Stark County District Library A Kaleidoscope of Poetry Student Book

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Table of Contents

Introduction .............................................................. 2

Grades 2 ‐ 3 Awards .................................................................... 4

Poetry ..................................................................... 5

Grades 4 ‐ 5 Awards .................................................................... 29 Poetry ..................................................................... 30

Grades 6 ‐ 7 Awards .................................................................... 41 Poetry ..................................................................... 42

Grades 8 ‐ 9 Awards .................................................................... 69 Poetry ..................................................................... 70

Grade 10 ‐ 12 Awards .................................................................... 86 Poetry ..................................................................... 87

Index of Entries ......................................................... 94

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 1

2013 Youth Poetry Contest We hope you enjoy reading all the poetry entered into this, our

14th Annual Poetry Contest at the Stark County District Library:

A Kaleidoscope of Poetry!

We received 412 entries from students at 43 schools from Stark County, Ohio in this year's contest.

We would like to thank all of the participants for their hard work!

We would also like to thank all of the teachers who taught their students about poetry and encouraged their students to participate in this year’s contest.

Amherst Elementary

Hartville Elementary

Portage Collaborative Montessori

Arts Academy at Summit

Homeschooled Students

Perry High

Belden Elementary

Jackson High

Pfeiffer Intermediate

Canton South High

Jackson Memorial Middle

Quaker Digital

Cedar Elementary

Lake Cable Elementary

St. Michael

Central Christian

Lake Elementary

St. Peter

Crenshaw Middle

Lake High

Sandy Valley Elementary

Dueber Elementary

Lohr Elementary

Sandy Valley Middle

Edison Junior High

Madge Youtz Elementary

Sauder Elementary

Genoa Elementary

Marlington High School

Schreiber Elementary

GlenOak High

Mason Elementary

Timken Senior

Glenwood Intermediate

McGregor Elementary

Warstler Elementary

Harter Elementary

McKinley High

Watson Elementary

Hartford Middle

North Canton Middle

Worley Elementary

Ohio Virtual Academy

Final Judging was done by a committee of community volunteers.

We would like to thank them for taking time out of their busy days, for reading the many poems and deciding the winners. We know it was not an easy task.

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 2

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 2 - 3 Awards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nadia Alm

Color of Emotion

Pg. 13

Cooper Anderson

My Dog Jessie

Pg. 12

Mary E. Bliese

People

Pg. 24

Snehal Choudhury

My Little Blanket

Pg. 23

Kylee Cottrill

I Am Poem

Pg. 18

De’Nyla Felder

Science Report

Pg. 11

Elijah Gram

Oh Little Flower

Pg. 22

Michael Iribar

Play Station

Pg. 6

Hannah Knight

Hummingbirds

Pg. 21

Grace Milhoan

The Beast

Pg. 15

Lauren Nieporte

A Girl is a Girl

Pg. 11

Caroline Pastore

The Library

Pg. 22

Soren Stover

Yellow Is…

Pg. 15

Ariana Tsenekos

Lime Green Is…

Pg. 15

Abigail Williams

Pet Vet

Pg. 26

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 4

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Mountains Mountains are so big.

Animals live on mountains.

Mountains white and green.

Jason Davide Grade 2, St. Michael

Grades 2 & 3 Cherry Tree Pink flowers in spring, Green leaves in summer, Leaves rustle, Pretty tree, Famous tree, Children climb, Ripe cherries, People picking cherries Tree worth party for, Everyone have fun.

Kadence Miller Grade 2, St. Michael

Dogs Cute little dogs, wagging their tails, Cute little dogs, getting the mail, Cute little dogs, running away,

Cute little dogs saying “Hey,”

Cute little dogs with their little spots, Cute little dogs eating lots and lots.

But I don’t like dogs!

Catherine Gorrell Grade 2, St. Michael

Strawberries They say that they are juicy.

They say that they are sweet.

They say that they are tast.

I’d rather call them nasty.

Dante Carcione Grade 2, St. Michael

Doritoes Oh, Doritoes They crunch and I munch Blue, red, hum yum.

Oh, no they’re for school.

Bobby Belden Grade 2, St. Michael

Snake Green, scaly, long, stretchy, Slithering on a long branch.

Fast and hard to catch.

Finley Stewart Grade 2, St. Michael

Mr. Lizard Mr. Gizzard Oops! I mean Mr. Lizard.

Wait!

I’m confused.

Which one shall I choose?

Soon my head will pop!

I guess I’ll go With Mr. Gizzard.

Wait!

Mr. Lizard!

POP! Jacob Lukez Grade 2, St. Michael

The Train Chug, chug, chug.

The train is coming super fast.

Chug, chug, chug.

It is closer.

Chug, chug, chug.

It is even closer.

Then it stops.

Jacob Reckenbeil Grade 2, St. Michael

Polar Bears Polar bears, “oh” so cute.

Polar bears, “oh” so white and furry.

Polar bears “oh” so cold.

Galan Koceski Grade 2, St. Michael

Horses Me and the horses, Come on little horse, run, run.

Come back little one.

Sarah Hughes Grade 2, St. Michael

Cat’s Hat The fuzzy cat On Fortieth Street Has a black hat.

In the hat it has A flying bat, An ugly rat, A baseball bat!

Collin Domer Grade 2, St. Michael

Peanut Surprise Purple peanuts, What a surprise!

I ordered black ones.

Oh, they are in disguise!

Elizabeth Johnston Grade 2, St. Michael

The Dogs White, brown, black, big Furry, small, I love dogs.

How they play with balls or bone.

I really love dogs!

Anna Patterson Grade 2, St. Michael

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 5

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 2 & 3 Doggie A small, fluffy doggie Was peeking out her head.

Come on, doggie, you’re coming home with me.

You’ll eat and play And sleep all day.

And maybe some day You’ll have a slumber party.

Ruff! Ruff! Come on.

I bought you, Now you’re mine.

Come on little doggie You’re mine now, I love you.

You came home today And now you’re my puppy.

Come on little puppy You’re my Valentine.

And the cat is also mine!

Lauren Kelly Grade 2, St. Michael

Dogs Cute dogs, ugly dogs.

Hey little fella, you look nice.

Come with me.

I’ll show you the way home.

Bark! Bark! You can chew on my mail.

Garrett Wright Grade 2, St. Michael

Colors of Emotions Happiness is blue It sounds like chirping birds in the blue sky.

It smells like raspberry pie.

It tastes like warm pancakes.

It looks like the sky.

Happiness feels like sunshine on your skin.

Patricia Triplett Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Haiku I love hot coco.

I will go skating.

We had a blizzard.

Alleniki Nichols Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Play Station Play different kinds of games Loser! Game OVER! It’s not always fun.

Attack! Rescue! Race! Drive to survive.

Yoshi, Mushroom, balls of fire, Mario jumps ever higher.

Search, conquer, find the treasures.

TV lights, music, an adventure.

Action I want to play all day but Mommy don’t want to.

Take a break, I have to figure out how to beat this game!!

Illusion, maybe, just maybe, Mommy will let me stay up longer.

On! Off! Mommys yells, “Michael, it’s time for bed.”

Night! Night! Game over until tomorrow.

Michael Iribar Grade 2, St. Michael

Purple Purple is the taste of grapes right off the vine.

Purple is the smell of orchids just picked.

Purple is the feel of lucky, just like picking a lucky spin.

Purples is the sound of butterflies just awakening to explore the springtime air.

Purple is the sight of happiness in the air.

Hannah Miller Grade 3, Mason Elementary

The Boy Named Kot There once was a boy named Kot Who found something strange in his pot Frog tails and a rat Big snails and a hat That scared little boy named Kot. Kendall Compton Grade 3, St. Michael

Colors of Emotions Sad is blue. It sounds like the wind!

It smells like the fresh wind. It taste like blueberries. It looks like blueberry juice. It feels like touching the blue clouds.

Mazie Scott Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 6

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Kitten Cute little kitten Adorable and sweet.

Its cute little face.

Chloe Doll Grade 2, St. Michael

Candy Pizza Candy pizza with ice cream And chocolate fudge too!

All I eat is the candy.

It’s really sweet like you.

I think it tastes like cherries.

I think it tastes like heavenly berries.

Sarah Grabowsky Grade 2, St. Michael

Bubbles Round colorful, Soft, soapy, Funny, playful.

Bubbles are fun!

Bubbles make shapes.

Alexander Anderson Grade 2, St. Michael

LaCrosse Cross, toss, goal, win!

Have fun, be thin.

Get the ball You could fall.

Toss and cross Then you might get lost!

Run, have fun You might lose.

That’s okay.

Just have fun!

Luke Johnson Grade 2, St. Michael

Haiku Sit by the fire.

Drinking warm hot chocolate.

Snow days are awesome.

Dustin Sweet Grade 3, McGregor Elementary Stark County District Library ~ 2013

Grades 2 & 3 SPRING Squirrels play in the trees.

People walk in parks.

Running in the backyard.

I love to play in the park.

Nice vacation.

Graceful winds.

Imani Hardin Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Spring Acrostic Summer is close.

People are having fun.

Roses are blooming.

Ice is melting.

Nice fine day.

Getting in the sun is fun.

Vashni Jones Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Spring Acrostic Spring is coming Playing outside with friends Running around in the leafs In a hoodie No turning back Going on spring brake Gavin Hane Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Spring Acrostic Summer is coming.

Pools to swim in.

Running.

In coming flowers.

No school for spring break.

Going places.

Ayden Gerber Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Haiku I like the winter.

I like to play in the snow.

I love hot cocoa.

Tehran Toles Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Acrostic Magnificent Anxious Kissable Adventurous Lovely Outgoing Brave Makalob Tucke Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Haiku I Like hot coco.

Sledding with my sister.

I like the fire place.

Zoe Vance Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Colors of Emotions Loving is blue It sounds like a band It smells like warm cupcakes It taste like cupcakes It looks like a smile on her face.

Loving feels like a kiss.

A’Niya Young Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Acrostic Joker Young Loyal Loud Irish Amazing Nice Jyllian Casselberry Grade 3, McGregor Elementary Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 7

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 2 & 3 DIFFERENT KINDS OF CATS Cats are awesome yes I know, Cats are going to and fro.

Alley cats roam free on streets, Cats like tuna fish to eat.

Siamese are from Egyptians, Here are even more descriptions.

Tabby cats and calico come in many colors you know, I hope that they don’t bite your toe.

Now that you know about cats, Maybe you could catch some rats.

Jane Weisburn Grade 2, Portage Collaborative Montessori

Five Rules to be Happy Spring is here Spring is near Spring will soon be gone So sing a happy song

We are here We are there We are almost everywhere

Doctors are good Doctors get sad But Doctors shouldn’t get so mad

You are happy You are sad But you shouldn’t get so mad

That’s why you need a smile on your face so you won’t be late If you are tall or small I don’t care just follow the law

Now you have five rules Please go and be happy in your own life

BE HAPPY! Atira Anthony Grade 3, Madge Youtz Elementary School

Christmas Decorations My Grandma has a tree, She wraps presents, I like snow, I like snowmen, I like cakes made at home, I like candy, I like presents, I like games like Xbox 360.

Mar’riano Brown Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

I Am Poem I am good and helpful.

I wonder how to get super powers.

I hear Spiderman.

I see Super Hero Squad.

I want super powers!

I am good and helpful.

I pretend to save people.

I feel like her.

I touch the sun.

I worry about bullies.

I cry when my belly hurts.

I am good and helpful.

I understand that the sun comes up every morning.

I say I am sorry.

I dream about saving the town.

I try my best.

I hope to be a super hero.

I am good and helpful.

Kevondre Walker Grade 3, McGregor Ele‐ mentary

Colors of Emotions Surprising is bright green It sounds like kids yelling It smells like cookie doge ice cream It taste like blueberry It looks like bris in the morning Surprising is bright green.

Jada Lucas Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 8

2013 Youth Poetry Contest I Am Poem I am pretty and special.

I wonder if I’m bossy.

I hear God’s voice.

I see One Direction I want a pink and green mustang.

I am pretty and special.

I pretend to be a princess.

I feel the fluffy cloud.

I touch the moon.

I worry about mean girls.

I cry at church.

I am pretty and special.

I understand multiplication.

I say, “Please and Thank you!”

I dream of One Direction.

I try to get all A’s.

I hope to pass the 3rd grade.

I am pretty and special.

Na’LayZha Williams Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I Am Poem I am brave and scary.

I wonder about my puppy named Titan.

I hear my grave digger’s engine roaring.

I see Angry Birds shaking.

I want to drive.

I am brave and scary.

I pretend to have claws.

I feel my mom’s and dad’s truck.

I touch my grave digger.

I worry about my puppy.

I cry when I fall down the steps.

I am brave and scary.

I understand to leap high.

I say I believe in my dad.

I dream about Wolverine.

I try to run.

I hope my grave digger truck gets fixed.

I am brave and scary.

William Huff Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 I Am Poem I am funny and lazy.

I wonder why pigs oink.

I hear my dinosaur.

I see nothing.

I want 3 more dogs.

I am funny and lazy.

I pretend to fly.

I feel like a bird.

I touch fire.

I worry about the OAA. I cry when kids are mean.

I am funny and lazy.

I understand my life.

I say justice for all.

I dream of life.

I try to get 100% on the OAA. I hope for freedom.

I am funny and lazy.

Mason Ward Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I Am Poem I am brave and spoiled rotten.

I wonder what dogs are saying.

I hear horses running.

I see horses walking.

I want horses and a farm.

I am brave and spoiled rotten.

I pretend to fly.

I feel happy when I go to the park dog.

I touch my dogs.

I worry about my animals.

I cry when my animals die.

I am brave and spoiled rotten.

I understand math.

I say I am getting a horse.

I dream about having horses.

I try to get a horse.

I hope that I can have a horse.

I am brave and spoiled rotten.

Nadia Ludwig‐Reed Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 9

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 2 & 3 Colors of Emotions Love is bright pink.

Love sounds like pink wind chimes.

It smells like roses.

It taste like strawberry icecream.

It looks like pink heart’s.

Love feels like a hug.

Lila Adkins Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Colors of Emotions Mad is dark red.

I sounds like ware Wolfs. It smells Like McDonald’s. It Taste like chocolate Chips. It looks like a lost baby Liger. Mad fells like somebody bullying me.

Devin Metz Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Dreams!

Dreams may come true.

Dreams may not come true.

But always remember, a dream is part of you.

Khushi Pasrija Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Spring It is spring We get our things And play on the swings I saw a bee And I said Please do not sting me Since it is spring I want to sing Thank you God For making spring.

Lydia Miller Grade 2, Homeschool

White is…

White is the taste of vanilla ice cream on a hot summer day.

White is the smell of marsh mellows roasting over the fire at night.

White is the feel of a white soft dove flying in the sky.

White is the sound of a soft fluffy lamb.

White is the sight of snowflakes falling.

Taliyah Jones Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Green is the Green is the taste of a juicy pear just picked from the tree.

Green is the smell of grass freshly grown.

Green is the feel of a leaf just fallen from the oak tree.

Green is the sound of people growing flowers and they bloom the next day.

Green is the sight of a piece of grass flowing back and forth.

Luka Shilling Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Snowman Poem Snowman in the back yard.

Why do you have a frown?

And not a crown?

Can I ask you a question what’s a noun?

Oh, Charlie Brown I Have a frown because you made me up‐side down.

I don’t have a crown because I didn’t like that crown.

And no I don’t know what a noun is.

Logan Cross Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Color Poem Green is the taste of fresh sweet grapes right off the vine.

Green the smell of fresh cut grass.

Green is the feel of itchy grass, a smooth chalkboard.

Green is the sound of grasshoppers chirping, the leaves on the trees swaying.

Green is the sight of a chalkboard, algae, and sparkling seaweed in the water.

Stefan Monahan Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Spring Birds are chirping; flowers are blooming; sun on your head.

Get outside and have some fun.

Do you like Springtime?

Fiona McCoury Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 10

2013 Youth Poetry Contest color poem Green is the taste of a green apple.

Green is the smell of good people.

Green is the feel of a green leaf falling off a tree.

Green is the sound of flowers growing.

Green is the sight of luck coming to you.

Andrew Bowman Grade 3, Mason Elementary

My color poem Blue is the taste of blue slushy’s in the summer.

Blue is smell of fresh blueberry pie in the fall.

Blue is the feel of a blue scarf in the winter.

Blue is the sound of a fish in a blue pond.

Blue is the sight of the dark sky at night.

Jada Benison Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Science Report I have to write a science report I’m going to make it short.

Aren’t I supposed to have a buddy?

Guess not, because he’s over there getting muddy!

I’d rather to to the mall I’d rather play basketball.

No, No, No a report must be written!

Can I play with the kitten?

I turned around And made not a sound …

Work on your science report

Hurry! Get back on track …

I figured out the door and said, “Bonjour!”

I figured out my science report.

Sis said to me, “If you get an “A” it will be a miracle!

De’Nyla Felder Grade 3, Cedar Elementary School

Haiku Winter is awesome In the snow I like to play Snow is very fun.

Jayden McGreal Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 A Girl Is A Girl

Are you a girl? I know some people, yes.

We’re all about awesome, not all about stress!

And being a girl is really quite tough.

And a lot of things, we love that stuff, But really, some categories, we’ve had enough.

Now in some ways, we don’t have a clue, And in some ways, we’ve got duties to do!

Like setting the example for crazy old boys, And picking up our little brother’s toys.

Being a girl is hard, yes it is, But some points we make, they’re nothing to miss!

Now all girls, they’re different you see, And I’m a girl, want to hear about me?

Okay, I’m loud, and I’m fun, but this topic is just me, So get back to the girls, and so, let’s see.

Being fun is just one, Of all the things that we have done!

So who told you, we had to be mature.

Being the best is what we were.

Oh, no! I’m not saying that we are not now, I’m just saying we always were. POW! Oh, when you’re a girl, your name could be Carrie, Bonnie or Lily, but no, never Larry!

If you’re a girl, you’ll have crazy secrets to hide, And roll your eyes at the kid’s little tribes.

And being a girl in our hair is some curl, So just always know, a girl is a girl.

Lauren Nieporte Grade 3, Warstler Elementary

Dolphins Dolphins are cute Look I see one wearing a swimsuit but sometimes I wish they'd make themselves mute Hey there's one wearing a boot they are very good at playing the flute Eww that dolphin just ate that flowers root Hey that dolphin put my shirt down the chute I hope you enjoyed my poem Now scoot!

Jordyn Salvatore Grade 3, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 11

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 2 & 3 Me Kind Optimistic Terrific Tired Outgoing Noisy Kotton Kirkman Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Acrostic Zany Adorable Kind Awesome Respectful Youthful Zak Heisler Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Acrostic Nice Obedient Allsome Hamsy Noah Lehman Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Haiku Snow balls are so cold.

Hot coco is really good.

Hoping for snow days.

Travis Lockhart Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Color of Emotions Happy is hot pink.

It sounds like my heart.

It smells like blooming flowers.

It tastes like warm cookies.

It looks like pretty birds.

Happy feels like my fuzzy bear.

Treasure Gilling Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Color poem Red is the taste of fresh strawberries and cherries gust picked off the bush.

Red is the smell of pretty roses gust picked.

Red is the sound of red birds chirping.

Red is the feel of a soft red pillow.

Red is the sight of new red nail polish.

India Bowersock Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Color poem Pink is the taste of fresh picked strawberries off full grown trees.

Pink is the smell of any kind of sweet pink flower.

Pink is the feel of your bed, dreaming in your soft head.

Pink is the sound of flowers blooming in the park with kids playing.

Pink is the sight of graceful butterflies fling all around.

Zoe Eagon Grade 3, Mason Elementary

My Dog Jessie I have a pet dog she’s a real slob.

Her name is Jessie all she is, is messy.

She doesn’t like to jog which is odd for a dog.

She hates playing ball I wonder if she’s a dog at all, and what’s really weird is she hides all day she doesn’t come out not even to play.

I’ve looked for her about a million times I’m going to stop here because I can’t think of anymore rhymes.

Cooper Anderson Grade 2, Genoa Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 12

2013 Youth Poetry Contest My Family My family has a mom and dad A sister and a brother A dog and NO cats!

Stefani Nelson Grade 3, Cedar Elementary School

A Fish Wish The fish made a wish for a birthday cake.

