-Anana Witterman, Grade 8

Gnarly oak sentries guard the entrance of the park,
Fragile, copper leaves adorned with a lace of dew.
Perpetual branches tug at the heavens ... intertwining.

Calm and composed, a delicate cherry blossom tree breathes softly,
Outstretched, humorous arms playing tug-of-war with the geentle breeze.
Light pink cotton balls tingle slightly ... a strong gust hurtles past.

Propelling itself from a lofty branch is a morning dove,
Its smoky plumage rippling in the fresh morning light.
Coasting on an invisible elevator ... laughing at the sky.

An undulation brook courses through the pebbles,
Its mirrored surface echoing the late autumnal hues.
Fragments of a peaceful afternoon ... scattered on the innocent surface.

This is the final runner-up in READ magazine's 2008 Ann Arlys Bowler Poetry Contest. It was supposed to have been posted yesterday but we screwed up. Sorry about that. We were so close to having a full 14 days too. So much for perfection.

Check back later today to read one student's new character for the Spoon River Anthology!