the corner of my lit room. I want to be the strongest I can be. I am a shy girl with a past. I pretend that my heart could never break. I feel my heart crack when I cry. I touch the hourglass that shows how much time I have left. I worry that my life will crumble beneath my feet. I cry when I picture myself standing over my grave. I am a shy girl with a past. I understand that nothing lives forever that all things must eventually die. I say I know my worth. I’ve paid dearly for every ounce of it. I dream that my life has no flaws. I hope that one day I can find the true meaning of life. I am a shy girl with a past.
Grade Seven 26 Second Place Shards by Melaina Magnusson Western Middle School Perfection shatters into a million mistakes. But we pick up the pieces, and stick them back together. The problem is, They only hold until We’re gone. And then, They collapse On the next generation, Leaving the children To clean up after. We are children. We are leaders. We are the future. We shouldn’t have To clean up the Shards Of Your Mistakes.
27 Grade Seven Third Place The Gentle Forest by Annie Locke Lumen Christi Hundreds of trees in the forest. All are lightly swaying in the wind. The birds are flying low. It’s about to rain. All the animals hide: The birds, deer, rabbits, wolfs, and many more. The rain is done. All the animals come out. Worms are poking out from the dirt. The birds are getting the worms to eat. The rabbits are eating the wet grass. The deer are eating fresh flowers. All the animals are looking for food. The animals have eaten and they’re all happy. It’s night time now and all the animals must sleep. The birds go to their nests, rabbits go to their burrows. All the animals are ready to sleep. But what about the owl? It just woke up. It “hoos” in the gentle wind, Looking at the hundreds of trees in the forest. All are lightly swaying in the wind.
Grade Seven 28
Honorable Mention
Motorcycle
by Ava Cumberworth
Lumen Christi
A motorcycle is something to admire
Every detail is perfectly made
Engine parts, screws, cables, knobs on tires
If I can put my hands on it I think it will come alive
I can almost hear the engine hum
Like the sound of a beehive
It can hear us talk about it and the way it would feel
To take it for a dream ride at night
And burst out of its place on one wheel
I wish I could jump right on it and take it far from home
Rev the engine loud and ride into the street
Watch the rain land on the chrome
I can feel the wild wind whipping in my face
Feel the power of the engine taking me away
Pretending that I am winning the race
The world is left far behind
With all the fears and tears
I have forgotten that the world can be kind
I am as free as an untamed animal in the wild
Adventure awaits and my mind can’t wait
The sun beat on my shoulders and I smiled
Then in the distance I heard my friend’s voice say look at the chains
We come back to the world, the motorcycle and I
As if we had been gone for days29 Grade Eight First Place The Ocean by Sage Tyson Pioneers Homeschool Co-Op The ocean water washes over my feet The sun shines on my face The dolphins swim in front of me As if to run a race On the shore hot was the sand And grainy to the touch When it’s picked up falls through my hand Which makes it hard to clutch The beauty of the waves I see Is more than overwhelming There is a captain out at sea On a ship he’s helming The clouds display God’s gentleness As they tumble by To demonstrate His endlessness He made the bright blue sky The salty air and crystal waves The warming sand and sun Are all things that our God has made And show what He has done Though the crowded coastline shore Looks like chaos to the eye It is my favorite place to be And I know exactly why The ocean water’s in my blood It courses through my veins And memories that take me back Are all the beach attains
Grade Eight 30 Though life is short and time is precious Like the waves that lap the sand The sky and space and oceans too Are all held in God’s hand
31 Grade Eight
Second Place
The Beauty of Friendship
by Kaitlyn Walsh
Pioneers Homeschool Co-Op
Beauty lies in the deepest places in a friendship’s soul.
Friendship reveals the strongest and weakest qualities in one’s life.
To have a companion, broken spirits are made whole.
Kindness and laughter drowns out the sorrow and strife.
A friend’s sweet smile when it’s needed most.
A tear shed in sympathy, an encouraging word.
Love and empathy is a medicine, never overdosed.
Honesty and feeling much more preferred.
The beauty of feeling each other’s pain,
The miracle of celebrating the joy of a friend.
When one cries in storms, a dear friend feels their tears as rain.
As happiness fills one’s heart, their friend is beside them from start to end.
A true friend is always there to discuss God, and his love.
They’ll freely share their thoughts, and the way they feel.
Together they practice and meditate on things above.
They’ll tell their sorrows so deep, their greatest joys, and their fears so real.
No man, nor woman, nor child has ever seen, and never will,
A thing more beautiful than such companionship.
A bond between a few people, a great longing to fill.