So his mom started to bake the cake.

At the birthday party, everyone said, “Happy Birthday Marty!”

Anthony Yoho Grade 3, Cedar Elementary School

Anti Ants Ants are horrible.

Ants are mean.

They are so horrible, they should not be seen.

They don’t wear any clothes, they are just the worst.

They are very, very slow.

I wish they would burst.

Now you know why I don’t like ants.

I just can’t stand the world with ants.

Nev Milnes Grade 3, Worley Elementary

The Bunny There was a bunny.

That was funny.

His nose was runny.

He liked gummys, and honey.

He had a big tummy.

He liked when it was sunny.

He had some money.

Rachael Williams Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 Spring Spring, Is a great time of year.

Spring, It always brings good cheer.

Spring, I like it a lot.

Spring, It’ll give you great thought.

Spring, Is a nice time to play.

Spring, It makes a great day.

Elizabeth Balough Grade 3, Louisville Elementary

Color of emotion Joyful is yellow.

It sounds like kids giggling.

It smells like bannana’s.

It tastes like ice cream.

It looks like kids having fun.

Joyful feels like a pillow.

Nadia Alm Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Colors of Emotions Bored is red.

It sounds like an empty room.

It smells like rotten eggs.

It tastes like old waffles.

It looks like a skull.

Bored feels like burnt ruber.

Jayshawn Bonner Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Cream Yummy, delicious Scrumptious Melts, Often, Everywhere, Messily Elizabeth Soehnlen Grade 3, St. Michael

Acrostic Nice Energetic Loving Loyal Intelligent Easy going Nellie Stephan Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Acrostic Very nice Imagine Careful Trust Offer Runner Impossible Afraid Victoria Mayle Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Acrostic Awesome Interesting Dog lover A smart kid Nice Aidan Dolph Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Spring Now spring is here I like it a lot I plant a seed In a flower pot

I like to run Ice After I’m done I play in the sun In spring my neighbor had kittens One of them is named Mittens Me and Mittens like to play And I feel very gay I am glad God created spring It makes me so happy I want to sing.

Abigail Miller Grade 3, Homeschooled

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 13

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Name Acrostic A for alien’s flooding in space.

L is for licking ice crème.

E is for elves packing work all day.

X is for the x games that come on every summer.

Alex Coffelt Grade 3, Mason Elementary

the color poem Pink is the taste of shrimp.

Pink is the smell of a fresh pink flower.

Pink is the feel of pink paper in my face.

Pink is the sound of a flamingo.

Pink is the sight of grass full of butterflies.

Satorie Haley Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Color poem Green is the taste of sour lemon lime.

Green is the smell of frosted green baked cookies.

Green is the feel of fuzzy grass.

Green is the sound of spring.

Green is the sight of shiny green leaves.

Ben Oliver Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Spring Acrostic Super cool Perfect for letting flowers bloom Rising sun Is when bees, birds and frogs come out Near my birthday Good for planting Meigan Crawford Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Poems A poem is not a piece of paper written by a pen It is a friendly letter that you can really send.

Tess Rosler Grade 2, Northwood Elementary School

Spring Acrostic S) Seeing flowers means spring is coming.

P) People thin it’s warm outside, but sometimes it’s not.

R) Roses are a beautiful sight.

I) I think birds are beautiful to hear.

N) Nice hotels for spring break.

G) Giving away clothes to little one.

Sydni Bittinger Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Spring Acrostic Poem Summer is about to come.

People get out picking the spring flowers.

Ready for the animals to come out!

It will be fun November is a long way to go.

Getting to see new flowers will be beautiful Winnie Wu Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Color Poem Pink is the taste of delicious fresh pink lemonade Pink is the smell of lovely pink flowers from the garden Pink is the feel of soft pink blankets that are so warm Pink is the sound of wonderful music from a bird Pink is the sight of the beautiful sunset in the night Cassidy Hight Grade 3, Mason Elementary

color poem Red is the taste of cherries, strawberries, and red apples.

Red is the smell of cherries and apple pie.

Red is the feel of rose and the sun on my back.

Red is the sound of chirping cardinals.

Red is the sight of flamingos on a beach and rose blooming.

Colin Rufin Grade 3, Mason Elementary

My Cat I have a cat.

A fat cat and he bothers me. And I say SCAT fat cat.

I have a fat cat. He sat on a bat. SPLAT went the bat.

The cat rand up the stairs and ate a hat!

Sebastian Gillespie Grade 2, Schreiber

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 14

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 2 & 3

Yellow Is… Yellow is the taste of a sour lemon that makes your lips pucker and eyes squint Yellow is the smell of a beautiful dandelion that has a crisp green stem.

Yellow is the feel of a soft cotton blanket that keeps you warm all night.

Yellow is the sound of a small golden finch singing its heart‐warming song.

Yellow is the sight of the bright yellow sun giving off its nice warm rays.

Soren Stover Grade 3, Mason Elementary

Lime green is…

Lime green is the taste of a ripe juicy pear hanging from the air fresh off the tree.

Lime green is the smell of a mint leaf right from the garden on the bottom of a pitcher of lemonade.

Lime green is the feel of fresh spring grass that’s just has been mowed in the middle of May. Lime green is the sound of a nice cool night after a cookout has just been started in your backyard.

Lime green is the sight of trees, leaves, grass and more I’ve never seen anything like it before.

Ariana Tsenekos Grade 3, Mason Elementary

The Beast There is only one BEAST He lives and teaches in the East.

He is very nice and kind The BEAST is rare and hard to find.

Earning stickers is the way Of eating lunch with the BEAST today.

Do no expect the BEAST to climb a ladder He is afraid of heights and this, in fact, is a big matter.

For the Halloween parade, the BEAST wore his Grandma’s wig The class thought that the wig was poofy and big.

The BEAST likes to play around the world multiplication No one can beat him throughout the nation.

The BEAST is an athletic man He likes to coach basketball, football and play golf when he can.

The BEAST thinks that he is buff But I don’t think that he is tough!

The BEAST gives us weekly quotes to help us focus and improve We read them and write them in our planner to get us in the groove.

For recess, if you’d like, the BEAST will let you stay in He really cares and likes to talk, but while he talks he helps you win.

The BEAST will introduce you as a hero “She’s a 4‐foot, 3‐inch, third grader from Hartville, number zero…”

To end the day, the BEAST must find Each student to do the “secret” hand shake and tap three signs.

The BEAST is the best and he is full of pep It’s time to tell you, the BEAST is my very own third grade teacher, MR. KNEPP!!!

Grace Milhoan Grade 3, Hartville Elementary Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 15

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

I Am Poem I am shy and loving.

I wonder how flowers grow.

I hear God singing.

I want my own little puppy.

I am shy and loving.

I pretend I am a police officer.

I feel sad when I go to the funeral.

I touch my stuffed animal.

I worry about my family and God. I cried when my grandma died.

I am shy and loving.

I understand how my life is different.

I say God is my Holy Father.

I dream of my Holy Father.

I try my hardest to get A’s on my test.

I hope to see God and Angels.

I am shy and loving.

Caitlyn Dennis Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I Am Poem I am helpful and loving.

I wonder if my cat will have kittens.

I hear weird noises and phones going off.

I see my family and friends at Chucky Cheese.

I am helpful and loving.

I pretend to play school.

I feel happy and sad.

I touch my cat and mom in the morning.

I worry about my grandfather and grandmother.

I cry because my grandfather is sick.

I am helpful and loving.

I understand that A’Niya and I need to get along.

I say I’m going to pass the third grade.

I dream about my life.

I try to be nice, not mean.

I hope summer is coming this year.

I am helpful and loving.

Madison Philbrick Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Sun Red, light, Bright Moves Gently, Away, Today Jack Bruckner Grade 3, St. Michael

I Am Poem I am brave and a fighter.

I wonder how the pyramids were made.

I hear Miss Shaheen talking.

I see Miss Shaheen.

I want to be a teacher.

I am brave and a fighter.

I pretend I am a teacher.

I feel powerful when tell.

I touch my controller all day.

I worry that it will rain on me.

I cry when I think about my uncle.

I am brave and a fighter.

I understand that everybody is different.

I say that I’m going to the fourth grade.

I dream about Hawaii.

I try to get the basketball in the hoop.

I hope summer vacation comes soon.

I am brave and a fighter.

Carl Hall Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I Am Poem I am helpful and kind.

I wonder how volcanoes were built.

I hear sirens from fire trucks.

I see whales blowing water.

I want money to buy an IPOD. I am helpful and kind.

I pretend that Jada is not real.

I feel happy and funny.

I touch a cloud and the sun.

I worry about my test.

I cry when my friends move away.

I am helpful and kind.

I understand how people really feel.

I say baby Jesus was born in December.

I dream that God died on the cross.

I try to kick a ball.

I hope I had 20012302 dollars.

I am helpful and kind.

Heaven Metcalf Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 16

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest I Am Poem I am brave and smart.

I wonder if a clown can juggle a chainsaw.

I hear Mason every day.

I see black ghosts every day.

I want a million dollars for the poor people.

I am brave and smart.

I pretend to be an army man.

I feel a soft pillow under my head.

I touch my fuzzy hair.

I worry about not passing the OAA. I cry when I get in trouble.

I am brave and smart.

I understand people get upset.

I say that God loves people.

I dream that ‘m a ninja.

I try to help people.

I hope that I get bigger.

I am brave and smart.

Caleb Hinzman Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I AM POEM I am talkative and ornery.

I wonder how the world was started.

I hear screaming and yelling.

I see Mike Mzowzki: he’s looking at me.

I want a car.

I am talkative and ornery.

I pretend I’m a robot.

I feel sad my grandma gone.

I touch my controller all day.

I worry about my game.

I cry my grandma no there.

I am talkative and ornery.

I understand how my dad is feeling.

I say I believe in myself.

I dream of being in the NFL. I try to be in the NFL by practicing every day.

I hope to be in the NFL when I grow up.

I am talkative and ornery.

Jaydin Norris Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I Am Poem I am funny and loud.

I wonder who made the four wheeler.

I hear children playing.

I see a dog running.

I want an Xbox 360.

I am funny and loud.

I pretend to destroy zombies.

I feel pain right now.

I touch my dog’s head.

I worry about my games.

I cry when I head sad music.

I am funny and loud.

I understand video game graphics.

I say hi to people.

I dream about Taylor.

I try to play Halo.

I hope I win on a game.

I am funny and loud.

Nicholas Hixson Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I Am Poem I am funny and helpful.

I wonder I hear penguins.

I see red rose growing in the garden.

I want a red and white Mustang.

I am funny and helpful.

I pretend I am a monster.

I feel the hot sun.

I touch money.

I worry about my snake.

I cry when my dog died.

I am funny and helpful.

I understand how to multiply.

I say I love my dog.

I dream about my dog, Ares.

I try my best at art.

I hope for an Xbox 360.

I am funny and helpful.

Justin McCauley Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 17

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

I Am Poem I am funny and fun.

I wonder how words are made.

I hear the great and powerful God. I see my dead grandpa with me.

I want to see God. I am funny and fun.

I pretend I own the world.

I feel the skin of a vampire bat.

I touch a fiery volcano.

I worry bad criminals.

I cry when I think about dead people.

I am funny and fun.

I understand how to talk.

I say the Pledge of Allegiance.

I dream about getting eaten.

I try to play football I hope I graduate school.

I am funny and fun.

Keagan Hayes Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I Am Poem I am artistic and funny.

I wonder what soil is made of.

I hear God’s voice.

I see my cat running to me.

I want a laptop to play games.

I am artistic and funny.

I pretend I am a famous movie star.

I feel when I ride a bike.

I touch my fluffy coat.

I worry about my friends’ safety.

I cry when I get hurt.

I am artistic and funny.

I understand how houses are made.

I say “Love your life.”

I dream about the world becoming chocolate.

I try being nice to my sister I hope my grandpa feels better soon.

I am artistic and funny.

Yohanna Gray Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I Am Poem I am smart and nice.

I wonder how school was invented.

I hear a waterfall.

I see my dog playing outside.

I want a Barbie with new clothes.

I am smart and nice.

I pretend I am Miss Vitale.

I feel fluffy clouds.

I touch 1 million dollars.

I worry that I am going to get my test wrong.

I cry because my brother died.

I am smart and nice.

I understand how to read.

I say soon I will get better.

I dream about unicorns that are pink and purple I try to get straight A’s.

I try my best on my spelling tests.

I hope I can go to the fair.

I am smart and nice.

Kylee Cotrill Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I Am Poem I am funny and smart.

I wonder if Santa is real.

I hear a ghost in my closet.

I see ghost in my bed talking.

I want to have an Xbox 360.

I am funny and smart.

I pretend to be a football player.

I feel like I am superstar.

I touch the sky.

I worry about my sister.

I cry when I get in trouble.

I am funny and smart.

I understand math is important.

I say I love my family.

I dream of Santa flying in the sky.

I try to do well at Math.

I hope that the tooth fairy comes.

I am funny and smart.

Brian Benson Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 18

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Fun in the Sun The sun in the dim light is as Bright as ever. I think we have a good start on our day. I know your the best and it’s time to start our day. I played all day and now it’s time for me to sleep all night. I loved this day with me and you but now its time to say goodbye. I hope we see each other again soon, but now we have to say goodbye. Until the next day comes, goodbye my friend.

I hope you had fun because I did. Come on, let’s run in the sun and have fun, fun, fun when we meet again.

Robbyayre Blakely Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Motion Poem Car Rolls, fast Speeding, stopping, racing I love to ride my bike Toy Sammie Kyles Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Santa Santa gives kids toys, Santa give them to girls and boys, When Santa rides in his sled, Kids have to go to bed.

Children like to cheer, Some kids have fear, Santa comes to town, Sometimes Santa has a frown.

Kenzie Duffie Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Santa My ink was blowing and my feet are showing.

Some of his feet are showing and some of the heat is blowing.

My feet are so chilly that you are silly.

At night Santa is going on a flight.

Robert Jefferson Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Santa As Santa got into his sleight he was chilly, The children were being very silly.

Santa gave Molly a dolly, He made the mad kid Roy jolly.

Santa has a big belly, He’s even a bit smelly.

He likes to ear red, He comes when you are in bed.

Santa wears red clothes, His red nose even glows.

Outside he gets chilly, He’s a bit silly.

Frankie Campbell Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Javon Javon Sneaky, happy, funny Relative of Dustin Lover of ice cream, pizza, tacos Who feels happy, eager, hard working Who needs videogames, food, TV Who fears spiders, chucky, peanuts Who gives help, love, kindness Who would like to see Ross Lynch, Tim Allen, Trent Richardson Resident of Canton, Ohio Travis Javon Travis Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Fox The fox is bright orange.

The fox is quick and stealthy.

Foxes have white tails.

Adam Murphy Grade 3, Portage County Montessori School

Cats Cats are very wild.

They turn out to be little.

They sit by the door.

Brielle Williams Grade 3, Portage County Montessori School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 19

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Ainka Happy, silly, scared, selfish Relative of McKenzie Lover of gymnastics, sing, dance Who feels, disappointed, sad, frustrated Who needs, spoiled, love, gymnastics WHO fears, meanness, soupiness, cold Who gives, spoiling, love, care Who would like to see, Uncle Stacey, Jasmine, Hawaii Canton, Ohio Harris Ainka Harris Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Santa Santa loves chili, Santa is silly.

Santa has a great big belly, He really loves jelly.

He delivers our presents, We open our presents.

He fills us with cheer, When he comes down the chimney I fill with fear.

He wears red clothes, His nose really glows.

He really jiggles, When he giggles.

Charlize Travis Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Who I am Kevonne Happy, nervous, excited, helpful Relative of Tashay, Dayon, Denashaya Lover of games, candy, food, family Who feel smart, messy, nice Who needs food, water, clothes Who fears Chucky, Jason, lion Who gives love, hugs, presents Who would you like to see chicken fight, zombie, volcano Canton, Ohio Wright Kevonne Wright Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Bells Santa jingles it, Reindeer shakes it, Churches ring it, Kids listen to it, Angels hear it, Music plays it, Carolers sing it, Bells.

Jayaunna Brunner Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Christmas Decorations Christmas decorations look good on my tree, They are very pretty to me, Christmas decorations could be lights, Sometimes they are very bright.

Christmas decorations are the best things ever, Christmas decorations are ugly, never, They are set up at certain times, Christmas decorations are very fine.

Christmas decorations make Santa surprised, Some decorations Santa doesn’t recognize, Christmas decorations are nice to the eyes, Sometimes they even make people cry.

Rhya Eaves Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Bells People ring it, Children hear it, Churches use it, Reindeer wear it, Angels play it, Trees carry it, Santa rings it, Bells.

Gracie Perry Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Car Fast, Slow, Cool Moves Quickly, Around, Today John Ney Grade 3, St. Michael

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 20

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Snowman Silly Nice Open Heart Wonderful Magical Awesome Neighborly Autumn Reed Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Snowman Sweet Nice Outside Weak Mine Afraid Nervous Taylor Platt Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Beautiful Bird Beautiful bird Your songs should Be heard Be free bird, be free.

Jadyn McClure‐Bailous Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Huamei Beautiful Huamei in a cage like me I Like you Sing to me Alexzander Goodwill Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Winter Skiing is so fun Snowball fights can be so fun Snow angles are dull Gavin Mosses Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 Justin Helpful, nice, curious, goofy Relative of Joshua Lover of candy, chocolate, family Who feels happy, lazy, mean Who needs organization, neatness, videogames Who fears bears, lions, tigers Who gives love, help, care Who would like to see Grand Canyon, Hawaii, Angel Falls Canton, Ohio Porter Justin Porter Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Chase Bibey Chase Kind, proud, sneaky Related to of Riley Lover of video games, family Who feels sneaky, silly, evil Who needs sleep, video games, toys Who fear clowns, Chuckey, loss Who gives help, money, toys Who would like to see volcanoes, zombie Canton, Ohio Bibey Chase Bibey Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Hummingbirds Hovers and hums, laying Unmarked white eggs smaller than plums.

Migrates to southern states, Makes nests tiny, but great.

Interesting to me, Nests high up in a tree.

Graceful and very fast; Beautiful and colorful, look quick it won't last.

Intelligent, so smart Reaching the fastest speed right from the start.

Delicate in flight Silent day and night.

Hannah Knight Grade 3, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 21

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Santa When he flies on his sled, All the kids are in bed.

Derrick Santa goes down town, Happy, Silly, Sleepy, Sneaky When he has a frown.

Relative of Tameka Santa’s reindeers’ nose glows, Lover of video games, My family, art When they have rows of bows.

Who feels happy, funny, nervous Santa has a crown, Who fears spiders, snake, gost When he is a clown.

Who gives trets, help, frendens Santa’s frown is like a crown, Who would like to see tricks, fendshig It makes me feel down.

Resident of Canton, Ohio Santa dresses up in red, Stewart When you are in bed.

Derrick Stewart Santa wears red clothes, Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit When it glows.

Santa rides his sled,

When you need to go to bed.

Oh Little Flower Justyn Graylor Oh little flower in the spring, Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit Peace is what you bring.

You smell so good, The Library Please stay here if you could.

The library is a magical place You look so good and feel so soft.

Where there is a smile on each person’s face.

You look so bright in my eyes.

In the library you can open a book to find fairies, Before you bloom you are in disguise.

Mermaids or Captain Hook!

Little flower you are so sweet.

But beyond the sea and the desert sand you might find Little flower you are so soft on my feet.

An island with a parade or a band.

Winter will soon come and under the ground you’ll sleep, Those worlds may only exist in a book but you won’t Until spring comes again, Set it down‐ come take a look!

It’s then again we’ll meet.

Caroline Pastore Elijah Gram Grade 3, Hartville Elementary Grade 2, Homeschooled

Love

What is love?

Love is when you go to a person you meet and love.

The Bug Named Rug I love my family, friends, and teachers.

There once was a bug named Rug You can love more than one person.

Who got beat‐up by a thug You will never forget love and you'll always have love Who found a slug right next to your heart!

Who gave him a mug Love is one of the world's most importantest things That bug named Rug who gave a slug a hug. ever!

Nathan Chappie I love my doctors and all that help others!

Grade 3, St. Michael Never forget police and firefighters!

I will also love my planet!

Even animals can love!

