Stark County District Library 16th Annual Poetry Contest Booklet Grades 2-12

I SPY Poetry

2015 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 2 & 3

Table of Contents Introduction ......................................... 2 Grades 2 - 3 Awards ......................................... 4 Poetry .......................................... 5-21 Grades 4 - 5 Awards ......................................... 23 Poetry .......................................... 24-34 Grades 6 - 7 Awards ......................................... 36 Poetry .......................................... 37-65 Grades 8 - 9 Awards ................................................ 67 Poetry .......................................... 68-92 Grade 10 - 12 Awards ......................................... 94 Poetry .......................................... 95-102 Index of Entries ................................... 103-107

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 1

2015 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY

I SPY Poetry

POETRY

Stark County District Library’s

16 Annual Poetry Contest th

We received 313 poems from 42 Stark County schools. We would like to thank all participants for their hard work this year.

Thank you Teachers for teaching and encouraging your students to participate in this year’s contest.

The following Stark County Schools participated: Amherst Elementary Arts Academy @ Summit

Jackson High Jackson Middle

Barr Elementary Bridges Home

Lake Cable Lake Center Christian Lake Elementary Lake Middle LEAP Lehman Middle

Cedar Elementary Canty City Digial Academy Early College Academy @ Souers

ECOT Edison Middle

Taft Elementary TC Knapp Elementary Timken Early College Timken Senior High

McKinley High McGregor Elementary Middlebranch Elementary

Uniontown Elementary

North Canton Middle

Whipple Heights Elementary

Frazer Elementary GlenOak High Greentown Elementary Glenwood Intermediate

Oakwood Middle

Hartville Elementary

Perry High Pfeiffer Elementary

Homeschool

Sandy Valley Elementary Sandy Valley High Sandy Valley Middle Sauder Elementary St. Michael Strong Tower Christian Academy

Final Judging was done by a committee of community volunteers. Thank you for volunteering your time to read poems. Your hard work is very much appreciated.

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 2

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 3

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2&3 Awards Carter Anderson Life in the Garden························ 8

Lydia Patrick My trip in space ························ 21

Autumn Hager I Am Deaf, The World is Silent ····· 11

Dylan Purdy The Secret Garden Poem ··········· 12

Jacob Hawk Jacob········································ 9

Sydney Smith Blue ······································· 13

Brooke Hurd Horses ···································· 19

Kolton Sparks Hamsters ·································· 8

Hannah Kokensparger Cousins ····································· 5

Foster Stanley Apple Trees ····························· 16

Zoey Kryah Cheese Love ······························ 6

Renzo Tello Sunderman Me and Robert ························· 19

Griffin Martin Baseketball ······························ 16

Addison Walsh Life is Like … ····························· 9

Inessa Musaelyan My Dog Caesar························· 13

Katelyn Wessel Secret Garden Poem ··················· 5

Robbie Newman MARY ······································· 8

Emmelyn Woolbert A Friend ·································· 16

Ashlyn Osawald Swaying Flowers ······················· 10

Ake’ra Wright Wacky Wednesday ····················· 5

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 4

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3

Cousins Oh cousins oh cousins, There are dozens.

Shouting out with glee, Theres a ho and a hee.

They hid behind the door, There are many toys on the floor.

When it is time to go, They are all so low.

They both say bye, But they don’t cry.

Hannah Kokensparger 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Secret Garden Poem The secret garden was a mystery Mary wanted to know its history Searching and searching until she hound The way into the hidden ground The robin showed her to the key Which filled her up with much glee She opened the door to explore The land of Bowers and trees Vines and bushes were everywhere But they were oh so bare She weeded and weeded to try to see If there was life sprouting wanting to be free

Summertime Cheer Summertime summertime you are finally here, There’s just one thing tyo say lets give a cheer!

No more snow no more sleet, No more ice in the street I am happy because you know, There will be no more snow!

Bringing life to the garden became her mission And she chose to do it without permission With help from her friends to make it thrive The Secret Garden will soon be ALIVE! Katelyn Wessel 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Kaylee Gidcumb 3rd grade, Whipple Heights

Wacky Wednesday CHARLIE Charlie is very scratchy Charlie dropped from an Apache Charlie likes to eat the bait I don’t know what kind he ate Charlei very bratty He is also very chatty.

Charlei is incorrect is a cause and effect Charlei really is a jerk Charlie really has a smerk Andrew Hough 3rd grade, Amherst Elementary School

Today is Wacky Wednesday And it is very fun!

Everybody looks very silly And I mean every, everyone.

People are dressed in costumes from head to toe to shoe My teacher has a shoe on her head And it does not look new When I went to lunch There were singing flowers!

I sat and watched them sing a song for hours and hours and hours When I went to bed I had a good night sleep.

Then, when I woke up Wacky Wednesday was over.

Aker’ra Wright 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 5

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY Poetry Colin Craven

Cheese Love!

Ho haw I love cheese.

With holes, and when its orange and yellow.

I love it when it’s a cub.

I love it when it’s cold and When it’s hot to.

I ges I am like a mouse Because I love cheese just like they do.

Ho haw I love my cheese.

I love it on bread and even on meat Say Cheese!

The End! Zoey Kryah 3rd grade, Amherst Elementary School

Spring

Colin is cross and mean.

Outdoor excitement is what he needs.

Love is what he never feels.

In his room alone he lay.

Never has he been outdoors.

Colin meets his cousin Mary.

Really that is what he needs.

And once he gets out to the garden.

Venture is what he has.

Even now he is strong.

Now he feels alive.

Kenna Loukas 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Black horse

The spring showers bring spring flowers The animals come out to play every single day The children come out to play for hours The month of May brings a beautiful bouquet

Black horse, Black horse I love you of course The way you run free Right under that cherry tree You always bring me a little smile You will be here for a little while

And that’s why I love the spring, full of power

Black horse, Black horse I love you of course You look like the night You glow bright I rode you daily Your new owner is Haily

Savannah Weaver 3rd grade, Cedar Elementary School

Black horse, Black horse I’ll miss you of course

The sky doesn’t look so down and sour The world doesn’t seem so full of grey

Birds

Caitlyn Geisheimer, Anna Jenkins & Grace Williams 2nd grade, Amherst Elementary School

Birds fly in the air.

Birds nest in a tree in spring.

Birds migrate in fall.

Kaleel George 2nd grade, St. Michaels

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 6

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3 THE SECRET GARDEN – COLIN CRAVEN

If I Went To New York If I went to New York, I would eat a lot of Pork with my fork.

When I finish my pork, I would invent a dance move called the Lork.

It’s when you do some flips, Then eat some cheese nips.

Then I would take my dog Kips, And do some skips.

At the park, You will hear him bark.

Oh, if I went to New York

Colin was cross and sour Opportunities lie to Empower Little Colin in bed spends lots of hours In time Mary and Colin Agree…

Nasty and sour he might be But he’s about to go into the Garden of glee Calling Craven the Garden whispers Replant me more crisper All the children play and run around Very excited and bound Elegant the garden looks round and round Now Mr. Craven is astound Cracie Cribbs 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Kaegan Bohrer 3rd grade, Amherst Elementary School

Little Sisters Little sisters, little sisters How loveable and huggable.

They’re small, active and playful But sometimes messy and lazy and crazy.

But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

They’re sweet and always there for you.

And that’s why I like Having them here.

Willow Carcione 2nd grade, St. Michaels

Animals Animals, animals All around, I have one You have two!

I love animals Yes I do.

I love animals How about you?

Pink

Animals, animals I have three You have four!

We all have an animal, Except maybe you!

Lexy Clifton 3rd grade, Whipple Heights

Pink, pink, what a pretty color, I love pink crayons because you can color, I love pink roses, but not the thorns, I would like a pink ball without the horns.

My Dad would like a pink Corvette. . .well maybe not pink, I wish I had a pink skunk, without the stink.

Alana Stewart 2nd grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 7

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY Poetry The Robber Follows Me!

LIFE IN THE GARDEN In the Secret Garden, many things grow.

Silverbell and mignonette roots go down below.

Mary, Dickon, and colin play there.

All growing in the springtime air.

Bossy and contrary hearts Turned kind by magical arts.

Death or life was Colin’s choice.

In the end, they all rejoic.

The Secret Garden brought life.

Happiness, friendship, and no more strife.

Carter Anderson 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

If the robber was in my room, He will give me some doom.

If the robber picks up a spoon, I will go to the moon!

If I run in a race, He would turn the race into a chase.

If I saw the robber go in my room in different ways, I would try to add some haze!

If the robber picks up a shark, I will name it Mark!

If the robber places some bubbles, I will have to name him Gubbles!

If the robber makes me bend, I’m sure he will be my friend!

Mary

If the robber goes to jail, I will sometimes give him some mail!

As she finds a garden Everyone hardens To make things grow She must know How to plant a garden

Jase Cornelius 2nd Grade, TC Knapp Elementary School

To bring it alive They work with pride As the garden grows Everyone knows That little Mary Did it all

Sharks Sharks teeth are scary.

They live in the dark ocean.

Sharks are very cool.

Robert Newman 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Hamsters Hamsters, tiny, fat Cute and noisy, they run fast.

They’re red with orange spots.

Kolton Sparks 2nd grade, St. Michael

Jack Dinwiddlie 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

My Wonderful teacher Miss Shaheen is great.

Miss Shaheen is my teacher She has a blue jeep.

Miss Shaheen is very pretty.

Miss Shaheen has very long hair.

Jalynn Daviduk 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 8

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3

Life is Like‌.

Jacob

Life is like a rollor coaster. It has its ups and downs.

And even moments when you feel upside down.

Jumping Apple eater Coyote lover Out the door all the time Brilliant

Life is like a book you have youre end and your beginning.

Life is like a game of chance, you have happy and sad moments

Jacob Hawk 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary

All I know is that you have good and bad moments And some days you will want to go to the hay and think how You should feel today.

Addison Walsh 3rd grade, Amherst Elementary School

Candy Land If you can go to anywhere what place would it be?

Would you go to candy land?

That's where I want to go Where there's lollipop, suckers, candy, gum and so much more Up above the clouds is CANDY LAND. Fairy with candy dresses and your house is made of candy you still want to go?

Well if you do, take the candy rocket ship to candy land you go.

Sydney Norch 2nd grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Me I love I Spy I love I spy. I Spy is mine. I Spy is yours.

I Spy is here. I spy is there. I Spy is everywhere.

I Spy is in the rain. I Spy is in the light. I spy has sifficult stuff, difficult stuff indeed. I like difficult stuff, yes I do. Difficult stuff is mine. Difficult stuff is yours. Difficult stuff is ours.

Delightful Intelligent Awesome Nice Avid reader Diana Teeple 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Alyssa Mayle 3rd grade, Whipple Heights

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 9

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY Poetry The Secret Garden

Swaying Flowers Do you see the swaying flowers rising up so high?

All of them are different but beautiful.

Yellow, pink, red, and blue all so charming.

Those flowers look like they are staring at me.

When I look up, I don’t want to stop.

The flowers are so bewitching.

Now it’s night time and the moon is gleaming.

It is very bright.

The tulips are closing for a good night’s sleep.

When they wake up in the morning dew, You’ll realize they did it just for you.

The secret Garden is about Mary, The kids teased her by calling her contrary.

It is such a good book.

Although it doesn’t inspire you to cook.

It is very good, Even if there is no little red riding hood.

Vanessa Phillips 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Spring Surprise, sunrise.

Patience, you have to wait for spring.

Rays from the sun warm me.

I love when spring comes.

Nothing is in your way…but winter.

Growing flowers come popping up durring spring.

Ashlyn Oswald 3rd grade, Homeschool

Secret Garden The Secret Garden is where I want to go Now I must go I am on my way But I don’t know the way This will change my life.

I will cut all the dead plants with a knife.

It will be great I hope I’m not late.

I will know what it looks like I am going tyo ride my bike.

Carter Demetro 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Flowers grow, birds tweet.

We love you spring please don’t fleet!

From, Froggy and friends.

Tessa Dutton + Mackenzie Hedrick 3rd Grade, Hartville Elementary

Me and Fred Me and Fred will play in the sand.

We will play in the sand on the land.

We will go inside to get ice cream, and Get Fanned after playing in the sand on the land.

Ryan Villard 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary

My Friend Zac Basketball-loving Zac. Zac likes to pack.

He makes a hoop.

He loves to loop.

Kyla Johnson-Bennett 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 10

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3 Football

I Am Deaf, The World is Silent

Numbers Palyers Touchdown Brown Yay!

I imagine myself in a world that I can’t hear There are no birds chirping, no cats meowing, No music playing I cannot hear the ocean waves I cannot hear the splashes in the pool There is no talking, no laughing And most of all I can’t hear my parents’ voice

Andrew Hinderegger 2nd Grade, St. Michael School

Basketball

But I can see birds when I look outside And smell the spring flowers I can feel the cat’s soft fur rubbing up against my leg I can feel the cold waves coming to me and taste the salt in the air I can feel the splashes of the pool when I jump in And feel the hot sun beaming down on me I can see people talking together I can see them laugh when something is funny And most of all, I can see my parents and know that they love me

Orange Balls, Players, Shot with 24 seconds, 3 points, 2 points, blocks and assists or steals and dunks.

Players use the Backboard.

This poem is done.

Ricky Salvino 2nd grade, St. Michael

I am deaf The world is silent Autumn Hager 3rd grade, Homeschool

Go to the Beach

The Poet Tree Underneath the poet-tree.

Sit with me.

Watch the wind blow the poetry leafs around.

Catch them and read the poetry.

Save your favorite ones.

Show them to everyone you will have fun.

Brynn Haymaker 4th grade, Sauder Elementary School

Go to the beach And sing a speech Go to the beach and have a swim Go to the beach and bring your besty Kim Go to the beach and have a enjoyable tan Go to the beach and have a little of the pop sran Go to the beach and have little swim But the end will come That your mom yells “Come on it’s time for dinner” Unity Moore 3rd grade, Amherst Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 11

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY Poetry Colin Craven

Secret Garden Poem The garden is a beautiful sight, When the plants and flowers are nice and ripe.

Some flowers are dull and some bright, But either way they look alright.

Red, blue, plurple and pink, Some smell good and some stink.

Some flowers are big and some are small, And some even bloom in the fall.

I could stay in the garden all day long. \and the birds might even sing a song.

Dylan Purdy 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Chocolate Chocolate bars, what?

So, so many chocolate bars.

Here and there and everywhere there is chocolate.

When will it leave?

All there is to eat is chocolate!

I am allergic!

Brenya Grier

2nd grade, Taft Elementary School

Careless Odd Lonely Irresponsible Nervous Chatty Rude Afraid Vexed Eager Nasty Cameron Morton 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

I’M A LITTLE TURTLE I’m a little turtle Big green shell Yellow eyes that cast a spell Crawling slowly win the race.