The beauty that lies in every person, is the beauty that creates a never-
ending friendship.
Third Place
Orchids
by Mikayla Everline
Pioneers Homeschool Co-Op
Orchids are my favorite flower.
I will look at them every hour.
They look so magnificent.
But none of them look translucent.
Orchids are such beautiful flowers.
It’s like being beautiful is their superpower.Grade Eight 32 Honorable Mention The Answers You Seek by Olivia Snabes Lumen Christi I get asked a lot If I belong to my parents or not. No, I didn’t come from them, if I had This wouldn’t make me so sad. No more questions, please no more. I can’t bear the uproar. Nobody understands how it breaks my heart in two To hear all these questions about the pair I’ve gone through. I was separated from my mom at the age of three, So after that I thought it’d be just my sister and me. I lived with my aunt in a big house But being just a kid, I felt small as a mouse. Then one day two people walked in And I felt something emerge within Could it be? Will they be my forever family? I was right We spent the night A couple times until the day came to be They knew that we Would belong to them They’d build us up with strong roots and a sturdy stem If you have questions that you carry I’d be happy to answer them, they aren’t too scary.
33 Grade Nine
First Place
Science is Cool
by Katy Hosmer
Columbia Central High School
Ask a question on something you’re curious about,
Raise your hand, and please don’t shout.
Form a hypothesis (an if, then statement)
It’s a simple task, really quite blatant.
Experiment with your problem,
Don’t stop until you’ve reached the bottom.
Observe and record all what you see,
Write down some solutions to what they could be.
Draw out your conclusions,
And be sure there are no further confusions.
Tell all what you’ve learned to kids around school,
Then maybe they’ll believe you that science is cool.Grade Nine 34 Second Place Eagle Path by Phillip Coughlin Columbia Central High School I am working on my Eagle Badge. It is Scouts highest honor. I plan that when it is awarded I will carry a sense of pride and honor. I will be part of a group Of Eagle Badge holders. An honor I will carry Until my dying day. The application was lengthy The questions were a challenge Signatures were required It all begins now Nerves are high. Can I really earn this award? Do I have what it takes? I can only try. Classes were offered A binder was made Pages of resources, prices, Badge requirements, contacts, and personal info Organized and labeled waiting for action. Can I do all this? Do I have the confidence? Can I stand in front of multiple people? And explain why I am worthy. Selecting a project. Working with my church. Standing in front of the Trustees. Asking them to have confidence in me.
35 Grade Nine I never built a fence? Not sure how this goes. How will I pay for all this? Can I dig a post hole? Finding the funds. Collecting ideas. Going back to the trustees. Getting approval. Good feelings were started. This may really work. The project continues. So far it’s all good. Building a fence project. Collecting the costs. Calling suppliers. Building a ledger in my project notebook. Fighting intimidation. Making new friends. Building relations. Asking for help. Merit badge requirements Physical fitness, Personal management, Learning new skills Cooking and hiking for miles on end. The process is ongoing I’m learning a lot. My troop is behind me. And my confidence rises. When I finish this task My hope is to be Confident, brave, heroic and mentally strong Like the eagle who soars in the sky.
Grade Nine 36
Third Place
Science
by Chanel Spaulding
Columbia Central High School
Doing this last minute
sixty seconds to be exact
have to write a poem
but I wish it was a rap
birds in the sky
fish down below
i kinda want to cry
while writing this poem
rocks in a river
ice in a drink
did I really write that well just think
i could write raps all day and songs all night
but just this poem don’t feel write
a volcano is a rupture in the curst of planetary mass
but that’s too bad because I’ve learned that in science class
this poem ain’t bout the facts
this poem is just a rap
about tectonic plate and how they just crash.
Honorable Mention
Matter
by Jace Jean
Columbia Central High School
Everything in this world takes up space,
volume, mass substance that always leaves a trace.
color, odor, length, and density
are some of the properties that make up everything and
there intensity.
Solid, liquid, gas, and plasma are the four phases of matter,
everything in this world can be broke down into the latter.37 Grade Ten First Place Ballet by Ella Williams Pioneers Homeschool Co-Op The delicate silk glossed over by light; Dusty and tiny tears that show my hard work; The pink ribbons wrapped you must tie them right; Painful, yet pretty leave me with a smirk; Bruises and blisters are well worth the pain; The days and hours are not just a waste; This pain is addictive, hard to explain; Criticisms hard but must be embraced; Your highs will always shine brighter than lows; If you stumble get back up, try again; Get over your box and stand on your toes; Remember to use counts of eight, not ten; Improvement will come if you work and strive Ballet is my love, my joy, and my pride.