Chloe Ahn

Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 22

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Snowman Silly New Own With snow Made Awesome Nice Creed Patterson Grade 3, Portage County Montessori School

Beautiful Bird Beautiful to me Mostly brown Living far Can you come around?

Zoe Bove Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Dolphins Dolphins are special They breath out of their blowhole They are mammals too.

Chloe Barnes Grade 3, Portage County Montessori School

Foxes They are red and white.

Foxes are very sneaky.

Related to dogs.

Skye Fox Grade 3, Portage County Montessori School

Acrostic Joyful Energetic Shy Silly Eager Jesse Drescher Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

My Little Blanket My little blanket so comfy and warm sits next to me like a swarm of warmth.

My little blanket makes me dream good dreams so I don't scream in the night with fright.

My little blanket so purple inside has shapes that are big and really wide too.

My little blanket lays on me like a thin, clean, and crisp white sheet.

I feel thrilled with the blanket I have because the blanket is mine and it feels just right.

Snuggled all comfy and tight, all my body and little toes too are squished happily in the soft blanket.

Asleep as I can, I sleep comfortably in the darkness with my blanket that feels just right.

In the mornings when I wake up, I hug my blanket real tight so I don't fret too much about the blanket during the day.

My little blanket so comfy and warm will always be kept as a memory for me.

Snehal Choudhury Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 23

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Leah Smart, creative, helpful Wishes to be a great artist, Dreams of visiting London, Wants a swimming pool, Who wonders what heaven is like, Who fears snakes, Who is afraid of big spiders, Who likes to Irish dance, Who believes in Jesus, Who loves her family, Who loves dancing, Who loves chocolate, Who loves drawing, Who plans to have kids, Who plans to be an artist, Who plans to be an architect, Who final destination is heaven.

Leah Salomone Grade 3, St. Michael

Spring I see bees fly around.

Also I smell flowers blooming.

I hear hummingbirds chirping and bees buzzing.

Butterflies are flying all around.

I can see kids playing with their parents.

I can hear kids laughing.

Jack Miller Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

People Some people are old, and some people are young.

Some people have golden hair Some people have brown Some people are one hundred Some people are one Some people are grumpy Some people are shy Some people have freckles and some do not Some people are messy Some people are clean Some people have lots of have and some have none Some people have beards and some do not Some people have white skin and some people have black Some people live in the Usa And some people live in Canada no matter who you are no matter where you live God loves you any way Mary Bliese Grade 3, Homeschool

Sarah Sweet, Artsy, Active, Wishes to be a great swimmer, Dreams of having ten‐thousand friends, Wants to live forever, Who wonders if aliens are real, Who fears snakes, Who is afraid of hobos, Who likes to dance, Who believes in a mummy, Who loves going to the movies, Who loves animals, Who loves school, Who loves desserts, Who plans to be a doctor, Who plans to be a nurse, Who plans to be a singer, Whose final destination is heaven.

Sarah Lauschke Grade 3, St. Michael

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 24

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest My House My house is nice and fun Filled with lots of love Where we can read and play Where we sit and watch tv, On our big flower couch.

Laura Bliese Grade 2, Homeschool

There Once Was a Leprechaun There once was a leprechaun named Jit Who found some candlesticks lit Who also found a mitt And got his baseball kit That Jit just wanted to come and throw a fit.

Xander Shaffer 3rd Grade, St. Michael

O Locky There once was a thing named O Locky Who sat on a mat with cat O Socky It made the cat purr And ruffled her fur It felt o yockey.

Isabella Adams Grade 3, St. Michael

A Puppy Named O’Rosie There once was a puppy named O’Rosie Who got really nosey And knocked over the leprechaun trap Just by a little tap That puppy named O’Rosie Ella Salvino 3rd Grade, St. Michael

Limerick There once was a monkey named McPuffy Whose fur was very, very, very fluffy And when he saw sauce He’d run over his boss Oh, that monkey named McPuffy.

Catalina Gonzalez‐Abreu Grade 3, St. Michael

Moo There once was a leprechaun named Matt Who had a cat and a playmat Who went to the zoo And saw that it went moo That green leprechaun was such a rat.

Michael Jasser Grade 3, St. Michael

Luck the buck There once was a buck named Luck Who ate a duck Who had some muck But he said, “Yuck” That lucky Luck the Buck.

Audrianna Miller Grade 3, St. Michael

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 25

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Pet Vet Prince, my cat, is sitting on a throne, While Max, my dog, is eating a bone, And Rocky, my sister's cat, is crawling around, Not even making a single sound.

Prince, my cat, is not a pet, Who really likes to go to the vet, My cat really doesn't like to go to the vet, For it makes him very upset, And the same with my other pets, They do not like to visit the vets.

Max, my dog, is a King Charles spaniel, It said so in the big, gigantic, dog manual.

The cats are brothers, So they don't have different mothers, They don't look alike, But it's funny when they fight.

Abigail Williams Grade 3, Lake Cable Elementary

Spring Spring is fun I like to run through the flowers for hours.

Rain can help the flowers grow to look like a bow.

And the fruits tasting sweet.

Standing still in the garden bed.

As one gets picked as a treat, but s summer comes the plants need sun.

And that is why spring is fun Hannah Detchon Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Haiku Sled riding is fun.

Snowball fights are fun with friends.

Hot coco is great.

Taylor Ceer Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Dessert I like my ice cream in a bowl I even like it on a pumpkin roll I like strawberry, chocolate and Superman I must try every flavor I can toppings, toppings, toppings a lot of cherries, Nut’s, sprinkles and more. I eat Ice cream all year around, but it’s best in the summer I have found.

It cool’s me down when I get hot I don’t want a little I want a lot! Gooey soft cold and smooth I’m crazy for cake batter and blue moon When it starts to melt it make’s a mess on my favorite Pink dress so I’m extra Careful with a care cause I once dropped it on a Stone. I got a nother one and Sat on a bench I couldn’t Wait to tell my friend.

This is my poem.

The end.

Endie Mae Ogletree Grade 2, PCMS

Tat The Cat There was a bet.

That had a fat little cat.

His cat was named Tat. He made a splat on the mat.

The cat had nats.

That got a pat.

Then he saw a rat.

That rat went to the mat The cat made a snap!

Cooper Downerd Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 26

Grades 2 & 3

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Call Me Crazy Call me crazy.

Just call me crazy I don't know why.

Just slap me like crazy.

My parents call me crazy.

Call me crazy.

Do it for no reason.

Don't even try to touch me.

Okay just touch me like crazy I do not know why.

My sister goes crazy when you give her candy so give her candy.

I am a party in a box.

I always have energy to party in the house.

If you give me candy I will go crazy.

So give me candy!

If you want to have an awesome party.

Blair Griskevich Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Trees Look.

Look.

At the trees.

Look I see a hundred three.

They're tall and green and have lots of leaves.

They are big but might make you sneeze.

Look now I see a hundred thirteen.

They grow so high.

They might touch the sky.

You can climb them but don't look down or you might have a frown.

Do you like trees or do you like bees cause I like trees more than bees.

Do you like trees.

I do can you tell?

Lauren Tomak Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Mother Earth Mother Earth, Mother Earth.

You're not very lean.

Your dumps and landfills are full!

And we can help to make you as a planet again.

Mother Earth, Mother Earth.

You are pretty dirty.

And we can help to make you flirty to other planets again!

Alexander Keenan Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

SWIFT HORSES I wish I could see them.

I wish I could play among those gray horses above the gray clay.

Those swift swift horses They neigh and they play.

In the yellow sun, but not on gray days.

Alyssa Schoolcraft Grade 2, St. Michael

Today is a Beautiful Day The sun is shining, the birds are singing, it is a happy day.

I never want it to end. My friends are play‐ ing, everyone is singing.

My brothers and sister are not fighting in‐ side, they’re playing outside.

No need for the indoors. It is a beautiful day, I never want it to end.

Twist and twirl, leap in flight, I think I’ll go fly my kite!

Brooke Lieser Grade 2, Watson Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 27

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 28

Grades 4 & 5

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 4-5 Awards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Anthony, Gavriel

Sicara's Heroes

Pg. 33

Cooper, Megan

Memories

Pg. 30

Davidson Jr., Andre D.

Nobody Knows

Pg. 36

DiSimone, Ava

Color Me Olive

Pg. 31

Freeman, Christa

Gemstones

Pg. 32

Grunder, John

Color Me Blue

Pg. 31

James, Seth

Seth

Pg. 32

Laliberte, Megan

Color Me Yellow

Pg. 31

Menendez, Alejandro

Kickball

Pg. 31

Nikishin, Matalan

Color Me Green

Pg. 30

Palomba, Ella

Color Me Blue

Pg. 31

Peterson, Ethan

Desk

Pg. 32

Retone, Avery

Hockey Player

Pg. 37

Verbus, Elena

Desk

Pg. 36

White, Andrew

Color Me Black

Pg. 30

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 29

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Color Me Black The big, ugly spider So hairy A walking beard!

The pretty black pants So tight The zipper pops!

A bushy moustache A big ball of fuzzy dust So ugly!

The juicy plump blackberry Makes a mess on me When I bite into it.

Andrew White Grade 5, St. Peter School

Color Me Green Classroom walls Earth Oh! So bright.

Earth is our planet Blaring every day of my school life.

Amarica is a great country.

A mighty oak tree Reduce, reuce, recycle With leaves oh so green, The earth is not made to litter Stands tall when I walk by.

Help the earth.

Stinky, stinky Oscar the Grouch, Arianna Berry Such a lazy bum, Grade 4, Harter Elementary Who sleeps on a couch,

I’d hate to go to his house!

Bright, soft, green slime, Earth Slimes through my hair.

Earth is a special place Grody, gross grimy Amarica has great people Get it out of there!

Reduce, reuse, recycle Matalan Nikishin Throw away trash Grade 5, St. Peter School Help your planet

Aysia Norman Memories Grade 4, Harter Elementary Life is full of memories

We take memories for granted But when they leave Roses are Red Then we step back and lean on a Roses are red violets are friend to shed a tear or two. blue I love my friends and Then we learn to make new memo‐ family to. ries.

The grass is green the sky We don’t take these for granted we is blue I love clothes, shopping, keep these in our hearts. and new shoes. I love many things We hold them close to our hearts as you can see. I have many more, and never let go. but these are the main things.

Because one day they will leave our Cierra Dixon mind, but never our heart.

Grade 4, Belden Elementary Megan Cooper

Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Color Me Blue The sky so bright, Filled with light.

I get sad when It turns to night.

But in the day, Your color shows, That beautiful color, That I love so!

Color me blue, So I can see, The land that lay Below me.

Jordan Gibson Grade 5, St. Peter School

Grades 4 & 5 Earth Everyone should respect the earth Are you recycling Earth Reduce reuse recycle The earth needs help Help! The earth.

William Turner Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth needs to stay clean April 22nd is earth day.

Recycle and dot throw out The earth is what we live on Help! Clean the earth.

Michael Williams Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth is great Air Rain is mean The He is cool Samantha Johnson Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Our World Earth is our planet.

Around the earth is different.

Reduse, reuse, recycle.

The earth is not a trash can.

Help the earth.

Tatyana Bachtel Grade 4, Harter Elementary

The Great Earth Earth day was April 22 America is a great place Reduce, reuse, recycle Take quick showers Help! The earth out.

Tyler Moag Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Poetry Contest ~ Page 30

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 4 & 5 Color Me Olive The salty olives I find on my plate With pimento peeking To see if it’s safe!

The olive green grape leaves That tickle my face As I walk by To pick a sweet grape.

The olive green polish That stains my nails In the brisk air of fall.

My olive room walls That suck me in deep As I put down my pencil And sleep.

Ava DiSimone Grade 5, St. Peter School

A poet’s poetry poem.

Poems are Open minded and full of Emotions. You Try to imagine the places, they’re Readable and Yet quite relaxing.

Mackenzie Donahue Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Earth Earth is not meant to be thrown away Anyone can help Reduce, Reuse, Recycle The Earth needs love Help the Earth recycle Bella Wood Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Color Me Blue Blue chalk Crumbling in my hand.

Hard to dust off.

I like playing with it.

Big blue mountain, Really windy and cold on top!

Massive mountains surrounding it.

I see the Earth’s curve!

A roll of duct tape, A few sticky ounces I cut a piece off.

Hard to peel off anything.

Harder to peel off me!

A small trash can, Smelly and dirty Holds paper and discarded things, Please hurry and empty it!

John Grunder Grade 5, St. Peter School

Color Me Yellow The bright warm sun Looking right at me!

Smiling and saying, Have a great day.

High heeled yellow shoes Wanting me to buy them.

I did!

They look great on me!

Sour, juicy lemons In my icy water.

I put one in my mouth, My eyes started to squint up.

Very fuzzy bumblebee, Never gets away from me.

I heard someone scream, Ouch! Somebody help me!

My pointy, yellow #2 pencil, Writing me a story, About a cute little puppy, Trying to lick me!

Megan Laliberte Grade 5, St. Peter School

Kickball I am a kick ball, Emphasis on my name!

Everyone plays with me, In all sorts of games.

I have a rough shell outside, And empty parts inside.

I am filled with hot air.

Careful so I don’t pop.

If you don’t kick hard, I won’t pop.

But kick me like a missile, I might fly through a window And you will lose me FOREVER! Alejandro Menendez Grade 5, St. Peter School

Color Me Blue Spring Don’t be late!

Blue flowers Blooming everywhere.

The sky Is very bright.

The fluffy, silk clouds Floating in the air Some day I’ll get up there!

The big blue ocean Fish underneath They are swimming happily By the reef.

My bright blue sweater Is keeping me oh so warm!

It would never survive A crashing thunderstorm.

Ella Palomba Grade 5, St. Peter School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 31

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Gemstones From underneath the ground, or way below the sea, There comes a pretty gemstone sparkling up at me.

A lapidary polishes, rubs it ‘til it’s clean, For when a gemstone’s found, its beauty is unseen.

A glittering diamond, a glistening ruby, Are both part of creation’s beauty.

Emerald, topaz, and opal are all God‐made, Lined up in a case they look like a parade.

Set in a bracelet or shining in a ring, A gemstone cheers up everything!

Christa Freeman Grade 5, Home Schooled

Seth Careful, clever, and friendly Lover of nature, animals, and art Who is able to hike far distances, Who feels helpful every day.

Who wonders what it would be like to Go into space.

Who fears mysterious creatures Who roamed the earth long ago.

Who would like to travel long distances.

Who has a crazy imagination.

That is me.

Seth James Grade 5, St Peter School

Desk I am a smooth, hard school desk Painted a nasty gray Stickers and name tags glued to my face!

I am sometimes clean and organized, But other times I’m disorganized and messy.

Inside I have lead Scattered all over.

Pencil markings everywhere.

Pitch black in the back Filled to the top with books.

A red binder and squished up papers!

Ethan Peterson Grade 5, St Peter School

Grades 4 & 5 A Trash Can I am a gray trash can.

People put trash in me.

I eat all their trash.

I see a half‐eaten apple.

Wait! Someone is coming!

OH NO! A milk carton.

Splash!

I’s leaving this dump.

Well, at least people feed me.

All day and night.

I have a pretty good life.

Besides getting dumped on with trash.

I don’t want to leave.

I will stay here awhile.

I’m good help.

I’ll do anything.

I love my job!

Grace Mulheim Grade 5, St. Peter School

Earth Earth is nice and ment to be clean.

Air helps us clean so pick up trash Reuse your water bottles fill then back up.

The earth is our home so act like it Help the ocean animals stay alive.

Zarion Burt Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 32

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 4 & 5 Earth Earth is the best America is the best place to live Rain is the worst The water is more fun to play in than on land Heat is the best Zach Flowers Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth is the best planet America is the best place.

Recycling is the goodest thing to do.

The best thing to do is clean the earth.

Heat is better than coldness.

Syncere Barkley Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth is the people home America is part of the world.

Rain helps the earth The rain and sun helps us Helping the earth is the greatest thing Alexander Becher Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth Alter Respect Think Health Seth Southers Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Little Sisters Little sisters are just fine, She’s a newborn but I am nine!

Little sisters are pretty cool, I really miss her when I go to school.

Little sisters are very cute, Sometimes I wish I could make her mute.

Little sisters are just fine.

Chloe Herncane Grade 4, Watson Elementary

Sicara’s Heroes Have you ever heard of a place where only heroes live?

Well, in my imagination, there is such a place.

It is Sicara.

Sicara is an underground world where thundering and heavy rains occur all the time. Super heroes such as Airo (the master of the air), Watera (the master of the water), Landios (the master of the land), and Firessa (the master of fire) live there.

So, when there is a problem in the elements (in the air. . . in the water. . . on land. . . or with fire) and you need a helping hand, Sicara’s heroes will be there to save the day.

Gavriel Anthony Grade 5, Madge Youtz Elementary

Spring Spring is here!

Spring is really here!

Winter's gone and now its spring!

Hello flowers peeking through hello grass so green and new.

Kayla Fulks Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Life is Hard Sometimes.

Life is a one time chance so be a kid while you can.

Life is hard like a pop quiz you didn’t study for.

Life can be very hard but don’t give up.

Life hurts sometimes like a bee just stung you in the side of your hip.

Sometimes there are times where you say I hate my life, Or I love my life, it’s the best.

Well, think again. <> You’re making horrible, not anyone else, just yourself.

Don’t blame it on yourself or anyone else.

Just take a breath and walk away from all you pain.

Life is tough and all I know is be yourself, and let it all go.

Walk away from the pain and kiss it goodbye.

Janessa Daugherty Grade 5, Belden Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 33

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Earth Earth day is an excited day.

And is a racissleing day Earth day is a really working hard day Trees are part of earth and the nature So help us clean and help the environment.

Paige Javins Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth is the fifth biggest planet Ask not to litter Respect the earth.

Treat the earth the way you want to be treated Hey don’t litter please!

Kierstan Belcher Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth is are home.

Anything on Earth is not trash.

Reuse all cups.

Think about are earth.

Have fun and don’t trash it.

Nicholas Metcalf Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth EFFORT Gets you somewhere ADvantage yourself Recycle, Reuse Reduse THINK AS YOU ACT HELP SOMEONE EVERYWhere Izaya Sterling Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth is enjoyable Awesome Reduce, Reuse, Recycle The earth is Amazing Help clean the Earth.

Amari Norman Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Grades 4 & 5 Earth Earth is our planet.

America is our home.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle.

The earth is not a trashcan.

Help save the earth.

Amiah Poorman Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Fantastic World Earth is the place to be.

At Texas its vary warm.

Reefs are good for sailors to sleep on land The world is precious Help the earth!

Jeanie Whitted Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Everyday we plant Amazing Earth Day Respect our world Trees are amazing Help the earth grow Marissa Kurzinsky Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth is enormous America is the best place to live.

Rain helps me sleep at night The most beautiful Has amazing sites to see Aria Everett Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Earth Earth is the only planet we can live on Are you ruining the earth Reduce reuse and recycle The earth can be a clean planet Help take care of the earth Alexis Ball Grade 4, Harter Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 34

Grades 4 & 5

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

What’s a “What’s‐It”?

What’s a “What’s‐It” you may ask?

A “What’s‐It” is whatever you want it to be!

It can be red and purple or green and blue.

Babysitting A “What’s‐It” is whatever you want it to be!

The doorbell rang (quite loudly),

Not only once, but thrice!

It can live in a zoo or on a farm in a barn.

It's time the youngsters tumble in.

A “What’s‐It” is whatever you want it to be!

(This might not be so nice)

Without a farewell to their mom, It can be big and hairy or smooth and scary.

They quickly bolted in, A “What’s‐It” is whatever you want it to be!

As I turned to entertain them,

I found this sight within: It can be lean and mean or fat and nice.

A “What’s‐It” is whatever you want it to be!

David's on the bookshelf,

Johnny's on the stair, It can be big and spotted or small and striped.

I cannot go to stop them, A “What’s‐It” is whatever you want it to be!

Hailey's got my hair.

It can be petite and neat or large and messy.

My science project's flattened, A “What’s‐It” is whatever you want it to be!

My dollhouse is destroyed.

Who's dirty work could THAT have been?

That’s what a “What’s‐It” means to me.

(It must have been the boys) Karlie Walsh

Grade 5, Amherst Elementary Every cupboard has been opened,

for Liza's on a roll, Spring That is NOT my flag up there, I am sick of the winter, the cold has weather, clinging to the pole!