Look behind you don’t leave a trace Eating plants, growing strong And see a bunny hop along.

Take a nap in your shell Wake up slowly crawl again!

Night and day hurray!

I’m a turtle and that’s my name!

Keya Williams 3rd grade, Strausser Elementary

MUSIC

Kaylee

My Unicycle Stopped In Colorado

Kite lover Apple lover Yard lover Love my Mom Eats a lot of candy Eats fruit

Addison Thomas 2nd grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Kaylee Pritchett 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 12

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3 My Dog Caesar

The Pirates The Pirates are the best They always complete the test The Pirates fight off that annoying pets They hit their opponent in the chest The Pirates never go west They never have trouble zipping a vest The Pirates never take the arrest They always wind the contest

I have a dog that is really big If you hear him snort you would think he was a pig He is a dog that doesn’t like to dig Or even dance the jig.

He is white like snow And he follows me wherever I go!

The Pirates have never been 2nd best They always beat the Wild West

He keeps me safe at night Also, he helps me to sleep tight.

The Pirates are the best They always complete the test.

My dog Caesar is my friend and I know he will protect me until the end.

Cole Bolon 3rd grade, Amherst Elementary School

Inessa Musaelyan 2nd grade, Amherst Elementary School

BLUE

Dogs Some times people dye their dog blue.

They start to grow goo.

It’s gross-a-roo.

Dogs take a bath.

They start to do math.

They roll in the grass.

Then they get in the car to get gas.

Sydney Smith 3rd Grade, Middlebranch Elementary School

People name there gods Murray.

They scurry around like a horse.

Of course there cute.

Lily Mocher 3rd grade, Whipple Heights

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 13

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY Poetry Snow Snow is fun, Snow can be muddy, Snow can be anything.

The Color of Snow What does the color of snow mean?

White sometimes means cold But it’s color can be bold Like the color gold.

Isaiah Lopez-Gracia 2nd grade, St. Michael

White is very bright Unlike the night.

But in the sun It will reflect the light.

Football Running and making goals.

Passing and throwing is great!

Touchdown, shoot for two!

Tackle that running player!

How will you win the game tonight?

Now the you know About the color of snow I hope that you Will remember this poem.

Damien Binion 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary School

Emily Kelley 3rd grade, Hartviille Elementary Rainbow Cats People tell cats that there hair smells like gue it looks like it to I tell cats to take a bath instead she goes and takes a nap on the mat Jo Jo Ohler 3rd grade, Whipple Heights

Rainbows are colorful.

Rainbows are cool.

Rainbows are fun.

Rainbows come out with the sun.

Rainbows are fun for everyone.

Rainbows shine for everything.

Rainbows shine as bright as the sun.

Rainbows are for everyone.

Tatianna Lee 3rd grade, Lake Cable Elementary Blue Blue

Blue Blue It is the color of the sky It is so pretty it will make your day.

It will be your friend when you’re felling lonely It will fix it all away just like that!

Blue is not like the other colors cause it always makes you cry when your see the color blue!

Blue blue blue Alayna Nutter 3rd grade, Whipple Heights Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 14

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3 Unicorns

Secret Garden – COLIN CRAVEN

Unicorns are cute.

Magical creatures flying.

They’re kind and cuddly.

Colin is nasty and sour Opportunities make power Let Colin be free In the garden of glee No more sad

Taryn Driesbach 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Colin is not mad Rather happy At the garden he is snappy Very beautiful the flowers grow Everyone will know Now the flowers are above and below Colin McNickle 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Millie Dogs like to sneak up on things because that is the way and that is way to play ball that a dog can and…

In My Secret Garden In my secret garden, My flowers grow fast, It seems like time has past, Now they are so beautiful, Before it was so plane, I can hardly explain, It was lock up for ten years, I could hardly believe my ears, Now I can’t believe my eyes, People think they are just lies.

Angelica Martinez 3rd grade CHAP, Arts Academy @ Summit

Robert Hurd 2nd grade, Homeschool People Around the World Some are old.

Some are new.

Some are brown.

Some are peach.

All are nice.

That means you are too!

Kaleigh Crawford 2nd grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Summer I love summer. . . because it is funner in the summer, I love to play in the summer everyday, It is fun to swim in the water, in the summer plus. . . the light in the summer is bring in the summer but. . .it is only spring.

Bunnies Bunnies nibble food They’re so fluffy and pretty Awesome, cuddly.

Brenin Betz 2nd grade, St. Michaels

Payne Wagner 3rd grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 15

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY Poetry I’m Special

Miss Shaheen and AJ Miss Shaheen Miss Shaheen is a girl and AJ is a boy.

Miss Shaheen likes pink and AJ likes blue And Miss Shaheen likes running and AJ likes basketball.

And Miss Shaheen likes wearing girl clothes and AJ likes wearing boy clothes.

AJ AJ Asberry 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary

MARVELOUS ATHLETIC RESPECTFUL INTELIGENT NICE AWESOME Marina Newman 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary

Apple Trees

My Dad He is awesome He makes me cookie dough.

And he gives me Pokemon.

Love You!

My apple is tart.

It has a sweet part.

It grows on a tree.

Trees are helpful to you and me.

Trees giv off oxygen so we can breathe.

They are pretty with all the leaves.

Trees give us food.

Now that will do.

Dominic Glaser 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Foster Stanley 2nd grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Dad

My Dog A Friend A friend will help when things seem bad.

A friend will help when you are sad.

A friend will be there every day.

If you treat them nicely they won't go away.

A friend is nice if you are too.

A friend will be there for me and you.

My dog His name is Gus. He is super crazy.

He plays fetch with me all the time.

CRAZY! Molly Dunn 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Emmelyn Woolbert 3rd grade, Lake Cable Elementary April Showers April showers bring May flowers.

They are shining, so are you.

Flowers are blooming So can you!

Maybe you’ll grow petals Like flowers too!

Emily Conner 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary

Baseketball Hear the loud big noice Bouncing all around, bright orange.

Shooting in the hoop.

Griffin Martin 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 16

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3

My Two Dogs I like the color blue.

My dog chews on my shoe.

My dog is black and white.

He likes to fight.

My shoe is blue too.

My dog likes to poo.

I got a new dog.

We call him a hog.

My sister hates him.

So I called her Tim. I like my two dogs.

I put them on logs.

My black and white dog didn't like the log.

Then out of nowhere came fog.

My dogs couldn't see.

Then they started to pee.

Then the fog got thicker.

Then my sister and I started to bicker.

Then everything was normal.

So we went to a formal.

Darek Staudt 2nd grade, Lake Cable Elementary

A Swim in the Gym My dad signed me in for the gym.

I took a little swim at that gym.

Then a kid pulled the drain.

And then I fell on a train.

Logan Hamrick 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School Candle Candle candle on a handle a light at night keeps me from having a fright I use my candle every night so I can have peace all night see the glowing before my eyes please don't make me say goodbye Millie Schnitzler 3rd grade, Lake Cable Elementary My Basketball Game

Hiking Feel the nice spring breeze I like hiking in the woods I like hiking with my dad.

Lauren Pierce 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

It’s fun.

Basketball Games I like playing with friends E dribble and I shoot the ball.

Made it!

Gavin Williams 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Me AWESOME DELIGHTFUL INTERESTING SWEET OPEN NICE

Crazy Kenzie!

Adison Wierzbicki 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

My dog Is the fastest She can play catch with me.

She goes crazy when we get home.

Kenxie!

Jeffrey Wenum 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 17

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY Poetry

Spring Spring has come!

Some flowers have bloomed.

Some flowers have not bloomed.

Have you seen some leaves come back?

Have you played outside again?

Have you seen some birds come back?

Spring, Spring has come again!

Cardinals Live long, big red bird Our stat bird for Ohio Listen to them chirp.

Victoria Chase 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Bobby St. Jean 2nd grade, Lake Cable Elementary Basketball STARS Stars glow bright through the night.

The moon is by their side.

Through the night.

While they glow bright.

While the sun is waiting to rise.

Hear the basketball bouncing Hear the shoes squeaking Basketball is fun!

Ryan Josef 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Grace Hurd 2nd grade, Homeschool

What I Did I remember when I first saw a zebra.

I felt happy because I got to see a zebra.

I got to feed the zebra it was fun.

The zebra did tricks for me then it was time to go.

Isabella Middour 3rd grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Candle Candle candle on a handle A light at night Keeps me from having a fright I use my candle every night So I can have peace all night See the glowing before my eyes Please don’t make me say goodbye

If I Went To New York If I went to New York, I would eat a lot of Pork with my fork.

When I finish my pork, I would invent a dance move called the Lork.

It’s when you do some flips, Then eat some cheese nips.

Then I would take my dog Kips, And do some skips.

At the park, You will hear him bark.

Oh, if I went to New York Kaegan Bohrer 3rd grade, Amherst Elementary

Millie Schnitzier 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 18

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3

Me and My Brother Renzo Younger, smaller Playing, sleeping, fishing Catfish, football, video games, Blue Gill Gaming, snoring, walking Older, bigger Robert Renzo Tello Sunderman 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary

Color Poem Red is like an apple waiting to get picked off a tree.

Orange is like a sunset on a fall evening.

Yellow is like sunshine on a summer morning.

Gree is like laying in the grass on a warm spring day.

Blue is like a bluejay tweeting it's beautiful song.

Purple is like lilacs in a field.

White is like snow falling down.

Gray is like a gloomy day.

Black is like the strike of midnight.

Ella Degenhard 2nd grade, Lake Cable Elementary

My Dad

Life

Daddy He is the best.

He helps me when I’m sad.

He makes me happy when I’m sad.

My Dad Elizabeth Schnee 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School Horses Horses galloping in the sun.

Dashing Fast. Run! Run! Chasing each other having fun.

Playing till the summer day is done.

Brooke Hurd 2nd grade, Homeschool Soccer

Salt is white My pants are tight I think my brother needs to go night night.

When I went to school to my surprise there was a pool and now I think my school is cool.

My life is normal and I like to snorkel there is no such thing as the word borkel.

I like to swim the lights are dim I have a friend that is named Tim. My plants are dead im turning red I think I need to go to bed.

Foster Chelbert 3rd grade, Sauder Elenentary Ponies

Soccer I like soccer.

I score a lot of goals.

Soccer is my favorite thing.

Soccer Nathaniel Teeple 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

They have fluffy hair.

Hear them trot all day long.

The farm is so loud.

Isabelle Peters 2nd grade, St. Michaels

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 19

Grades 2 & 3

I SPY Poetry

Fun I like having fun I know I’ll be done.

I will be so sad But I’ll be glad for what I had.

Nyla Crable 2nd grade, Amherst Elementary School

Foxes Big red fluffy tail.

Sleep in the den every night Caring for the cubs.

Ava Daves 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Heaven

My Mom My mom’s name is Sherry.

She loves to eat a berry.

Sherry is always cooking.

She is always looking.

Friends of Mine Three little kittens Friends of mine, I’ll see you in my dreams,

Maria Wise 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary

Happy, grand, Colorful, gorgeous, Fun, Christ, Rainbows, sun, Beautiful, perfect!

Ava Morman 2nd grade, St. Michael

In the heart of the jungle.

My Bin Poem Ryleigh Who is happy, fun, loving, nice Daughter of Jake and Jen Lover of dogs and drawing Fears thunder and lighting Needs family and friends Giver of lemonade and massages Would like to see Texas and the beach Resident of Plain Local Hall

Jordyn Strader 3rd grade, Homeschool My Dad My dad He is the best He plays baseball with me He lets me get Legos at stores.

He’s cool.

Hunter Patterson 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School The Cat

Ryleigh Hall 2nd grade, Barr Elementary School

Football

Treat-loving peanut.

Peaut is a nut.

He’s not a mutt.

And he give me …

A cut

Football is fun.

You can run and run.

Make a touchdown. I don’t care. Boom!

They won.

Rae-Ann Harvey 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary School

Preston Decker 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 20

I SPY Poetry

Grades 2 & 3

Cats

Woodpecker

December Snow is falling

The cat is fluffy.

He chases the small brown mouse.

He catches his prey.

Mya Hanlon 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

December is ringing in your ear.

Peck, peck, peck Down to the roots.

Peck, peck. Peck Up to the leaves.

Peck, peck, peck All day long.

Gavrielle Steele 3rd grade, St. Michael’s School

Michael Bliese 2nd grade, Homeschool

Candy in your stocking New Year’s Eve is here!

Dogs My Dog is so cute.

Dogs play fetch in the dog park.

Bella likes ot play.

Jenna Reynolds 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School Dad My dad My dad is cool.

My dad is really nice.

He likes baseball and I do too.

My couch.

Carter Simms 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

All About Me

My Trip Into Space First I see Mercury, to the sun so near, One day there is longer than a year.

Then we go to Venus, the hottest one.

It would not be very fun.

And then comes Earth, our home planet, We have one moon that shines on it.

Then comes Mars, a rusty one.

To live there; it would not be very fun.

And then comes Jupiter, a big one indeed, To go there, a rocket ship you would need.

Then comes Saturn with all its rings Of ice and dust and other things.

Then comes Uranus, the bluish green one, So cold and so very far from the sun.

PRECIOUS ROCK STAR ENERGETIC SHORT THOUGHTFUL OUTGOING NICE

Then we go to Neptune, the cold bluish one.

So far and so lonely...no fun.

Last is Pluto, a small one indeed, Almost as small as a little, little bead.

Preston Preda 2nd grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Finally, we go back to the sun, Where we all have fun!

Lydia Patrick 3rd grade, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 16th Annual Poetry Contest ~ Page 21

I SPY Poetry

Grades 4 & 5

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 22

Grades 4 & 5

I SPY Poetry

Grades 4 & 5 Awards Chloe Ahn On the Night Before Christmas ···· 34

Isabella Fox The Real You ··························· 34

Madison Altman It’s Finally Spring ······················· 28

Lilianna Fulmer # Fabulous ······························· 26

Izaiah Amos Sports ····································· 30

Gabriella Harris Voices ····································· 31

Mason Armstead Summer, Little League ··············· 29

Cassidy Hasting The Amazing Day ······················ 30

Emily Barnes Who Am I ································ 34

Morgan Hoyt The Morning and Day ················· 26

Mary Bliese Up in the Mountains ··················· 32

Mireya Marcos Highlighters ······························ 30

Adrianna Capoccci My Dance ································ 32

Haley Overdorf Friends ···································· 41

Snehal Choudhury Earthy Spring ··························· 24

Khushi Pasrija The Owl’s Story ························· 27

Adriann Cobbs Tomorrow ································ 25

Joy Patrick Starlight ··································· 26

Ben Davis Summer ·································· 28

Kaitlynn Yoder Spring ····································· 33

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 23

I SPY Poetry

Grades 4 & 5

Feelings

The Monica Style Poem This morning woke up at 6:00 6:00 went downstairs.