Grade Ten 38 Second Place Birds by Jordan Gretzner Napoleon High School I wonder what it is like to have no borders no boundaries no chains just endless horizons I wonder what it is like to soar amongst the clouds listening to the wind sing speaking to the sunset hearing all of her stories I wonder what it is like to sleep beneath emerald leaves to listen to the gentle fall of rain around you seeing the world from above falling in love with the sky I wonder what it is like to be free
39 Grade Ten
Third Place
Outside Outcast
by Tavin Maples
Western Career Prep High School
We forsake who we are to cover up the scars,
For the strangers that we become;
Only hides the outsiders we are,
And deprives us of knowing where we’re from.
Never lose heart for you’ll drown in sorrow,
Don’t end it all today for you always have tomorrow,
Our time is ours not stolen nor borrowed.
The life we have is precious not practically pathetic,
We should be outsiders together be a little empathetic.
You may feel alone but you always have a home,
Outsiders stick together you’ll never roam alone.
Together we fight sticking together into the night,
Although together we are; alone we feel fright,
Outsiders we were born; outcasts we become for all isn’t alright.Grade Ten 40
Honorable Mention
Untitled
by Brianna Batterson
Hanover-Horton High School
Through the pasture
Around the trees
Over the hills
Up the river stream
I am stronger than a bull.
During storms I run
Despite danger I work
Instead of running away and hiding
Because of my passionate heart
I will never stop.
Beside my family
Between my friends
Outside the cities
Underneath the clear sky
This is where we belong.
In herd of at least 10
Among the elderly
Along with the young
In addition to the sick
We always stick together.
Towards the setting sun
Before nighttime occurs
In front of a glistening river
Away from all troubles
I am happy with my horse family.41 Grade Ten Honorable Mention I Believe by Haley Osborn Hanover-Horton High School I believe in the equality of all, the kindness of strangers, the idea that music heals, the wisdom of parents, the power of words, silence, protest, hard work. But I don’t believe in not giving second chances. I believe in making the most of life, I believe in quality over quantity, I believe in the importance of education, self care, mental health, confidence. And I believe in getting to know someone before deciding what kind of person they are.
Grade Ten 42
Honorable Mention
Credo Poem
by Wyatt Alger
Hanover-Horton High School
I believe in the power of intelligence,
The benefits are undeniable.
The absence of ignorance heals the world.
The presence of it kills the world.
The ignorance in America has brought racism,
Nazis, homophobes, the POTUS.
I do not believe our country is ruined.
Things can be reversed,
With only a little more knowledge.
I believe people mean well.
I believe voters will open their eyes.
I believe false information is given to them by social media,
The president, senators, and certain news outlets.
And I believe the country will heal.
We will change our ways
And “Make American Great Again”.43 Grade Ten
Honorable Mention
On the Lanes
by Ben Childs
Hanover-Horton High School
I believe in the concept of practice,
The outcome of hard work,
The power of determination,
The effects of positive thinking,
The value of teamwork.
Bowling, Pins, Return.
But getting a zero on a split is just frustrating.
I believe in the importance of spares,
I believe in good misses,
I believe in 6-10 conversions.
My ball, My brace, My drybag.
And I believe in going for count on splits.
Honorable Mention
Darwin
by Quade Peter
Hanover-Horton High School
Large, fluffy, wet, sleepy
Relative of Caruso
Lover of food, sun, and naps
Who feels soft, silky, and damp
Who fears Betty, vacuums, and feet
Who gives cuddles, something to trip on, and love
Who would like to see the sky up close, the food bowl
always filled, and ice cubes in every bowl
Resident of The Peter House
Sir Darwin WetpawGrade Ten 44
Honorable Mention
Green Is...
by Ian Albert
Napoleon High School
Green is a John Deere and the grass it cuts.
Green is the money in my pocket for the work I do.
Green is my experience at the Christmas tree farm and
Green is the tips I get for loading the green fragrant trees
Green is the wrestling mat I step onto.
Green is the uniform I wear.
I am not green with envy…
It’s wrestling time – GO GREEN!45 Grade Eleven First Place Rainbow Tears by Coral Martin Columbia Central High School Saturday, September 28th, 2019. Waking to a peaceful dawn Filled with anticipation. An exciting and energetic morning. Starting early to get ahead of myself; Beginning the day with my brightly colored Rainbow tears. Saturday, September 28th, 2019. Oh, how I loved those fine lines: The magnificent blue channel Flowing along with the warm pink tone, Contoured near a stream of sunny rays. Adding silver snowflakes of glitter to complete our Rainbow tears. Saturday, September 28th, 2019. Standing on a platform of warm tar and asphalt, Flinging bright fabrics into the air; Numbers running through our heads as our bodies move To the same rhythm, interchangeable, yet still distinguishable. Each of us displaying our own Rainbow Tears. Saturday, September 28th, 2019. Buses loaded up with children Anticipation and excitement Buzzing through the air like bees. Heading towards a place derived from Greek tragedy, All while approaching my own, unknowingly admiring our Rainbow Tears. Saturday, September 28th, 2019. Falling away from our original path. I’m pulled from the transport, filled with uncertainty.