In my opinion Spring is much better.

Spring is when the flowers bloom, The wonderful weather with more daytime too.

Their mommies finally came for them, Hibernation ends right there, which gave me joy and stress, The scent of flowers in the air.

I sighed and turned to find a place The leaves on trees will start to grow, to start to clean their mess.

Grass pops up all ready to mow.

From the South the birds are coming, It's clean and I'm exhausted, Get outside the weather is stunning. and I'm resting in the What is the icing on the cake? den Wait a second! It’s spring break!

I'm feeling just a little bored, Take a walk or ride your bike, I wish they'd come again!

You can do whatever you like.

Julia Robinson Spring is one of the best seasons, Grade 5, Home school And those were only some of the reasons.

Shreyaa Nagajothi

Grade 5, Sauder Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 35

Grades 4 & 5

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Nobody Knows Nobody knows what goes on in my head.

Nobody knows what I think while I lay in my bed.

Nobody knows the feelings I have. Nobody Knows the hurts from the past. Nobody knows the love in my heart. Nobody knows what goes on in the dark, but the love in my heart keeps me apart from the dark.

So as I lay in my bed and things are going through My head I think what will I know when I’m dead.

Andre D. Davidson Jr. Grade 4, Belden Elementary

Family Poems I love my family with hold heart.

My love is to joy to love my family. Familys Are some times happy, sad, and mad. Familys can be some times fun, painful, and pretty.

Familys are suppose to love not put down Familys are suppose to care not hate.

My Family means a lot to me and they will Always ways be there for me and they are the best family I ever had.

Faith Armstrong Grade 4, Belden Elementary

Friendship What is better than friendship alone?

For friendship is a rewarding throne.

Just one alone is a terrible sight, Only one is a very frightful fright.

Yet when another comes along, They sing a harmonious friendship song.

So what is better than friendship alone?

For friendship is, truly, a rewarding throne.

Sierrah Schnabel Grade 5, Home Schooled

The Japanese Man There once was a Japanese Man Who really wanted a small fan He went to the store, bought items galore But still could not find his small fan Madeline Dodson Grade 5, Ohio Virtual Academy

Color Me Red Red, red, magical red.

What a great color!

You will find your favorite things Are red.

Red ripe apples growing On the trees.

Next to them are cherries.

Red as can be!

Next to them are rasberries, Seedy as can be!

Red roses, Beautiful as can be!

Hope you enjoyed our journey!

Roger Boecher Grade 5, St. Peter School

Chalk Board I am a big black chalk board Standing against the classroom wall.

Smooth, cold skin Chalk sticks to me!

I get dirty every day.

At night, wash me off I slowly dry.

The lights go off, And I sleep until morning.

Then it all begins again.

Joe Boron Grade 5, St. Peter School

Desk I have a smooth, warm, shiny top With someone’s name on the front Books and homework crammed In my large mouth.

A binder filled with old papers, Sticking out everywhere!

Lost library books With pages ripped out.

Elmer’s glue dripping inside.

Old papers and Kleenex scattered And wedged between books.

At night, everyone goes home.

Then I get to sleep.

Elena Verbus Grade 5, St. Peter School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 36

Grades 4 & 5

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

What Makes Everything Better Love is a red <3 It smells like a <3 Love dances through the heart It tastes like a big bowl of rock road ice cream.

Love waits for someone to accept it.

It sounds like the beat to rap music.

Love stays deep inside hidden behind pain.

It feels like the warmness of laundry fresh out of the dryer.

Love settles deep inside waiting to be found.

It looks like a family having a picnic in the park.

Love is the next big thing.

Love is greater then hate.

Kelly McDonald Grade 5, Belden Elementary

The Most Perfect Roses King Midas Loved Gold He once Created Beauty And exquisite colors Every day he Would pick the most perfect roses But the flowers Were gold forever Thomas O’Sheanna Grade 5, Belden Elementary

Hockey Player He puts on his gear And shows no fear He steps out onto the ice And circles his opponent twice The game is about to start He feels he will win deep down in his heart The score board reads zero‐zero Today he feels he will be the hero The puck is dropped He can’t be stopped Both teams score goal after goal We fans still believe they can win deep down in our soul The other team shoots and scores Now the teams are tied at fours 15 seconds remain in the game This is his shot for total fame He zigs, he zags, he takes the shot against his foe To the championship, here we go!!!

Avery Retone Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary

I am a snowflake I am a snowflake Drifting in the air I’m a snowflake It is so unfair

Falling and melting Like ice on the sun Looks like everyone Is having fun

I am a snowflake I am so cold Even though my heart is ice I am still bold

When winter ends I melt and I’m done I wish I could Wave goodbye to everyone

I am a snowflake Drifting in the air I am a snowflake It is so unfair Ana Clapper Grade 4, Mason Elementary

I Thought Of Something Interesting Today School is like a baseball game.

It’s amazing how many things are the same.

Teachers and Coaches are there for me, To help me become the best I can be.

The first inning and the start of a new school year, Can be scary, but I enthusiastically face my fear.

School and baseball both start out slow, I realize I have a long way to go.

In baseball and at school we use lots of math.

If I work hard at both, I’ll be on the right path.

I go to a game and work very hard.

When I do the same at school, I get an amazing report card.

At the end of the year I get all A’s, It’s like the winning grand slam that saved the day.

Thank you to my teachers and coaches who have been there for me.

Thoughts of you will forever be engraved in my memory.

Bradley Tonges Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 37

Grades 4 & 5

2013 Youth Poetry Contest The Title Of This Poem Is. . . . . . . . .

I walk in the door, walk into my room and shut the door.

Look in my mailbox and see what I find, look in my shop and money I find.

I set my new items into their spots, some don't even have a spot..

How old am I? About 9 I guess.

It doesn't matter here, I guess.

You might be wondering what the title is, so I'll tell you what the title is.

It's where wonderful things happen, where almost everything happens.

It has my bed, my mailbox, my shop, The title is, Nana's House!!!!!!!!!

Miette Schloneger Grade 4, Ohio Virtual Academy

Butterflies Are Butterflies are: Graceful as a dancer’s ballet, As they put on their magnificent play.

They effortlessly create an elegant display.

Butterflies are: The colors of a spring rainbow.

Radiant patterns putting on a show.

Bright splashes in a field that suddenly come and go.

Butterflies are: A sense of peace as they fly by.

A feeling of beauty as they flutter high.

An impression of grace as they float into the sky.

Butterflies are.

Marah Weimer Grade 4, Homeschool

Baby Doll I have a living baby doll who’s learning how to crawl.

I get to feed her messy food If she’s in a happy mood.

I like to hold her little hand, So soft, it just feels grand!

Her name is ‘Liza Jane.

She really is no pain.

With eyes of blue That are so true, Legs round and fat She sits on her mat!

And, by the way, I forgot to say...

That she likes to coo When she isn’t blue!

Abigail Pahl Grade 4, Homeschool

Football Fumble Offense Open Season Tackle Ball Awesome sport Line back Legs Mark Howard Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary

Digimon Digital Is exciting Great game Is awesome Monsters are crazy On the move Naturally fun Jake Cochran Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 38

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Tamia Norwood Grade 5, Belden Elementary My Dad When my dad comes in from work At noon he alway say Hey man you and me play the XBOX 360 And I say sure dad that sound good.

My dad is sure a cool dude.

Shemar Allison Grade 5, Belden Elementary

Baseball Batter up!

The batter’s here!

Here he comes!

He hits the ball SMACK! Goes the ball It flies through the air The crowd cheers He hits a home run The crowd goes wild The home team wins!

Kaleigh Kilcullen Grade 4, Lohr Elementary Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 39

Leena Jafri Grade 4, Jackson

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 40

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 6-7 Awards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Belski, Ozzy

Stuck in a Zoo

Pg. 44

Freeman, Anna

Kaleidoscope

Pg. 44

Geren, Sam

I am from…

Pg. 45

Grant,Madison

Bullying

Pg. 59

Howard, Haley

Chiam Swinik

Pg. 64

Lindsey, Tra'Vion

My Soul

Pg. 45

Mingus, Kayla

Differences

Pg. 48

Peterson,Chasittie

Lucia frankowsk

Pg. 57

Pleasant, Passion

Bernard Ickowicz

Pg. 62

Saunders, Olevia

My Soul

Pg. 50

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 41

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Come Tree Come Trees are bright bright green, In the fall the leaves fall down, Soon they will grow back.

Destiny Johnson Grade 7, Edison Perry

The Baby Beast My baby sister is a beast, On candy she likes to feast, She hits people in the head, She naps in my bed, But she’s loveable at least,

Grades 6 & 7 My Soul My Soul feels lonely, when I think about my dead grandpa, My Spirit is grouchy, when I don’t get enough sleep, My Inner Being is miserable, when my family is ill, or hurt, My Inner Life is very excited, since my baby cousin, Brenden was born, My Life senses amazement, because I am going back to Sandusky for the Summer, My Imagination is very furious, when somebody touches my things, My Spirit, when I see my mom or dad cry, My Soul is upset, when March, 17th comes, because it is my grandpa’s birthday, My Inner Being is lonely, since I moved away from my family, Ly Life is amazed, to know that one day I will be with my grandpa again.

My Soul

Alyssa Kelly

Destiny Cordray

Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

My Soul

I’m Sorry

I am sorry brick wall For punching you.

I don’t know what got into me.

When I hit you It didn’t really hurt Nor did I feel my hand too?

I didn’t mean to hit you But my arm has a mind of its own.

At least my arm didn’t feel like stone.

My inner self depressed, when I think about my cousin, My inner being is grateful, when I get something new, My imagination always is embarrassed, when I get yelled at, My conscience gets infuriated, knowing I’m about to get in trouble, My secret friend feels ill, when I go to the doctor’s office, My spiritual being is seeing red, when someone hits me, My secret place exhales, when I need to calm down, My soul is emotional, when I see my family upset, My spriti is energetic, when I get ready for class, My life is excited, when I wake up to see my family.

My Soul

I didn’t mean to do what I did So I don’t kid.

I hope you’re not angry at me.

Hailey Burt Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

Color Poem

Andrew Crabtree Grade 7, Edison Middle School

The Apple Tree Hello, Rhino in the tree!

What do you see?

Do you see an apple for me?

Because I need it desperately.

I’ve never had an apple directly from a tree, But it’s all the same to me.

Boy, I love that apple tree With the Rhino on top seeing what he can see.

Everett Ekmark Grade 6, N. Canton Middle School

I am pink Sometimes I'm supportive mostly fun and silly I love to eat pink cotton candy like a cow with grass I don't like pink cake or cake at all I like to chew sticky pink gum I like seeing the sunset at night I care to wear pink for a cure I color with a crayon I drink pink lemonade I am friendly and loving Pink like the color inside a grapefruit.

I am pink

Nick Himes Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 42

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 6 & 7 My Soul

My Cantering Horse

My soul is energized, when I eat candy, My inner self is depressed, someone dies in my family, My spirit is excited, when I see people helping one another, My soul is astonished, when I see a husky puppy, My soul is frightened, when I see or hear thunder and lightning in a storm, My spirit is unexcited, when I see dogs getting abused, My spirit is amazed, when I see people helping each other, My inner being was is astonished, when I see money on the floor, My spirit is grateful, I when I go on a vacation, My soul is droopy, when I’m sic.

My Soul

Wind in my hair, I love being there, Atop my cantering horse.

Free of my frets, As free as it gets, Atop my cantering horse.

Her mane whipping ‘round, Hooves pounding the ground, She is my cantering horse.

The sky’s oh‐so blue, Making me feel brand‐new, Atop my cantering horse.

Across meadows we sail, Leaving dust on our trail, Me and my cantering horse.

Jazlyn Kramer Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

My Soul My soul is depressed, when I see my Grandma’s hurting, My inner being is upset, when my dog doesn’t listen, My soul feels surprised, when I open Christmas presents, My spirit is frightened, when I hear creaks in the floor, My soul feels tired, when the weekend comes, My secret friend is excited, when my baby cousin comes, My inner self cries, when my Grandpa almost falls, My spirit is shocked, when I’m allowed to go to my friends.

Cara Bunner Grade 6, Lake Middle School

Firefly

Catching a firefly In the dark scary night sky The firefly flies

Abbie Forsythe Grade 7, Perry Local School

Faith Whitacre Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

Japanese Cherry Blossoms

My Soul My soul relaxes, when my little brother is asleep My inner self gets scared, when I’m in a dark place by myself My spirit jumps, when I see or hear thunder My inner being feels upset, when my dad lies My soul is in pain, when I’m left out My inner body leaps, at the sound of cries for help My spirit is in fear, when I’m walking in the dark alone My inner self cries for help, when I’m in deep trouble.

My psyche runs, at the site of a hurt person My emotions are flipped, when I don’t get what I want.

Pink and white flowers Japanese cherry blossoms Nations capital

Emily Schrembeck Grade 6, Lake Middle School

Cierra Lackey Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 43

2013 Youth Poetry Contest I am pink.

Being confident, like eating cotton candy.

Being cheerful, like going to Victoria’s secret. exciting moments, like playing softball. communicative, like the people on Mean Girls. outgoing, like all my family members. loving, like puppies.

Honest, like all of my friends.

I am pink.

Hayley Cavelli Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Kaleidoscope Life feels like a kaleidoscope; Meaningless, without hope.

Crazy shards pieced together Bearing doubts and stormy weather.

A compound eye of nothingness, Lost and alone with helplessness.

But in your hectic, whirring hearts, Mirrors of righteousness form and start.

One brilliant, awesome Light shines bright, Relieving stress and cares and fright.

Reflect His love and magnify; You’ll straighten out that compound eye.

Making sense of senselessness, Refraction and bent hopelessness.

Your foggy head will be rinsed clear, For Jesus Christ will hold you near.

Anna Freeman Grade 7, Homeschool

My Soul My soul dances, when I hear music, My ka is excited, when I have a game, My conscience talks to me, when I lie, My spirit laughs, when I hear a joke, My soul is joyful, when it’s Christmas My spirit jumps, if I win a game, My heart listens, to me when I read, My inner self felt depressed, when my grandma Died, My soul feels guilty, when I get my brother in Trouble.

Jordan Gardener Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

Grades 6 & 7 Stuck in a Zoo I eat, I sleep, I sit, and lay, But this is what I do all day.

Glass and bars are all around me, I just want to roam and be free.

Oh my, Oh my, I’ve got nothing to do, Oh my, Oh my, I’m stuck in a zoo.

Sometimes I’m put in a show to entertain, People really enjoy my luxurious mane.

These shows I do not like one bit, They’ll whip and shock me if I throw a fit.

So I’ll sit and wiat with nothing to do, Oh my, Oh my, I’m just a lion stuck in a zoo.

Ozzy Belski Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

My Soul My soul is hurt, when depression falls on Me like an anvil, My soul is angered, when kids are forced to A place where all kid frustration starts, we call it School, My soul is terrified, when all I can do is Watch suffering, My soul is amazed, when people have the Courage to rise against evil forces, My soul is amused, when people make a Living by entertaining, My soul enjoys, the death of evilness, My soul infuriated, knowing my kind was Enslaved, My soul cried, knowing my great aunt died, My soul goes insane, when people are Trouble starters, My soul is happy when everything works out Tra’Vion Lindsey Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 44

Grades 6 & 7

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grip of Iron Grip of iron, Touch of ice, Everything’s cruel, Nothing’s nice.

Fear deep down, Darkness inside, Try to escape, Cannot hide,

Sad and alone, Pain surrounds, Gone and lost, No sounds,

Door creeks open, Blood runs cold, Dread fills veins, Fear takes hold,

Pale as ivory, Filled with fear, Stand before, Eyes tear,

Eyes down, Stand tall, Will gone, Hope small,

Hand falls, Wave breaks, Eyes close, Pain awakes,

Knees give, Blood spills, Head spins, Fear kills,

Bruises form, Bones break, Fists pound, Nails rake,

Grip of iron, Touch of ice, Everything’s cruel, Nothing’s nice.

Allison Eyster Grade 7, Sandy Valley Middle

I am From..

I am from the old bedroom for the top of the old stairs of the house daddy built, I am from my grandmas house, where she basically raised me.

I'm from that tobacco can i would always hide from daddy.

I am from being alone, with only my imagination and backyard, I am from running from pain and reality.

I am from that old four wheeler daddy got summer of 04’ I am from the wood deck where mommy and daddy told me mommy was leaving.

I am from guilt, following me for no good reason.

I am from church, were i learned to put my faith in god.

I am from that tiny house momma had just to get us through.

I am from the red pontiac we took back and forth from Kentucky.

I am from music, of all kinds, that when i feel alone, i'm not.

I am from those summers of being free, barefoot and happy.

I am from curiosity, wondering what's gonna happen next.

I am from jealousy and never good enough, yet its a sin.

I am from seeing people hurt, always being the one there.

I am from staying strong.

I am from hope, and remember that pain ends.

Sam Geren Grade 7, Perry Local

I am from...

I am from the woods From guns and bows I am from the hunting room That smells like gunpowder I am from the tree The nature Whose long gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.

I'm from hunting and sniping from my dad and brother I’m from killing deer and skinning their corpse And from making deer jerky.

I’m from aim and position And never shot to high or low I’m from a hunting tradition.

I’m from tree stands and camo Deer steaks and deer chili From a family tradition passed down to me Because my uncle wanted me to but my dad didn't But he let me and got me a neon pink bow and gun for my birthday this year And I loved it Because it meant a lot to me.

Zoey Jasinski Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 45

Grades 6 & 7

2013 Youth Poetry Contest My Soul My soul is energized, when I see little kids playing, My inner being screams, when innocent animals die, My spirit breaths, when I see people getting along, My life works, when everything is ok, My secret friend is furious, when people don’t take care of their kids, My spiritual being is grateful, for everything I get, My soul hopes, for you, My spirit stings, when people fight, My inner being laughs, when kids have fun, My spirit gets depressed, when my family is hurt, My soul.

Claudia Mayle Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

My Soul My soul is sad, when someone dies, My inner self is grateful, when someone helps me, My felt abandoned, when I was lost at Wal*Mart, My spirit felt excited, when I was getting cats, My inner being jumps, when I get scared, My soul leaps, when someone gives to the poor, My spirit was sad, when I hear about people killing each other, My life feels colorful, when I see a rainbow, My soul hurts, when people abuse living things, My life feels excited, when I go to CHUCJ‐E‐CHESSE. My Soul Gabby Grimes Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

My Soul My soul sinks at the sight of pain, My inner self shouts, when I am infuriated, My soul screams of embarrassment when I fall in public, My inner being is astonished at the sight of ambitious, vibrant people, My soul is down when I am sick, My secret friend leaps with joy at the sight of happiness, My soul is excited, when I come home from school to warm food, My spirit is scared when I hear a noise at night, My soul throws a fit when mom takes my phone, My spiritual self is ashamed when I fail a test.

My Soul Deja’ Drown Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

MY SOUL My soul is angry, when someon hits me, My secret place is excited, when I see my mom, My soul is scared, after I see a horror flick, My inner self is upset, when my mom gets hurt, My friend is astonished, when I do something fun, My life is shocked, when I learn something new, My spirit is amazed, when I get an A+, My soul is crazy, when I am hyper, My life is jealous, when I get treated differently than other people, My soul is nervous, before I take a test.

MY SOUL Jonathan McHenry Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

MY SOUL My conscience feels upset, when I get in trouble for hitting my brother, My soul feels sad, when the sun does not shine, My secret friend feels jealous, when my sister gets stuff and I don’t, My spirit feels beautiful, when I look in the mirror, My life feels scared, when I have a stepping tournament, My inner self jumps for joy, when I see my big sister Fiona in the summer in Columbus, My spirit is excited, when my aunt Lisa takes us on a road trip, My soul races, like a police car on Christmas day, My inner slef feels warm and cozy, when I do something wonderful for someone, My spirit is gee ked, when I get new shoes and new clothes on my birthday.

Aleaka Stokes Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

Dead Monkey I am very mad.

A monkey slapped my dad.

I hit the monkey on the head.

Then, the next day, I found him dead.

Now I’m very sad.