Downstairs got breakfast at McDonalds.

McDonalds I got sausage McMuffin with egg. It was good.

Good it was good it will be forever.

Forever I will be best friends with my friends forever I hope.

Hope I will have hope for anybody that wants hope in their life.

Life I have in my body and hope people have hope in their body.

Monica Hoyt 4th Grade, Lake Elementary School Earthy Spring Spring shines on, Streams of sunlight flowing in like river water everywhere Earthworms dig their pinkish heads out of the dirt Blindly giving Mother Earth a soiled smell.

Bees buzz around Sucking sweet nectar for the taste of delicious and tasty honey.

The furry, spotty deer Run on a rampage around the forest greenery.

Drippy rain falling, patter-pattering down as it goes, making a mud land now instead of greenery.

Veggies grow and conquer the greenery, And now it's veggie and herb land, full of taters.

The flowers blossom violently Adding bright shade to the dull world, Like turning a knob up on a switch.

The grass grows Full of sweet honeydew.

The trees stand high, Waiting to survive yet another Brutal year.

Spring honestly should stay prolonged, Like it's always daytime, But instead, I have to wrestle With the stubborn, always rotating Earth to prevent it From going to humid summer.

Snehal Choudhury 5th grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Anger, frustration, Feelings inside.

Break outs of feelings That you tried to hide.

Self-beauty, People try to expose.

But instead of attention, People start to dose.

Kind and gentle Are hard to ignore.

But sometimes, they May feel like a chore.

Bright and thoughtful Are what we seek.

And though we’re told not to, We just need one peek.

Feelings good and bad, Happy and sometimes sad.

Feelings are things we try to hide, But feelings are what we are inside.

Arianna Chapman 4th grade, Frazer Elementary School

Kloee Tomkinson 4th grade, Amherst Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 24

Grades 4 & 5

I SPY Poetry Bears

Loot I went upstairs to find a boot, and ended up finding 50 lbs. of loot!

I told a friend and gave them some and went to buy some bubble gum.

I went to a gym with my loot, and shot a couple basketball hoops.

I got on a bus and what did I find?

878 silver dimes!

I spent all of my dimes and some loot too, AWW man! I lost my shoe!

So I bought a new one at a shoe store, and didn’t even think about giving some money to the poor.

I went home to the pool and got soaked!

But the next thing I know I’m dead broke!

I looked for the thief all around, but soon discovered that he left town.

So I went on with my life without my loot, and I eventually found my boot!

I often get rude It always changes my mood I like seeing stars Pretty far Have to eat some meat Hunting down rabbits to eat Giving my cubs something to eat Having my little ones hard when animals leap My little ones are safe from any danger No one will take my little one like the rangers Having my eye on them as they lay No animals will take my little ones away Teaching them how to fish Because it is their biggest wish I will always be their mother My little ones will have their big brother Damanpreet Chahal 4th grade, Lake Cable School

Melody Harrison 5th Grade, Pfeiffer Intermediate School

Tomorrow Tomorrow the gray skies fade away, Tomorrow will be child’s play, Tomorrow the sun will shine, Tomorrow the world will be mine, Tomorrow I’ll be happy, Tomorrow shall not be crappie, Tomorrow will be good one last time, Tomorrow will be here in one last rhyme.

Adriann Cobbs 4th grade, Amherst Elementary School

My Imaginary Friend I have a imaginary friend His name is Tom. He is a cat.

Tom and I like to go to the park and pet store.

We especially the library!

We each got our own library card.

I like to get dog bnooks.

But Tom prefers mouse books.

After we go to the library we go home and go to bed.

We also each got our own room.

Tom’s is full of fish posters And mine is all pink.

Makenzie Grace McLemore 4th grade, Sandy Valley School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 25

I SPY Poetry

Grades 4 & 5

Starlight I went outside one night, And it was very dark With not a thing in sight Yes, it was very dark.

Then, majesty nigh, Way up in the sky, A twinkling light was seen High up there, like a queen And lo and behold Many more, bright and bold Shining like a thousand lanterns.

Thunder Storm As a ship wobbled, the thunder cracked, then lightning came.

What seemed to be a storm was not, it was a fight.

A fight only caused by the sisters, Thunder and Lightning.

Their fights caused havoc, only known by people, Only calmed by their mom, so dear to them, stops the roars of the thunder and the tears of the rain.

Then happiness appears, A rainbow is made, The sisters truce and stop the storm Ashleigh Barros 5th Grade, Pfeiffer Elementary School

Then I raised my eyes skyward And praised God for this gift, Astounding, majestic, and beauty untold.

Joy Patrick 5th grade, Home School

The Morning and Day

Sparkles, Glitter & Sequins all shine.

Oh let's make a fabulous vine.

We can take selfies we can take pics Look at my outfit look at my kicks Sparkles, Glitter & Sequins all shine Oh this would make a FABULOUS vine.

In the morning I woke up Up I jumped out of bed Bed made I went downstairs.

Downstairs I went to make pancakes and ate.

Ate all the pancakes they were good and delicious.

Delicious because I made them and then went to school.

School I went got in my classroom and I sat down.

Down I went then did my packet and switched classes.

Classes were good and fun.

Fun it was we played games.

Games we played with my friends and other people.

People played then we went to lunch.

Lilianna Fulmer 5th grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Morgan Hoyt 4th Grade, Lake Elementary School

# Fabulous

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 26

Grades 4 & 5

I SPY Poetry

These Vowels Were Meant for Walking (to the tune of “These Boots Were Meant for Walking”) A, E, I, O, U went to Consonant School But didin’t know where to go Until the school janitor Was kicking at them And “O” offered the help him so The “O” got in the middle And then saved the day A, E, I and U said so long, and went on their merry way.

These vowels were meant for walking And that’s just what we’ll do We’re at your school to the rescue Now let’s see what we’ll do.

A, E, I, decided to stay together To help the kids out in the gym And spotted some bored teenagers Who were looking for fun on a whim Before it was all over There was a newly formed trampoline Because O came to help A, E, I out Now everything’s going gleen.

These vowels were meant for walking And that’s just what we’ll do We’re at your school to the rescue Now let’s see what we’ll do Atira Anthony 5th grade, Strong Tower Christian Academy

Spring Day I went outside with my dog to see what we could see we went for a jog when along came a bee we jumped over a log and climbed up a tree my dog and me.

Brenna Dobransky 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

Softball Surprising hits Offense is amazing Fielding is great too Tuns of fun!

Balls are important All about the fun Lollipop licking good Lite that ball on fire Chloe Christensen 4th grade, Amherst elementary School

Backpack Red, black, white, and gray, Working, heaving, creaking, It holds all my school stuff in one place.

Backpack.

Cassie Comfort 5th grade, Briges’ Home School Group

The Owl's Story I hoot in the middle of the night Campers always get quite a fright My yellow eyes glow deeply Which makes me look freaky The campers lights go on When they hear me sing my song It doesn't sound anything like a bird Why would it, you tell me first The sparks of their fire dance in the night Hot and burning, same as a light I look at the stars up high Taking in the beauty of our sky The moon, it's beautiful white Craters are still in sight Goodnight, oh yes goodnight We had quite some fun tonight Khushi Pasrija 4th grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 27

I SPY Poetry

Grades 4 & 5

Untitled The 25th

Blackbugs blew black blud back to the Bee’s. Bug’s are as black as coal. The Bee’s Blew the black bug’s away. The Bee’s buzzed back to the black bug’s. But the black bug’s buzzed away.

OH Presents, My Wrap, It Christmas, The Tree, 25th Wrap OH, December Whewey!

Suzzy soled sea shell’s by the seashore. Suzzy’s friend Sindny Saw Suzzy selling sea shell’s. Suzzy sold a sea shell to Sindny. Sindny bought a sea shell at the sea shore. Suzzy went to play in the sea shore with Sindny.

My leg walked away. So I had to stay by the hay. It also fell asleep. And the hay smelled like a bay. And I name my leg ray.

Madison Broom 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

Katelyn Hauner 4th grade, Barr Elementary School Summer

It’s Finally Spring!

I think I see a thing, It’s spring.

Now I can go on the swing, because it’s finally spring.

Ding Ding Ding the bell on my bike will ring, because it’s finally spring.

The bees are out to sting, because it’s finally spring.

I feel like a king, because it’s finally spring.

In the rain I sing, because it’s finally spring.

The sun is like Bling Bling, because it’s finally spring.

I’m glad it’s finally spring, Although there is still snow on my swing!

Madison Altman 4th grade, Sauder School

In the hot, hot summer I go to the Hall of fame pool.

There’s never a day that’s a bummer the waters just so cool.

In the summer, basketball is my thing.

All day long, from sun up to sun down I practice so one day I could get a ring I’m going to be known as the leader of my town.

In the summer I play outside.

I ride my bike around and around and my brother Jack is always beside.

I stay up late to hear the lovely cricket sound.

In the summer we eat on the grill.

My mom cooks the best!

On the grill steak and shrimp is my chill.

After all of that, I take a rest.

In the summer we also go fishing!

It’s always really, really fun.

I usually don’t catch much but I’m still wishing but at least I’m soaking up the sun.

Ben Davis 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 28

Grades 4 & 5

I SPY Poetry

Cleaning is such a Doom

Little League

If I clean my room my life is a Doom.

If I have a Broom everything is such a Boom.

If I made my Bed my face would go red.

If I make a vacuum go vroom vroom then my life is a Doom.

If I have to dust my life is a Bust.

If I have to fold my life is worse than mold.

If I have to clean a lot then my life is a rot.

If I have to clean my room, my life is a Doom.

My name is Mason and I would like to say The game of baseball is the sport to play.

The game is played with a field of nine And all of the players are out to shine The grass is green and all of the fans are out Waiting to hear play ball from the umpire to shout The batter comes up and is ready to hit As the pitcher throws a fast ball and it hits the mit.

At the end of the game the players line up Then they give high fives and a big thumbs up The game is fun for all to see For all of my teammates especially me

Jaida Lilley 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

Art of Acting

Mason Armstead 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

The time has come it’s opening night I start to perform under the shining light It’s the best feeling I’m nearly in shock It was a close call I started to talk Just now it has come to an end I can’t wait to do it again Ariana Tsenekos 5th grade, Glenwood School

Friends Friends are Spunky They are Funky Friends are Cool They go to School Friends are bold They shine like gold Friends are a joy They’re people I enjoy Friends are caring They’re very sharing That’s what friends are

The Talent Show The curtains finally rose My heart is like a door the will not open Am I ready to leap, jump, twirl, or even fail My name is called My heart is like a never ending row of drums Finally, I leap my best, jump my best, and twirled my best The theatre became as silent as a mouse The applause was like a lion after he caught his prey I bowed and the crowd went up louder like an erupting volcano Until next time the line will become longer the crowd will grow bigger and I will feel stronger Madison Lane 5th grade, Glenwood School

Haley Overdorf 5th grade, Lake Cable School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 29

I SPY Poetry

Grades 4 & 5 The Amazing Day

Highlighters Highlighters come in all different colors, for all of you highlighter lovers.

There is blue and yellow, for all the fellows.

There is orange and pink, to make you think.

There is purple and green, to draw a scene.

There is even scented highlighters, to make your life brighter.

So when you are in trouble, grab a highlighter on the double.

Today was amazing, We had a fire that went blazing.

There was a lot of fun, as we made hot dogs on buns.

We roasted marshmallows on a stick, and ate them up real quick.

Next, we told spooky stories in bed, “You better get to sleep soon!” Mom said.

Camping with family and friends is a blast, “Next time we go, can we bring our cat?” I asked.

Cassidy Hasting 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

Mireya Marcos 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

Blizzard

Sports Oh, it hits off the rim I say, come on team let’s make the win today It’s a hole in one for everyone, so let’s go and have some fun.

I score a touchdown for the team, and we go eat ice cream.

I kick a goal, and today I’m on a role.

Izaiah Amos 5th grade, Glenwood School

I’m rushing down the road but I don’t know what I’m hitting. My snow keeps hitting things but I don’t know what I’m bumping into. I‘m getting stronger but I don’t like it. Oh no I’m gaining energy trying to keep it steady. It’s starting to get really cold and windy. What have I done to my city.

My snow keeps trying to hold all my energy. I don’t want to cause any feet of snow! I don’t want to cause a warning. Warnings aren’t fun for people.

Warnings mean danger and I don’t like danger! Oh no, there tracking me down on their radar! I can’t be proud I blocked roads, I got a warning. I froze things I also caused car accidents. Things aren’t the way they used to be everything is wrecked! I feel that this is all my fault. I destroyed everything. I finally am done why did I do all this I wish I did not like snow.

Marley Kukoleck 4th grade, Amherst Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 30

Grades 4 & 5

I SPY Poetry

Fred in the Red with a Bump on his Head One day Fred in the red got a bump on his head.

I Am A Cat I am a cat right now.

And I go meow.

I just saw a cow.

Now I’m eating cat chow.

The humans don’t get the gist.

So I have to hiss!

The frog in the log near the fog saw Fred in the red with a bump on his head he had a shirt and a skirt in his hand with a plan to drive a van to get a dog put it in the fog with the frog in a log.

Bryce Binius 5th grade, Glenwood Intermediate School

With a bump and a thump he shut the trunk then plunk in his chair with a snair put the skirt and shirt on the dog and whent into the fog with the dog and the frog.

Hannah Sanders 5th grade, Sauder School

Cows at Night!

Cows are black and white.

I wonder what they do at night!

Do they have good eye sight?

Or do they bite?

I hope they don’t fight!

During the night.

Caitlyn Faris 5th grade, Glenwood School

Poodles and Noodles Did you know that poodles like noodles They even eat them on there feet But they really hate there beats poodles noodles everywhere…

Flying here flying there Theres noodles everywhere!

Coley Armstead 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

VOICES I stand alone in the brisk sunlight; Startled by a shaking tree; Watching the bird’s majestic flight; As they come past me.

As I walk along the empty sidewalk; I just want to flee; As I run from the shouting voices; Also known as me.

Gabriella Harris 5th grade, Glenwood Intermediate School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 31

I SPY Poetry

Grades 4 & 5

My examples of poetry My example of an alliteration is, Megan made mango pie. My example of a onomatopoeia is, the door went bam. My example of a personification is, my pencil hopped away.

My example of a rhyme is, my name is Shalyn and my aunt’s name is Raelynn. My example of a metaphor is, my teacher Miss Bee is a diamond.

