Category: 2022-23 Submissions

I feel a cool, relaxing, gentle breeze
I smell the piney scent of a forest in the fall
I hear leaves rustling in the wind
I taste naturally sticky and sweet maple syrup
I see a magnificent maple tree spreading its branches

I feel the early morning sunlight warming my skin
I smell the earthy scent of twigs and jasmines
I hear baby birds in a nest calling their mother for food
I taste delicious roasted sunflower seeds while I feed some to the birds
I see gorgeous blue jays taking flight

I feel the spooky mist in the late evening sky
I smell the mouthwatering aroma of candy traveling to my nose
I hear kids’ laughter while they chat with each other
I taste my favorite crunchy and chocolaty kit-kats as I devour them one by one
I see my whole neighborhood celebrating halloween

I see a beautiful maple tree
I hear birds chirping
And as I taste my bucket loads of Halloween candy

I know that autumn is coming.

Time is hardly measurable,
yet we all know it persists
you cannot wrap it’s form
or legitimize it’s pain
the past is a thing that breathes,
constant to now, in vain;

You cannot hear it humming
but behind a watch hand,
deathly strumming
balanced on a string,
held by present,
like a strand;

Weeks, months, years
what’s the hurry to clock in
if the void surpasses the watch
and it’s gears?

A millennium holds each day
a host, evicted the essence of a minute
for every breath,
a ruler underway.

A little frog
croaked today
a little tree
swayed to say
a leaf that fell
crimped the tale
that solemn Daffodil
turned awfully pale
all impaired, from a single gust
natures verbal game knows
when summers gone,
when winter must.

A rake has no purpose but one
scoop up fallen leaves,
until there’s none;
it’s sweep of aid before worn out
20 years or so,
to landlords annoyance,
after all piles
the tool is just an old fellow.

I am from my bunk bed in my room
From my two dogs at my house

I am from a crawfish catching family

I am from my favorite video game waiting for me after school

I am from Grandma and Grandpa’s house

And from my mom saying “do your homework”

And playing tag with my friends

I am from the fig tree I used to climb
Whose figs ripen every July and August

And from the pumpkin pie and biscuits and gravy on family gatherings

I am from those moments when peaceful waterfalls
come down the North Carolina mountains

Sometimes we are like angry bears
Sometimes others stare
But we really don’t care!

We really steal the spotlight
It makes us feel just right
Problem is, others want to fight.

Sometimes we seem different
When we are different,
We ignore the difference

We think we need help,
We’re just like kelp,
When others help

A normal day is just the same
But we’ve got lions to tame
So we’re in that frame

Sometimes very shy
Sometimes we lie
But then we get fried

Sometimes we feel special
Others think we’re special
5th grade is great!

Muscles keep squeezing my brain,
bulging and bruising, bleeding and drying out like a grape left to dry.
Dried to crisps that snap when the slightest wind blows my way,
cracking into a dirt-like substance in which I plant the seeds of knowledge.
A flower grows up, up, up, through my ears trying to find a way to reach the sky.

Masterpieces can be different things
It could be something you see
Maybe taste,
Maybe dream
It could be something you imagine to be
It might be weird
But think of it as unique
You might be the next Picasso if that sounds neat
People look at paintings, stories, and songs
They are all masterpieces customized for all
What is your masterpiece
Just take a second and think

Shimmering lights
Glowing Diya’s
The radiant rangoli colors
Bright yet elegant
Graceful yet calming
The smell of mithai;
Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, Kaju Barfi,
The sound of laughter
Music bursting in the background
All like perfect puzzle pieces
Fitting together
In my heart
On my favorite day

I’m brought out from the dark and cold garage
To be decorated with light and ornaments like a collage
I shine and sparkle like an actor in the spotlight in a play
Brightening this home on Christmas Day
Gifts so many gifts placed under me with so much generosity
Kids looking under this tree with so much curiosity
I feel so happy to be a part of this great day
Where I can be displayed
Everyone starts to gather in the living room to sing in harmony
The Christmas carols that are spoken so heartily
All this joy fills me with happy tears
Hands put together for our prayers
Kids waiting anxiously to open their gifts
Hoping it could be something from their lists
Kids one at a time opening their gifts enjoying their moment
Seeing their happy faces brings a smile to mine
Night falls and I’m afraid my time has run out that is …fine…
The day approaches, head hanging low, knowing what’s coming
My dresses being undone am no longer stunning
I’m afraid it’s time to say goodbye
On my way back to the garage I let out a sad cry
Until next Christmas Day
Where I will be displayed again