Laurel County Public Library Poetry Showcase - 2014

2014

Laurel County Public Library Poetry Showcase

Young Adult (12-17) Abigail Monhollen Whitley County Our Redemption, Jesus Died Jesus died, he knew what had to be done “It is done” is what he said When he was hanging on the cross with you and I in his head But don’t be mistaken, the beatings were willingly taken He could have called down armies of angels, but he hung there with his hair in tangles And nails in his hands, but there was a purpose for the slaughter of the most holy of lambs God loves us so that he made a way for us, If you has asked him to show it He would have looked from nailed hand to nailed hand and said “this much” Because of this love, we are redeemed, we are the oppressed set free, the blind made to see The brilliance that he beams, brighter than any star has ever shone He paid off the ultimate loan, so that we never have to be alone He is unconditional love, whenever you’re feeling low just look above When you feel like nothing is right and you have Nothing left Just think about what right did Jesus have on the cross when He could have just left But he didn’t, he cared enough to pay the price, to so freely give the ultimate sacrifice So make sure what you’re living for, is worth Christ dying for For giving us forgiveness that could only be given by Him Just remember when you couldn’t feel worse, Jesus thought you were to die for Alexis Long Laurel County God and Heaven, Safe At Last The beast is lurking on my trail.

The Hunt is on, it will never rest nor bail.

I pray that I’ll stay alive, To defeat this beast inside.

I hid under my covers, afraid of the Light.

But I’m not terrified of the creatures at night.

It shades away my shattered past.

And i am always the one that is last.

This clever creature likes to sneak, Just to look inside my corrupt head, just one peek.

I try to learn how to fly, But I already fell from the empty sky.

My wings are broken bones underneath me, How will I ever become free?

It grinds its teeth, itching for a gruesome battle.

I hear the ringing, as my head starts to rattle.

Running like a wolf to the howling moon, But I am horrified that it will catch me dreadfully soon.

Owls mock my every swift motion, As I show my tears and my every emotion.

God, help me please now!

Before this animal starts to gnarl and growl.

This run is stressfully long, I want to, before I am taken, sing my pleasant song.

I will never be able to now wash this hoodie, But not full of sweets and goodies.

It grasps me by my bare feet, And with the stench of my blood, I reik of defeat.

My busted heart exploded out of my chest, So now i can peacefully rest.

Take me to Heaven My Flawless Angels.

Allison Pham Laurel County Family, Are You Still Watching Me? You watched as I came into this world.

You watched as I cried.

You watched as I slept.

You watched me every day.

You watched as I played.

You watched as I ate.

You watched as I made friends.

You watched me every day.

You watched as I learned to read.

You watched as I learned to write.

You watched as I went to school.

You are still watching me every day, You watched as I went to college.

You watched as I made a family.

You watched as I moved away.

You watched me every day.

You watched as I came back.

You watched as I helped you up stairs.

You watched as I helped you eat.

You watched as I cried for you.

You still watch me every day up there.

Allison Tonkel Dance The stage was a bright star Its lights were beating down on our faces Enormous!

Making our team look huge It was as big as seven football fields “Use the floor!”

The music was a symphony of melodies It helped us hear the beat Worthy!

Thinking about the music that comes next It was as loud as a herd of elephants “Listen to the beat!”

The practice was a waterfall of hard work It made us beautiful dancers Sharp!

Working like it was Nationals It was working us like Ox’s “Don’t stop practicing.”

The movement made us gazelles It made our routine beautiful Swiftly!

Making sure to run on our toes It was as pretty as fresh bloomed flowers “Keep on Moving.”

Brooke Basham Laurel County Springtime Sun shines bright.

Pollination begins.

Roses bloom.

I love spring time.

Need hair bows.

Green grass.

Brooklynn Robinson Laurel County Love, Unfinished Perfection Counting the lines of you iris As you look at me I see memories and dreams Like a wet painting Continuous shifting, not set Beautiful curves, rough edges Bright places dark spaces Unfinished perfection Feeling the hairs on your arms As you hold me I feel the warmth and sweetness Like my own personal knight Battle worn, love sick Beautiful curves, rough edges Bright spaces dark places Unfinished perfection Hearing the sounds of your heart As I lay my head on your chest I hear the booming of your heart Like a steady war drum Beating from the past Beating from the storm Beautiful curves, rough edges Bright places, dark spaces Unfinished perfection Sensing are love for each other As I am with you I sense the toutness of our affection Like a old guitar sting continually stretched Beautifully strummed Cameron Bundy Whitley County Nature, Tree Light has entered, now have life Feeling wise, but young as a child Put into earth, now come darkness Buried alive, but attitude mild Older now, out of Earth Light shines with a gleam Still young, still green With now a lean Now an adult, I am tall High to touch the sky

Wiser, but with a gloat Thinking I can never die My children, hanging Time to leave in Spring Leaving me, flying As I hear them sing An elder, the wisest But very close to death Welcomes death, on wings Hoping for another Spring.