My example of a simile is, my mom’s lotion Smells like a flower.

Shalyn Dotson 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

The Sunlight and the Moonlight The sun is bright.

The moon is white.

The vampires bite in the night.

The kites take flight in the light.

The sun is bright.

The moon is birght and will light up your night.

Kayla Rowsey 5th grade, Glenwood School

My Dance Kittens are the Best Kittens are cute, kittens are sweet kittens are the animals that can’t be beat.

They play all day with you and me.

Get a kitten and you will see.

This isn’t a hard choice, if you get one you will rejoice.

I like to dance I dance when I get a chance I also have to wear pants when I dance If I don’t wear pants I won’t get a second chance, And maybe not go to dance.

Adrianna Capocci 4th grade, Barr Elementary School

Elijah Loudin 5th grade, Homeschool Up in the Mountains

One Star A star will shine, with one ray of light!

A star will shine, all through the night!

A star will shine like, gold then tell the story, that has not been told!

Jade Hooper 4th grade, Strausser Elementary

Up in the mountains, the sky so blue Almost saying “I love you.”

Whirling and twirling the clouds go by.

Oh, how I wish that I could fly.

As I look at my picture up on my wall I think of summer followed by fall.

Summer can be so fun and cheery, But it can also be so dreary.

Then I think of piles so high, Of leaves that nearly touch the sky.

In winter is snow plows plowing the snow.

I cheer them on, “Go, go, go!”

Now it’s spring, don’t you know, With beautiful tulips, grow, grow, grow.

My tale is doen, do you know the seasons?

Because that was my entire reason.

Mary Bliese 5th grade, Home School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 32

Grades 4 & 5

I SPY Poetry Spring

Spring is my favorite season, When the world turns from white to green; It's as if a lady does it, And the work is done unseen.

The lady fair coaxes the flowers, Up, up! from the dark, earthy ground; And in a soft whisper of yellow, Unfurls a bright lovely crown.

The crocuses, purple or yellow, Are blooming in fairest array; The killdeer nests on pebbles, Protective in every way.

The apple tree blushes in pinkness, The maples are budding in reds; The buttercups open in splendor Lifting up their bright heads.

The birds sing praise in the treetops, To honor our kind, loving LORD, Creator of everything living, Proclaimed by his Holy Word.

The birdies hatch in the springtime, Leaving eggshells scattered 'round, Cardinals, sparrows, and bluebirds, Making a joyful sound.

God's love breathes into this season, Life, warmth, and color and cheer, We see His touch in the beauty, In my favorite time of the year.

Kaitlynn J. Yoder 5ht grade, Home School

Wrestling Win, lose draw, I wrestle till the end to send the other person to the dog pen

Dolphin Poem In this cave that's dark I think I hear a shark He is getting near He's my greatest fear As you can tell I am not very brave Here is the story of how I got in the cave I took a wrong turn So now I must learn Hooray I just escaped Before it was too late That was more scary Than seaweed that's hairy I need to get home My family might feel alone My family that loves me so That, I will always know Fiona McCoury 4th grade, Lake Cable Elementary Poodles and Noodles All poodles fell for noodles But for one poodle didn’t fell for noodles like the others she fell for tootles. Her boyfriend he was a toyfriend they always played and delayed noodles together. Kootles nad tootles loved each other forever more. But the other poodles spilled noodles all over kootles and tootles, they tasted and they liked it. No they loved it. So on they went they actually became Queen and King of poodles and hoodles. They lived about making spices bouth for noodles and having puppies. Who loved the town poodles and noodles Mackenna Plotts 4th grade, Barr Elementary School Elephants Aunts, uncles, cousins trodding with surprising grace each after the first Tess Rosler 4th Grade, Greentown Elementary School

Ronald Dimmerling 5th grade, Glenwood School Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 33

I SPY Poetry

Grades 4 & 5 I Think I think my mink is pink in ink. is pink to sink in ink so pink, I think of a drink

THE REAL YOU I dedicate this poem to Miss Parrish for always telling me its okay for me to be me. Thank you Miss Parrish!

I am as open as the door to heaven I wonder if people will ever open up as the sun does in morning I hear the voices inside just begging to be released I see the pretend people hiding the real them as a prey hides from its predator I want the real to show and the fake to just disappear like the sun at night I am as open as the door to heaven I pretend to be someone else like an actress in amovie I feel as fake as a fairytale I touch the hands of the spirit of the real you I worry that you will stay closed like a locked door for ever I cry at the thought that you all would want to be anything but you I am as open as the door to heaven I understand that we all feel different and that’s okay I say that if we all open up we won’t be ashamed any more I dream we will all open up someday like a door to a new house I try to make you open and true to yourself as the bible is to us I hope we will all open someday I am as open as the door to heaven and I hope you will be too someday Isabella Fox 5th grade, Glenwood Intermediate School On the Night Before Christmas On the night before Christmas when all through the house When someone was coming, but not my aunt's spouse.

When everyone's asleep, I lie on my bed.

Waiting for someone who is mostly red.

I wait for an hour, to see a big elf!

He's massively big, for a guy like himself.

He says his ole thing, you know, “Ho Ho Ho!” Then he goes running, toes not so slow.

And when he eats cookies, he gobbles them down.

And when he must leave, he exits the town.

Though he's to go, I stand with my might, We say our farewells, and wish a good night.

Chloe Ahn 4th grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Laura Bliese 4th grade, Home School

Who am I The time has come, I have moved on.

From baby steps, To growing like dawn.

I’ll make some choices, I’ll regret.

Am I ready to ask this question yet?

Who am I, what have I become?

My family says, I was a toddler, Just yesterday Finding my steps, Doing my best, Walking away I’ve made some choices, That I did regret, I was ready to ask another question, yet…

I still think of this question in my head Who am I, still eventually yet.

Emily Barnes 5th grade, Amherst Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 34

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 35

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6&7 Awards Gavriel Anthony A Tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou ····· 59

Jasmine McCalla Mirror ······································ 51

Ally Baldwin The Deep ································· 52

Eilis McGee I Am, You Are ··························· 57

Jada Coblentz Masterpiece······························ 49

Jacob Messman War is Not Peaceful ··················· 53

Nikaala Collins Just Because ···························· 37

Anna Meyer Impossible ······························· 61

Ally Cooper Safe? ······································ 63

Ysabela Penaflor Take Me Away·························· 40

Graham Duff Disappointing ···························· 62

Jonah Russ Fruit········································ 64

Rachael Fiore New School Day ························ 56

Abbegael Stoltzfus Summer Memories ···················· 42

Christa Freeman Prologue to Squeakeo & Scurriet······ 57

Mikayla Strader Swim ······································ 45

Stephanie Ijoma Shine ······································ 45

Madi Vargo Nowhere to Go ························· 65

Josh Klatt Dad ········································ 65

Jared Yoder Baseball ·································· 64

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 36

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7

Planets Out of Line The icy touch of a January rain as she runs through the parking lot.

Tears in her fathers eyes, but she doesn’t know how to react. and doesn’t threaten herself with tears of her own.

“No, no this isn’t real.”

Wake up! Wake up from this dream!

“There’s nothing we can do…?”

Hospital room and hopeless pleads, the eleven-year-old girl now knows what she needs.

But what’s a moon without its stars?

How is Jupiter feeling without Mars?

Is the solar space still in line?

Will this get better with time?

It all fell apart when a mother left her daughter alone.

Jacqueline LeClerc 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

Stingray City With only eleven feet of seawater over my head, I can see the sun, perfectly above the sea.

It sends waves of light to the sea floor.

A shadow flies above me.

I look up, and my heart beats faster than ever before.

A pack of stingrays are swarming around me.

I reach out to touch them and I feel their gray, silky skin.

They look like underwater hawks, as they fly gracefully in the water.

When we are ready to leave, I swim up to the boat.

But I look back to see the stingrays one last time, but I see nothing.

Zachary Ebbott 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Just Because Just because you say you love me doesnt mean you do Just because you say you love me doesn’t mean I believe you Just because my eyes don’t tear doesn’t mean my heart doesn’t cry Just because I say I love you doesn’t mean it’s not a lie Just because we act like friends doesn’t mean we are and Just because you think it....doesn’t mean you’re the star all I want to say is that I think we should be done Running from what we think is something And is really none.

Nikaala Collins 7th grade, Oakwood Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 37

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

Natural Bridge My family and I had just gotten off the chairlift in Kentucky to go see the Natural Bridge.

When we reached the end of the trail, the view was simply breathtaking as I stood on the cliff.

I gazed at Natural Bridge, which had a name that was self-defining, for it had the clear appearance of a Natural Bridge suspended by two mountains high above the ground.

Far below was a large grassy area with a stream running through it and a road to one side with lots of trees in every direction.

The whole time that I surveyed the Natural Bridge the view was spectacular.

I watched the view, amazed, as I stood back from the edge, gazing from a distance.

I took one last look at Natural Bridge, amazed at how its only supports were the two mountains its ends were stuck into, like two screws stuck into holes in a wall.

As I rode down the chairlift with my family, I thought back to the marvelous view I’d just seen and knew that I will have that memory for a long to come.

Stephen Thomas 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

Unfamiliar Halls Silence greets me like the stillness of a graveyard.

A sea of unknown faces ponder their insults and compliments as they glare up at me.

I look around, asking myself the same questions: Will these students like me?

Will I be considered the nerd?

The freak?

The popular one?

A nobody?

I take a seat, the chair unwelcoming, cool and hard like a stubborn rock.

I turn to look at my teacher.

Will my teachers be kind?

Will they be cruel?

I relax in my chair, telling myself, a day of answers awaits me in a building full of its unfamiliar halls.

Abigail Lumbatis 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 38

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7 Court Room

Life is a court room There are judges who judge you the way they see you Not who you are In school, students are judges and accusers They judge you by the way you look Not who you are Many people judge you the way you look, dress, talk, and smell I’ve been here at times myself In this courtroom being judged by others Being put down by so-called friends that called me fat ugly weird short hideous you’re a nobody pimple face tryhard Adult coaches that called me whimp you suck In this courtroom is were I cry tears of sorrow and pain The taste of tears in my mouth The smell of fear The pain that awaits me As I’m hit with another vicious blow I see the lost souls that are stuck here alone just like me shattered feelings scattered on the floor

out of the blue that life shouldn’t be this way I wipe the wet tears away I’m set free I let others define me as I didn’t say a word The biggest regret that I have is I didn’t say a word I don’t need to wear tight clothes cover my acne burry myself with makeup dress the way others want me to Lower my expectations for others to respect me I’m going to let my true colors show I don’t need to change the way I am for people to like me I just want to be me Thats how they should like me People should like me no matter how I look Because I’m beautiful no matter what they say Words will never again hurt me The tears won’t flow I’m beautiful, smart, wonderful and more I’m beyond beautiful If they don’t like me that way thats a problem they need to solve for themselves I’m not afraid to break the laws of this courtroom When the gavel goes “bang, bang, bang” I will stand up for my self I will break the chains that hold me down my feelings won’t be hurt anymore I won’t be one of the trapped souls locked in this courtroom I am free

I stand alone In this dark courtroom with the echos of the names that swallows me whole I look in the mirror believing what they say until something hits me

I will be the rainbow coming out of the grey clouds I’m not afraid to look in the mirror anymore The mirror is my friend I see the brilliant, beautiful, bright outstanding me I see the wonderful me that I’ve missed

Brianna Montini 7th grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 39

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

My Art‌Ballet Take Me Away I come home after a long, tiring day and throw myself on my bed.

I put my IPod on shuffle, and hear the intro to a song that I know all too well.

Suddenly I feel much better.

Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like without music.

It takes me to places I’ve never been before.

It lets me visit worlds that only exist in my imagination.

Music brings life to a party and emotion to a situation that would otherwise be dry.

It wakes me up in the morning and gets me to sleep at night.

Music hypes me up with the loud beat of the drums and guitar, and it calms me down with the soft sound of the piano, violin, and flute.

I come home after a long day and throw myself on my bed.

I put my IPod on shuffle.

Then I close my eyes, and it takes me away.

Ysabela Penaflor 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

Strengthen muscle to perfect Condition Challenge the body to accomplish Position Focus the mind to accept Correction Connect the music to my Interpretation Honor the creator of this Variation Pace the wings with nervous Anticipation Convey the story with beauty and Passion Pursue this ever elusive goal of Perfection Lauren Scibetta 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

The Life of a Chocolate Bunny I got a chocolate Bunny for Easter As Big as can be.

So chocolatey sweet and It was all just for me.

I nibbled on his ears on Monday Tuesday I ate his head.

Wednesday I put his arms in my ice cream That I ate right before bed.

Thursday I melted his body And made him into a delicious milkshake.

Friday I took his feet And baked them into a cake.

But when Saturday came along I realized my bunny was all gone.

Sunday I was very sad until I unwrapped my chocolate egg and decided to just move on.

Payge Adams 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 40

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7 Tight Bond

We always had a tight bond.

Something no one could break even when we were little.

We dropped to our knees and pushed matchbox cars around the floor on imaginary roads and through fantasy intersections.

The difference was three years, but to us it didn’t matter when it came to having fun.

We waited for a good song and once one came on, we made up crazy dance moves and motions to make the other laugh.

I entered his room with my arms full of crafts and materials.

I laughed and giggled as he playfully moaned as I dumped it onto the floor.

We sat in the hallway throwing and catching a bouncy ball as bright sunlight shone through the windows in our bedrooms into the hall.

We laughed at the hilarious videos we made of ourselves talking with helium in our voices.

We put on shows for our parents, and laughed and giggled when we messed up our lines or dropped a prop.

We played outside on the play set.

I was the mom and he was the dad.

I cooked the mulch and leaf stew, and he went to his job of riding his bicycle around the drive-way.

It snowed so we bundled up and went outside looking like giant colored marshmallows against the white snow.

We jumped off the picnic table and disappeared into the soft snow below.

We always had a tight bond.

Something no one could break.

And they still can’t.

Julianna Mizener 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 41

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry Summer Memories

Carpet Ball Mentors Smack!

The winning hit for carpet ball.

Though Taylor is mad at me, he’s still my friend.

We tease each other a lot.

We may act like brother and sister, but we’re not.

He can be funny with me and can be serious with me.

He helps me grow spiritually, especially when I see him at camp.

He still helps me when we’re not even though I don’t see him at all.

I look up to him as a mentor.

He knows when to be funny and when to be serious, especially when he’s preaching.

Even though he’s in Columbus and I’m in Mogadore, we still get to see each other at camp and play carpet ball.

Esther Grassell 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian

I fly through the air, almost floating, going about as fast as a locomotive on my bike.

I go down, down, down, barely staying, holding nothing, rolling down the hill.