Evyn Eakle Grade 6, Cedar Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~

Grades 6 & 7

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

MY SOUL My soul feels salty when, someone corrects me, My spirit feels surprised when something exited happens, My soul feels hurt when, people call me names, My life feels warmed when, babies giggle, My inner being feels sad when, my mom is depressed, My imagination lets me think, about everything magical, My secret friend talks to me when, I am lonely, My conscience makes me feel, guilty when I do wrong, My secret place let’s all my frustration, out by screaming, My inner self has all of my deep secrets, MY SOUL Daesha Braucher Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

My Soul My soul is terrified, when I see a horrified snake, My spirits is dancing, to a soft gentle tome of music, My life is frightened, when I see a gun pointing at me, My soul gets happy, when I pray at night to god, My soul laughs, when people get in trouble, My secret soul cries, when my grandpa talks to me at night RIP, My soul is pumped, when I’m playing in my football game, My soul is, “geeked,” up when I get a sack in the back field, My soul gets hot, when I’m getting yelled at, My soul is quiet, like a butterfly wings when I go to somewhere special.

Sha’Vea Lightner Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

The Old Lady From France There was an old lady from France, Who taught little ducklings to dance.

When she said tic‐tac, They only said “quake,” Which grieved that old lady from France.

Tyrese Broyles Grade 6, Cedar Elementary

My Soul My Soul cries out with furious rage, when someone hurts my loved ones, My inner being is filled with pain, when my life takes a wrong turn, My spirit is frightened, by the psychopathic horror of what is unknown, My secret place is full of sorrow, when my mother cries, My life is depressed, when I have failed my elders, My heart immediately fills with saltiness, when I know I have broken a promise.

My imagination busts with you, when I hear the car door shut outside my mother comes home, My soul goes insane with depression, when I am all alone with no one around, My spirit hurts, when I try so hard but still is looked down upon.

My secret friend dances, to the beat of my own drum, My Soul Jarrett McCourry Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

My Soul My spirit wishes I could get a new Go‐kart for the summer, My imagination is fancied when I see art that has bright neon colors, My inner‐self is trapped by being told no, My secret place is empty when nobody is around, My secret friend is afraid when I’m out at night by myself, My spiritual being enjoys playing Call of Duty Black Opps II, My conscience feels bad when I don’t do something I knew I was supposed to do, My life is the most important thing I have, My soul is what keeps me alive.

Joey Braghieri Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 47

Grades 6 & 7

2013 Youth Poetry Contest My Soul My soul is grateful, to be alive, My spirit is generous, when I do well, My life is depressed, when I do wrong, My spiritual being, falls when I’m tired, My imagination, is bright when I get an A, My secret place, is dark when I’m upset, My inner being, is excited when I laugh, My spirit is gray, when family member pasts away, My inner self chirps, when I’m proud My soul is furious, when I see someone get hurt, My Soul Shannon Ragon Grade 6, Cedar Elementary School

Differences We, Are all different.

How we look.

How we talk.

What we like.

How we act.

What we think is cool.

What we think isn’t.

How smart we are.

How we walk.

How we write.

So, If we are all unique, Why do we try to be the same?

Kayla Mingus Grade 7, Edison Middle School

I Am From...

I am from the no school days in the summer days.

The two paired colorful popsicles dripping down my chin.

I am from my blue pool with all my friends.

My Magic Pointe Shoes I am from the fun music going through my ears.

Cross over once, wrap around twice, I am from the summer nights catching the lighting bugs.

Tie a bow, and tuck it in nice.

I am from freeze tag and bonfires.

I start to dance, I am from my room where I would play dress up. and all at once, I’m in a trance, I am from the warm sand on the beach. on a cloud, I’m floating along, twirling about, I am from the ocean waves crashing to shore. not a doubt.

I am from hide and seek and flashlight tag.

To soar, my heart tends, I am from two cats and a dog. even when the music ends.

From playing catch with my animals in the park.

I hope I never loose, I am from burying treasures. the feeling of my magic point shoes.

Megan Leininger Abigail Thouvenin Grade 7, Edison Middle School Grade 7, Homeschool

Survival

Studied your environment.

Understand what you are doing.

Reanalyze your environment.

Verify if there are any foods.

Imagine anything to signal an airplane.

Verify if there are any planes.

Are you grateful that you found an airplane?

Live to your best but memorize what you did today Brian Salinas 6th Grade, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 48

Grades 6 & 7

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

I am from...

The ocean that cannot be tamed, and runs free, I am from the gleaming pasture, That my horses, BayBoy, Mashita, and buddy, once ran free in.

I live in the present, but thrive in the future.

I am determined to command a large cruise vessel, that gracefully moves with the waves as one.

I am from virtual ships, that I command from a dell computer screen.

I am unlike any other, determined to be something in life.

I love for cruise ships, It’s all I do everyday, Watch the ships leave from port everglades from a webcam, or command virtual ships.

I live in a world that revolves around my interest, because nothing beats the feeling, of knowing you’re on an isolated city at sea, and that’s where I thrive to be, In command of a Royal Caribbean vessel, But once I grow old, I’m settling in Texas, with a pasture full of horses, just like when I started life.

Mackenzie Spehar Grade 7, Edison Middle School

I am from...

I am from the roly polys under a rock.

I am from my dad’s truck going down the hill with my brother pretend driving and me in the passenger’s seat.

I am from a orienery childhood I am from the pretend lava on the carpet, jumping from couch to couch.

I am from the ice cream truck coming to my house in the summer.

I am from playing flashlight tag in the dark with my neighborhoods I am from swimming in Atwood lake with my friends.

I am from catching fish late at night with my dad and brother.

I am me Miranda Little Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Josue Tucker

Carlie Davis Grade 6, Worley Elementary

My Soul

My soul cries when somebody dies, My spirit screams when I get an A, My inner self tells me when something bad happens, My imagination dances to the beat of a pumped up song, My inner being is jealous when somebody gets a bet‐

ter grade then me, MY SOUL My life is the best when it is my birthday, My soul is emotional, when I see abused dogs, My spirit loves candy and ice cream, My inner friend feels terrorized, when I lose my mom at the My imagination is my happy place, store, My sole is excited when it is Christmas, My spirit is furious, when I see a bully picking on a person, My life is a fun filled place.

My inner self jumps, when I see people helping other My Soul people, Tanner Kramer My inner being feels wrong, when I do something that I Grade 6, Cedar Elementary shouldn’t have done,

My senses are depressed, when I think about my cousin, Amy

My life feels stupid, when I do something stupid, Silent, quiet, My secret place loves, me when my mom hugs me, So dark, soundless, My imagination is lonely, when I am in the dark by myself, Sadness and emptiness, My soul is joyful, when I see dogs that have new homes.

To be alone in empty space is like a lost person, MY SOUL I love you Mom Grade 6, Cedar Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 49

2013 Youth Poetry Contest My Soul My soul is furious when people tell me what to do, My inner self is upset when my mom cries, My secret friend is unhappy when people are mean, My spirit dances when I get to visit my cousin, My inner being is depressed when I visit my grandma’s grave, My soul is warmed of the sound of my baby cousin laughing, My inner self laughs when my brother makes a joke, My soul feels joyful when I do something right, My secret friend gets depressed when I do something wrong, My soul gets frustrated when my brother bothers me, My Soul Abigail Strouble Grade 6, Cedar Elementary

Grades 6 & 7 My Soul My soul fights the bad dreams away, My spirit dances, to my friend’s laughter, My soul sings to a bright sunny day, My inner being is horrified by dogs, My soul feels lonely, when I lose a family member, My spirit is grouchy when I don’t talk to my mother, My secret friend talks to me when it feels my pain, My heart is colorful when I get what I want, My soul gets demonized when I hear my name come up in a bad way, My secret place shines when I feel my dead cousin’s spirit’s with me.

My Soul Olevia Saunders Grade 6, Cedar Elementary

My Spirit My soul is, energetic, when I wake up on holidays to see My Soul my family all excited, My soul screams in anger, when my brother and I argue, My soul is, terrorized, when I hear of abductions, in my My inner self horrifically laughs, when my friends and I area. joke around, My inner being is astonished when I get what I want for My sprit sings, at the beginning of summer after a long Christmas, but at the same time, ungrateful, because harsh winter, the games I really wanted I never play, My secret friend weeps, when someone I’m close to My inner self is, furious, when I have to do chores and dies, workouts all day, and when I have school off and so My life dances, when my friends and I hang out, many chores, My soul gets red in furry, when someone makes my fam‐ My soul is, dark, when I get in trouble for no reason, ily or friends cry, when my friends do something wrong, My inner being laughs, at the sight of my friend Jason My soul is, surprised, when I am grounded, pretending to talk to a chip, My secret self is, vibrant, on Easter mornings and I get My secret friend is calmed, when I listen to music, lots of chocolate.

My conscience sweats, when I tell a lie, My conscience is, dark, when I get in trouble for no rea‐ My life dances, to the sweet sound of beautiful music, son, when I forget to do 1 chore, My Soul.

My other being is grouchy when I wake up for school, Mariah Covell I am depressed when I think of what should have been Grade 6, Cedar Elementary my baby brother, Morgan Riley McGrath.

My Spirit

Hunter McGrath YOLO & LIVE Grade 6, Cedar Elementary You Life

Only Invincible SWAG Live Valuable Sweetness at all times Once Ever lasting Wonderfull with coolness Skylar Morse Almost cooler than a star Grade 6, Worley Middle School Greatfull for my popularity

Louis As‐Samad

Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~

Grades 6 & 7

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

I My Soul My Inner Being feels smart, when I get an A on a test, My Conscience is guilty, when I do wrong things, My Imagination is scrusciousdumscious, when I eat fresh baked cookies, My Spirit appears to be honest, when I tell the truth, My Special place feels energetic, when I go on a field trip, My Inner Being feels exited, when I get to go to New York, My Secret Self is horrified, when I hear there is a school shooting, My Special Friend feels responsible, when I finish my chores, My Special Place feels fiery, when my pets gets hurt, My Soul feels very exhilarated, when I get a new video game.

My Soul Greg Marciano Jr. Grade 6, Cedar Elementary

My Soul My inner self screams, when people yell at me, My spirit is sorrowful, when I see hurt people, My inner‐being is shocked when people are in pain, My soul leaps, at the sight of family that I miss, My secret place is colorful, when my mom is blissful, My spiritual being droops, when someone close dies, My secret friend is furious, when people are angry at me, My inner‐self is vibrant, when I have money, My mind is in a loss for words, when I talk to my dad, My soul is infuriated, when people get smart with me.

My Soul

McKenna Taylor Grade 6, Cedar Elementary

My Soul My soul hangs in my head waiting for ideas.

My spirit dances to the beat in my body.

My conscience works to find the answer.

My inner self fights the bad in my sleep.

My secret place jumps when I’m scared.

My soul is where my secrets lie.

My secret place holds back the lies I will say.

My inner being weeps when my family is hurt.

My spiritual being is happy when I get to dribble in a basketball game, My imagination dreams of my future career.

My Soul Pery Williams Grade 6, Cedar Elementary

My Inner Being My soul aches, when is see hurt animals alone, My secret friend cries, when I see an elderly person eating alone in a restaurant, My inner being is excited, when I get to spend time with my family.

My inner self is scared, when I lose a family member, My life is excited, when I get to hang with my friends, My secret friend chills, when my jobs are done, My inner self hangs, when I am blue, My inner being is mad, when I get in trouble, My soul is hurt, when, my feelings are hurt, My life is free, when I ride my bike with the wind blowing in my face.

My Soul Malaina Angelo Grade 6, Cedar Elementary

My Life I am from rusted, broken down cars to the great outdoors.

Skateboarding through the night fighting off the strain of life itself.

I am from family and friends yet sometimes eating crayons. sneaking out of the night not caring about anything.

Sometimes going out and giving it my best trying not to disappoint .

I am from nobody caring just leaving, leaving me behind alone with myself making the best of what life is.

I am from working on cars in the hot blazing sun however enjoying myself and every moment of it. leaving the garage with oil and grease all over me and not caring.

I am from the garage, sun, and beach and the wonderful life that was given to me.

Brandon Rodak Grade 7, Edison Middle School Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 51

2013 Youth Poetry Contest My Soul My soul dances with excitement, about seeing my friends, Robyn and Malaina, My secret place sinks, when I’m frustrated about doing homework, My spirit jumps, when I get energetic about playing volleyball, My inner self growls, when I am scared before a game, My secret friend catches a gasp, when I am joyful about going home for the weekend, My spirit runs when I am terrified, My soul is ticked off, when my sister bugs me, My imagination cries, when my mom is upset, My secret friend frowns, when my friends are hurt, My soul catches a gasp of the wind, when its summer time.

My Soul Rachel Ketler Grade 6, Cedar Elementary MY SOUL My soul laughs, when I see people enjoying themselves, My conscience tells me not to bite my brother, when he takes the last Oreo, My secret place growls, when infuriated by someone messing with me, My inner self is shaking with nervousness, when speaking to a crowd, My spirit goes insane, when it’s told what to do, when I really don’t want to do it, My imagination has mixed feelings, when it’s crying, My secret place nearly faints, when going to punk concerts, My secret friend dances, to the sound of my friend singing.

My soul is jealous, when someone goes to a “Falling in Reverse” concert, without me, My inner being gets frustrated, when I fall off of my skate board My Soul Whisper Johnson Grade 6, Cedar Elementary Family Metaphor My family is a tree Mom is the root that holds everything down.

Dad is the braches that are big and strong that hold us kids together.

The kids are the bark that constantly surrounds the branches and roots.

I’m the water, sunlight and oxygen that makes the family live and grow and keeps everything alive.

Talyn Williams Grade 7, Hartford Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 52

Grades 6 & 7

2013 Youth Poetry Contest The Cheetah This fast land animal roams the plains and prairies To us they quiet scary, stalking prey In spring time day To the animals that are running they will pay When the meals all eaten and thrown away Time for the Cheetah to call it a day Isrrael Morales Grade 6, Pfeiffer Intermediate

Jungle Jungle, Jungle big and strong, You scare me “oh my”, Every day I see you, It’s starting to get dark, Rain falling from your leaves, Your trees look like they have eyes, Staring at me, Jungle, Jungle please don’t scare me anymore.

Macy Nashold Grade 6, Pfeiffer Intermediate

A Family Off The Walls There is a family that’s off the walls And always always in the halls Don’t walk into this house You may see a kid dressed as a mouse I tell you this family is crazy…

But also very lazy Maryemma Elizabeth May Grade 6, Dueber Elementary

Samantha Happy, Friendly, Smart Lover of animals, flowers, myths, friends, and friendship Who feels people using me and my friends Who wonder where my doppelganger is Who fears new schools Who would like to work with my friends Who is able to stay strong even in the hardest time Who dreams of being a humane society worker Samantha Thompson Grade 6, Dueber Elementary

I Am Poem I am loveable and kindhearted I wonder if I have a twin I hear bees buzz in the summer I see flowers growing taller I want my brother to be a marine I am loveable and kindhearted I pretend to be a friend to one girl I feel worried my brother may not make it I touch the roses and flowers I worry that my brother might get beat up I cry every night for my dad I am loveable and kindhearted I understand that God died on the cross for our sins I say that I’m a worry wart for my brother I dream one day we will be a big family I am loveable and kindhearted Katrina O’Brien Grade 7, Hartford Middle School I Wonder, Think, Know, and Hope I wonder…

Why we say things that we don’t mean?

Why people are judged?

Why people think that other people are mean?

If Dr. King’s dream will come true?

Why people are killed every day?

I think…

People will quit shooting other people.

People will quit spending too much money.

People will realize Dr. King’s dream People will not spend the government’s money on drugs and alcohol.

I know…

If I were to be seeing my dad I would be happy.

I have many mistakes in life, but I have learned from them.

My family is grateful.

My mom and sister are doing well in school.

I hope…

Our soldiers come home soon.

My mom lives for a long time.

My sister is doing okay in school.

My stepdad is not going to smoke anymore.

My dad is still alive.

Patrick Bias Grade 7, Hartford Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 53

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Where I’m from I am from bright sun From the waves of an ocean I am from a smile on a face From a baby’s first laugh As if it was my own I am from joy and happiness From the love of my mom From the strength and fearlessness of my dad From the warmth of a home I’m also from a lonely flower in a dark box From a place where not many people leave I’m from a room looking for a break of light From a place where the rays of hopes and dreams don’t shine I’m from a flower looking for a breeze of hope to carry me to my dreams A place where happiness and dreams don’t exist I’m from a place where I am me, a place where my dreams only matter to me.

Khalyn Wilson Grade 7, Hartford Middle School Where I’m from I’m from the ‘hood where the streets are hot I’m from where drugs are being sold on the block I’m from where guns are being shot here and there I’m from where court rulings ain’t fair I’m from where there are robberies all the time I’m from where you’ll need to fight if you step out of line I’m from the ‘hood where people are always dying I’m from the ‘hood where you see mothers crying I’m from where you’ll need to be street‐smart I’m from the ‘hood where you’ll not want to be called a narc I’m from the ‘hood where kids are gritty I’m from the ‘hood where you’ll need to feed the needy Sam Williams Grade 7, Hartford Middle School The Beach I remember the days at the beach; I remember seeing the waves crashing; I remember hearing the waves bashing into the shore; I remember smelling the suntan lotion; I remember tasting the salt water; I remember touching the sand; I remember feeling the happiness of being on the beach.

Matilee Custer Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Rain Dance Sishhh sishhh crOoOoOm crip crip crip makes me want to dance out open the door to the rain and dance but mom won’t let me.

David Bliese Grade 6, Homeschool

Teachers Teaching us throughout our lives Encouraging us to do our best Anyone that needs taught Coaches us when we need it Helping us Eager to keep us in school Reading and in Math Science and in Social Studies Jayda Kay Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Adolph Zdroni I am a loyal officer.

I wonder if I will ever be free I hear the soldiers in the distance I see my family in the far‐off place I want to be free now I am a loyal officer I pretend to have my pride I feel inhumane I touch my bony ribs I worry about my child I cried when I was ripped from my mother I am a loyal officer I understand I won’t be free I say I will always have my pride I dream I will be rid of my life I try escape to from this bad place I hope I will have my pride back I am a loyal officer Teran Cole Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Berthe Moskowicz I am sweet and kind I wonder why they are doing this I hear people crying I see people who have died I want to go home I am sweet and kind I pretend that I am not here I feel bad for each and every person I touch my mom before we are separated I worry I’m next to die I cry because I am scared I am sweet and kind I understand why they are doing this I say I’m not afraid I dream I am home right now I try to believe everyone will go home I hope I can be home with my mom and dad I am sweet and kind Allissa Cunningham Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Apology to God I’m sorry God, For what my parents did.

They got a divorce, And it hit me with force.

It isn’t that bad for me, Because my dad never spent, Enough fun time with me.

But since it happened, We’ve been having more fun Than we ever did.

They did break one of your laws, They fought And wouldn’t agree.

They should see, How it affected me.

It wasn’t my fault, But I am sorry, And so are they.

Dominic Confalone Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Spencer Whithnell Grade 6, Jackson

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Self Reflection Other’s Perception There he is,

Full of himself All in his own world A jerk to girls.

Athletic and cool Lame and stupid Childish and foolish.

Loud like a train Silly as a clown Nice but mean.

Tall sky scrapper A good friend to some He’s a grumpy Grinch at times.

Sometimes crazy Also a bit lazy Mostly crazy.

There he is, Look at that boy, He’s full of energy.

My Perception

There he is, Tall and wild Full of joy Always up for fun.

The one who tries his best He’s a people pleaser Takes criticism harshly.

Athletic but lazy Fun like a dog A fast cheetah.

He cares for others Strong but not enough Active and outside

Sports are his dream Not very shy But a cool guy.

There he is, Look at that boy, He’s on his way, will you go or stay?

Max Baker Grade 7, Edison Middle School

CAR! Car do you like when you are driven?

Does it hurt to be crashed?

Do you like getting filled with gas?

Do you get sun burn?

How does it feel to be threw a car wash?

Do you like the music, that your owner plays?

Do you like driving fast?

Have you ever been in a crash?

Christian Hayes Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Poor Love Have you ever been made fun of?

Do you ever feel low?

Are you tired of the bullying?

Are you tired of the show?