Christian Duprey Laurel County Fake Identity, Hidden by Black Curtains Black tears fall slowly amongst your velvet Snow White face.. Your whole life covered in darkness.. A curtain that shields your pain.. You’re on stage.. Yet no one can hear you play.. A melodic piece that they fabricate.. They applaud...but your heart remains...astray...

Your soul is hidden.. By the beautiful mask that Is fake...

Because once you fall.. It shall break..

And no one will listen, to a word you have to say..

Every black tear that you create will desolate into the endless abyss of lies, despair, and sorrow..

There was never a genesis..

No beginning.. No end..

A song that you made...

But a song that they remake..

A puzzle without a picture...

The night without a moon..

An angel.. Without wings...

You live, but without a name..

When the show is over..

No one will remember your name..

And What is left..

Are the hidden black tears Smeared upon your velvet white face..

Dakota Willis Florida The beach is an oasis in the desert Its sand is burning with fire Sweltering!

Warming our bodies It’s burning like a ring of fire “Beach, how I love you” The sea is a giant tub of water It cools us down from the hot sand Gigantic!

Chilling us straight to the bone It’s like a nice glass of iced tea “Sea, how I love you” The reef is a rainbow underwater It’s crevices are filled with fish

Vibrant!

Swimming with life It’s as colorful as a can of paint “Reef, how I love you” The tide pools are puddle’s of life Its’ water is never unresponsive Full-blown!

Mothering miniature creatures It’s as calm as a lake “Tide pools, how I love you” Emily Bryant Laurel County Spring, What I Love About Spring What I love about spring is...

The bright shining sun, The tall growing flowers, Wearing flip flops on the beach, Reading underneath the tall trees, And eating Popsicles outside.

I love spring and it is my favorite time of year.

Gage Morgan Laurel County Marching Band Warm-up is a butterfly feeling event.

It prods our excitement.

Important!

Giving us confidence.

It powers us like a generator.

“Warm up, how useful you are!”

Preshow is the moments before war.

Our adrenaline runs through our veins.

Intimidating!

Dreading that we will fail.

It causes fear like a nightmare “Preshow, how frightening you are!”

Our performance is a battle against other bands.

We fight our way to first place.

Glamorous!

Talking to ourselves about our drill.

It’s amazing like fireworks on the 4th of July.

“Oh performance, how amazing you are!”

Departure from the field is a job promotion.

It gave us a feeling that we did our part.

Joyful!

Knowing it was a job well done.

It’s exciting like a sixteenth birthday “Marching band, how wonderful you are!”

Horace Davis Laurel County The Forest The trees are a sea of green rolling waves They are spread all over the world.

Astonishing!

Swaying to the will of the wind.

They are like green paint smeared all over the landscape.

“Beautiful light brown dancers, with green dresses on.”

The sound is a continued song the forest sings, It is bellowing out to the world at large.

Faintly!

Chittering all night and day, it never seems to stay away.

It is like the beat of a heavy drum, the forest will never stop its hum.

“Just like music to my ear, this is so for the deer.”

Animals are little machines doing what they do, They are all prancing around, foraging, and whatnot.

Ghostly!

Sneaking here and there, though you never see.

They are like wraiths sneaking near and far.

“They will try to avoid you whoever you are.”

Briars are silent killers in the dark, They will be stalking you wherever you are.

Creepy!

Crawling, snagging and stabbing.

They are like snares, catching victims anywhere.

“They`ll try to intertwine you, tangle and snare, so be on guard anywhere” Kara Abner Halfbreed I am neither human nor demon...

A Halfbreed...

But, here I am...

With friends...

A Halfbreed... with friends.

Sounds crazy...

But it’s true.

I am half human, half demon...

A Halfbreed.

A Halfbreed who fell in love...

Ahh...love...

I fell in love with a girl...

She loves me for...

Me...

We are meant for each other as Soul Mates!

She let’s me protect her with my life...

She in turn protects my life with hers...

I am a Halfbreed who loves...

My wife My mate My life My reason to live

People think a Halfbreed has...

No emotions....

Can’t find love...

Or be loved...

But they’re wrong!

I found love...

I found someone to love me back...

For me, a Halfbreed...

Me and her are Soul Mates... for life........

Kayli Bolton Dance Kick is a pencil, very sharp.

It grabs everyone’s attention.

Magnificent!

Lining up the kick formations flawlessly.

It looks like the soldiers marching.

“You are the center of attention!”

Pom is a picture being painted.

It takes every girl’s effort.

Perfect!

Jumping with great energy the entire dance.

It is fast like a cheetah.