I am comfortably aware, simply not caring, relaxed atop the front porch seat.

I rush in the moment, never stopping a happy moment wet on the slip n’ slide.

I joust with pirates infinite happiness, playing pretend full of life on my swingset.

I jump high, high, high, forever falling, feeling as joyful as can be, relaxed on my friend’s trampoline.

I feel the intensity, silently blissful with sweetness everywhere, heat, making smores.

Abbegael Stoltzfus 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

The Amazing Watermelon Striped, green, shiny A round egg. Smooth. Sweet, refreshing.

Crunch! My watermelon is like an egg just the yolk is water.

My mouth is like a pool. So juicy and wet. Sweet juicy, spectacular.

Watermelon can be a bully. It forces me to eat it’s amazing taste.

A green egg is my watermelon.

Amazing!!!

Alex Olesen 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 42

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7

Black Kitten

Tribute

My little black kitten How soft are you?

Are you as soft as a pillow Or as soft as roses?

We rub you against our faces It feels like a big fluffy blanket.

I can compare you to the dark sky.

Why do you “meow” all the time?

Is it because you’re hungry, thirsty, or tired?

You wake me up, I see.

I fed you, let me get some sleep now, black kitten.

Have a good sleep, kitten.

Next morning, I see you sleeping along the big box Cuddling along the corner.

I leave you to go to school.

I go home, are you there?

You blend into the blanket, black kitten.

The people ran down the streets

Maryia Norris 6th Grade, Early College Academy

in their new tennis shoes, the ones they probably bought just for this occasion.

They thought of their children watching from a distance, the children they probably took out for ice cream or pizza every Friday night, the children they’d tuck into bed.

They ran for the finish line, imagining going home to greet their family.

As two bombs suddenly detonated.

At the finish line.

Questions Unanswered

In Downtown Boston

As I walk down the quiet, empty round I think of multiple things I ask myself, “Why? Why did this happen?”

The first three words that come to mind are Drunk Depression Pills No one will ever understand why she did this But, she did It has been over a year I still cry about it.

I still see the image of it happening It’s the worst thought ever Why so soon?

I don’t understand it.

Why my Grandma?

Why anyone?

Katrina Miller 6th Grade, Early College Academy

Denver Wittmer 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

A Lost Day, A Lost Life A lost day, a lost life I’ve gave him my all And it’s still not right I’m still holding On to what I think is right A lost day A lost night I gave up my dreams I gave up my life I gave him my all in order to live right A lost day and lost in sight Please give me my dreams Please give me my life Because I will never live a lost day Or a lost life.

Unique Spencer 7th Grade, Massillon Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 43

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry Gun Shot

Fairy Tale I see it as a magical world, that simple small waterfall amidst the slippery rocks.

As we cry, Please let us stay! shoes come off, and many pairs of feet enter the cold waters with squeals of delight.

I am determined to climb the rocks, touch the streaming waterfall, and let my fingers slice the clear glaze of the fairy pool.

The others follow and their eyes see a slide amongst the rocks, immediately putting it to use.

Time flies, and at long last we have to go.

Our adventures end, feet are dried and returned to their homes.

I turn around; I smile at our refreshing relief, at my own fairy tale to keep in my heart.

Abigail J. Ryan 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

I wake up early.

It‘s time to get dressed in my warm clothes and head out into the cold woods.

The sun is just rising, and we’re silent.

Some deer go by but are too far to shoot, then some more, still too far.

We see some in the distance and try to call them, but all we see are the shadows walking past.

Then I see two more.

I take a shot, and they take off.

When we go to look we find nothing.

We go back to the tree stand, not expecting to see anything since we have just been walking around.

Then we see them, three deer walking towards us.

I take a shot.

One sprints up the hill and out of sight, but the other two surprisingly come a little closer.

I shoot again.

Another one takes off on a dead sprint, yet the other stays.

I take my last shot, and see the one run a little and drop.

We go look for the second one that took off and find it dead.

My dad and I are pumped; we know I killed both.

When we go to skin it, we find the bullet is still in there.

When I get home I tell everyone the story of how I shot them.

I even have a cut on my nose from the scope to prove it.

Blake Sommers 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 44

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7 Middle of the Marina The clanking of halyards blowing in the wind.

Shine Cotton balls touch pale pink over the horizon.

The sound of laughter and talking echoing around rows of boats, their sails doused and silenced for the night.

Yellow decides to take over, a light blue fence surrounding it.

The sunlight reflecting off the water, splashing patterns of light dancing along the hulls.

Tangerine orange outlines the light blue fence.

A shine of yellow light screams at the other colors demanding them to shine.

Ducks swimming near the dock’s edge, hoping to snatch the crust of bread floating in the wind-blown ripples.

The a group of boys motoring about in a small white rowboat, trying to catch the biggest fish.

The “back-in-my-dayer’s” having a picnic at the lighthouse near B dock.

The fire in the west burning down to darkness.

All while I sit here in the middle of the marina.

Kenneth Roberts 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

Before I close my curtains, I watch them do exactly that.

Shine.

Stephanie Ijoma 7th grade, Lake Center Christian Expectations I see the rain fall from the sky, landing wherever it wants.

The rain is free.

SWIM

While I’m inside, trapped, hidden, alone,

S plashing in the pool, playing

all I want to be is free,

W aterworld. We need more I deas for the names of the

free from the world, free from expectations.

I just want to run outside and dance in the rain,

M ermaids.

Mikayla Strader 6th grade, Homeschool

not caring about anything else.

Tessa Galletta 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 45

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

Bear

Isaac Covington 6th grade, North Canton Middle School

Beauty I look in the mirror day and day I look at myself with dismay and say I decree what I see will turn into societies idea of beauty Longer hair, shorter skirt, I just want my appearance to work Skinnier body, smaller nose, I just want to look like a rose Put on makeup, maybe curse, I think I look worse But I will keep doing this until I see societies idea of beauty Allyson Woolbert 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 46

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7

Through My Dogs’ Eyes Through my dogs’ eyes I see the eagerness to go outside, to run and jump around while I throw snowballs into the air.

Through my dogs’ eyes I see guilt when we come home and they have dumped all of the trash on the floor.

Through my dogs’ eyes I see excitement when I come home from school, and they bombard me with their wet tongues and paws.

I see happiness when I bend down to rub the little one’s belly, and when I stop he lifts my hand as if to say, “Keep going.”

Their big brown eyes hold the secrets to what they are thinking, like a treasure chest to which I am the key.

If I look into their eyes, I see and feel all the emotions that come from their minds.

Then suddenly there is the slightest noise, and their attention floats away, and with it goes the secrets. Gone until I look again.

Find Me As I have grown The weaklings up above Still have no clue of what I am “Find Me! Fight Me!” I yell The anger-filled soul Scares me the most Prepared I wait In the bum-tum slumber I wait “Crack” I wake, I am ready to fight This is where I take over the sad, lonely ashamed master I am the controller I see nothing of consequence I am blind you see I can only feel the emotion And that is what drives me I am blind The battle begins I never lose Except once Perhaps today or tomorrow But soon I prepare You decide my fate I warn you!

It will not be easy to get rid of me “Find Me! Fight Me!” For I am your soul Lucy Geiser 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Damaris Jenkins 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 47

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

Jabberwocky In the creepy old wood, Behind my house I hear things, I don’t know what they are, They scare me, I never sleep, For I hear people scream, There loud and terrible, They make me scream Till the night I found out what it was It was a JABBERWOCKY Humungus and terrifying The jaws that bite, the claws that catch And in deep thought I stood The Jabberwock with eyes of flame Sword in my hand, I was ready to battle It grumbled, it Growled It marched toward me The sharp blade went whoosh whoosh, With my eyes closed I thought i’d won For he was resting by the cherry tree He came breathing through the dark wood For he wanted a snack, The snack was me Beware the JABBERWOCKY, He wants one and all I left it dead and with its head I brought it home It’s hanging in my living room To remind me what I did For now I live with the highest respect For all birds of all kinds That fly and screech Now I sleep For the JABBERWOCKY bird is dead Moddy Philips 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Lullaby The clouds come in.

They bring their gray shadows to block out the blue sky.

The rain comes next, soft at first like a quiet trill that gets louder and louder until it is the pounding of a drum.

Thunder defiantly roars and the lightning soon follows and strikes, brightening the sky for the brief second it is there.

I return to the world of my book, listening to the storm, and eventually fall asleep with a beautiful symphony playing through the night.

Earth’s lullaby.

Olivia Miller 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 48

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7

Stingray City With only eleven feet of seawater over my head, I can see the sun, perfectly above the sea.

It sends waves of light to the sea floor.

A shadow flies above me.

I look up, and my heart beats faster than ever before.

Masterpiece I see you standing there, brows furrowed and arms crossed, trying to understand depth before you, a work of art.

A work of art, a masterpiece created in a sleepless night, no direction at all, trying to find the workings of the artist’s mind, turning like a clock.

Feeling every brush stoke to understand and make sense of it all, you don’t see it, the bigger picture.

The admiration shines bright in your eyes with wonder and lust.

I break my gaze to smile softly at the ground.

In that moment, you turn over, seeing me staring from afar.

Something clicks, recognition.

The canvas tells a different story now.

What was once a blank canvas, now is a beautiful masterpiece.

The running of colors blending imperfectly perfect, the making of something marvelous.

And it’s all because of you, my masterpiece.

A pack of stingrays are swarming around me.

I reach out to touch them and I feel their gray, silky skin.

They look like underwater hawks, as they fly gracefully in the water.

When we are ready to leave, I swim up to the boat.

But I look back to see the stingrays one last time, but I see nothing.

Zachary Ebbott 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

Jada Coblentz 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 49

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

Stand Up PEOPLE PT ME DOWN LIKE KNOW ONE IS AROUND STAND UP FOR YOUR SELF AND OTHERS TO succeed IN life YOU must WORK hard SHOOT farther THAN the STARS Kyle Dermel 6th grade, Lehman Middle School Rejection A boy walks on through the endless night, Enveloped in shadows, breathing heavily.

One hand drifts to the backpack around his shoulder, It is like a canister of his last memories of his previous life.

My Friends I walk into my preschool for the first time.

That is where I met one of my best friends.

I met the others in kindergarten and the moments started pouring in after that.

We’ve hit baseballs.

We’ve played basketball.

We’ve laughed as we ate pizza.

We’ve played lasertag.

We’ve played football.

We’ve listened to loud music.

We’ve done a science experiment.

We’ve done all this together.

Brandon, Blake, Matthew, and me.

Cade Zook 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

The boy feels tears trickling down his face, The world around him is a blur.

He ran and ran, Past the bushes, past the trees, Eventually coming to the street sign labeled cessation.

The boy dared to look back, The monster lurking still lurking there, In his heart, In his mind and soul.

A monster called rejection.

Rejection…a nasty word really, Making the boy recall memories of torment.

Dismissed at home, spurned at school, One word that brings up a dictionary of new ones.

The boy sat down on the never ending curb of like, Wondering whether to go on, or to stop moving forward all together.

He thought about ending it all, He thought that maybe he was some kind of unwanted mistake, Mistakes have to be erased, or they will be marked wrong.

The boy had decided, He curled up right where he was, and fell asleep.

Zachary Charlick 6th grade, Jacksom Memorial Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 50

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7

A Little Taste of the World I walk into the red building, with a dome at the top.

It seems as if Coke is filling the room.

I see massive machines filled with Coke from different countries.

I see people sipping their drinks.

It looks like they are enjoying themselves.

Mirror

Then the pressure starts to kick in, waiting to be released for me to get a taste of the action.

As I stand in front of the mirror, that hangs upon the wall.

I get a cup and start to fill it.

The cool feeling rushes down my throat and into my stomach.

When I stare at my reflection I can’t help but let the tears fall.

The Coke from France was as if they just put water into the dispensers.

As parched as my throat is, “water” is pretty good.

Coke.

The only time I’ve ever experienced the world in one room.

Why am I crying in the mirror for what I see?

It’s because humanity judges us, on how to look, and who to be.

Jasmine McCalla 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Micaiah A. Miles 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Animals on the Farm I love Horses they go neigh, They love to eat grain, and hay, Pigs snort and squeal, You can put a collar on them and say heel, Roosters crow and go cocka-doodle-doo, They make you go hee-hee-hoo, Sheep go baa they’re fluffy, and soft, They live in a barn with mice that live in the loft, Cows go moo, There are so many animals to write about I don’t know what to do!!!

Mighty Blueberry Mighty blueberry, you’re as blue as a deep blue sea.

From your smooth hazy blue appearance on the outside, To the soft sunlight yellow on the inside, your gentle fragrance is riddled with sweet pureness, and you bring a sense of peace like no other fruit can.

Aaron Soltis 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Aliyah Loudin 6th grade, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 51

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

The Deep I look out into the ocean, about to take the fall into the blue water that awaits me.

As I fell back into the water, I can feel the salt sinking into my skin and hair.

My dive buddy upon the boat waits for my ok signal. When my partner meets me at the surface, we sink down into the depths below.

As we swim down the rope, we finally get a clear view of what waits before our eyes: dazzling starfish cling to the sunken tugboat.

A cloud of shimmering fish engulf us.

We hold bright purple sea urchins with our protective gloves. The colorful fish dance around our legs and fins as we wish we could stay in the water forever.

Jellyfish float by like little white clouds in the ever-changing current. Crabs scurry away in fear of being caught.

Familiar As I walk across the pebble-dotted sidewalk of North Chandler Drive, a small breeze brushes my hair.

I look over and stare at the cat that almost never moves.

As the wind picks up I see the giant trees, their yellow leaves crashing against each other like waves on a beach.

I walk over to the neighborhood mailbox, filled with mail ready to be taken.

I look around at the familiar scenery as it fades away as glimpses of my past.

Kaleb Stock 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

The haunting stare of the barracuda nearby warns us we must be cautious; we are not to bother them.

We check our dive computers indicating we are low on air. We reluctantly wave goodbye to our little world in the depths of the misty sea.

Ally Baldwin 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 52

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7 “War Is Not Peaceful”

War, you’ve all heard of it.

War is the cold, hollow shell of Humanity.

The normal man is manipulated in thinking That they can send their young men to die For the right cause.

The greed of the abnormal man is like The beat of a heart.

It can be concealed easily, but in the end, It always determines life or death.

War is the monster we all fear, the murderer of innocent men, Led by the evil that lies within your very heart.

These are the meager men manipulated by The evil everyone fears, never showing itself.

Sadly, the soul of the heroic man Is crushed by the greed of the tyrant.

They are told, “Many sailors have gone to Davy Jones’s locker!”

“Is this really true?”, they ask.

At home, the determined workforce was sure the war was over, But it was just the beginning…

The Sky I see people passing by, Never looking at the sky.

