The following poem was received as part of Writing's Take Five Contest. Although it did not win, we enjoyed it very much and wanted to share it with you. Check back throughout the rest of April and May to read more excellent poems and stories from Take Five.

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Poem by Alina Ott, Grade 11

Chicken noodle soup on a cloudy April day
Wayward leaves are recklessly twisted by gusts
   Shoving umbrellas and newspapers inside out.

Suddenly on the wind raindrops appear
Moodily defying upward glances and muttered prayers
   Spreading shadows and pinning helpless litter.

Dark figures hurry by, heads down, collars up
Grumpy, caught wet and unaware
   Buffeted by puddles from the street

Wheels creak as a small unlucky man
Rides precariously by on a red bicycle
   Weaving through raindrops.

The rain slowls to a constant patter
An orchestra of drumming rooftops
   Dripping pipes and spattering lakes.

Only I cross the slick pavement
Eyelashes working like windshield wipers
   Braving the wind and rain.

The way sparkles with shattering droplets
Though the beauty is lost in the battle
   Fighting a lock with curses and keys.