Have you ever been called ugly? Or even worst?

Have you ever been slapped, but not physically?

Are you tired of the fun they have when your sad?

Well I am to so let’s make this true Rebeka Hicks Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 56

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Lucia Frankowsk I am young and blameless I wonder what is onward in life

I hear the screams from little children in the camps

I see children being ripped from their mothers’ affectionate arms

I want to be free I am young and blameless

I pretend to be grown‐up, not me

I feel that I will perish here, without freedom

I touch the chain border of the concentration camp, it is sharp

I fear that the Nazis will find my diary, with all of my secrets

I cry because I miss my Mama and Papa I am young and blameless I comprehend I am in a concentration camp I say that I have Jewish beliefs, that is who I am, along with many others

I dream to see my Mama again, she is gone

I try to escape

I hope someday I will escape

I am young and blameless

Sammi Brown Grade 6, Worley Elementary Best friends I love you and I got so used to you after a while I can always feel you when you’re as far as a mile you know I will always help you when your through trial and if you you’re ever need me you have me on speed dial Chasittie Peterson Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Donny Woodward Grade 6, Jackson Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Con‐

test ~ Page 57

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Relationship: Strong and Powerful Real love Energy when you need to be Laughing all the time Awesome Truthful Inspiring Open heart No fighting Sweet Hearing at all times In forever Peaceful Tiffany Williams Grade 6, Worley Elementary Bernard Ickicz I am young but strong I wonder why I am in this strange place I hear the screams of mothers cry for their baby’s I can all most see my brother and sister play with me I wish I could be back home with them I am young but strong I pretend that it will be all right, and I will see the morning light I feel my heart break because I know my fate I touch my faded dreams as they slip away from me I worry about what will happen to my family I cry because I know what is ahead of me I am young but strong I understand what is going to happen I say some day I will be in a better place I dream of being in heaven I try to stay com I hope I will go to a better place where I will be free I am young but strong Haley Monroe Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Wasil Bileiski I am innocent and brave.

I wonder if I will see my parents again I hear my parents screaming I witnessed a lot of scared people like me I want to see my mom and dad I am innocent and brave I pretend I am at home with my mom and dad I feel nervous and worried I touch the ashes of my mom and dad I worry if I will die or be beaten I cry when I think of my mom and dad I am innocent and brave I understand why people are dying now I say let us go!

I dream that I will be free again I will try to make it out of here alive I am innocent and brave.

Haley Laing Grade 6, Worley Elementary Berthe Moskowics I am young and innocent I hear people screaming in pain I see lots of scared people I want freedom I am human and kind I pretend not to hurt I feel my swollen hands I worry my family will die I cry when I think about home I am peaceful and loving I know that I may not survive I say that one day I will be able to go home unharmed I imagine that one day my family will come home safe and healthy I struggle to stay alive I hope to feel the sun’s warmth on my face I am Berthe Moskowics Faith Kasler Grade 6, Worley Elementary

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2013 Youth Poetry Contest Bubbles Bubbles are clear Bubbles are round

When bubbles pop They make no sound Bubbles can float They can also drop

Do not touch them Or they might pop When bubbles float Upon the air

You can see smiles

Everywhere Megan Lee Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Thoughts These are things I will always have.

How I think about you.

Often times they are negative, U might not like them.

Get over it, you have them too, How you think a is on you, They are how you think about me, So that is why they are called thoughts, They always stay in your mind.

Anna McAlear Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Bullying Bad behavior towards each other.

Uncalled for language.

Loosing hope.

Letting suffer in hurtful words.

Young and powerless over others.

Irritating others for no reason.

Not ever nice to anyone.

Getting in peoples face for no reason.

Emily Painter Grade 6, Worley Elementary Homework Horrific waste of time.

Optional … if you want a check.

Most definitely boring Everything but fun.

Worst thing ever invented.

Optional … never says the teacher.

Ruins my life.

Knowing its coming every day.

Luke Moser Grade 6, Worley Elementary

The Holocaust Hateful Obstacle Lying Obedient Captive Aggressive Unwanted Sickening Treacherous Madison Grant Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 59

2013 Youth Poetry Contest B is for my beautifulness I see inside of me B is for my beautifulness I see inside of me R is for the randomness I have O is for the odd things I do O is for my odd personality K is for the koala that I want when I grow up L is for the lazy things I do Y is for the young things I do N is for the nice things I do for people Brooklyn Sims Grade 6, Worley Elementary The Pencil Who Could

Oh Pencil who could

Do you hate getting a led cut?

Yes…….

Do you hate getting eraser burns?

Absolutely ……..

Are you jealous of the liquid ink Mr. Pencil

Yes Indeed I am……

Can you jump and run?

um Sure……

May I use you I made a mistake?

No way………

Do you love to write using your head?

Definitely Not!!!!!!!!!!

Roby Turpin Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Lucia Frankowsk I am young and innocent I wonder if the Nazis even care

I hear screaming and crying

I see smoke coming from a chimney I want to get out of here I am young and innocent

I imagine that I am not in Germany

I feel the pain of the people I touch the souls of the people who died I worry if my family is still alive

I cry when I see dead Jews being carried off

I am young and innocent I understand that my family loves me I say never give up

I dream that everything will go back to normal

I try to believe I hope that what these people are doing never happens again I am young and innocent Cassidy Jacobs

Grade 6, Worley Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 60

2013 Youth Poetry Contest RANSOM In the darkness, ever shining, is a steady beam of Light, Through the cold immortal reaches, fleshless fingers of the Night.

Ever warm, and never failing, ever loving is the Light, That the misty shroud of Darkness might disclose a thread of dawn.

Hearken to me, all my brothers; let its power lead thee on.

In thy heart to burn the mem’ry of the Truth and of the King, In thy mind to break the fantasy of Darkness without Hope, In thy thoughts to stamp an image of the Life that could be thine, In thy soul to mend the bitter wounds of burdens borne alone: Listen closely, all my sisters; let its power lead thee on.

See from whence the Light is flowing, upward rising to its Source!

What immortal strength is coming from this great mysterious force!

Let it flow within thy being, let it take its cleansing course, Let it choose thine ev’ry footpath, for the Night hides the unknown.

Hearken to me, fellow children; let its power lead thee on.

Seas of anger, swelling, raging, bury helpless souls beneath, While beyond the dark confusion gold horizons lie unseen.

When the torrent’s winds propel thee, let the Light erase the storm, That the sea might be diminished, and the Lost, to Life be drawn!

O, my brethren, hear my pleading! Let its power lead thee on.

Wouldst thou let the evil forces yet distract thee from the Tree?

Is the Sacrifice forgotten? Is His death as naught to thee?

Then return within this Fortress! Set thine eyes on Calvary, Where first Darkness seemed to triumph, then its victory was gone.

Listen closely, if thou seekest; let the power lead thee on.

Thinkest thou, “Death is victorious!”? Hast thou never seen the Truth?

There is yet more to the story of the Glory of this Slain!

Not three days from His rejection, He was risen once again, And appeared to all His brothers, until He to Home was drawn.

Hearken yet, my fellow Seekers! Let this Power lead thee on.

Yea, all Death at once was conquered, and the gates of Heav’n released, For the Lamp‐bearer was Jesus, bringing Light to the unreached.

For those far beyond the limit of what mortal men forgive, He brought love, unstipulated, unrestricted, to the Lost, Died to save us, Hallelujah! Rose to bring another Dawn: Dost thou hear me, fellow children? Thy Dark prison now is gone!

Thou art ransomed from the Darkness! Let His Power lead thee on.

Thou art ransomed, fellow children. Let His Power lead thee on.

Hannah Robinson Grade 7, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 61

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Benard Ickowicz I am strong, and helpful I wonder where we are being relocated, I hear crying I see many people I want to be freed I am strong, and helpful I pretend we are safe I feel scared I touch the wall I worry we will die I cry when I get separated from my mom I am strong, and helpful I understand not to cry I say “Mommy why are people crying?”

I dream I will be free I try not to think what happened to my mom I hope to be free I am strong, and helpful James Pack Grade 6, Worley Elementary Nazi I am inhumane and brutal I wonder why I am like this I hear the screams and cries I see the burning chiminies I want to see war but why I am inhumane and brutal I pretend to just follow orders but I feel like I’m doing what’s wright I grab kids taking them to their imminent deaths I worry that one day I will be overpowered I cry sometimes because of the deaths I am inhumane and brutal I understand that what I’m doing is wrong I say I’m doing what’s right but I know I’m lying I have nightmares about the screams I try not to think about it I hope this is over because I am tired of being inhumane and brutal Patrick Wilder Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Bernard Ickowicz (A Holocaust Victim) I am young and full of sorrow I wonder if I will make it out alive I hear people crying and praying I see people around me with worried written all over their face I want to have freedom once more I am young and full of sorrow I imagine that I will me ok I feel horrified I touch sad faces to who is scared I worry that my family is no longer living

I cry when I see people like me getting weaker I am young and full of sorrow I understand that I’m going to a concentration camp I say I will see my family once more I dream one day everything would be the same I try to think about the positive things I hope to live I am young and full of sorrow Passion Pleasant Grade 6, Worley Elementary Pennies for Penny To: Penny Papdopulos the Best Yiayia in the World Pennies are bright and shinny just like the stars.

They live their long lives to the fullest, But sometimes their longest isn’t long enough.

The older they get they start to rust and lose their shine.

But this Penny, Yiayia and Mother, lived her long life to the fullest, can finally rest pain free, and can know see what she has done here on Earth to change everyone’s life.

Annalise Presutti Grade 6, Pfeiffer Intermediate

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 62

2013 Youth Poetry Contest I am From...

Wasil Bileiski I am from the tree I am scared and nervous That I would climb up so high every day.

I wonder why they took me and I am from the laughing shrieks of joy, I hear people Screaming Crying With our neighbors while we play And fighting to stay alive Hide and seek at night.

I see people dying……

I am from the scent of summer and spring But I want to see people Happy That lets me know life is coming back.

Caring and “Alive” I’m from exchanging gifts and having fun I want my parents With my family during Christmas time.

I am Scared and Nervous…

I’m from chocolate No one to help That I can never get enough of.

I pretend I am sleep as they walk in the room I am from cleaning your room and doing your chores, While they carry their heavy rifle I feel a little eased because it feels like were being And mother always saying listen and obey. “teased” I’m from a house full of cats, I touch the angles face as But no dogs.

She protected me from the evil I am from my home, I worry that I will never see my parent again Canton I cry and shake Which I love so dearly.

Because I hear people screaming I am from Grandmas that fill my stomach up with Warm, buttery pancakes. with all the energy they have left I’m from pizza nights on Fridays I am scared nervous Or chinese food.

I understand the wicked ways of this camp I’m from good grades and education, I say I will not die Setting my path up for a good future.

Because the angles are with me Rebecca Haas But not Grade 7, Edison Middle School I am strong Bold Draw Me And protected.

Draw a girl.

Mikia Royster A girl who’s seen a lot.

Grade 6, Worley Elementary Draw a ring.

A ring that could only be accepted from you.

Age Old Traditions Draw a smile.

Mysterious Wolves sneak out in the night, A real one, one that hasn’t been there in a while.

They come from the forest; the moon calls them, Draw a life.

Out of the shadows, out into the light.

A happy one, filled with adventure, love, and most Their eyes glisten in the moonlight like gems. importantly – you.

Their leader leads the pack to mourn the lost, Draw what you want in life.

Their souls will not be forgotten tonight.

And I really, really hope you draw me.

The pack gathers around the deceased, Madeline Brand Their somber howls fill the cool night air.

6th Grade, Pfeiffer Intermediate They sing the song passed down from generation to generation, To honor their ancestors and welcome new spirits.

Kaitlyn McGeorge Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 63

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Friends

You make laugh and smile I hope we stay friends for a while

Friends are the best part in life They give you someone to talk with at night I know sometimes we fight but Later on we will be alright

I trust you and you Trust me we fit together like a puzzle piece

I tell you my most treasured secrets And I know that you’ll always keep it

In the end when we grow up we’ll stay

Friends forever!

Tomorrow is a new day! It’s time to endeavor these Friends will be friends they stick to each other until the very end

Kennedy Williams Grade 6, Worley Elementary School

Chaim swinik I am clueless and brave I wonder why this is happening I hear train whistles and screams I see people being abused I want to live through this horrible thing/time I am clueless and brave I pretend that I am dreaming I feel my mother beside me I touch the walls of my house imagining I was there I worry that I will not make it out of here alive I cry because of the torture I go through I am clueless and brave I understand that this is really happening I say the Nazis are just bringing us here for a little while I dream I will be free some day I try to accomplish everything that I need to do in order to stay alive I hope my mom is still alive I am clueless and brave Rest In Peace Chaim Swinik Haley Howard Grade 6, Worley Elementary School

I Am Ivory Nobody uses it Like mayonnaise It’s awesome Like bunnies It keeps coming back Like lice There’s no point Like white‐out Everybody hates it Like snow Nobody loves it Like Blake I love it Like dolphins They should get credit Like spiders I am ivory Blake Browning Grade 7, Edison Middle School

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2013 Youth Poetry Contest

I’m Sorry For drinking you But you Were amazing Very sweet But also Very sour Kind of Lemon tangy Cold but not froze In a pitcher Full or ice I’m sorry You were so good Tyler Gozden Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Setting Sun I sat astride my stallion and we, Raced along the shores of the sea.

It all went by in a marvelous blur; Rocks, and sand, and sea amber, The setting sun sent rays across, The ocean’s tides, And they got themselves lost In the rolling, rolling waves, And reflected their light upon me.

Sarah Fenstemaker Grade 7, Homeschool

Alevia Kiefer Grade 6, Pfeiffer Intermediate

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 65

2013 Youth Poetry Contest There She Is There she is There she is Standing tall

Confidently holding herself Standing tall So full of potential But hunched over

Can’t possibly stand up straight

Athletic and strong Holding bails of hay Athletic and strong Making everyone laugh But can’t hold

Too much weight

Blows you a kiss Charitable and kind Heart to big Always upbeat Feels bad when

It’s not her fault Like a princess

Wearing her crown Like a princess Afraid to disappoint Not at all

Stumbles over her own two feet

With eyes like blown glass And lips like a rose Looks in the mirror Her beauty always shines And sees no beauty

Except for the inside

Has many friends And is always greeting Has many friends No wonder she’s so funny But only gets close

To a few

Shell make you smile Even when your down Shell make you smile But has a serious side.

Although she might be Dying inside This is the way She sees herself When she looks into that mirror

Maggie Craig Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Taylor Marino Grade 6, Pfeiffer Intermediate Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 66

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Perception: From Me There he is

The really funny kid, Loves to have fun, Just like a normal boy,

Yet he’s not normal, He is special, He is his own person.

He thinks he’s weak, But yet, he is strong, He can never break.

He is nice, Never the mean, He can always help.

The fun one, The scary one The caring one,

There he is, As tough as a rock No one can break him.

Mitchel Guardado Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Stream Life is like a stream flowing down the rocky river bay with the main objective to go forward.

Only there are large rocks blocking the stream, creating ripples, letting only a minimum amount of water through.

Letting the rest waste away.

Desperately waiting to dry up. stream So young children don’t be blinded by the light. be prepared for what really is.

There is a overpopulated world out there, A LOT of people share the same dream as you.

Life is tough.

Take caution in the stream.

Meghan Tucker Grade 7, Jackson Middle School

Color Poem I am red Like the lights On a Firetruck.

I am a very happy Color and have Lots of luck.

I have the color red all over me As many other People can see.

I am Red. Jared Foutz Grade 7, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 67

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 68

Grades 8 & 9

Grades 8 & 9

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 8-9 Awards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adkins, Shekia

My Mother

Pg. 72

Cumo, Allie

A Tribute To Darfur

Pg. 75

Ferrell, Sierra

Many Words

Pg. 70

Fricker, Tori

Only The Beginning

Pg. 54

George, Ryan

Ben Drake

Pg. 75

Kessler, Erin

Let's Not Talk About "It"

Pg. 82

Khilkov, Anthony

City Fears an End…

Pg. 81

Manos, Sefra

Owls

Minor, Camryn

I Wonder, Think, Know, and Hope

Pg. 79

Reed, Hannah

Shepherd's Prayer

Pg. 80

Schueller, Rebekah

Journeyman

Pg. 80

Singleton, Michaela

Why?

Pg. 74

Stevenson, Sam

Shine

Pg. 77

Thouvenin, Natalie

The Little Dancing Waif

Pg. 71

Vannatter, Alise

Cries of Hope

Pg. 71

Pg. 70

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2013 Youth Poetry Contest You Don’t Know Me! No one knows the real me.

I try to hide, But around you…

I can’t hide myself.

You have seen a side of me that no one else has cared to look for.

Miracle Rohrer Grade 9, McKinley High School

A Fated Meeting (Romeo and Juliet Inspired)

By Samantha Haney A fated meeting A cursed tale There’s no winning For in the end all will fail It will end in sorrow Begin in light A story of two lovers And their fight They start happy They end sad All who know them Think this love is bad But don’t fret For they are together You may take a bet That the fates will bless All those who let love tether Them to each other forever Samantha Haney Grade 9, Canton South High School

Grades 8 & 9 Grades 8 & 9 MANY WORDS Blue eyes, bright night kiss in the moonlight Children at play, sheep that sleep in the deeps of the seas Daisy’s that dance in the rain, roses that cry when they die Hidden love between the gates with strong hands that lock forever My faith in my Lord is strong, the warmth he gives me helps me live on Books that take me far and near to other worlds that I live in every day A smile that shows the world how strong we people truly are no matter how perfect we are A girl of many wonders shares her mind of words to many around My hidden world locked away in a box far away in my dreams no one but me can find

Sierra Ferrell Grade 8, Sandy Valley Middle School

Skittles There once was a skittle He really liked being tickled Everyone told him he tastes like a rainbow As small as he is, he really couldn’t show No one knew he hated eating pickles.

James McLendon Grade 9, Timken Senior H. S. Owls The wisest of birds, As you can truly see, The leaders of the forest, As true as true can be.

They soar above the clouds, Through the golden skis, Peering through the glaze of night, With their bright, piercing eyes.

With the moonlit gleam, On their tawny, glossy wings, They hunt through the night, Not a noise, not a screech.

As the sun begins to rise, And a new day is dawning, Above the mountain tops, They glide to near nesting.

Waiting for the full moon’s glow, Waiting for the dusk, Their eyes begin to close, As they doze through the sun.

Sefra Manos Grade 8, Lake Middle School Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 70

Grades 8 & 9

2013 Youth Poetry Contest The Little Dancing Waif

I once saw a young woman so thin and pale That she looked like a little waif Her bones seemed so brittle and her braid was so thick it swung like a rope And her face was tight with pain and suffering But as she took her stance and began to dance As the music started Her tiny feet went tripping lightly Across her stage While the sway of flute and piccolo notes danced merrily on their way The little waif’s tulip eyes showed such an inner beauty of strength and courage As you would not think to see encased In such a small child And when the tune was done and she disappeared into the crowd She’d left her mark on everyone Through her dancing she’d shown the swarm How to continue on

Natalie Thouvenin Grade 9, Homeschool Roses are Red Roses are Red violets are blue I love my mom and she love me to My mom is my mom nothing more nothing less She cares for me and I do the same to Nobody could replace my mom she is one of a kind I respect her and she respects me to My mom is a great mom she knows just what to do The things I do for her she does for me to I do the dishes, clean, and fold the clothes She respects just what I do The things she does for me Clean, buy me things, and food I respect the things she does for me!

Alandria Terrell Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Cries of Hope You're too tired to sleep, And you don't know why Simple things seem so deep, And even compliments make you cry.

You think you're a mess, Your screams are too loud.

But for some reason no one tells you to scream less, So you stop anyway and you don't make a sound.

You can cry out in hope, Or stay behind.

It'll get too hard to cope, You'll be forever confined.

People don't hear, People don't care Unless perhaps they have something to fear, And that's only if they dare.

Alise Vannatter Grade 8, Lake Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 71

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Reality Growing up people think the world is so sweet, Walking around you discover the hood and in the streets, We all have our opinions and statements about the world, The racism upon people is such a disgrace, Reality hits us with a smack in the face, The pain and suffering is what people feel, they wish it was a dream but it’s always real, Like fire blending with ice we all have to remain cool, We have responsibilities such as following the rules.