It really makes me want to cry, Because they’re missing out.

But I will smile anyway.

It is here right now that I will say.

And I will never go away.

Because I’m looking at the sky.

With brilliant blues, And laughing hues, Called to dance with cues, Of dawn and dusk.

The sky is simple yet complex. what great things will it do next?

I guess you’ll have to wait and see, So come and watch the sky with me.

Hope Abrams 6th grade, ECA

The everyday man believes that war is, “Nothing, really.”

For it is he, that has not known what it is like to fight in a battle, How dare “he” say such a thing?

For he has not heard the eerie sound of the Heart of the innocent man, beating faster, faster…

Ba-boom, Ba-boom, Ba-boom….what ever could this be?

War, war is what it is, and what it always will be….

Jacob Messman 7th grade, Edison Middle School A Friend to Me Gilbert, people just say it’s a name or label.

I say it’s memories, a friend, a fish.

Not only was he a friend but a friend with a long life ahead of him.

My friends thought it was weird to have a fish as a friend but I didn’t believe them.

Gilbert came to our family when I was five and left when I was nine.

Gilbert got me through the hard times of feeling lonely Even though he ended up in my backyard he, is still a friend to me.

China Raines 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 53

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

At Thirteen As I pace back and forth in my room, I’m counting down the days I have left: two weeks, one week, one day.

It’s here.

I feel like I’ve been waiting two years, maybe three!

But now it’s finally here, and I’m going to be a teenager.

I eat a ton of my favorite food including a cake in the shape of a 13 with my friends.

Balloons are on the ceiling and streamers we walk through and my heart beats from excitement.

I go through the years one by one: at one, it was butterflies; four, five and seven were horses; at eight it was Webkinz.

Now at thirteen it’s me, a teenage girl, ready to face more troubles and have more responsibilities and privileges for my life and my future.

African Bonobos…

African Bonobos Cook Doritos Every Friday.

Go Have Ice cream with Jackals.

Kangaroos Like Mac n cheese.

Never Open a Porcupine’s Quill while eating Rice.

Save Tacos Upside down with Velociraptors.

While Xylophoning, Yaks Zoom.

Ranita DiMarco 6th Grade, Lake Middle School

Morgan Smith 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 54

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7

What Dog...

My dog is a small, cute fuzz-ball that means a lot to me.

She also does things that make her like no other.

Yes, that’s what they all say, but hey, it’s true.

But what dog moves from sun to shade and then back again?

What dog uses pillows like humans?

What dog drinks from the tub?

I bet you can’t say your dog does.

What dog is afraid from eating from bowls?

What dog tries to talk?

I don’t see your dog doing that.

What dog gets a harelip once a week?

What dog sneezes if you touch her nose?

I know what dog does all of these things, and it’s not your dog.

It’s mine.

Brandon Yoder 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Finally As I walk down the cracked sidewalk in front of Musica, I remember standing outside in the sweltering heat, waiting to meet my idols.

I watch as I see hundreds of girls doing the same thing as me, standing and waiting.

I finally get inside the cramped space.

I’m pushed around by screaming girls and security guards.

Five minutes.

The security guard opens the door and shuffles me in.

I’m next.

I walk into the room, and I’m surrounded by people I’ve only seen through a screen.

I take a deep breath as I walk up to them, the people I have been waiting a year to meet.

I finally get to meet my favorite musicians.

I finally get to hug them I finally get to tell them how much their music means to me.

I pull away from the hugs that seem to last forever, just to be ushered away.

So now as I walk down the cracked sidewalk in front of Musica, I remember finally meeting my idols.

Anna Cosentino 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 55

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

Indescribable New School Day

I sit in silence, afraid to see what waits for me beyond the cover of this safe haven.

He appears out of nowhere.

He starts talking, and I have a response.

Wow, I’m not alone after all.

It’s fall again you may say Time to start a new school day You may be sad or you may be glad You may be scared Or you may be unprepared You have your book you have your pencil You have everything that’s essential

We hike, avoiding unknown objects.

He hands me bread, then says to wait quietly.

He’s good.

After just a second, there’s a bird on my hand eating the bread away.

I sit there, stuffing my face so much I can’t even speak.

That’s the idea I tell myself.

The music slows, and he asks if I want to dance.

I don’t want to, but I can’t refuse him.

It seems fast, yet I know it’s not.

It’s over as soon as it begins.

I sit again but don’t take another bite.

I just think.

I try to find words to describe him.

I can’t, well maybe one: Indescribable.

Ainsley Doyle 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

You will get new teachers And when you have assemblies you will sit in the bleachers You will make a new friend And will have them until the very end You may try out for a sport And play it on a court Monday is my least favorite day of the week I always feel very tired and weak Friday is my favorite day of the week When the day is over I go and play in the creek The weekend is the best I never have to take a test I will have a great school year But when it’s over I will cheer Next year will be just as good as last year Before I know it will becoming very near.

Rachael Fiore 7th grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 56

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7 Prologue to

Squeakeo and Scurriet

Two mouseholes, both alike in rodentry, In fair Bologna where we lay our scene, From ancient sludge break to new “mewtiny”, Where cheesy blood makes passive paws unclean.

From forth the fatal tails of these two foes A pair of cheese-crossed mice take their life; Whose misadaventured sorrowful overthrows,

Spring When snow falls on the ground and it’s below ten degrees, the thing I look forward to the most, is when green begins to blossom on the trees.

Warmth takes over and the cold runs away.

Spring is finally here.

Birds start to chirp and butterflies begin to fly, searching for a flower to land on.

Bees buzz around, making honey for our pleasure, and flowers sprout up out of the soil.

After a long winter, spring fills me up with joy.

And I look forward to the warmth every year.

Laney Snyder 7TH grade, Lake Center Christian

Do with their death secrete their parents’ strife.

The fearful passage of their cheese-marked love, And the elongation of their parents’ rage, Which but their mouslings’ end not could remove, Is now the business of our stage.

The which if you with furry ears attend, What here shall miss, our labor shall strive to mend.

Christa Freeman 7th grade, Homeschool

I Am, You Are

By Eilis McGee I am an artist with words, while you are an artist on paper.

I’ll write of a girl who is drowning, and you’ll draw an angel to save her.

If I write a poem about love, you’ll draw a dove in a tree.

You draw a whale in the ocean, and I'll write a poem about the sea.

If you paint war, I’ll write of peace.

We’ll always been different, me and you, you and me.

Ellis McGee 7th grade, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 57

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

Real Friends I think about my life and all that is important to me, and I think of you.

I think of all the fun we have together and all the things we do together.

We play together, run together, talk together, and paint our nails together.

I also think about how we fight about dumb stuff, like whose toy it is, whose pants they are, or whose turn it is to do the dishes.

Whether we fight or we are nice to each other, know that I love you.

I know that when I have friends over, I want you to go away, but then I realize that my friends will come and go, but you will always stay with me no matter what.

I realize that even if we fight, I will always have you through the good times and bad.

And if I feel lonely, you will always be there for me.

BUNNIES Those fuzzy little critters Are not what they appear Those huge ginormous listners Aren’t just for them to hear.

Beware the little carrot crunchers They’re not so small and cute They’re evil little creatures Even though they’re mute.

Beware the evil rabbit Though you may call them bunnies They’re vile little critters They’re very, very cunning.

They’ll come at you with carrots Raised high above their fuzzy heads They’ll come at you with carrots And stab you till you’re dead!

So when you see a rabbit All cuddly and sweet Tell them you’re a friend And not a tasty treat.

Cate Katigbak 6th grade, Homeschool

Dance As the sun goes down My time starts To show the best in me

I think about my life and all that is important to me, and I think of you, my real friends.

I tie up my lace Sure it’s a disgrace But no one seems to mind

Faith Stalter 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

As I dance my way around the floor I have their hearts forever more And I will be forever in their minds Three more songs that will do Till my day here is through Till the crowd goes away I’ll seen you again the next day Ashton Bavis 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 58

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7

A Tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou Though we never met in person Your birthplace was shortly north of my hometown in Tennessee I could sense some common values Between you and me.

For one, we both loved the country And all its wide skies and seas It was easy for me to visualize Your love for African wilderness and North Carolina’s sweet tea.

For tow, you had the Sagittarian wings of travel Deeply running in your veins And I have experienced that yearning In four stats among the fruted plains And last but not least, Love arrived for you on a summer night in June and in its train came ecstasies old memories of please ancient histories of pain.

Yet you waited boldy for the “Touching of your Angel.”

And now my dear Dr. Angelou, rest in piece, “On the PUse of the Morning.”

Gavriel Anthony 7th grade, Strong Tower Christian Academy

Sunshine The sun is here have no fear, the sun is here to warm us. The birds are singing, their voices lingering, the birds are singing in the sun.

Finally summer has come, and winter now is done. So come out let’s go out and shout, shout that summer is here. Yes, the weather is changing gears, now that summer is here.

There isn’t any school for you or for me, or any school buses as far as I can see. The days are long. The days when the birds sing their songs.

Hailey Hollinger 6th grade, Glenwood Intermediate

Morning Oh, I am heartfelt for such grace and beauty, It is quite stunning and alive, truly.

In the morning chill I take delight, Whereas the evening is cold and plight.

The deer and rabbits leap and bound, I dance when the mourning doves sound.

The smell of the earth wafts all around, I run along the warming ground.

Oh, I am heartfelt for such grace and beauty.

But now our lovely land is marred, Landfills stacked, and icebergs charred.

Polar bears swimming for their life, We have become filled with so much strife.

The morning will soon have no dove, We destroy the planet that we love.

Were is that morning, beautiful and great, It is already gone, you are too late.

Sierrah Schnabel 7th grade, Bridges Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 59

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

OLD GRANDFATHER CLOCK On our street there is an old, old house, long abandoned Inside, the floors crack The window shutters creak In every corner a spider crawls In every crevice a mouse scurries In the yard, all the trees are stripped bare of their leaves And from all the way across the long, long street during every minute of every hour You can still hear the old grandfather clock go Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.

Natalie Miller 6th grade, Pfeiffer Intermediate School

One of a Kind

Little Know and Little See But Few will Feel

There once was an adorable unicorn.

With a beautiful, magical unicorn horn.

No one may say and no one may know where this thing lay, ‘Cause there’s very little to hear and less to see, Away and gone never stopping to hear always and always brushed away It’s gone on the wind and swimming fast in the sea, It will never be seen and it’s hard to hear but one things for sure it’s felt by all and none, It’s gone on the wind and in the sea it’s love that’s in you and me.

The unicorn brought peaceful vibes.

Once even hopped on an amusement park ride!

Oh, all the smiling children that came about.

Till the ticket lady kicked them out!

Do you have an imagination?

The unicorn said as inspiration.

It really helps put your mind on vacation.

It is all based on your head’s creation.

My friend, all you need is more.

That’s really it, then we’ll hear your roar.

The ticket lady took his advice.

Even stayed up two whole nights!

The unicorn came back positive as always.

Then listened to her creative stories!

They then discovered the creative in Laurie.

FOR WHO KNEW? LAURIE WAS ONE OF A KIND. Kinsey Bohrer 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

The old man on the street and the girl on the bench are almost never seen, All but a few pass them by but there is one that will never leave or forget: He loved with ease no matter what for he is God his love is never ending and to all keepTo everyone and thing he is loving and fair as of yet He will never leave you nor forsake you for he is always with us as faithful as a pet For what loves us more than man’s best friend.

Sarah Morgan 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 60

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7 Impossible

The Road Not Taken Two long paths, Tattoos or College, I liked school and all, But this is a dream.

I’ve been chasing for all my life, that wasn’t impossible to do.

I looked long and hard.

You still have to go to school to become a tattoo artist, And they get paid great money.

But what if after a couple years I hate it, I’d hate other jobs just as much, If you mess up, you could get sued, But if you're a doctor and give the wrong shot, You can also get sued.

If I pick a different job I’ll regret not doing the other, I chose tattoo artist.

I like what I’m doing, Making great money, And I’ll never regret going this way.

Clay Shirey 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

“They’re taking Mema to the hospital.

She’s unresponsive,” he said.

I didn’t get what it meant, didn’t realize that my grandma could be dead already.

I poured myself cereal and sat down beside my brother.

Dad came down and put his arms around Joel and I. “Your Mema passed away this morning,” he said.

What?

He can’t mean died?

Can he?

No! She’s dead!

That morning I discovered it’s impossible to eat cereal when you’re crying.

Anna Meyer 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Golden Memories As I walk into my room the warmth of many memories surrounds me.

I look to my batman bear, remembering the excitement I felt when I first got him.

My eyes find my journal remembering when I wrote in it at camp.

I see my princess pillow and all the sleepovers it’s been to with me.

My eyes fall upon my Blue and Pink bears remembering when I made them.

I find my purple hippo sitting at the end of my bed looking like I just got her.

Making new memories and keeping the old both are like medals Bronze and Gold but they still are the same to me.

Byanca Palmer 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 61

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry

Disappointing It finally arrived on one cold October night.

When I heard the doorbell ring I sprinted down the stairs, flung open the door, and there it was.

It sat nicely packaged on the step of my front porch.

I tore it open, With my greedy hands, and saw its colorful cover, that almost seemed to penetrate the darkness with light.

I was in my room, buried in the covers of my bed.

The moment I finished, I was so disappointed, That I thought about tearing the cover off the book.

The author, my favorite author ever, had ruined the book.

He had made my favorite character, Act as if he were an idiot.

He had made him do nothing of significance.

I’ve never thought of the author the same since the day I finished that book.

But he will always be my Uncle Rick.

Graham Duff 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Hippopetomonstrasesquippedaliophebia Ho, the words I can make!

I speak words I can shape.

Piling up in brain, Please don’t go insane!

Onomatopoeia.

Paper, pepper, piler.

Onomatopoeia Mop, mine, miles Onomatopoeia.

Never Stop Thinking of the words.

Really I am wondering: oh what makes a long word long?

Subsequently, Evidentially, Substaantially, QUERTY wants to know.

Umbriferous, Intentionally, Please, don’t cover your fear anymore!

Eh. ‘tis a month of poetry.

Diddly, doddly, ding, dong, the air is filled with Amazing, astounding alliterations.

Lollipop.

I don’t need it to memoreize a poem by Robert Frost.

Oh, are you really frightened when I say frightened? Oh Please don’t anymore be lost!

Hippopotomonsterosesquippedaliophobia.

Oh, the fear of long words!

But aren’t its inventions just as crueal as I? And I am really sorry if this frightened anybody with the Fear of long words.

In the name of poetry, bye.

David Dalton 6th grade, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 62

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7 Deep Within The beauty in me and the beauty in you If you see it then you know it’s true

Safe?

The lights flicker eerily as silence spreads its wings.