“You feel me with adrenaline when I dance.”

Jazz is a graceful feather.

It brings the crowd to tears.

Beautiful!

Turning in second with poise and grace.

It is like wind blowing through the trees.

“You make the audience stop and stare.”

Hip-Hop is an explosion of energy.

It surprises everyone with its power.

Energetic!

Stealing the viewer’s attention to the dancers.

It is like a lightning strike.

“You are so much fun!”

Kyla Wilson Laurel County Springtime Sunshine Playing outside Running around Insects buzzing Nobody fussing Gosh, I’m glad it’s spring!

Horace Davis Laurel County The Forest The trees are a sea of green rolling waves They are spread all over the world.

Astonishing!

Lasha Robinson Laurel County Spring Sun shining bright Pretty flowers blooming Rainy days It’s time to play outside No snow Getting out for spring break Loki Searles Whitley County Ten Years The winds scurry by and it chills my cold hands, But it matters much none, since I’m here beside you, The snow covers wide and far all ‘cross the land, But it matters much none, when I’m here beside you, It’s been ten years since I last saw your eyes beam, Since we cuddled together, and stared at the stars, It’s been ten years since you last shared me your dreams, Since we last talked of marriage and interlocked arms, And I never did get to meet mom or dad, To have your sweet kiss after a walk down the aisle, To see your sweet smile in return from war clad, To just save you from Death’s cunning, soul-stealing wile, So, I lay here cold, ever-longing you now, Warmed ever just enough by the love in our souls, For you, and you only; forever a frau, I am, and so will be - as my love for you grows, Your grave marker’s old, and your name is worn off, But it matters much none, since I’m here beside you, And the six feet of dirt below caves like a trough, But it matters much none, when I’m here beside you...

Madison Taylor Laurel County Snowy Weather The snow is a giant, white blanket covering the earth..

It imprisons the trees beneath the cold hands of winter.

Magnificent!

Falling slowly, covering the sky with white falling stars.

It’s like a glittering white sea.

“I love this beautiful snow!”

The sleds were colorful blurs as they dash down the snowy hills.

They race each other to the bottom.

Outstanding!

Winning the race with a tie!

They were like NASCAR cars “They were amazing!”

The cardinals are a giant red cloud flying across the sky.

They sing their lovely song.

Beautiful!

Memorizing as they all sing in harmony.

They are like a choir.

“Their song is wonderful!”

The steam from the hot chocolate is warm arms It wraps itself around you as its sip Delightful!

Soothing anyone who drinks it.

The beverage is like a warm blanket inside you.

“It is so delicious!”

Micah Steeley Laurel County Sports, Baseball Under Pressure Strike one, strike two Now there’s only the catcher and you.

Bases are loaded as they appear Now feels like your feet have disappeared.

Throws the curve ball with a smile.

The ball sure takes a while.

He throws a fastball down low Until he knows it is slow.

I put my bat in front while it went ker-plunk.

I flew in the sky like a bird passing by.

There it goes, there it goes.

Over the fence it landed and kept still expanding.

As soon as you grip Your gloves start to rip As the ball is in the air The crowd is loud like a fair One inning left, one inning left I shouted. The coach gazes as me like he is amazed While the curve ball is still taking several days

As the crowd watches my face, There is only a few steps between me and the base.

“Batter up!” The umpire said.

When it comes to me, I run away “Ball one!” He yells in dismay.

I really thought I could, I really thought I could With a hit that is really good.

Now I go into the dugout and praised.

Sara Smith Laurel County Spring, Oh, How Much I Love Spring Spring is wonderful.

Spring is great.

Spring is my favorite season.

Spring!

Spring! All the flowers bloom.

Spring! The weather gets better.

Spring! The trees finally grow leaves.

Spring!

Spring is wonderful and spring is great.

Spring! The flowers blow, the trees get buds.

The weathers gets warmer and better.

Spring!

Sarah Stephens Laurel County Bullying/Abuse, I Won’t Bow You’ve made my smile fake, I’ve had all I can take I’ve done all I can do, I’m broken because of you Fighting is of no use, With all of your abuse So what do I do now?, I definitely wont bow.

Sara Marcum Clay County Not wanting to be normal, Let her Belong No More On a cold night so clear Its quiet and she shudders Cold hands and bare feet Not living the way its meant to be A feeling, a longing A hope and still belonging Let her belong no more Let foes fear her and none deceive her She sits full of life and loves the night The wind lifts her hair and she dares to stare Fell the wind, feel the water and the rain She blends in too well without detail She also plans to fail Give her Might! Give her That!

Let her belong no more

Rise! Rise now she does! Look at her now!

She lifts her arms to embrace the air Deny your fear! Deny your fate!

Be not normal, just be mortal Look as she goes! She has gained her wings Give her Beauty! Give her That!

