PHOTO/ERIC MARKS
Editor’s note: While we thought we had a mathematical formula that would make a tie among our winners virtually impossible, the editors at the rn&r once again proved we’re better at words than math, and Marilyn Melton and eric Brooks did indeed tie for first place in our first-ever poetry contest. congratulations to all our winners and runners up. thanks also to the more than 300 people who entered.
FIrSt pl ace: the Passing of a BRidg e oveR tiMe By MarIlyn r. Melton artist-writer Marilyn royle Melton is a fourth-generation nevadan whose interests are art, the humanities and history. as a life-long (80 years) resident of reno, the city’s future is one of her greatest concerns.
My R at tlesnake By Mat t Sherer National Geos and sixth grade science revealed a little biology: reproductive parts, triangular heads, brunette blotches, and sit and wait predation. Others found you. Me, I met impostors— relatives, I suppose. But their forked tongues kindled no threat, just curiosity, and to them, I gave little warmth. After years, some coming of age, I saw you twice on the same day, roused by the pulses of my passes. Now, I need to know why it worked this way, if you too prefer the solitude of mornings, what charms you, and where you sleep at night. I grapple amid impulse and instinct, envision reactions if you were to emerge from shadows of boot or foot of bed, or coil in the breast of my den, this crib, and if I’d strike first, or if I’d settle. 12 | RN&R |
APRIL 3, 2014
Purple hills and majestic mountains Embraced the verdant valley That trappers, gold miners and pioneers Traversed on their way to the sea
On the site of the original pioneer trail A fine concrete structure was erected With electric lights and wrought iron rails Reno was at last well respected
The route brought wagons and cattle To cross the meandering stream That came to be named for the Paiute guide Who led them west to their dream
Completed and dedicated One hundred and six years ago Her life has been turbulent and wild Both above and below
A succession of spans carried traffic Over the Truckee’s current But smashed by heavy loads and snow-fed floods Down river they were sent
Horses, carriages, buses and trucks Joined the strollers promenades While celebrations, libations and festivities Shared days with many parades
Myron Lake built a hotel and bridge And bought the surrounding land. Lake’s Crossing became a lusty Wild West town Under his command
Now after decades of pounding By flood-born debris The thoroughfare’s charm and beauty Will become history
But when the railroad from California came In eighteen sixty-eight The growing community officially became A place to celebrate
Preservationists and citizens raise Their voices to lament The last days of Reno’s pulsing heart No pleadings can prevent
The proud Silver State of Nevada Welcomed the new city of Reno Founded and christened for A genuine Civil War hero
In twenty-fourteen the Virginia Street bridge In pieces she will fall Another part of our history gone With the purge of the wrecking ball
Businesses flourished, gamblers, Rascals and scoundrels did too Schools, banks, homes lavish and humble Were erected as the town grew
We say goodbye, farewell Our treasure of memories intact— Gone with the Mapes and other lost icons... We loved them like friends, and that is a fact
A substantial world-class overpass was needed To link the banks of the river Imposing, attractive, and strong enough To carry streetcar and flivver