Marcez Hogsett Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Grades 8 & 9 Grades 8 & 9 My Mother My mother is very nice My mother is very kind.

She kept me sane When I was about to lose my mind.

She kept me very calm When I was ready to kill.

She spoke to me softly While I was very still.

I loved my mother dearly And this she understood.

Especially the way she raised me In the middle of the hood.

Shekia Adkins Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Just That Feeling The feeling of hopelessness and despair is creeping on the edges of my heart.

I can feel something is not right in the atmosphere; it is very strong.

I find myself crying in secret misery, uncertain of tomorrow and what it will bring.

It would feel so good to be uplifted right now.

It would feel so good to feel honored.

I do not understand this unbearable feeling.

Such a heaviness of the heart.

Something is causing this to be such a burden.

I write but yet I cannot figure this out.

For days and days now the burden is relentless.

It’s like a fire burning the edges of my heart.

Mercedias Johnson Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School L.I.F.E My life is like a dream got to catch a plane go across the world fine me a new place, my life is exciting an dangerous in the future I might be famous, my head up high as I’m not giving up so hush, now my life is going great every day you see me on the court playing basketball all day, kicking it with my friends clowning to the end, the wind is in my hand, so god bless my friends at the last quarter I know my team is gone win, we celebrate by playing another game, sometimes I feel like I’m living the fame, so I pray to god at night to live another day, Young Generation Forever tell we have that dream Write lyrics every day to keep up with the game, I lived my dream so I’m good all day at the end of the day, I went outside and I got caught in the rain…

Jamarcus Hudson Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

I Love You Mom You loved me since I was a baby And raised me to be a young beautiful lady You taught me right from wrong You showed me how to be strong Your smile is as bright as the sun And you’re close to my heart Even when were apart We fight and argue But nobody can take your part Cortney Cunningham Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~

Grades 8 & 9

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Dream Chaser I ball hard I play hard If you ball out You won’t fall I don’t play I’ll crack yall Break your neck Cause it is game time Hit hard like Ray Lewis And that ain’t goin change none I dunk on you like Michael Jordan Cause boy I got that hang time I’ll knock you out like Ali So don’t run up or I’ll sleep you.

THE END Ca’Ron Turner Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Love.

Love Me Tomorrow For It’s A New Day Love Me Again Like You Did The First Day Love Me Always For My Heart Beats For Yours.

Kiss Me Sweetly And Gently Upon Tomorrow Morning Hold Me Tightly For I’m Afraid to Fall Don’t Forget Your Promises For I Had Too Many Broken Hold My Hand To Guide The Way Hold My Heart To Keep It Safe Tell Me Tomorrow That Today Wasn’t A Dream Tell Me Sweet Nothings As I Begin To Sleep And I’ll Always Remind You That I Am Yours Alone Truly And Forever Until Were Reborn Then I Will Find You Once Again To Tell You I Love You All Over Again.

Alexis Wendell Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Valentine Day people complain about not having a date to prom or a dance but unlike me I complain about not having my grandpa etc. the people who have died in my life whom I have no more.

Julius Mayle Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Mistakes I’ve made mistakes Fallen down Been kicked while I was down on the ground Did some things and I ain’t proud Keep messin up keep fallen down People hatin, you’ll never make it chase your trippen now Ima make it, don’t care what you say Ima make it get out of my way.

Chase Chadwell Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Beautiful Everyone has their own beauty It may be on the inside or out Or maybe even inside and outside It takes the right person to actually see the beauty Don’t let anyone tell you different So don’t sit around thinking you’re not beautiful Because you are <3 Kaysia Moore Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Best Friends Till The End I’ll always be beside you Until the very end, Wiping all your tears away Being your best friend.

I’ll smile when you smile And feel all the pain you do, And if you cry a single tear I promise I’ll cry too.

David Taylor Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 73

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 8 & 9

One day If one day you need to cry, call me If one day you need someone to talk to, call me If one day you’re having problems, don’t hesitate to call me If one day you are out and about and want to hang out, call me If one day you call me and there isn’t no answer, hurry because I might need you Richard Turpin Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School Why? You try to bury me 10‐feet under But I still want to live I want to grow up and say “Yeah, I’ve had a YOLO moment!”

I want to be able to call someone mine, and only mine I want to give my mother and father something to be proud of I want to make my dreams come true I can’t have anything with you tarring me down everyday Why do you hate me so much?

What did I ever do to you?

Why can’t we be friends?

I don’t know what to do anymore…

Things have gotten pretty bad for me, Easy things have become hard, Happy things have become sad, And mean things have just gotten meaner.

Honestly I don’t know anymore.

There is no one anymore, I have no one anymore.

I’ve lost what I first found.

You did this to me, you turned my world upside down.

Why? Give me an answer, give me a reasonable excuse and all will be forgotten.

I feel some type of way these days, I don’t know if it is depression or something else.

I used to love coming to school to see my friends, and go to assemblies, and pep rallies But now every week day when I wake up at 6:30 a.m. I dread every minute to come throughout the day.

You make me angry It’s like you light a fire in the pit of my stomach and then you just sit there and watch me burn to pieces I just want it to stop I want my life back But I know I can’t have that You literally took my life from me You took happiness away from me Why? Michaela Singleton Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 74

Grades 8 & 9

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Why Look Around We live in a beautiful world So why is there so much trouble and cruelty?

Whey do we have so much hostility?

When there should be peace Why are people so judgmental?

We all are human beings Everyone is extraordinary in their own way No matter their skin color When will we work together as a community?

Stop war, Stop violence, and stop hatred?

Our world can be great It should be great It can be great Isaiah Smith Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School Bears That mans back Was hairy as a bear Speaking of bears They were taking over the world

First they took over the woods Pop! Goes the weasel down into his hole Then the rivers and oceans

Next they took over the houses The bear was cooking dinner on the stove After that were the continents Black bears blew up Bolivia while buying bubblegum

Lastly they came for me on the moon It seemed the bears were 1,000 feet tall

But when they got there, I thought they’d be mean and horrible But to my surprise, they were scarily nice Ryan George and Nick Burwell

I’m the boss I’m the boss You do not cross The king of my domain For the day No work all play Is found in my refrain Love to eat The prime of meat So sad in till I get something So, sweet And such a treat Boy they can be so dumb Craig Turner Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School A Tribute to Darfur Broken bits turn bittersweet, A drop of blood strikes my feet.

Reaching home is a breakdown that comes Turning me completely numb.

I now have become sand Slipping through the greater hand Of the government and their plan To stop a nationalistic stand.

Many mothers made mistakes Their lying eyes becoming fake.

Repetitions said everything was fine, Though they knew the truth in their spines.

Wishes cut holes Like gunshot wounds in the soul.

The government is a rotten tent Covering its people punctured with dents.

Fathers became bands of land A red mess resting in sand.

Poor health of my home Stands now as a burnt down loam.

Allie Cumo Grade 9, Perry High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 75

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 8 & 9

I’m missing you!!!

Hello my sister, Hello my brother I’m missing you, This world is so small, but thus you fell so far away, I shall visit you in Florida State, oh yes the gator state, Garid and Leasia of ages 10 and 8, Your smiles are like the sun on the greatest day, Oh yes I miss you, why Florida, the Deep South, I miss you my siblings, yes siblings, were fathered by the same man.

Sammie Brackett Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Million Dollar Shot I grab the ball And go down court Pass the ball “Swish” he scores They get the ball With seconds left They go down court And make the Lay‐up 5 seconds left I take a breath Get the ball and go down court My coach calls time With one second left We go back in I take a breath The score is tied I bare to live I throw it up “Swish” it’s in Teren Hill Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School My Love My love where have you been?

I have been waiting for you Time and time again.

Your love is like a flower waiting to blossom.

Your eyes are like a blue wave Ready to crash upon my heart Will you come soon…

Olivia Dick Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

I love music M is for how music makes you feel U is for how the singer uses words to tell how they feel S is for the sympathy in the song I is for the information that the song gives you C is for the Courage that the words give you Traysha Williams Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

I’m Brave…

I’m brave not scared of anything Not a bear not a spider nothing, Who would be scared of a ghost?

Not scared of anything that’s the most, I’m not scared of the dark, I can just get a candle and make a spark, I’m not scared of anything but my mom, Because she punish me and take me to prom.

Samuel Bell Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

A Mother A mother is more than just a woman A mother is more than just a wife A mother is a beautiful creation A mother is a beautiful piece of life A mother like that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow A mother is someone who brings life into the world Mothers we love you Every mother in the world from ladies, men and boys and girls.

Jadah Dotson Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 76

Grades 8 & 9

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

I SMILE I smile, I smile, I smile because I’m happy, I smile because I’m sad, I smile, I smile, I smile because I’m in love I smile because I struggle I smile, I smile I smile to hide the pain I smile because life is hard I smile, I smile I smile because I care I smile because I’m faithful I smile, I smile I smile because I’m strong I smile because I’m scared I smile to hide the fear I smile, I smile I smile because I’m BEAUTIFUL. Izanee Goodgame Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School Shine Before I woke from sleep, as I fall, fall so solemnly the doors of darkness open.

The angles dizzy as a merry‐go‐round, I just wanted one true thing spoken Who would never leave me?

It’s too early to be looking back, time to get my life on track and find my soul a home.

Leaping

over

oblivion, to cure a heart of stone.

That won’t tear me apart?

I would Shine, Wakening from my dream‐life dwelling To do the work I love.

Sam Stevenson Grade 9, Perry High School

A Nightmare Your body trembles as you sleep, With Nightmares that make you weep, For haunting things you reap.

A nightmare…

Things that scare, For they come alive when you nap, All the things you fear; Hands reaching out from under your bed, Pale and ghostly, Sap your strength, Sickly things clawing your head, Like needles in your flesh, Mouth’s salivating, With pointed teeth and bad breathe, For they need to be fed.

It is said, That if you count The nightmares, The beasts will say goodbye.

But no amount of counting, Will make the nightmares disappear, For they are near, so very near, All that fear, For they are near.

A nightmare can haunt you, and Scorn you, A nightmare will stay next to you, A nightmare is like a thorn in your side, For it seems like it will never go away….

For when you sleep, Your body trembles as you weep, Haunting things you reap….

Kim Sphon Grade 8, Quaker Digital Academy Untitled My love for you is life The Titanic. Big and beautiful But in the end most of the people died.

I hope that does not happen to me either.

My love for you is like the Titanic But in the end you don’t die.

I will dodge the icebergs that come with love.

Even though this sounds corny The Titanic wasn’t perfect either (it sank).

Elliot Bowen Grade 9, Central Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 77

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 8 & 9 If You Could See Sometimes, I wish, I would finally tell, Serve up my secret on a dish, Break out of this lonely spell.

On the inside, I’m screaming, Secrets burning me up like cyanide, I’m not safe even when I’m dreaming.

All you see is a timid girl, Too shy, too quiet, Terrified to give life a whirl, What’s happening in my head, no one will get.

I’ve been through some awful things, Felt the stale stroke of a stranger, And the unbearable pain he brings, Surely, endured the wrath of a lonely ranger.

Witnessed and felt the effects of alcohol, So young, so ruined, I’ve been to a place of nothing at all, In the language of pain, I’m fluent.

Somedays I wonder, “why me?”, Why these awful, dreadful things happen, So young, and yet I sag from the pain of reality, The innocence I once possessed is now absent.

But these pains I will contain in my head, Wonderings you’ll never hear, All of my tears you’ll never see shed, I’ll sit silently over here and suffer through another year.

Don’t you worry, You may never have to feel the pain, Secrets hidden like a lost child in a snow flurry, Only I will see this rain.

This searing pain, you’ll never feel, Things, for you, may stay whimsical, My scars aren’t something you can see, so they must not be real, No, my scars are inside me, not something physical.

These scars of mine are deeply implanted, Talons latched in my skin like those of a hawk, My youthful innocence can never be replanted, No one will ever know, why I hang my head When I walk.

Alexis Hendershot Grade 9, Perry High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 78

Grades 8 & 9

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

I Wonder, Think, Know, and Hope.

I Wonder…

Why do people bully each other?

Why do people care about which school is better?

Why do people care about fights?

Why do people brag about sports?

Why do people lie all the time?

I think…

We need to sell candy.

We need to raise money to help our school.

I need to learn how to make video game walk throughs, let’s plays, playthroughs, whatever.

We need to work harder.

I know…

I will see what will happen in 2015.

I will go to high school next year.

I will play video games.

I will continue wearing Hollister.

I will do more work than I usually do.

I hope…

I hope that I get better grades next year.

I hope that I can think a lot more than I do now.

I hope that things will be interesting.

I hope that I will feel better.

I hope that when I die I’ll have no regrets.

Camryn Minor Grade 8, Hartford Middle School Cars I love cars I love the sounds the engines I love the smells gas, oil, and exhaust fumes I love care that are made in the U.S. Like Ford, and Dodge, Chevy I love sport cars And trucks, jeeps.

Leonard Payne Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Be Real Here you are, Afraid to face the music Your own rhythmic heartbeat Like a drum

Is it time?

To lose your fear of the unknown or to embrace it?

To accept that you don’t fear the dark.

Only what’s in it

This complacency you have to change.

It’s as fake as your plastered on smile As phony as the person you pretend you are

You know you can’t protect others Without trying to shield yourself first.

But you try anyway

Something is peculiar.

And you can’t place it Don’t bother trying

Because you aren’t real You aren’t here Your entire life is a facsimile.

So be real, Because It’s time to face the music.

Sydne Rosendal Grade 9, Perry High School

The hotness When it’s so hot I go to town And think of a way to cool down But when I go to school I think of a pool But sometimes it’s so hot I want to walk in my bare feet But when I sit down and it’s hot I want to go to sleep Zackery Duvell Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 79

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Shepherd’s Prayer I found myself chanting the Lord’s Prayer, because someone has killed a thread of zeal.

God, spare me from the Devil’s lair, spare me from the hate I feel.

I crawl through the Shadowlands alive, because a single love committed suicide.

I fell asleep on the dark side and woke along still water Come and fill my cup till overflowing green pastures and wake me beside blue, flowing waves Pull me from the hateful thoughts and save me from the grave If the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, but I need a love that is missing, and the gaping holes not healing to be closed. Be the ultimate physician and mend our broken souls.

I found myself chanting Jesus’ Prayer, because one has roughened my path. God save me from the slayer and the dealer of wrath Our Father, which art in Heaven, I crawl to your feet again Hallowed be thy holy name and my daily bread, please send Let your will be done to my undeserving self They Kingdom come, by your will, and fill our homes with health.

I’m a fallen angel or perhaps a risen Devil, forgive my every debt Take me to higher levels and forget my each regret If my Father is in Heaven, lead me to everlasting Forget not your servant and the world that is passing Make us pure, make us whole Be our shepherd and our Father and mend our broken souls.

Hannah Reed Grade 9, Homeschool Pictures Roses are red and violets are blue I don’t like poems, or good at making them, but it’s a grade so it must be DONE. Joe Wise Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Grades 8 & 9

Journeyman I don’t think I’m foolish, I don’t think I’m sane.

My mind races much too fast, But is quiet just the same.

My mind goes on journeys, And takes me far away.

Then travels to reality, But I can’t seem to stay.

Sometimes I am strange And given funny looks.

But mostly I sit quietly, With my face inside a book.

Once inside a story, It washes my worries away.

Inside a book, I have power, And hence, it’s where I stay.

My heart is like a bird, That never wants to land.

Always flying and gliding, Immune to reprimand.

And that’s why I keep quiet, And may at times seem shy.

I wish to be out elsewhere, To spread my wings and fly.

Rebekah Schueller Grade 9, Perry High School

The Best Friend of You… When I’m lonely you’re there for me, And when I’m hurt you care for me, When I’m lost in this world of great unknowns you help me standing on a corner in the rain, You pick up the pieces when no one should be able to understand, but you always do, My mind explodes I tell you everything I could never be untrue, I can’t picture my life with you NOT there, And whenever I feel like no one cares, You come to my rescue and set my mind free, And I know I’m so LUCKY to be the best friend of you…!!!

Desirae Cora Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 80

Grades 8 & 9

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

I am the one who…

I am the one who has a white cat named Boo. I am the one who has two little sisters named Katie and Julia.

I am the one who has a ½ sister Amber.

I am the one who likes to play basketball.

I am the one who likes apples.

I am the one who loves the color baby blue.

I am the one who likes to read fantasy.

I am the one who lives in a tan house.

I am the one who likes Language arts.

I am the one who has good grades.

I am the one who has a fish named Bob. I am the one who is in band and plays the flute I am the one who played soccer for 4 years.

Tierney Ford Grade 9, Perry High School

The Box Inside Me There is a box Just a regular box Full of thoughts and emotions not shown.

Full of things that I’ve done that I wish I hadn’t.

Full of things that I hide deep in my‐ self deep where I Only reach. What’s in your box don’t say it out loud, But think of it.

Joe Porter Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Live Your Life Live your life like you mean it, For your life is valuable and special.

Live your life like you care, For you make the choices in which you live.

Live your life, Not just for others but for yourself.

Don’t do drugs, smoke, or drink alcohol, Don’t drink and drive.

Live your life, For your family and friends love and care about you.

Live your life for helping others, For they will help you later in life.

Live your life, Don’t toss it away by doing drugs or drinking.

Just live your life, And make the best of it.

Live your life Hope‐Lynn Nash Grade 9, Timken Senior H.S.

Anthony Khilkov Grade 9, Jackson Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 81

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Let’s Not Talk About “It” It’s that kid That kid in your class That’s been in your class Since the beginning; It’s been with you the whole time.

It’s that kid That kid in your class That you never talked to But always wanted to; It has always scared you.

It’s that kid That kid in your class That no one ever talked to He doesn’t have any friends; It’s bad to even associate yourself with.

It’s that kid That kid in your class That just can’t escape being Mistreated, misunderstood, and mis‐ judged; It’s surrounded by ignorance.

It’s that kid That kid in your class Everybody knows he’s there But they avoid him like the plague; It’s the elephant in the room.

It’s that kid That kid in your class That’s the obvious outcast Like a lone weed in a garden full of flowers; It’s apparent, but ignored.

It’s that kid That kid in your class That your friends talk about And say something is wrong with; They just don’t understand it.

It’s that kid That kid in your class That your parents say is bad news And that you need to stay away; It’s sad to be a bad influence.

Grades 8 & 9 It’s that kid That kid in your class That just can’t figure out Why he is a pariah; Nothing is wrong about it.

It’s that kid That kid in your class That you start to think about More and more; Why is everybody against it?

It’s that kid That kid in your class That you finally talk to He’s not so bad after all; What’s so wrong about it?

It’s that kid That kid in your class That you get to know He’s a cool person; Why don’t people like it?

It’s that friend That friend in your class That’s been in your class Since the beginning; It’s been there the whole time.

It’s that friend That friend in your class That you never knew you had Until now; You just realized it’s there.

It’s that friend That friend in your class That is your best friend Like two halves of a whole; It’s very much a part of you.

It’s that friend That friend in your class That you bring home To meet your parents; You tell them about it.

It’s that friend That friend in your class That your parents realize That isn’t such “bad news”; They finally understand it.

It’s that friend That friend in your class That your parents realize That isn’t such “bad news”; They finally understand it.

It’s that friend That friend in your class That you go together with Like peanut butter and jelly; You are inseparable with it.

It’s that friend That friend in your class That you love to death No matter what; You finally love yourself, even with it.

Erin Kessler Grade 9, Perry High School

It’s that friend That friend in your class That you introduced To your other friends; They’re okay with it.

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 82

Grades 8 & 9

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Simran Vaidya Grade 9, Jackson

Catie Woodward Grade 9, Jackson Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 83

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Only the Beginning Boom! Like a flash of before my eyes, This is the beginning of sadness.

I say to myself The whole idea makes me feel Like I’m coming down with something And it must be treated as a powerful stranger.

Together we will nto get through it, But nobody can make it out of her alone.

Apparently you could Eyes bemused‐ A disconnect Lifeless, laying there.

The slight glimpse of hope tumbled down upon us.

It angers and saddens me This is the storm cloud hanging over me Dampening me day.

You’re gone you left us…

Searching for answers That no one can seem to find.