Let her belong no more Let foes fear her and none deceive her Tammy Stephens Laurel County Slavery, Chains Chains bound those taken by slavery, They hang and rattle even through the bravery, As hope shatters and tares more evil rains, Taken from their homes with hearts in pain Chains hold captive those helpless souls, Their life ripped from them, dreams crushed whole, Families scattered apart, beaten, and sold, “Standing up for themselves? How dare they be so bold,” Said the white, “for that can’t be right.”

Chains clank and rattle as a reminder of wrong, Memories not yet gone, but fading like song, Nothing can fix such act of injustice and cruelty, After all that’s said and done it’s a shame to think Such people as “slave holders’ to be “royalty.”

Taylor Ison Laurel County Spring S- Sun rays beaming down on my face as I play.

P- Pools are out and filled and splashed in all day.

R-Racing on bikes while the wind blows through my hair.

I-Ice cream truck music in getting louder as the kids scream and cheer.

N-Now kids are sleeping as their mothers tuck them in tight.

G-Gum drops aren’t what children dream of tonight.

Veronica Vanover Laurel County Love, Your Heart Your heart can only take so much Your heart can fall into this trans called love But you’re heart doesn’t know what love is yet Love is when your heart has been Smashed,broken, scared, healed and put back together Just so someone could come and do it over and over again Love is when your heart has healed once Broken twice and healed back together by love again What your heart doesn’t realize is that your heart is like a precious gem in a glass case That has to be protected but when you get sidetracked the case get broken into and the gem is stole When the gem gets stole it gets tossed, chipped, and cracked until it breaks it to tiny pieces Then your stuck with a broken heart again You then realize the reason why your heart keeps breaking is that you haven’t found Your eye of the beholder and once you have found your eye of the beholder Your heart will never break again This is what your heart is and will always will be a precious gem

Adult (18+) Aaron Sturgill Laurel County Abuse, Static Fraying, splitting, you’re practically quitting The tears in the fabric, the mood is quite fitting Your blistering motions, shredding and hitting You’ve lost all your notions of simply forgetting.

I watched as you shattered, beaten and battered, The face in the mirror, the image quite tattered, The water cascading, the blood had been splattered, But you said it was just life--and you said life never mattered.

Fighting, losing, your thoughts are now cruising, Your mind is racing in ends that you’re choosing.

You wear a blank stare, quite listless, confusing, As if pain brings you comfort behind all your bruising.

Neglecting and lying, behind all the crying You hide in the fear of ever fleeting and flying Love and emotion and failing and trying, And you’ve left it to this, living in dying.

What good is this road when you travel alone?

What good is a bed when you’re so far from home?

What good is the journey when there is no return?

What good is this lesson with nothing to learn?

I tell you this now, there is love without pain, There is acceptance despite rejection, there is life left to gain, From death’s empty promise of making it change, I gave you my life--don’t take yours in vain.

Abbey Newman Laurel County Humor, The Drug Your calling to me deep inside my sole Trying to pull me down in that dark hole I know I should stay away from you And all the terrible things that you do I’ve had all the consoling, everyone trying to help me But still I come back to you. Why can that be?

People say that if I want to badly enough I can leave you alone But to these I say “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t Throw stones” I try and I try to do the right thing for me How hard it is, people don’t see Oh well think I’ll just give in. Why should I try?

Please give me a chocolate one, maybe two I’ll buy.

Alice Swanner Laurel County Life after the loss of a loved one, An Empty Rocking Chair With a cup of coffee in my hand I head for the porch and my rocking chair Thanking God for this beautiful day As I breathe the fresh morning air Everything around me seems the same It hasn’t changed in years And yet I find my eyes Suddenly filled with tears The grass is just as green And glistens with the dew A fluffy white cloud goes drifting by The sky is just as blue The flowers are just as colorful The birds sing just as sweet My little dog is peacefully Curled up at my feet And yet there is an emptiness So deep down inside me Because an empty rocking chair Sits here beside me Anita Milburne Whitley County Sports, Hey Coach!

Hey Coach!

I go to all the practices, I go to all the games.

I sit on all the side lines and watch the others play.

It doesn’t seem that fair after all my hard work.

Perhaps you have a reason.

If so, what?

To high school coaches everywhere In this great country of ours.

Please watch and think of all the young lives whose Pride and self esteem you are hurting And maybe even destroying.

Then perhaps you can give a reason why I can never play.

The Bench Warmer

Arlo Sharp Whitley County Death of a loved one, The Days Are Dark and Dreary The days are dark and dreary Now since daddy’s dead and gone.

Some folks some place are cheery, But I feel so all alone.

It was in winter’s chilling cold That dad began to die, But now the tale is quickly told; I could but wonder why.

It was in spring; the flowers bloomed, As on his bier he lay; My heart I felt it was entombed With daddy on that day..

