Teen Poetry Contest Winners

The Annual Teen Poetry Contest winners were announced at the Poetry Read at Arabian Library on Thursday, April 3, 2008. Twenty-seven teens submitted amazing original poems this year. Congratulations to all participants!

The poets and guests were treated to a musical performance by teen Andy S. and library staffers Kagen C. and Rob W. >>

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1ST PLACE WINNER
Wobbling Forward
Hannah S., Age 16

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HONORABLE MENTION
Materialism -- Brie A., Age 14
Canvas -- Caitlyn O., Age 17

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1ST PLACE

Wobbling Forward
Hannah S., Age 16

He touches me so easily
And it feels natural
To touch him back;
To reciprocate with a backrub
Or a soft glance
While stroking his hair.
We laid together on the couch
One lazy afternoon.
Light streamed deliciously
Through the blinds
Softly illuminating our strewn figures.
We shifted awkwardly,
Trying at the same time
To get closer and farther
From each other;
Wanting to stay connected
In any way.

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HONORABLE MENTION

Materialism
Brie A., Age 14

They're airbrushed and fake and they're not even real.
They say "Live in the moment," and "Trust what you feel."
They say "Life's just a party, so live while it lasts!"
They show you the fun but not the aftermath.

What if I don't want to believe what they do?
What if lies and facades are things I can see through?
What if all that they stand for just isn't for me?
Why would I want captivity when I'm so free?

It looks fun on the page, on the screen, through the glass.
But I know that in truth it dissolves, it fades fast.
It's not worth all the trouble, not worth all the pain,
For the short burst of fun in this frivolous game.

I could give up my confidence, give up my joy.
For a life that is comfortless, meaningless, void.
I could tear down my innocence, build up what's fake.
For a life where the fame leaves me lost in its wake.

When I find myself tempted I ask myself "Why?"
"Why trade in your fulfillment for painful demise?"
"Why give up what you loved to be broken and hurt?"
"Why trade in what was good for a life with no worth?"

In the end if I cling to the things they call true
It could cost me the things I can't afford to lose.
They may give me an image of who I should be.
But I need to let go and just choose to be me.

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HONORABLE MENTION

Canvas
Caitlyn O., Age 17

The rustic oracle, a dandelion
Globe of composites disrupted
Seeds like decisions carried on the wind
Influenced by the Earth's gentle breathing

Turning, twisting, lifted by the current
Falling from their delicate dance in the sky
Lightly landing among Ixias and Poppies
Taking root, waiting for time to go by

As thin leaves wave towards a capsized boat
Stranded at low tide, anticipating each rolling wave
Longing for their rocking under satellite and sky
Its hull passing through lilies faces poised sweet upright

Shapes blended, bleeding, Aurora's nightly play fading
Water reflecting dawn's rising prismatic light
Spattering spectral colors on the scene, a canvas
The painter's broad stroke seemingly aimless

The direction, however, deliberate; intently made
Hazily shadowed by a window of antique glass
Barely open to the morning's faint breeze
That passes in and out, followed by a dandelion seed.