This is not bitter sweet.

This is the kind of reality That can shatter mirrors And cut deep within our souls.

Between you and your life A silence was coming.

Yet, I’m left helpless and scared Like a toddler whose missing their parents.

I continue to hide behind closed doors Concealing my emotions.

I feel as light as a feather Nothing weighing me down,

Except my heavy heart.

But most of all‐‐ I don’t know who I am Without you.

And now I’ll never be the same

Again…

Please pardon my problems and I. Now, let me be myself This is the beginning of my sadness.

Tori Fricker Grade 9, Perry High School

Grades 8 & 9

Barbara Krivos Grade 9, Jackson

Stark County District

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 85

Grades 10 ‐ 12

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 10 ‐ 12

Grades 10-12 Awards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Andrews, Ashantie

Our Lost Friend

Pg. 90

Caldwell, Dameon

A Dedication to Our Loved Ones

Pg. 89

Cao, Emily

Both sides

Pg. 89

Feller, Katlynn

Don't Bring Me Down

Pg. 91

Hooper, Jeffrey

Dog Still Missing

Pg. 91

Lawver, Kennedy

Dry Spell

Pg. 87

Linville, Jessica

Where are the dreamers?

Pg. 89

Lober, Claire

The Parade of Lies

Pg. 91

Ribaudo, Emily

The Universal Story of

Pg. 87

Young, Constance

2 Shadows

Pg. 88

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 86

Grades 10 ‐ 12

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Dry Spell

I hadn’t had much To write of lately.

My inspiration has Forsaken me.

I know this happens From time to time, Still I shall try To slit open my poet’s mind And try to make it bleed.

I shall use a knife Of loneliness And hatred for the world.

A pick‐axe bearing All the names Of each useless Boy and girl.

I shall gather the blood With a basket of love, Scrape it in with a tool Of the missing in my head.

Only a little Shall I take— For I want not to be dead!

Some liquid punk To thin the blood And turn it into ink.

Some old roots of a past To make it turn black And tears to help me think.

I shall put it all In a pen of passion, Processed and ready to write.

And to make sure I don’t fall asleep…

I have confusion to be my light.

I will pour it all On a paper of compassion, Ready to take My troubled mind.

Oh how much of my whining It has endured…

But how it helps me All the time.

Yes, It’s been quite a dry spell.

Nothing to write about These past couple days.

I really don’t know What’s the dilemma— I must be in some sort of haze.

So I am off to cut My writer’s mind…

A small stream of blood Is all I really need.

Just a trickledown effect To begin a gushing Creativity.

Kennedy Lawver Grade 10, Jackson High School

Cheyenne Payne Grade 11, Jackson

Emily Ribaudo Grade11, Jackson

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 87

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 10 ‐ 12 Constance Young Grade 11, Marlington

Tracks.

How many trains have Passed Through here?

How many men have Passed Away here?

The tracks still stand, Here I am, On a road again.

How many years have Passed The time here?

The tracks are still runnin’ Here I am, Shopping the storefronts again.

How many generations Have crossed this station?

Do your family’s veins Run longer than the trains?

Here I am, At the greasy café again.

How many traffic lights Blinked The hours away here?

The tracks are still runnin’ Here I am, Runnin’ with the tracks.

And I can’t tell If it’s me Who can’t keep up Or them.

Bryce Schmidt Grade 12, Lake High School

Cindy Pan Grade10, Jackson

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 88

Grades 10 ‐ 12

2013 Youth Poetry Contest A Dedication To Our Loved Ones

Believe in yourself

People dying in the streets Bullets with no name Families suffering the lost Fighting through the pain Shots fired Body dropped And now your mom cries in vain Just suffering is enough to drive a good person insane How could this be You’re gone from me And things will never be the same Rest in peace my love your not the one to blame

Believe in yourself Live how you want to live Don't be someone you’re not Never give up hope

Believe in yourself No matter what people say everyone needs someone to lean on sometimes Live life to the fullest

Believe in yourself Please never give up on yourself you are special everyone is unique Heather Trump Grade 11, Digital Academy

Dameon Caldwell Grade 12, GlenOak High School

Where are the dreamers?

I walk in these glass doors sound waves on repeat.

Do this to get to college, the State says I have to teach this, A's A's A's

These phrases suffocate me; like smoke choking its victims I want to I need to scream, at teachers counselors principals State of Education

Isn't school more than this?

Whatever happened to school being fun?

Teachers with a passion‐ not requirements from the state?

Students with respect? compassion?

Yes, most students are smart however, Where is this generations dreamers? inventors? skyscraper builders? explorers? world changers?

They're out there being destroyed by peo‐ ple who see them only as a statistic, a checkmark, a young person who just needs to grow up.

Our world desperately needs explorers, dreamers and world changers.

It will start with me.

They won't destroy me, squash me.

I have a story.

Skyscrapers to build. people to help, dreams to be accomplished.

Please see me, us, as not just a statistic, or ignorant high schooler/middle schooler.

See us as people, with a story to tell.

Jessica Linville Emily Cao Grade 10, Jackson

Grade 10 , GlenOak High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 89

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 10 ‐ 12

Our Lost Friend Hug and High‐fives, to asking for a buck a friend in school that everyone loved. We lost him just a year ago walking the halls just isn’t the same.

Hugs became empty open arms, high‐fives were hands left hanging and that buck we never be spent. Souls he touched have been lost.

Everything became falling tears and broken hearts.

He’s high in the sky, so we now cry tears of joy. Our hearts put back to‐ gether piece by piece. Your presence near us. We can still feel it.

Finger wiggles and hand gestures will never be forgotten, for Da Move‐ ment lives in everyone. You’ve touched hearts and minds. Just thinking of you gives me Goosebumps.

Seeing you will be like a fresh start. Flowers will bloom the sun will shine.

Frowns will become smiles and tears will begin to dry.

You’ve made a mark on this world forever. You’re bigger than big just Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 90

Sabrina Ertle 10th Grade, Jackson

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Love’s Follies Love Conquers all at least that’s what They say but what about all those Hearts that were thrown away!

What about all the times you spent With your love?

Wondering if you’ll ever see them Again! love is a fairytale Lost in dreams And Become nothing more than smoke and Screens Why do we love!

It means nothing at all Maybe we love because We’re trying to hang on To something that is long gone To something that can never truly Exist To something that is blind and Was never there to begin With To someone Who you love but does Not feel the same Way and Then you realize it was a lost Cause then your loves begins to Fade away.

Grades 10 ‐ 12 Claire Lober Grade11, Jackson

Tori Durm Grade 11, McKinley High School

Don’t Bring Me Down Don’t bring me down Don’t summon my frown, Don’t bring more pain, Don’t call me names, I guess I lose in the end, All for reaching out, And trying to be friends, My path has taught me, To keep to myself, A lonely existence, Like a doll on a shelf, Enough tears in my broken eyes, I won’t let my depression, Be your prize.

Katlynn Feller Grade 11, McKinley High School

Jeffrey Hooper Grade11, Jackson

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 91

2013 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 10 ‐ 12

How to Climb a Mountain Mountain‐Climbers Probably know the feeling Their hands scrape and chaff Against the rocks and cold They second‐guess footholds Look down and see the world spin Then they just grin And reach for One more foothold They watch for the peak And their heats peak with glee Not at the world’s dizzy turn But at the marvoulous journey Of rushing past and rushing forward Taking a chance against fear The view at the top, you see Confirms it.

Emily Bowen Grade 11, Homeschool

Leah McPherson Grade 12, Jackson

The meadow The grass is dancing in the Whispering wind A walking tree with a shivers bend The wind child and cold with fear My sorrowful song draws in A small deer The smell of safety Ruffles through my hair The taste of fear is no longer there I feel as calm as a still sleeping bear.

Zachariah Bender Grade 10, McKinley High School

Martin Walschburger Grade 12, Jackson Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 92

Grades 10 ‐ 12

2013 Youth Poetry Contest MIRROR Mirror, hanging on the wall, Once again to you I crawl.

How long have me played this game?

How long will this remain the same?

Oh! The bitter tears you bring, Oh! The scornful song you sing.

"Only a neck, graceful as the crane, Only skin clear as the summer rain, Only a figure, tall and slender, Only lips, red and tender, Only eyes, soft as the dove's Could earn you any sort of love" Felling ugly, hurt, alone.

I close my eyes and start to groan.

The a different Voice I hear, Soft, like a whisper, near my ear.

"You need not fear, you need not quake, Come to Me, let Me heal you ache.

Come, My Child, come to Me. Come, My Love, rest on my knee."

Uncertainly and feeling small, Forward I come, unable to stall Kindness radiates from His face, Warmth and comfort from his embrace A gentle kiss upon my head, And then a tender voice that said: "Why do you listen to these lies?

Why do you let tears fill your eyes?

Any who may say you're flawed Cannot have seen the face of God. My Beloved Daughter, can't you see?

You were modeled after me!"

No longer do your words I fear, Mirror, tarnished with Earth's lies.

My TRUE image I've seen here, In the reflection of my Father's Eyes.

Lauren McNutt Grade 12, Homeschool

Kristin Woodard Grade 10, Jackson

Daniel Lober Grade12, Jackson Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 93

Index Grades 10 ‐ 12 Andrews, Ashantie Adams, Isabella Adkins, Lila Adkins, Shekia Ahn, Chloe Allison, Shemar Alm, Nadia Anderson, Alexander Anderson, Cooper Angelo, Malaina Anthony, Atira Anthony, Gavriel Armstrong, Faith As‐Samed, Liouis Bachtel, Tatyana Baker, Max Ball, Alexis Balough, Elizabeth Barkley, Syncere Barnes, Chloe Becher, Alexander Belcher, Kierstan Belden, Bobby Bell, Samuel Belski, Ozzy Bender, Zachariah Benison, Jada Benson, Brian Berry, Arianna Bias, Patrick Bibey, Chase Bittinger, Sydni Blakely, Robbyare Bliese, David Bliese, Lauren Bliese, Mary Boecher, Roger Bonner, Jayshawn Boron, Joe Bove, Zoe

2013 Youth Poetry Contest 90 25 10 72 22 39 13 7 12 51 8 33 36 50 30 56 34 13 33 23 33 34 5 76 44 93 11 18 30 53 21 14 19 54 24 24 36 13 36 23

Bowen, Elliot Bowen, Emily Bowesock, India Bowman, Andrew Brackett, Sammie Braghieri, Joseph Brand, Madeline Braucher, Daesha Brown, Mar'riano Brown, Sammi Browning, Blake Broyles, Tyrese Bruckner, Jack Brunner, Jayaunna Bunner, Cara Burt, Hailey Burt, Zarian Caldwell, Dameon Campbell, Frankie Cao, Emily Carcione, Dante Casselberry, Jyllian Cavelli, Hayley Ceer, Taylor Chadwell, Chase Chappie, Nathan Choudhury,Snehal Clapper,Ana Cochran, Jake Coffelt, Alex Cole, Teran Compton, Kendall Confalone, Dominic Cooper, Megan Cora, Desirae Cordray, Destiny Cottrill, Kylee Covell, Mariah Crabtree, Andrew Craig, Maggie

77 92 12 11 76 47 63 47 8 57 64 47 16 20 43 42 32 89 19 89 5 7 44 26 73 22 23 37 38 14 55 6 55 30 80 42 18 50 42 66

Crawford, Meigan Cross, Logan Cumo, Allie Cunningham, Allissa Cunningham, Cortney Custer, Matilee Daugherty, Jenessa Davide, Jason Davidson Jr., Andre D. Davis, Carlie Dennis, Caitlyn Detchon, Hannah Dick, Olivia DiSimone, Ava Dixon, Cierra Dodson, Madeline Doll, Chloe Dolph, Aidan Domer, Collin Donahue, Mackenzie Dotson, Jadah Downer, Cooper Drescher, Jesse Drown, Deja Duffie, Kenzie Durm, Tori Duvell, Zack Eagon, Zoe Eakle, Evyn Eaves, Rhya Ekmark, Everett Ertle, Sabrina Everett, Aria Eyster, Allison Felder, De'Nyla Feller, Katlynn Fenstemaker, Sarah Ferrell, Sierra Flowers, Zach Ford, Tierney

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 94

14 10 75 55 72 54 33 5 36 49 16 26 76 31 30 36 7 13 5 31 76 26 23 46 19 91 79 12 46 20 42 90 34 45 11 91 65 70 33 81

Index Grades 10 ‐ 12

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Forsythe, Abigail Foutz, Jared Fox, Skye Freeman, Anna Freeman, Christa Fricker, Tori Fulks, Kayla Gardener, Jordan George, Ryan Gerber, Ayden Geren, Sam Gibson, Jordan Gillespie, Sebastion Gonzalez‐Abreu, Catalina Goodgame, Izanee Goodwill, Alexzander Gorrell, Catherine Gozden, Tyler Grabowsky, Sarah Gram, Elijah Grant,Madison Gray, Yohanna Graylor, Justyn Grimes, Gabby Grunder, John Guardado, Mitchel Gulling, Treasure Haas, Rebecca Haley, Satorie Hall, Carl Hane, Gavin Haney, Samantha Hardin, Imani Harris, Ainka Hayes, Christian Hayes, Keagan Heisler, Zak Hendershot, Alexis Herncane, Chloe

43 67 23 44 32 54 33 44 75 7 45 30 14 25 77 21 5 65 7 22 59 18 22 46 31 67 12 63 14 16 7 70 7 20 56 18 12 78 33

Hicks, Rebeka Hight, Cassidy Hill, Teren Himes, Nick Hinzman, Caleb Hixson, Nicholas Hogsett, Marcez Hooper, Jeffrey Howard, Haley Howard, Mark Hudson, Jamarcus Huff, William Hughes, Sarah Iribar, Michael Jacobs, Cassidy Jafri, Leena James, Seth Jasinski, Zoey Jasser, Michael Javins, Paige Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Destiny Johnson, Luke Johnson, Mercedias Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Whisper Johnston, Elizabeth Jones, Taliyah Jones, Vashni Kasler, Faith Kay, Jayda Keenan, Alexander Kelly, Alyssa Kelly, Lauren Kessler, Erin Ketler, Rachel Khilkov, Anthony Kiefer, Alivia Kirkman, Kotton Knight, Hannah

56 14 76 42 17 17 72 91 64 38 72 9 5 6 60 39 32 45 25 34 19 42 7 72 30 52 5 10 7 58 54 27 42 6 82 52 81 65 12 21

Koceski, Galan Kramer, Jazlyn Kramer, Tanner Krivos, Barbara Kulcullen, Kaleigh Kurzinsky, Marissa Kyles, Sammie Lackey, Cierra Laing, Haley Laliberte, Megan Lauschke, Sarah Lawver, Kennedy Lee, Megan Lehman, Noah Leininger, Megan Lieser, Brooke Lightner, Sha'Vea Lindsey, Tra'Vion Linville, Jessica Little, Miranda Lober, Claire Loberz, Daniel Lockhart, Travis Lucas, Jada Ludwig‐Reed, Nadia Lukez, Jake Manos, Sefra Marciano Jr., Greg Marino, Taylor May, Maryemma Elizabeth Mayle, Claudia Mayle, Julius Mayle, Victoria McAlear, Anna McCauley, Justin McClure‐Bailous, Jadyn McCourry, Jarrett McCoury,Fiona McDonald, Kelly McGeorge,Kaitlyn

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5 43 49 84 39 34 19 43 58 31 24 87 59 12 48 27 47 45 89 49 91 93 12 8 9 5 70 51 66 53 46 73 13 59 17 21 47 10 37 63

Index Grades 10 ‐ 12 McGrath, Hunter McGreal, Jayden McHenry, Jonathan McLendon, James McNutt, Lauren McPherson, Leah Menendez, Alejandro Metcalf, Heaven Metcalf, Nicholas Metz, Devin Milhoan, Grace Miller, Abigail Miller, Audrianna Miller, Hannah Miller, Jack Miller, Kadence Miller, Lydia Milnes, Nev Mingus, Kayla Minor, Camryn Moag, Tyler Eric Monahan, Stefan Monroe, Haley Moore, Kaysia Morales, Isrrael Morse, Skylar Moser, Luke Mosses, Gavin Mulheim, Grace Murphy, Adam Nagajothi, Shreyaa Nash, Hope‐Lynn Nashold, Macy Nelson, Stefani Ney, John Dominic Nichols, Alleniki Nieporte, Lauren Nikishin, Matalan Norman, Amari Norman, Aysia

2013 Youth Poetry Contest 50 11 46 70 93 92 31 16 34 10 15 13 25 6 24 5 10 13 48 79 30 10 58 73 53 50 59 21 32 19 35 81 53 13 20 6 11 30 34 30

Norris, Jaydin Norwood, Tamia O'Brien, Katrina Ogletree, Endie Mae Oliver, Ben O'Sheanna, Thomas Pack, James Pahl, Abigail Painter, Emily Palomba, Ella Pan, Cindy Pasrija,Khushi Pastore, Caroline Patterson, Anna Patterson, Creed Payne, Cheyenne Payne, Leonard Perry, Gracie Peterson, Ethan Peterson,Chasittie Philbrick, Madison Platt, Taylor Pleasant, Passion Poorman, Amiah Porter, Joe Porter, Justin Presutti, Annalise Ragon, Shannon Reckenbeil, Jacob Reed, Autumn Reed, Hannah Retone, Avery Ribaudo, Emily Robinson, Hannah Robinson, Julia Rodak, Brandon Rohrer, Miracle Rosendale, Synde Rosler, Tess Royster, Mikia

17 39 53 26 14 37 62 38 59 31 88 10 22 5 23 87 79 20 32 57 16 21 62 34 81 21 62 47 5 21 80 37 87 61 35 51 70 79 14 63

Rufin, Colin Salinas, Brian Salomone, Leah Salvatore, Jordyn Salvino, Ella Saunders, Olevia Schaffer, Xander Schmidt, Bryce Schnabel, Sierrah Schoolcraft, Alyssa Schrembeck, Emily Schueller, Rebekah Scott, Mazie Shilling, Luka Sims, Brooklyn Singleton, Michaela Smith, Isaiah Soehnlen, Elizabeth Southers, Seth Spehar, Mackenzie Sphon, Kim Stephan, Nellie Sterling, Izaya Stevenson, Sam Stewart, Derrick Stewart, Finley Stokes Williams, Aleaka Stover, Soren Strouble, Abigail Sweet, Dustin Taylor, David Taylor, McKenna Terrell, Alondria Thompson, Samantha Thouvenin, Abigail Thouvenin, Natalie Toles, Tehran Tomak, Lauren Tonges, Bradley Travis, Charlize

Stark County District Library ~ 2013 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 96

14 48 24 11 25 50 25 88 36 27 43 80 6 10 60 74 75 13 33 49 77 13 34 77 22 5 46 15 50 7 73 51 71 53 48 71 7 27 37 20

Index Grades 10 ‐ 12

2013 Youth Poetry Contest Travis, Javon Triplett, Patricia Trump, Heather Tsenekos, Ariana Tucke, Makalob Tucker, Josue Tucker, Meghan Turner, Ca'Ron Turner, Craig Turner, William Turpin, Richard Turpin, Roby Vaidya, Simran Vance, Zoe Vannatter, Alise Verbus, Elena Walker, Kevondre Walschburger, Martin Walsh, Karlie Ward, Mason Weimer,Marah Weisburn, Jane Wendell, Alexis Whitacre, Faith White, Andrew Whitted, Jeanie Wilder, Patrick Williams, Abigail Williams, Brielle Williams, Kennedy Williams, Michael Williams, Nalayzha Williams, Pery Williams, Rachael Williams, Sam Williams, Talyn Williams, Tiffany Williams, Traysha Wilson, Khalyn Wise, Joe

19 6 89 15 7 49 67 73 75 30 74 60 83 7 71 36 8 92 35 9 38 8 73 43 30 34 62 26 19 64 30 9 51 13 54 52 58 76 54 80

Withnell, Spencer Wood, Bella Woodard, Kristin Woodward, Catie Woodward, Donny Wright, Garrett Wright, Kevonne Wu, Winnie Yoho, Anthony Yoho, Nikki Young, A'Niya Young, Constance

55 31 93 83 57 6 20 14 13

7 88

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