I wend my way more weary Now than ever I have known.

The days are dark and dreary Now since daddy’s dead and gone.

B. Richard Radzimirski Knox County Molding the Clay When we feel anguished By what we must bear, And the load upon us Brings us near despair; When the day of plenty Seems forever gone, And a gloomy cloud follows Just us alone.

In those days uncertain Blown in by the wind When the weight of burden, Presses down to win; Of our frailty, We become fully aware Even if we had foreseen ...

Could we prepare?

It’s the Will of God, That we all should be Pained for a time, In such misery.

He will not prolong Longer than need be All this seemingly Wrong suffering, that we see.

It’s a lesson learned by all Those who lived before In spiritual growth, Pain can’t be ignored.

When His heavy hand Is done with the chore, We shall understand, “What it’s all been for?”

Christina Johnson Laurel County Life, My Anthem Come to me blissful peace so that I may know joy.

Speak to me of faithful thoughts that I may employ.

Grant to me hopefulness of a more calm spirit.

Relinquish me from burdens that may hinder it.

The ebb and flow of life are ripples on the sand, And often it becomes too hard to understand.

Onward must I persevere in attaining love.

Hold for me that emotion I’ve been dreaming of.

Christine Wilson Whitley County Silence the sounds, The Silence Listen, hear the silence It beats upon the ears with The sound of thunder.

Hark, the crash of silence is as The sound of breakers upon the shore Of the raging ocean.

Listen, What is that sound I hear?

A leaf falling? It breaks the sound of The harsh silence.

Can you hear it whisper it’s sound?

As it blows about in the wind.

Listen, There is another sound upon the silence.

The sound of the trees. The wind sighs through The boughs. See them bow their heads In honor of the force of nature.

Christine Wilson age 84 years .

Debbie Garland Laurel Count Jesus Christ, Jesus Is the Reason for the Season An angel came to Mary and oh the things he had to say; Would change her life completely and give us hope today.

She gave up her well, earned dignity to raise the Son of God, Even Joseph in the beginning found this kind of odd.

Joseph sought to divorce Mary privately until he did receive; The angel’s message of the Holy Child, Mary would conceive.

Scripture foretold the City of David would be the birthplace of our Savior.

So when a census was taken Joseph traveled with Mary to Bethlehem where our Lord was born in a manger.

The shepherds tended their flocks by night when an angel appeared and the Glory of the Lord shone round about them.

They trembled with fear as the angel declared the Christ Child’s birth and the Heavenly Host began to praise Him. They went in haste to Bethlehem where they found baby Jesus lying in a manger bed; Then praising God they made known abroad that is was true what the angel had said..

From a land in the east the wise men studied the stars and were led to look for the King Emmanuel.

They followed the star which led to the house where with Mary and Joseph the child did dwell.

Three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were the treasures that they brought; As they bowed in adoration before Jesus, the child they had sought.

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the Christmas season; Let us all remember the birth of Christ is the most important reason.

He was born in a manger on a bright and starry night.

He was born into this world to be a constant guiding light.

He was born to be my Savior the word of God does say.

He was born to be your Savior, want you accept Him today.

Jesus died on the cross to give us all new life.

Ask Him into your heart and let him take away all strife.

Sing praises to God as He opens each hearts door; While giving Him the glory and honor forever and ever more.

Deborah Kissel Laurel County Grief, Victory?

When life demands me change my soul I go and ceaseless fail.

I yearn for peace between this force Awaken yet in hell.

How many times have I desired That life would cease to flow Through the origin of love and hate And leave me cold.

The answer’s found within life’s heart Where frozen stiff it lies To be unthawed a special dawn A victory for one.

Deborah Phipps Laurel County Family, My Grandson “Finn” Standing in a chair, blue eyes, blond hair Small hands, constant chatter.

Making a mess - doesn’t matter.

While Mom makes the crust, he stirs the pie.

Nana helped, but mostly watched.....

Savoring the scene and the smell.

Pumpkin pie and memories.

Earnestine Bruce Clay County Romance/Love, Brush strokes Were I blind, How could I see my love?

The strength of his brow, The wisdom of his eyes, The pride of his nose, The tenderness of his lips?

With my finger tips I would caress the thick, dark forest Of his thoughts, The soft flesh that hides his secrets, The strong curve that protects his character, The firm caution that frames his kiss.

Were I blind, His beauty would remain in the strength of his brow, The wisdom of his eyes, The pride of his nose, The tenderness of his lips.

Were I blind, With soft brush strokes I would paint His beauty on the canvass of my heart.

Edward Rhodes Laurel County Remembrance, Forever Flight You took us on many journey’s And we saw many things through your eye’s As you looked upon us everyday While flying the wayward skies.