Grade Eleven 46 Pulse racing, stomach dropping, Panic tugging at every inch of my soul, I’m taken away, no longer concerned about our Rainbow Tears. Saturday, September 28th, 2019. trembling and baring my teeth, feeling cornered and afraid, like a dog in a cage. spoken to with soft, solemn words. being drowned in the abyss of uncertainty; feeling small in an ocean that would do nothing but wash away my rainbow tears. Saturday, September 28th, 2019. worsened anxiety, filled with confusion. collapsing into the seat of the auto, I became a vacuum; engulfed in all the pain and pressure from the universe, I exploded and out came my true rainbow tears. Saturday, September 28th, 2019. like a loose cannon the shaking began. spasms created an earthquake within the vehicle. forty-five minutes of tremors, and an aftermath that even Time couldn’t fix; corruption rained down my face as those tears became polluted with black. forever lost in heartbreak, those dark, tainted rainbow tears. Saturday, September 28th, 2019. safety only found in a mother’s arms. tenderness so pure it felt almost like pain killers. diving into that comfort, becoming a little bigger. A clan closer than before; caused by the absence of one. Family sweeping away my Rainbow Tears.
47 Grade Eleven Saturday, September 28th, 2019. Continuing my journey, I radiate strength and power. Fighting to hide what haunts me inside. Protests rally outside, but persistence remains by my side; Once again racing towards the cities of tragedy. I am greeted by hushed sympathy, and those Rainbow Tears. Saturday, September 28th, 2019. The bright colors of fabrics bring less comfort than before. The peaceful, solidarity of the event has transformed Into quick-paced attempts to re-paint a picture of harmony. Blankly gazing at brick I listen to failed trials of comfort. Simple groundless apologies told, As they slovenly reapply those streams, Messier than any cascade before: My Rainbow Tears.
Grade Eleven 48 Second Place Him by Quinn Davison Columbia Central High School My body; I could not look in the mirror. My voice; I could not stand to hear her. Suicidal thoughts were becoming hauntingly clearer, Until I met him. My smile; I had been without her for years, Myself I could display without any fears, My days could exist without so much a tear, Because I met him. Slowly though, the bruises came back. The hitting, the yelling, I had to retract. He was so different now; that was a fact. I had to leave him. I had been left off even worse than I was, My sense of self-worth had become but a fuzz. The euphoric high of death was my favorite buzz, Because I met him. Even though I am ashamed that I fell so low, I learned that, no matter what, He will love me so. Ecstatic to unite with Him and receive that angelic glow; I finally found Him.
49 Grade Eleven Third Place Light Versus Dark by Grace Willoughby Columbia Central High School Light versus Dark an endless fight, they tend to split at day and night. I’ll throw a punch or club your face, you better back away and give me some space. Dark will confuse you and get you lost, Light will help you at all costs. Dark is friendly pushing you around, Light gives you love, never putting you down. Light a fire within to rid the monsters of your past, Darkness will knock out your heart in a single blast. Darkness will drive your thoughts insane, Light will try and fail to relieve the pain. Waking up young with Light in your eyes, never stepping from your dreams still on life’s highs. Darkness will play with your day like a puppet on strings, don’t let it get to your brightness or give you angel wings.
Grade Eleven 50 Honorable Mention Remember Me by Suzanne Baker Columbia Central High School Helplessness is a tragic feeling, It hurts more than pain and sorrow. This was inevitable but I didn’t believe that it would happen so soon. I looked into your eyes and saw a stranger looking back at me. Do you know my name? Do you remember all the memories we shared? I miss you. I hate to visit because it’s so hard to see you this way, But I ache inside when I don’t visit you. Your face still lights up the room, Even if the person behind it isn’t the same one I remember. How are you, stranger? How am I supposed to live life without you? I love you. The day that you leave is going to be hard, But not impossible. Because deep down I’ve known, That you have been gone for a long time. When will I see you again? When will the clock run out? Goodbye.