We whip around, sure it’s near.

But we can’t run, not yet.

As the darkness settles in, we have to let our eyes adjust.

And that’s when it strikes.

We scatter like roaches, barreling over the deck and dodging the trees widely.

The sound of its victims echoes behind me, but I don’t stop.

I can’t stop now.

I reach the front lawn and hear it as my speed picks up.

My hands clasp around my friend’s as she yanks me forward onto the porch.

Now I’m safe.

For this round Ally Cooper 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Not on the outside but deep within is where the truest of true will hide.

No mirror can reflect the beauty you hold only the knowing eyes of a friend but not a foe Beauty is not your looks nor your features the door that opens your beauty is so much deeper Personality is more of our beauty than our skin deep features Everyone is beautiful in their own special way So I just need to say, “We may have pimples or dimples, Warts or dirt nails, one eye or two eyes, hairs or we look fair, but all of us are beautiful no matter what features we share” Megan Wolfe 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 63

Grades 6 & 7

I SPY Poetry Chances

I think of all the good times that we would have together, going to the beach and dumping water on each others heads I think of how many times we would see each other, would we go to my house or yours on the holidays.

I think of all the long lectures that you would give, when the grandchildern are being a little too reckless.

You will never be able to give me these things, but I know if you ever got the chance I would already have them.

Grace Lawson 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Baseball “SLAM!” The bat launches the ball like a missile!

Fruit banana, banana to the capital of Louisiana straight from oceania flowing up the Susquehanna banana, banana tomato, tomato a friend to the yellow dwarf potato usually found in a Soweto when it is harvested it is stored in a grotto tomato, tomato avocado, avocado always incommunicado avocados can’t talk! but they can lead you to the eldorado avocado, avocado so many things to eat yet the fruits cannot be beat!

Jonah Russ 6th grade, Jackson Middle School

Running, following the ball in the sunlight as the audience stands up and cheers on the metal bleachers that are reflecting light in my eyes, I stare at the ball, chasing it at full speed.

I feel like a dog playing fetch as the ball lowers slowly, telling me to go faster.

I dive face first and skid across the dry dirt with my arm fully extended, reaching to the ball.

“Thump,” the ball lands.

I open my eyes and see the ball resting in my glove.

I stand up to a crowd going wild, feeling like I just won the Super Bowl.

Jared Yoder 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 64

I SPY Poetry

Grades 6 & 7

Dad

Nowhere to Go

My paddle flashes through the air, a whir of blue in the din.

Dad’s paddle flashes back, sending the ping-pong ball over the table’s edge.

“Nice hits, son,” he says with a smile.

people see a beautiful girl who has everything she needs, but I see the truth.

The football soars through the air, dropping into the bucket of my arms.

It squirts free, tumbling to the ground.

“Oh, nice try,” dad says.

I see the hurt in her eyes as she goes on covering it up. one day she’s best friends with someone; then that someone ignores her for the rest of the week. thinking she’s in one group one day, then another the next,

We walk through bright, golden leaves, beautiful sun sending warm rays to my neck.

As we keep going, I stumble on a rock.

I watch as she goes on trying to hold on to her close friends who are slowly drifting away from her, ditching her for the so-called “cool people.”

“Be careful,” dad warns.

We pedal to the lake, rich wet sand lining the beach.

The water tempts me, calling me to it.

“Please, dad,” I ask, eyes searching his.

“May I go to the beach?”

“No, son,” dad says.

“We need to get home.”

We paddle through sleek blue water, a calm wind at our backs.

I paddle and paddle, yet my feeble muscles barely get us anywhere.

“Why can’t I paddle good?” I wail.

“Here’s a better way,” dad says as he corrects me.

Dad works hard to meet my needs.

When I need someone to play with, He’s always there, and always patient with me.

knowing that any day her close friend could change to just that girl over there, she tries to hold on to them, inviting them over, spending as much time as she can with them, ignoring everyone else. but when they stopped hanging out with her, ignoring her, making up excuses to not come over, she had nothing: No one to go to, No one to talk to, No one to hang out with. she was alone. she got so caught up in everything that in the end…

He’s my dad, and I love him just as he loves me.

there was nowhere to go.

Josh Klatt 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Madi Vargo 7th grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 65

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 66

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9

Grades 8 &9 Awards Christian Anderson A Spring Day ···························· 70

Sierra Kitchen Do you hear it? ························· 71

Taylor Cline Love Left Us ····························· 74

Riley Lesh My Brother ······························· 76

Evahanna Cruz The Real you ···························· 91

Jarod Mayberry No One Knows ························· 72

Destiny Duncil The Myrtles Plantation ················ 69

Vincent Mergner Tears in the Trenches ················ 84

Erica Factor The Bench ······························· 86

Alnyha Newman Just a Normal Day ····················· 71

Evyn Fakle Seasons ·································· 77

Emily Rodriguez Body Poem ······························ 79

Aliza Finefrock Little Elise ································ 68

Abigail Thouvenin For All Those···························· 83

Madison Hixson I am ········································ 88

Mackenzie Threm Time of Time ···························· 84

Elaina Kirkpatrick Teachers Oh, Teachers ·············· 84

Mariana Vazquez High School Dropouts ················ 83

Isabello Kistler Winter ····································· 79

Lucas Weaver What is Life ······························ 68

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 67

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

Little Elise

What is Life?

Little Elisa, lost at sea.

Her body swallowed by the waves Of self-loathing and grief.

Her hummingbird heart ceased to beat, Her lungs withering like rose petals that never saw day.

Oblivion’s arms enticed her with liberation, Though it shadowed her waking movements.

Little Elise, at a loss for words.

They spill endlessly from her ink, But rarely did they float from her lips.

Such words blossom into melodies, Altos and haunting songs Of love long lost And the forgotten dreams of a mad woman.

Little Elise, losing all control.

Her mind conjured the desires of the sleepless And dreams of painting the walls With the carmine of her loved ones.

Never will her eyes open To the wills of humanity and their cries, Their thirst for justice that she may share But is corrupted by the lusts for revenge That reside within her mind Little Elise. she loses to herself each time.

Life is Love, a wanting to be wanted.

Life is Insecure, the worry of worrying Life is Friendship, a needed relationship.

Life is Everything, If you aren’t living life, Then there’s no point to trying.

School

Outside the sun shines inside the cold darkness hides But there’s no way out.

Timothy Hall 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Roanoke Run from the village That we left behind Let the tribe pillage They aren’t okay with our kind They think we spread diseases That spread and spread But in truth we only want to appease Run and leave the dead The women and children run, While the men watch the fire Some people say “we’re done” I say “look for a church spire” Nobody will know what happened to us Missing we will stay The remaining children all fuss For us you must pray.

Aliza Finefrock 8th grade, Lake Middle School

People in their Feelings

Lucas Weaver 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Set to learn Churning for knowledge Having set goals Over the ledge On and above Learning

Zach James 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

James Pack 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 68

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9

The Myrtles Plantation The Myrtle’s Plantation in Louisiana is a house full of old and mystery.

Many deaths and eery events leaves behind some history.

Woodruff was shot and Cholow was hung soldiers were killed while attempting to rob. and Sterling died of consumption.

Bed and breakfast as today We can hope you make the stay but if you can’t we’ll understand cause we know whats underneath where you stand.

Destiny Duncil 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

What is Life Life is only as good as the person living it Here we have messed up views One man’s trash is another man’s treasure change your perspective Death is one example poverty is another ever wonder why foreigners have better work ethic change your perspective

My Thoughts I wonder…

Why people aren’t people happy with themselves Why judge based on what music we listen to Why cant we just all get along Why do looks determine a person Why do adults have such a hard time underatant us I think…

The world would be better if people just stpped caring Life is so much better when you see the happy side You should do what makes you happy theres beauty in everything Everyone should be treated equal I know…

That one day there will be peace Im not always right Everyone need to have someone Life can get rough, but you have to keep going You cant ever give up I hope…

Some day we can all be ourselves That all your dreams will come true All diseases will be cured Animal Abuse can end That everyone will feel appreciated.

Addison Angerman 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Instead of complaining about what you want Be grateful for what you have What lesson can you learn…

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE Nakia Spear 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 69

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

Nightguard

A Spring Day

Helo, Hello? Uh I see its your first night But I’ll let you know that these guys are not polite.

Theres Bonnie the bunny Who will make you all bloody Theres Chica the chicken Who will make sure your bitten If your up for the test You can try out night two But you’ll be stressed Cause they’ll go boo Now here comes another Who comes out and screams You might want to call your mother Cause you might cry in streams Now here comes the pirate Who won’t surfice for a carrot And theres one more who will come When the dark has begun to rung Your only on night two And theres three more to go So I suggest you get ready Get ready for Freddy

Out in the world The storm blows away The flowers bloom What a nice day.

Away on the land Where you don’t pay In a place free What a nice day.

A new field where Anyone can stay Where trees now grow What a nice day.

Out on the planet The storm blows to a new place After where the flowers once bloomed Oh what a nice day it was, The day before today.

Christian Anderson 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Patricia Campbell 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School If…

If the flowers faded Would you stay to see them blossom again?

Being Normal

If the storm clouds came would you stay to see the clear skies once more?

Sorry for being a bird Sorry for being rude For tweeting the things I heard For being a dude I shouldn’t say a word Aleyse Beasley 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

If the fire began and burned with aggressive passion, would you wait for someone to put it out?

If the stars decided not to show and illuminate the dark sky would you wait for their shine?

Jade Dedrick 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 70

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9

Do You Hear It

Summer

The sound.

The sound of relief. The sound of fear, The sound of pain.

The sound of life.

The sound.

Do you hear it?

Footsteps…

Heavy, Loud, Spacy, Footsteps.

Faster…

Now running, Now pacing, Now steady, Footsteps?

No. What could it be? Think.

Footsteps?

Battling drums?

War of shots?

Shuffle of cards?

Beat…

Beat of Heart.

The sound.

Of relief.

Of fear.

Of pain.

Of life.

Of LOVE…

I’m sitting outside People playing ball in the sun Bees collecting pollen from flowers People start putting up air conditioners

Sierra Kitchen 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Just a Normal Day Just a normal day Playing with my brother Sadness then arrives following my mother I have bad news to tell you It can’t wait long I’m sorry babies, but your daddy is gone Tears filled my eyes – good thing I was home I didn’t talk to anybody I wanted to be alone

Its getting warmer The temperature is rising Time to take out swimming pools And start getting outside No more staying inside No more heated beverages People are getting outside And running in the sun People are wearing shorts People are going to parks Most are anxious to get out of school And butterflies come out Jordan Kirby 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

5 years later I came a long way But don’t get me wrong You’re on my mind everyday I’ll love you always though you were never there You’ll always be in my heary Every day and everywhere There’s things you’ll miss But I’ll always know You’re with me Everywhere I go Alnyha Newman 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

The Field Sport Today feels great My competition awaits The day is right To show my might As I hurled the ball I watched their jaws Fall like broken maws Now I hold the disc Ready to whisk And throw it to the stands As I watch it land My hearts in bands My team crumbled like grains of sand Kenneth Koch 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 71

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

The Human World I spy with my little eye, something that would harm a fly.

I see this weapon used everyday, in every form and every way.

There’s no avoiding this unstoppable power, It counts us down to zero hour.

When I go to school, this weapon becomes cruel.

Every minor carries one, it hurts more then the wrath of the sun.

Every child has used it once, it really shows who is a dunce.

When I look out at the world it’s not much better, this weapon truly seals our death letter.

We are at war, this is something we can’t ignore.

We must take action, if we’re going to see a reaction.

I spy with my little eye, something that everyone passes by.

This weapon will end us all, it truly is our hanging wall.

What is this indestructible weapon?

Human Imperfection.

Grace Knepper 8th grade, Jackson Middle School

Sports Sports are complex.

They are a way to escape our lives; as a way to look at our lives in a clearer way.

In the world of sports the line of victory and defeat is quite clear.

Escaping the world of sports is an opportunity to think about these questions in our own lives.

Every day is a new opportunity.

You can build on yesterday’s success or put its failures behind you and start over again.

Winners never quit and quitters…

NEVER…WIN…!!

No One Knows Fear How it has changed me It shows Who I ought to be But no one knows What I can see…

They tell you Face your fears But mine are demons Which I can hear They smell of hate My soul they have ate My demons I can hear They tell me Who may be near They say trust no one Tho my time has just begun They don’t believe in fun Demons How they have changed me They show Who I ought to be But no one knows What I can see…

Jarod Mayberry 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Curtis Harman 8th grade, Early College Academy @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 72

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9

Villanelle Creativity

About Me

Everyone has the ability of creating.

Sometimes it’s just difficult to achieve.

Many people find art intimidating.

Creativity is nothing worth debating.

It all depends on how you perceive.

Everyone has the ability of creating.

Art is mostly only decorating.

There is no real reason to grieve.

Many people find art intimidating.

Imagination is key when evaluating.

It will take time, but you should proceed.

Everyone has the ability of creating.

The amount of work may be agitating.

It is tough and requires the desire to believe.

Many people find art intimidating.

It demands you to take time concentrating.

You cannot allow your eyes to deceive.

Everybody has the ability of creating.

However, many people find art intimidating.

Kiara Lauer 9th Grade, Perry High School

I love Babies I hate I cry babies I enjoy my little brother I dislike Bullies My favorite food is pizza I’ll never eat Brussels sprouts My favorite place is my room I’ll never go to Africa My favorite music is Hip Hop I’ll never listen to Country Someday I’ll become a Pediatrician I’ll never become a Math Teacher.

Janae’ Seawright 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School I Am

Maybe Maybe saying I didn’t care was a complete utter lie Or maybe talking myself into being okay is what’s killing me inside I don’t know how I made myself believe that losing you was what was best Because honestly, you’re nothing like the rest You kept me standing when I was ready to fall You gave me a shoulder to lean on when I felt trapped in four walls You let me know that nobody was gonna take my place And that for first place there’ll never be a race.

I guess our worlds spilt apart without our permission.

And with it we somehow lost our ambition.

Everyday I see you, it reminds me of old times But it sometimes leaves me feeling empty inside.

Madison Grant 8th grade, Early College Academy @ Souers Middle School

I am kind and beautiful I wonder if anyone notices I hear ringing of church bells I see lots of people running I want some beef hot dogs I am kind and beautiful I pretend to be an airplane I feel invincible I fly through the sky I worry that I’m bad I cry when I’m mad I am kind and beautiful I understand most problems I say I can’t say I don’t I dream that I can’t I try to be bad at it I hope that I am I am kind and beautiful Faith Adkins 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 73

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

Love Left Us He sat on the ground, the cold, wet cement seeping through the denim of his jeans, numbing his thighs.