We learned to enjoy the things that you saw Whether they were good or bad And know now that you are gone Our world is now both empty and sad For you flew in a machine made of glass and steel And through the camera lens we saw so many sights But we knew that you always made us feel safe All during the days and well into the nights But now you are doing your job In a very different way For your watching us from heaven above To protect us even more each day So to you I say,always keep safe For your in God’s guiding light As you fly and watch over us all On your journey’s Forever Flight.

Emily Hoskins Whitley County Inspirational, My God Took Me Home I know i left you suddenly But God called and I had to go But let me tell you sugar, I’ve got to watch you grow I’ve watched your every move I’ve watched decisions made I’ve watched the times you cried And I’ve watched you be so brave I’m very very proud of you And I love you so I would have loved to say goodbye But God said I had to go Keep being who you are Keep “trudging” through the rain And some day when God calls on you We’ll be together once again

Eugene Sharp Whitley County Halloween All the world’s a shadowy scene; Ghosts and goblins are everywhere.

Tonight’s the night of Halloween; Witches on broomsticks fill the air.

What scary sights are to be seen, And awful sounds there are to hear, While bleak cornstalks are looming lean, With fearful creakings of the stair!

Jack-O-Lanterns leering brightly, Masked figures keep ringing my bell; The black cats are leaping spritely, Sent from the lowest depths of hell!

Mortals, please stay indoors tonight, As demons caper ‘round the scene.

Fearfully wait for morning’s light; Tonight’s the night of Halloween!

James Asher Knox County Describing my angel, Serena’s Poem Hey my darling angeI, I just wanted to thank you for Being you, you are everything beautiful in this world all Put together in one of God’s most beautiful creations, Your voice sounds like a bird singing, Your hair is like the hair of an angel, Your eyes are as mesmerizing as the bluest ocean, Your body is as beautiful as the sunset going down Over the mountains, Everything about you is what I get up for in the mornings, You are the greatest my girl, and I will love you forever John Radecki Laurel County Nature, Desert Flowers Gardens of glittering sands Each grain sunburned Waves of shifting dunes Covering parched lands Realistic colorful patterns Of nature’s beauty aglow Sunrise awaken each floral petal Blossoms breach the sunrise rays Seeking desired moist air Awaken each wanting day Petals, sea of petals A floral sensation Stems thirsting for droplets Fed by the morning dew Then, a whispering wind

Sends adrift Nature’s sweet smelling perfume Wild flowers Desert marigolds Cliff roses Ajo lillies Prickly poppies Mesa songs Fairy dusters Chuparosas Cacti Sonoras Wild flowers covering sandy slopes Each a delightful wonder Each a desert flower Laura Rose Knox County Fun and Whimsy, Imagination Machine Phoebe Jean had an imagination machine.

She cranked it up and flipped all the switches, Hoping today there would be no more glitches.

You never know what things can be seen Coming out of an imagination machine.

Maybe a pony with a big yellow bow, Or even some pirates yelling “HEAVE HO!” Get ready for dragons with breath made of fire; Or monster truck rallies atop big huge tires!

Tea parties and princesses were a regular thing To be expected out of the imagination machine.

Fairies, puppies and kangaroos too, The imagination machine could crank out a zoo!

Phoebe Jean could even be crowned queen, Just so long as she was using her imagination machine.

But wait just a minute, could it be true?

Could the machine be right out of her imagination too?

Luciana Shannon Laurel County People/Souls, Poet’s Soul Poet’s soul deep as the ocean filled with treasure untold.

Big as the Universe with mysteries to explore Gentle as a lamb, soft as the spring breeze Strong as the Oak, Dangerous as lightening.

Poet’s soul restless, untamed, With wings unseen flies Among heaven.

Novella Bowling Laurel County Maturation, The Lilac Bush On one cold, frosty January morning, not very long ago, God lovingly planted a minuscule seed deep beneath a layer of snow..

Cozily nestled in a teeny water bed, protectively covered in a deep brown velour quilt, Rocked gently, back and forth, the seedling quietly slept and slowly grew in the cradle God built.

Silently it grew and made itself known—squirming and pushing for more space— Rumbling and grumbling the surface gave way, forming a small dome growth base.

Almost overnight, it burst forth—emerged—living and breathing on its own; Tiny, fragile, and frightened, it shivered and quivered in a world unknown.

Welcomed by the sun’s glow, it trustingly turned and beheld the sun’s tender face; Encouraged by the greeting, the sun spread its arms and cradled the new life in a loving embrace.

Quicker than lightening it grew—identity and purpose shone through— Green sprouts pushed their way through and small lively buds crowned their heads.

Warmth, food, and nutrients were quickly absorbed—fulfilling hunger and thirst; Buds grew into purple blooms, and its dark, rich foliage threatened the border to burst.

