First Place Poetry: Marlborough Street Boston by Marina Firman, Boonville

First Place: Poetry Marlborough Street Boston Marina Firman, Boonville

His parents planted the tree When they bought the little house The year he was born With small hands and big eyes

He didn’t know That even then the tree protected him And hid him From the world

Now he’s older He sees the tree As his lost mother She knows and soothes his grief

Her bittersweet smell Her pastel petals Which she drops on the street Showing him a way out

She leans in closer Reaching her wooden arms around him Her flowers falling into his hair Tickling his ears playfully

His senior year, the city tells them The tree is sick She’s dying Leaving him alone again

He paints her portrait Doesn’t leave his name Only his address Marlborough Street Boston