2010 Poetry Contest Winners

1st Place - Category A
Jack Niven
Grade 4

One Big Concert

I can hear the sounds around me, it’s is music to my ears

The hustle and bustle of Penn Station is like Stevie Wonder’s jazz music right in my face……….. It’s a mind boggling experience

It seem to be neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeever ending

All the talk like piano forte

I need the bustle, I need sounds, honking, screeching of tires, the “Hi, hey, what’s up?” … every thing

Nothing can stop me from listening and following along with the beat, it’s a thrill

All the different languages accents – amazing, like a whole new song



This concert inspires me to speak out

I learn from listening to the all the talk at Grand Central,

listening to the different languages

I love the sounds – the pings the pangs the ring ring ring the ding dong the click the clock – all of these

noises are amazing… zooooooooooooooooooom goes my mind

bing, zooooooom




1st Place - Category B
Trevor Kennedy
Grade 6 – Period 7

The Beach’s Symphony

Have you ever been to the beach by yourself?
The beach’s breeze swirls through me; the breeze carries the sand from the  
               hills of the dunes into the ocean’s water.
Relax, floating in the ocean’s arms, while gently the sand whispers,
              “Whoosh-swish-woo.”
The waves grab the sand with the light crash.
The sunlight swirls, a mixtures of oranges, reds, and yellows.
The sun is gazing at me, then a grand pause.
Silence…..The waves break the ice with a whoosh then a crash into the
                sand.
LOOK!  The winds sing the harmony, while the waves’ peaceful crashes take 
                the melody.
Working together, they combine, making a calm, warm symphony.
There is a soft vibrato in the breeze, and then the tempo rises.
The ocean tide turns gently, a serene scenario, everything is calm, the palm
                trees give us shade, a helping hand.
Lying on my back now, the sand is woven silk.
My eyes are closing in a rhythm, closed 1 2 3, open 1 2 3, closed 1 2 3,
                open.
Finally they are closed, sleepily dazed, my fee covered in the warmer sand
                blanket.
A dreamer now, sound asleep, dreaming.



1st Place - Category C
Justin DiBennardo
Grade 8 – Period 9

The Ocean’s Symphony

The ocean, a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and wonder,
Waking my senses to hear the maritime music all around me.

Seagulls screech in the misty light of dawn,
Gliding freely over the aqua-lime waves.

Spectacular, swirling spheres of silver-sided fish,
Hover over the unfathomable depths of the deep.

From far away, the sea echoes the tranquil din
Of the melodious songs of the majestic whales.

Colorful coral reefs shimmer in the midnight light of the moon,
‘Neath the slumberous lapping waves.

Seals dart daringly through the murky shallows,
Evading the sharks that persevere to devour them.

Jungles of jellyfish bob up and down with gentle currents,
Supporting their persistent efforts to stay afloat.

The ocean, its boundless brilliance invades my soul,
Stirring my passion for the maritime music all around me.



1st Place - Category D
Tiffany Chang
Grade 10

Spanish Guitar

While walking the street of a village in Spain
A melody, soft and clear,
Drifts through the air above the lane.
Curious, you follow your ears.

You find a man sitting upon a crate,
A guitar perched on his knee.
The notes flowing from his fingertips create
Delectable harmonies.

You watch him play, your eyes aglow,
Not a single word does he say.
Yet hear the tale of a love long ago,
One that had faded with the day.

You feel the steps of a forgotten dance
And smell the fleeting fragrance of roses.
You’re caught in the mystical trance
By the melody he composes.

Yet there’s no happy end to this affair,
In his heart there remains a scar.
He ends his piece with melancholy air,
A tear falling upon his guitar.



1st Place - Category E
Emily Sweetman
Grade 12

Wet Sand

The current sways to the tempo of the breeze
Rhythmically stroking the sea’s silk surface
Like a bow soars over strings tracing delicate shades of sound
Ripples whisper teasing notes
Rolling waves hum and dance in tune
Sharp staccato scent of salt
Rushing to the senses like lyrical ecstacy
Thin slivers of silver clouds reflect a duet upon the pallid depths
Hues of gold play on the sun soaked shores as skilled fingers play on ivory keys
Coast of oyster shells composed in harmony with pearls
Water surges up sand to meet and with swelling symphonies retreat
High reverberating pitches of gulls’ calls
Pulse of wings beating at leisure
Wild flowers ring in range of dulcet cords
A melodious bouquet, a multicolored arrangement
Inspiration from creation
Nature’s jewels of tone rushing in air
Making human voices teeter to a silence