Harsh storms, wind, and hail did the young lilac bush assail; Rooted, grounded, and supported deep within, the lovely lilac bush did prevail.

Blooms opened their soft infant petals; a rush of lavender fragrance wafted through the air; A blanket of light, soft purple encased the growing deep foliage; its beauty was beyond compare.

Stifling heat and drought drained the blossoms’ life; petals slowly wilted; edges turned brown..

A summer driving rain and gales of wind ripped and tore the dying petals and littered the ground.

Summer drifts into fall; the lilac bush has outgrown the round, black cast iron flowerpot; Soon it must leave and travel to a bigger more suitable place where it can grow as it ought.

E. Owen Edwards Laurel County Quietness I hear the rain as it falls upon The trees around me.

No thunder, lightening; Just softness Of the sounds surrounding; Why is life the turmoil that Confounds us?

Slow down, stand still, be quiet And hear the mute sounds of Hope abounding.

The voice that softly says, Hang on, you’ll make it.

Phyllis Grant Knox County My mother, My Mother Walks With Angels My Mother walked with Angels as she left this world below.

God sent a band of Angels to lead her safely home.

And when they got to Heaven, the Angels stepped aside, As they sing praise to Jesus, my Mother stepped inside.

As God reached out to greet her, he handed her a rose.

And the crown he placed upon her head was the purest of pure gold.

Now my Mother walks with Angels’ in her new home on high, Where she will live forever and never more will die.

Rebecca Moses Whitley County Healing/Recovery, Nature, The Crows I am more aware of sound At the top of the mountain.

Caws That would have been brash On the back porch More like siren calls now —And almost beautiful.

Leaves twitch, vibrant, smart White and green and yellow Whispering— A different sort of sound than Rustling, which I left behind on the low ground.

Rustling is the sound of dead things, And I— I’ve taken my last walk through those leaves.

Sandra Stidham Laurel County Nature, Wild Geese Out of the hallowed had of God Over the trembling reed Up to the threshold of his place Through miles of echoing sun and space In Aerodynamic V Wafted they wing their star-strung selves Calling and called to go To places we only know as far Across the moon and around a star By a force they do not know Out of the hallowed hand of God Over the wind-swept bay Skyward we cast our wishful eyes Calling and called until we die Our human hearts and they

Sarah Nolan Laurel County Love Your hand in mine A transference of strength and energy From your soul to mine My most trusted ally My muse For centuries, a love like ours Will not be felt Oh my heart You are the beat Tapping out a song Our song Of love My breath has been stolen From a single meeting of lips So tender The gaze shared between us A secret only we know A look that speaks for us No words uttered This This is what love is You The completion of me Us Perfect for and because of Each other Sharon Murray Laurel County Reveling through books, My Travels Through Books I sit down in a corner with a window to my right.

I have a book upon my lap and I open it with delight.

This is my chance to travel all over this great big world, While I only sit in my own corner with a book that I adore.

With a book you can travel to all places far and near.

You can meet all kinds of people and hold memories, oh so dear.

When I open up the pages and begin to read the words so bold, My tiny world becomes so large and my mind visits places untold.

I can become a princess for a day or even rule a land.

Would you like to travel with me? Then come on, take my hand.

We’ll see far land and oceans. Our eyes will behold such sights That our minds can only envision on a clear and star bright night.

We’ll see the desert sands, palm trees and view the waters clear.

We’ll stand along the shoreline and ponder through the years.

Oh how I long to travel to far and distant lands,

And all I have to do, is take a book up in my hands.

The words become my lifestyle as I read them from the page.

I can live a hundred and one dreams or be a hero of any age.

So if you like to imagine and travel far and near, Just take a book upon your lap and through the pages sear.

One day I may be able to travel on a fast and gliding plane Or take a ship to a foreign land or maybe I’ll just take a train.

But as for now, this present time, I will just sit in my corner And take a book upon my lap and travel to lands all foreign.

If you would like, you can come along and travel this land together.

Just pick up your book and come with me and join me in my corner.

Skye Moshier Laurel County Free verse, The Scene was Painted The scene was painted; A bold mix of color ranging from warm to cool.

It evoked a myriad of feelings that tossed and turned, Within, That pit below her ribs and mingled with her, Ever turning, mind.

It was a danger; To feel so much at once And yet, Do nothing.

An ever present battle with the true nature of self.

Susan J. Mitchell Laurel County Family/Cooking, Laying Groundwork She poured a butter and graham cracker mixture into Her dented silver cake pan and pressed it down With hands that could have pressed down The creek bed below the house.

Summer dirt was the color of crushed Graham cracker crumbs and just as grainy.

She sprinkled in butterscotch And milk chocolate chips All mixed up together as children, Dirty from afternoon play.

Next, she added peanuts, hard like Rocks in the creek and just as necessary.

