2010 Young Adult Poetry Contest

Congratulations to the winners of Milwaukee Public Library's 2010 Young Adult Poetry Contest

First Place - ages 10-12
"Cooper's Hawk" by Shane- East Library
Second place "Archeology" by Joanna- Bay View
Third place "Spring Is... " by Anna- Tippecanoe
First Place - ages 13-15
"Uses" by Kaliya- Central Library
Second Place "Paying Tribute" by Olivia- Forest Home Library
Third place "How to Kill a Nothing " by Nicole (Permission not received for posting.)
First Place - ages 16-18
"Fantasy Forest" by Ivoriania- Washington Park Library
Second Place "Once" by Skye- Capitol Library
Third Place "He Took My Place" by Christa- Zablocki Library

Cooper's Hawk by Shane
Loam and soil were kicked up
as we trod upon the hard-packed earth
that made up the nature trail.
We turned a corner
and I heard gasps
of wonderment
from the audience
that was our group.
I looked over my shoulder
and saw
a hawk
perched on a fallen tree
not ten feet away.
The fearsome golden eyes stared at me.
I held my gaze
until the hawk flapped away
making scarcely a sound.

Archeology by Joanna
Archeology is the study of the ancient past
You can find it in the form of a mold and cast
You might just find a foot print from a dinosaur’s strut
Or maybe a dish from the great pharaoh Tut

Now listen to my story, young and old
For it is sure the greatest ever told
I was a dinosaur, great and strong
A meteor fell and all went wrong

Darkness, cold, starvation, death
The growing pressure stole my last breath
My bones were pressed into the earth
To leave my mark/a fossil’s birth

Spring Is... by Anna
Spring is the shining sun overhead
     and the cool green grass below.
Spring is melted snow
     and yellow grass.
Spring is laying on your back
     looking up at the beautiful clouds.
Spring is purple and white wildflowers on the lawn
     and slippery mud on the sidewalk.
Spring is the sound of children laughing
     and birds sweetly singing.
Spring is running outside with the wind in your hair
     and a smile on your face.
Spring is waking up before dawn
     just to see the sun rise.
Spring is cleaning all day
     and partying all night.
Spring is the end of winter
     and the beginning of new life.

Uses by Kaliya
Water
Used to clean
Used to drink
Used for fun
Used to hydrate
But what did it do for you
A to support you
Life jacket to save you
But none of that works
Teacher tried to save you
But he was weak and let you slip away
You went away
Looked for you for 2 days
Found you still in your socks
Now water is used for one thing
Death
Now the tears keep rolling
I don’t what to think
I wonder how I could have saved you
I blame myself for what happened
I know I should of done something
They tell me it couldn’t have been prevented But even I know that isn’t true If we would have known where you were Well lets just say you wouldn’t have been out there in the first place I know I couldn’t have stopped it but it kills me that it killed you Water The same thing I use keep my body alive killed you The same thing I use to keep my body fresh Has your smelling like a sewer The same thing that keeps falling from my eyes in shapes of tears Because I no longer know how to control it Water I hate you now I no longer have that same relationship with you How can you say your useful but you do this to me I couldn’t use you for a month ever since this I cant even look at you the same But I have to Your apart of my everyday life But don’t think our relationship is ever the same My little brother will always be on my mind when I think about you My little brother You stay on my mind like a fitted cap The sweetest thing in the world My little brother We might not have been blood But we were closer than that My little brother Water What’s the use?

Paying Tribute by Olivia

You were there on the toughest
times. Told me the truth didn’t use
no lies. Made me understand I couldn’t
have it all. Learned my lesson after every fall.

I still don’t know why you had to go.
My life is different I feel alone.
You showed me the steps I had to take.
You’d be yourself and never act fake.

Gave me the strength to go on with my life.
Showed me the path that light was bright.
Answered my questions, gave my rights.
Always told me “Don’t provoke no fights.”

Never made up excuses, you were the
type of guy who gets back up after he looses.
A role model in my life, the example to follow,
More than just a friend, you were there from
the start till the end.

From the first day we met till the day of
your death, I wanna live beyond dreams, Be
like you and set myself free, all the time
together we ride, you were there from
morning till night…

With you I met reality…Got stronger
and showed the real me. Gave me the
power to find who I really wanted to be.
You said you were down for anything I’d
do…Never knew anyone……..
Anyone like you!

In memory of Angel Cardenas

Fantasy Forest by Ivoriania

The night talks, whistling in my ear
Knowing well that I don’t want to listen.
I don’t hear its voice, but I sense it, feel it,
Flying into my heart through my eardrums and changing its pace.
I become stiff and quiet, a new family member of
trees surrounding me.
I look to the moon; it rains light and sleep
to the land beneath.
The stars, well-lit with freedom, connect to form my horoscope,
The Scorpion.
Other stars, bored out their wits, become
angels to supervise the night and its inhabitants.
The grass waves them on, the wind
whistling encouragement.
I, a ghost, fly along, dancing in excitement
to find how well the families of mortals are doing,
after a day of shaking hands, hugging, and welcoming
new members, and now dreaming about how to make each other
happy.
My defense against subtle happiness falters, as I am distracted by the
vibrant beauty of the cool blue jazzy wilderness
until my defense stops altogether.
Be happy, be healthy, the moon says, and most
of all, be hopeful.
A little warning, I knew it was.
But why, I’m not sure.
Tulips and daisies swirl their petal skirts and freeze.
The angels fly around faster and faster.
The moon brightens and I’m happier then sadder.
Oh.  It is morning and I’m awake.

Once by Skye
Yes, I knew him once.
At least…
I thought I did.

You know –
He wasn’t always like this.

He told elaborate stories once.
The best ones I’ve ever heard.
The type of tales
That made your head spin.
He drew you in
To his fairytale reality.
Sometimes without even trying.

His hands were masters
Of the black and white keys
That dwelled atop the baby grand in the corner.
He composed to the strain of his mind –
And the beat of his heart.
Bach, Beethoven, Mozart.
He could play them all.

His smile lit up the room once.
Inviting, wide, and pure.
He could make any house feel like home.
And if you’d let him,
He could transform your world
Into something you never knew you wanted
Or knew you could have.

His love was an experience to be had.
And he was a giver like no other –
Always putting others before himself.
He always knew what was wrong
Before you opened your mouth.
Someone like him is hard to find –
Was hard to find.

[Ma’am….I don’t mean to interrupt,
But all I wanted to know was whether
Or not you could identify the body.]

Well.
If you must know,
Then yes, I knew him once.

We grew up in the same house.
Shared the same parents.
Slept in the same room.
A dream now, it seems.

Yes, that cold body on that colder slab
He was my brother.
Overdose, you said?
Figures. You can cover him back up now.
It’s him. Thank you for letting me know.

[You’re positive that this is your brother?]

Sigh. Yes, I’m sure.
I knew him once, after all.
At least…
I thought I did.

Once.

He Took My Place by Christa
So long ago, so far away,
Unfolds a story beyond the grave.
Three wooden crosses, two wicked thieves,
But in the middle, hanging there was me.

Beaten and bruised, I was left to die,
The guilt of my sins was shown on high.
Till I heard a voice saying, "I'll take your place,
And I offer you my saving grace."

It was at the cross,
Where two hands were nailed.
There grace was offered,
Where the Blood prevailed!
The Lamb of God,
A sacrifice,
Took my sins,
And paid the price.

Now I am free, I am forgiven.
I have a home high up in heaven.
Where I'll see my Savior’s face,
And forever be in His embrace.