Poem inspired by Deer Valley selected for publication

Seventh grader Kriti Kulkarni’s poem, “Magic Spot,” was recently chosen for publication in the anthology, “The Big Green Poetry Machine – Talented Green Poets,” that showcases young writers.

Following her school’s sixth grade trip to Deer Valley in May 2024, Kriti wrote a poem inspired by the experience. One of her sixth-grade teachers, Ms. Sherri Garvey, encouraged her to submit her work to the Young Writers poetry contest, which invited students to write a poem inspired by the environment and nature.

“The poems have been selected based on imagination, creativity and use of language,” a Young Writers representative said. “We like to give as many students as possible the chance to see their work in print as our aim has always been to inspire children to become passionate and confident writers.”

This marks the second time that one of Kriti’s poems has been selected for publication. In 2022, as a fourth grader, her poem titled, “Pencil vs. Pen,” was selected for publication in the Creative Communication spring poetry contest.

In 2023, Kriti earned Honorable Mention in the annual Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest at Pittsburgh Public Theater for her portrayal of Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

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Magic Spot

I look up toward the bright blue sky
And see the geese flying by
I take a deep breath of the clean, fresh air
And glance up at the green, leafy canopy up there
The water ripples in small waves
And a chilly wind whips my face
A green mountain stands strong and tall
A robin makes a loud, chirpy call
My boots scrape against the muddy trail
The wonders around me do not make me pale 
The sun beating is down on me
Its warmth carrying out a comforting plea
Small bugs hover over a puddle
And fish splash in the water, quiet and subtle
I smell the sweet, wooden scent of the trees
And my hair flies backward with the oncoming breeze
An ant scurries across a decaying leaf
Scavenging for food to bring some relief 
Inchworms dangling off webs
Creating loops with their bodies instead of legs
A large spider crawls up a small plant 
Tilting the wobbly stem at a slant
A squirrel runs up a beech
Its small, warm body just out of my reach
Raindrops splatter in the damp, grassy ground
As nature’s symphony plays all around 
I smell the smoky smell of barbecue
And I catch a whiff of s’mores too!
Time to get going
So I leave, my face glowing
From the excitement of watching the simple things
To the joy that in my heart it brings
But I love being in nature
It will always be greater
Than beating a level on a video game
Or trying to get my picture up in the hall of fame 
Or saving the best cookie for last
For all of that will be in the past
Nature is my escape to peace
My time to relax and find my ease.

Kriti Kulkarni
May 20, 2024
Age 11