Then, she poured in condensed milk Watching it fill the spaces between the Chips and children, peanuts and rocks, Graham cracker crumbs and dirt.

She slid the pan into the oven.

In no time, summer and everything about it Will melt together. Her children will gather to eat and She will make sure they wash their hands In water as cold as the creek below the house.

Timothy Wyatt Whitley County Recollecting memories, Musings at Midnight We were at a bar, drinking gin and tonic.

Chanting. Laughing. Reminiscing.

Everyone else became the rhythm to our lead, Filling the space between each verse. Our medley.

Each rotation of the clock’s hands dizzying us With its cadence. Yet even its ticks seemed To sound out of time. The sun, retired the moon Before we made leave to rest.

Our reprise. Everyone else became the rhythm To our lead, filling the space between each verse.

Our medley. We were at a bar.

Todd Sears Clay County Life, My Best Friend Every morning we smile at each other, As we have for a few years going.

Your brown eyes, swagger looks and zeal.

Your brawny shoulders have such appeal!

Your lively strut as we walk side by side.

Your manly demeanor brings me joy, strength, And pride while years go by we survive.

No disease will we succumb to. With your Unforgiving love and the man above.

Together we take each day as it comes.

We have resided in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, and now Clay.

Upon a mountain of the many colors of each season, plenty of trees, birds and bees, Isolated within reason from others.

Not by design just a temporary time. We will depart from This mountain hopefully by spring.

Its been a harsh few winters for you and me.

When you get fifty years of age, one begins to feel old.

One must rejuvenate and journey up that road!

The climb becomes harder as we go farther in life..

After three times cancer and twenty five years of HIV, I believe! The next fifty years rely on me my friend.

We can walk, talk, but we must outsmart the obstacles That will come our way. However, live life today!

We’ll get our own place again. I’ll hide your bones under the bed.

Together for five years, Hairy!

You’re my best friend, You are my Dog!

Vickie England Laurel County Grandparents, A Cold Dreary Day--Why Did My Grandparents Go Away?

Today I sat upon the front porch And gazed in amazement at the weather outside It’s cold, it’s dreary, and ever so wet Totally ruining our chances of a family bike ride.

Yesterday when we made plans for today We discussed a ride in Levi Jackson State Park Bikes in the back of Papaw’s pickup truck And we’d pull out of the driveway as Brownie goodbye would bark.

But alas, with all this rain it would not be So papaw made breakfast for our grand baby and me Then after a wonderful feast, it was nap time for papaw And porch time for the grand baby and me, too cold tho you see.

So it’s back in the house, Lego’s to put up from last nights play And then we bring out the train tracks and every single part Work for hours getting the track just right, pieces here, more there The love of these grand babies sure steal a Nanny’s heart.

We build and build and realize very soon That vital pieces are missing from our set So to the storage area we go once more searching Until all our pieces are located and there’s no more to get.

We’ve played, we’ve laughed, we’ve built and torn down We’ve ate three meals followed by gummy treats A bath yet to go before we call it a night But first, Papaw has to help build using his engineering feats.

How I enjoy this little five year old boy And all the special things he can do when we visit He stole my heart the day he was born And has had me wrapped around his little finger like a snug ring will fit.

You see them all to little time when they belong to someone else You learn to cherish every single moment you’re allowed to share Because his next visit is at the discretion of someone else And he’s often used as a pawn in their childish games because they don’t seem to care.

Kentucky used to have grandparents rights Until someone decided to remove them from the books Such a shame to do to the kids and their grandparents Who only want to know each other, love each other, and share their special looks.

When mommies and daddies can’t work a marriage out The kids should not have to suffer and do without The love of their grandparents who can share so much And be a positive influence in their lives, there’s no doubt.

Poetry Contest Participants: Adult:

Young Adult:

Aaron Sturgill Abbey Newman Alice Swanner Anita Milburne Arlo Sharp B. Richard Radzimirski Christina Johnson Christine Wilson Debbie Garland Deborah Kissel Deborah Phipps Earnestine Bruce Edward Rhodes Emily Hoskins Eugene Sharp James Asher John Radecki Laura Rose Luciana Shannon Novella Bowling Owen Edwards Phyllis Grant Rebecca Moses Sandra Stidham Sarah Nolan Sharon Murray Skye Moshier Timothy Wyatt Todd Sears Vickie England

Abigail Monhollen Alexis Long Allison Tonkel Brooke Basham Brooklynn Robinson Cameron Bundy Christian Duprey Dakota Willis Emily Bryant Gage Morgan Horace Davis Kara Abner Kayli Bolton Kyla Wilson Lasha Robinson Loki Searles Madison Taylor Micah Steeley Sara Smith Sarah Stephens Sarah Marcum Tammy Stephens Taylor Ison Veronica Vanover