Seventh graders publish poems

Sofia’s poem, “Time Goes By,” and Logan’s poem, “Angel and the Devil (Angel's Perspective),” will be published in a student poetry anthology. Less than 50% of all contest entries are accepted for publication.

The poetry contest, open to students in kindergarten through grade nine, is divided into three grade divisions: K-3, 4-6 and 7-9. Poems must be 21 lines or less on any topic. Entries are judged on literary merit, creativity and social significance by published writers and/or educators in elementary, secondary and higher education.

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Time Goes By

written by Sofia Khaydarova 

Time, the thief of all we know, 
Leaves us wondering, "Where did it go?" 
Time is slipping through our hands. 
I know it's hard to understand 
That one day all the things we cherish, 
Time will steal and they will perish. 
I hope you realize when you read this,
 That time, the thief of all we know, 
Will leave us with nothing else but woe. 
One day everything will vanish, 
Every poem, song, or drawing 
Will be gone without our knowing. 
Time, the thief of all we know, 
The future with no me and you, 
Leaves me wondering if this is true, 
That the world is nothing more 
Than you and me, and him and her. 
Time, the thief of all we know, 
Was all along our biggest foe.

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Angel and the Devil (Angel's Perspective)

written by Logan Dunkin 

Evil, ruthless, cunning, mean these are traits of thee. 
Though their actions cause distraught, they carry on without a thought.

Envious, narcissistic, and filled with greed, 
Everything seems lost when it is their word I heed. 
Their actions leave me without hope, even if I'm next to a lifesaving rope. 

But maybe, just maybe, there is a way to turn... 
A positive lifestyle is all I yearn. 
Once I free myself from being caged, 
My mental health can be saved. 

As I open my eyes to the possibility, 
Positive thoughts are set free. 
This lifeboat, the savior, it's so close to clasp. 
Yes, the light, I see it. It's what I grasp. 

As I leave this dreadful place and get free, 
Positive thoughts flow like a stream. 
As my shackles are unlocked, 
A new era is clocked. 

For now, amends are in store. 
The bad side was vanquished once more. 
A positive outcome is no longer stout, 
That was my perspective, Angel out.