51 Grade Twelve First Place Gods and Golems by Claire Yaniga Columbia Central High School Dry dirt on dusty earth Bright orange eye halved, hooded in the horizon There is no breath of brisk wind somewhere near Soul: an unknown word When the world is dark grains of sand slip through celestial hands Falling through the atmosphere Seeds planted, though it is still lifeless here Soul: a possibility Navy night gives way Fingers, grasping from the soft grainy ground an arm and shoulder Unveiled A discrepancy in this lonely dale Soul: a new idea Gods above awake Aware of accidental creations Golems roam earth, made of clay Minds full of space, ready to claim knowledge Soul: a discrepancy In hours of light The ones with oversight rage against life Living clay becomes rubble Unwanted, unloved, a cause for trouble Soul: a memory Dry dirt on dusty earth Bright orange eye halved, hooded in the horizon There is no breath or bone here Only the breath of brisk wind somewhere near Soul: an unknown word
Grade Twelve 52 Second Place This I Believe by Grace Shoemaker Hanover-Horton High School As I stand here, In the midst of indifference. The past repaints itself on our skin. From the past to now, Let it be a warning to what is to come. This I believe, Uniting is the treasure you seek Our way of living needs to be thought out again. As the people of this Earth Listen to the cries of our from within the soil, Can you hear it? The strikes of death among us Look you’re bleeding too. Close your door next generation Change the outcome of our time. Don’t let this process be the story for another decade. Careers lost, their lives gone to changing the world, we can’t provide the help needed, unless we work together. How do you help people in need when We are the ones caught red-handed? From the life of a little girl she overthinks everything. From the simplest things to life decisions. A daddy’s girl without a father Needy from the attention not had. Friends not found. Anxiety from the sea of strangers looking back at her This complex life like theirs, as all Just as scared of the future as she. I am about to break.
53 Grade Twelve She lives in a world of not enough Not enough food, not enough money for gas not enough time, not enough affection not enough love, not enough people to help us, not enough. Hatred grew, deep in the souls of America The ongoing looks of daggers for the families that have no more to give. Like the chicken pecking because of difference Bullied I, and my sisters and brothers. But all this pain never ceased. But we were not the only ones struggling for life 3 little girls and a little boy. Riding down the cracked sidewalks on little scooters, Bad man, they were the culprits. How would we know? Not only abuse was in store for these children and mother. That man would slink at hours till all were asleep to make motives It didn’t take long for the mother to finally breathe in false courage A mother’s love for her kids, fighting, giving all she had. But falsely it was, the strangers took leverage and left Leaving this family with all bills, not money and no place to go To the streets they went. This I believe, that we need to figure out how to do this together, doing so TOGETHER. United not just American hands, Not only to make US; fed, supplied, and cared for, but ALL people. Not you or me deserves a life without love and understanding. Today we see it all over the place, people who want change, they want help they are in need. What are we going to do?
Grade Twelve 54 I know exactly what many people do, That indifference that was taught at an early age, We do nothing. We cover our eyes to the damage. Just look, look at it all Don’t close your eyes no more. WE do nothing about the poverty ending lives, disasters making many unemployed, murders, rapists, thieves, corrupt people, injustice. Why do we do NOTHING? I don’t understand why we let this happen to brothers and sisters alike You don’t get it, you are dying too Save yourself. Like cows in a storm looking right into the demise of their life Letting yourself drowned. I know things happen that are out of my control, but there are many, many opportunities for even me alone to help everyone out. We need to love, we need open minds and we need to do it TOGETHER. Love for one another without fail, Not because it is the right thing to do, to do so because we are being of love. Please look at the war scars on your body, open your eyes, we can do this together Take my hand.
55 Grade Twelve Third Place goodbye by Morgan Reamer Columbia Central High School His Color was blue. His eyes, hidden by a mist. I sought to dry the ocean. It is a shame he never saw me. Their Color was lavender. The fields filled with purple flowers. The scent reminded me of days gone by. It is a shame they never thought of me. Her Color was magenta. Her lipstick smeared across my face, The same night I told her how I felt. It is a shame she never told me the same. These are my colors. I awake to see my blue ceiling. My room smells of lavender. The magenta speaker blasts music. My life. Me.
Grade Twelve 56 Honorable Mention The Ruination by Carissa Schwartz Columbia Central High School Prosperity beacons, hand steady, A Cheshire grin, unseen, Ignored. The Like reach, seeking only to listen, To wonder, To learn, Helplessly, Hopelessly— Unaware of their own undoing, Oh, they reach, As the world crumbles, And hubris consumes— All is lost.
57 Primary Sponsors: Friends of the Jackson District Library, Jackson Breakfast Rotary Club and The Flip & Monette Thorrez Giving Fund
You can also read