She sat on the hard metal bench, the smell of near-by resturaunts wafting towards her with the wind and incasing her fragile body.

His throat swollen and as red as cough drops. His hands balled at his sides hiding his torn, jagged fingernails and little cresent shaped indents marking his pale clammy palms.

Her head resting in her palms, resting on her knees.

Her blue eyes no longer gentle like running water but rough and violent like niagra.

Her eyes bloodshot and her eyelids heavier than the weight shattering her heart.

When a woman approaches him he keeps his head down and his fists balled, When a man approaches her she keeps her head down and her eyes closed, “What’s bothering you?”

He looked up at the petite woman: She looked up at the towering man: And said “Love left us.”

Strive I am a person who can’t be defined A person who feels free to speak her mind I am a person that doesn’t like to cry I am a person that is still not yet to be defined As a young lady you should strive for the best As a young lady your goals should be getting met As a young lady you should be focused on your future that is yet to come As a young lady you should want to be The woman you always wanted to be Capri Solomon 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

True Love YOU ARE MY TRUE LOVE I AM A FLOWER AND YOU ARE A DIVE THE PEOPLE WON’T TAKE US AWAY AND YOU MAKE UP MY DAY WE LOVE THE SAME THINGS WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE THE SAME THINGS YOU ARE MY TRUE LOVE I AM A FLOWER AND YOU ARE A DOVE Ty’riane Mayes 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Taylor Cline 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 74

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9 “Controlled” We live in a world submersed in technology I can honestly see why Online we can be who we want to be We don’t have to think about whether it’s right or wrong I mean, just one click and it’s all gone, right?

Technology has become attached to our hips It’s because the world is in our fingertips But it becomes harder to scroll your feed, day by day Because more kids are online instead of going outside to play Kids nowadays have phones, this is absurd They’d rather be playing games than studying their vocab words Don’t think Adults, I’m leaving you out Don’t think I don’t see you Dot & About You’re on your phone on your lunch break Instead of talking to your coworkers And I start to cry a little inside When I see pictures on Instagram of your burgers Everything may seem all fine and dandy, for the time being But just wait until these so called “inventions” ruin society Savannah Sparks 9th grade, McKinley High School

The Civil War I Live the Way I Live

Screaming victims Bloody tools fallen bodies it was cruel

I live the way I live Because of many reasons like sight.

I live the way I live But I don’t like to fight.

The bloodiest battle The worst infections The highest death toll The worst decisions

I like my life a lot So I take no risks. my life is like a lot But there are many more solutions, than my fists.

No knowledge No medications No equipment No expectations Typhoid fever, pneumonia, and mumps Spread through the camps quicker than dust.

Haley Howard 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

I live the way I live Even if I die.

I live the way I live So I never have to say goodbye.

Kevyn Krier 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 75

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

My Brother I watch as life ticks away.

Not realizing this could be my last day.

I think nothing of it Like it will last forever.

I sit and think Just wondering how all of this could be true.

It can't be He meant too much to me.

My brother, my best friend, Gone in a flash.

Why did it have to end?

Why did he have to crash?

His life was just beginning, College in the fall

Gentel Man’s Warfare Just a couple of gentel men, defending our hometown, We are lined up like bowling pins ready to get struck down, We will stay out in the blistering cold, Still we’re grey and old.

Just a couple of gentlemen, defending our hometown We fight threw all hours of the night, Till we see the mornings bright sunlight Just a couple of gentlemen, defending our home town. we look through the eyewatering gunsmoke, And stare at our red, white, and blue flag, that is still there!

Greg Marciano, Jr. 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

He wanted to play another inning.

Such a young age to go,

Summer

A soldier to the end, Justin, I love you and I miss you I hope to eventually see you again.

Riley Lesh 9th grade, Perry High School

Ball is Life I play Ball everyday.

OMG Basketball is life!

I practice I practice yea!

Khristopher Johnson 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

The clock ticks students ready to jump out of their seats five minutes till summer can it really be!

This school year has been really tough I’m ready to leave and let my school books collect dust.

Time to start the count down the students begin 3…2…1… they shout we pick up our books and crowd the hall like a heard of rhinos exploding with joy like volcanos up to our lockers and out the door goodbye school you shall see me no more.

Samone Butler 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 76

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9 I Always Arrive Seasons

As the wind blows Through the skies of grey The leaves and branches begin To fray The fall weather Brings us together As the leaves fall off the trees When the air gets cold And the trees look old And the snow begins to fall We know it’s winter When the air gets bitter And every little critter Has gone off to its little home We know it’s summer When the grass starts growing And it’s warm when the wind starts blowing All the seasons are great There is nothing at all to hate When we have this great world To love in everyday Evyn Eakle 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

I throw my gun into the back of my truck hoping to kill a 20 point buck.

As I sit here and enjoy the breeze A deer walks in and I give the trigger a squeeze.

The gun goes BAM! and the deer falls to the ground not moving and not making a sound.

After I get the deer back to my truck I shut the door and start her up.

My truck is unstoppable it can’t be beat I slam the door and strap myself in the seat.

I start the engine and press the gas to the floor my truck takes off and lets out some black smoke and a mighty loud roar.

Garin Keister 9th Grade, Perry High School

I Am I am kind and caring I wonder why people have to be mean I hear my feiends call my name I see how people treat other people I want to play volleyball I am kind and caring I pretend to be funny I feel happy the year is almost over I touch my moms heart when I am nice to my sister I worry my friends will leave me I cry when my family is upset I am kind and caring I understand I want to be successful I say you can do anything to put your mind to I dream to be an amazing volleyball player I try to be the best person I can be I hope to be the best me I am kind and caring Rachel Ketler 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 77

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

Empty A love like theirs is difficult to imagine, It was a death sentence for them to be apart.

Their love was decrepit, but appeared eternal, Which helped him see the beauty in his lover's dulling eyes.

Her faint smile seemed to tug at his heart.

The fear of the future chilled his body.

He began to feel like a deserted military base.

He had nothing left to protect or save, nothing to come home to.

Death, his greatest foe, had defeated his lover, and without her, he would surely be the next to go.

He watched as his love fell into an eternal, sound sleep.

He sat, tracing the constellations of freckles on her face.

She needn't worry about him any longer, And neither did he, for he knew she was safe.

His hands traced her fragile figure one last time, Her face, still, her expression unwavering, blissful.

She had passed knowing she had fought well, And her last thoughts had been nothing but of her love.

He whispered her name so sweetly it made angels weep.

And as trickles of tears donned his face, The beautiful memories they had shared together Slowly were erased from his deteriorating mind.

And a gaping hole in his chest formed, As death pried his hands from his beloved's.

Shiver Cold Winter Snow Blood Wolf Love Lust Passion Linger Forever Sam Grace Pack Mercy falls Life Cure Cierra Douglas 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Kaitlyn McGeorge 9th grade, Perry High School Cruel

TAB SQUAD Exciting Librarian Loving Energetic Nice

There once was a girl from Wool Who was lovely and very cool But some people laughed And she snapped Because some boys act like fools

Determined Optomistic Unique Creative Enchanting Tolerating TAB Talkitive (but in a good way) Everyone’s favorite Library person

Then the girl had chosen To show the boys what they had done So she came up with a plan and she told them to come After they had admitted that she was the chosen one.

Chloe Downerd 9th grade, Jackson High School

The boys were mad but didn’t admit it She really just wanted to tell them to quit So they both had learned something that day And that is to never feel like you aren’t special in any way.

Kali Todich 9th grade, Perry High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 78

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9 Bridge of Hope Body Poem

Eyes! How could I do anything without you I need you for almost everything To type and even to walk Without you I would miss out on all the Colors of the rainbow I couldn't watch T.V. or even use a cell phone I thank God I have these things called eyes To help me know light from dark And to experience the beauties of the world All the things I would miss out on But I ask myself If the world was blind How many people would I impress?

Swaying, The current rages, Lilies are swept away.

Dappled light glimmers brightly.

It frees.

Anna Freeman 9th grade, Homeschool

Emily Rodriguez 9th Grade, Perry High School

Darkness Winter On the ground a blanket of white Under the ground the animals burrow Above the ground the birds fly south In front of me the snow sprinkles down Inside my house the fire burns Over the river lies a sheet of ice Below zero degrees the thermometer says Without my gloves my hands would freeze Upon the houses there are lights Without, the world would be completely white I keep shoveling a path through the cold air of night Isabella Kistler 8th grade, JMMS

Where all is void of dimmest light There is repetition in despite of the things you seek Black, barren, frightful things Encased in eternal night Void of all these and more Void of anything you could ever think of Lies, hatred, burning hatred Unable to see any light Where swimmers always drown Those who look up fall down All of hope is lost Darkness is its cause Myles D. Pennington 9th grade, Perry High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 79

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

Confused Loving Darkness On this pain that I feel will I be able to heal The darkness which I love and fits like a glove.

And the light in the night is a knight in light How hard it is to not lie but can in the beuty of black sky The fight ahaid is sheer and I feel the end is near And her beautiful trove, is not in sight of love How love is so far and the sadness of my soul This void of a catastrophe is what makes me be The love will last even if I am an outcast My color will never be faded not even to be lighted This rage I have will always be a terrible blind haze And the darkness of this Kingdom will always be sanctum The wold in which I fell is my great grinding mil And my past so jaded was also raded A hard cover of my evil darkening lover I am the evil man at stand that will destroy the land This loving pain also the dark evil strin The burning passion I have to destroy on And a instinct I have to be 40 loving and distinct The fable I tell yself is the path where I fell All of the gore just to get a little more The beuty of fusion was in our confusion That evil bait she gave when she raised my state And when I could understand I knew love cant comprehend Cory Lenarz 8th grade, Oakwood Middle School

Sole Being He stands, Not sure what to do While smudges of gray paint line his eyes And it was as if poisonous snakes Had consumed his soul His hands trembled Hot breath detected in the chilly air He was lonely but it was okay He had the creatures to keep him company Diane Mejia 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Too Late We saw what happened Yeah, we were there But most importantly You guys do not care I mean she snitched So we spoke up Too late you guys He’s been written up We did the best we could Our squad even made signs We took it to the office And he pressed rewind He claimed he’d revisit it So now we have to wait But what’s the use now?

For some it’s just too late Kaitlyn Rayner 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

No One No one ever noticed their tears they’d cried.

No one ever payed them any attention.

No one ever seen their sadness.

No one ever realized their pain that they had.

No one noticed their depression.

No one ever noticed them have hatred to their own figure.

But everyone always saw the worse in them.

Always recognized the mistakes they made.

Always commented on their miss flaws.

Always missed judged them by their Appearance and actions they made.

Never saw the good in them like that one person in the world did.

Destiny Johnson 9th grade, Perry High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 80

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9 Funny How

Funny How things change, People change, Over what is unknown Funny

Funny How that Loayalness, Respectfulness, and Quietness Will kill Persons On the inside

Funny How you can be ignored, Invisible even, to the ones You thought you knew, The ones you told “I love you” to

Funny How Persons will wonder Wonder How get rid Of the Loyalness, respectfulness, And Quietness

Funny How friends of a Lifetime Went to Friends of the meantime If that, Funny.

Funny How Persons will want To let go Let go of everything And be Free

Funny How people view things One day you’re In The next your out Why? New faces? New places?

Funny How Persons will die Dust to Dust; Ashes to Ashes Mentally, Physically, and Emotionally And will be gone.

Funny How things affect a Person Funny How Persons always Laughs Always smiles And are always there

Funny How Persons Loves the idea of Emptiness Persons grown Empty.

Funny How Persons are Still and will remain Loyal, Respectful, and Quiet Funny

Funny How things are So Funny Funny How lives are Wasted.

Funny How. Jordan McQueen 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School The Bright Light The light is bright as can be it’s like the brightness of the good More than darkness of evil if you believe you can see that light From the heavenly gods and goddesses if you disappear on earth One day you will see the bright light of the love and protection Of our lord and savior to our hearts eyes of seeing to see and feel the love of the people with and around us so you have and always have love with protection of the bright light!

Michael Crawford 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 81

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

Our Fellow Native Americans Our Fellow Native Americans Were once the only people that rules Before Englishman owned plantations And slaves were used as told And slaves were used as tools Spread all over our nation With tribes and clueless knowledge They lived through the dangers And used their natural resources Our Fellow Native Americans Who hunted with bows and arrows And skinned animals for clothes Canoed through rivers so narrow Made their homes and tools themselves Before other nations came to this land.

The Natives Stand Our Fellow Native Americans Painted symbols on their faces Together they play the drums and dance.

Native Americans watch the stars And mark the constilations Our Fellow Native Americans Who lived on this land before us.

My bestfriend You’re my bestfriend and I love to hang out, We had dance battles and rap offs when your were around, You was my Bonnie and I was your Clyde, We made the best partners in crime, But now you’re not by my side, Why did they have to lie?

Now my heart is broken, Because your like the wind around but can be seen, I hear you but you can’t hear me At night I cry so on one knows my pain, Even though my life is falling like rain, I smile because one day we will be reunited, And the pain will slowly fade away like fog on a sunny day, And we will be Bonnie and Clyde, But even better you will be my brother right by my side, And I will have my bestfriend back in my life, But until then we will life today like we will meet again, Domonique McAllister 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School Valley Forge

Wolves Wolves, balance in nature Wolves, the natives companions Wolves, a mystery Nicholas Conklin 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Oh! The harsh, harsh winter, Log cabins made of timber.

General Washington filled with dread, Distant memories in his head.

The harsh and unforgiving winter, It hurt as bad as a splinter.

There’s horrible sickness and disease, And soldiers try to flee.

The cold is like the soldiers of Britain, All the soldiers are frostbitten.

The camp is freezing cold and unbearable, Everyone thinks the cold is terrible.

Keith Rumbaugh 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 82

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9

High School Dropouts All it took was self-doubt and years of struggling.

Just one impulse.

You drop your pencil, walk out the front doors, and slam them behind you.

You curse out loud and tell yourself, “Never turn back.”

No job, no money, no luck.

Looking back you realize all those years of poor judgment have caused all this.

No education implanted into your brain.

Everyday regretting slamming those doors.

Marlana Vazquez 9th Grade, Perry High School In the ‘Hood

For All Those This is for all those whom I love, The friendships that truly fit like a glove.

This is for those who so kind have been, Whose love has flown like ink from a pen.

This is for the wonderful ones who don’t see How they shine from the view of people like me.

This is for the people who really care, Who with all that they meet, love always share.

And this is for all those whose names I don’t know, But whose love and joy really does show.

These are the people who a difference have made, And this is for them: this accolade.

Abigail Thouvenin 9th grade, Homeschool

Nah, not just the sirens Ay, you hear that?

That pop-pop-pop sound Yep, the sound of a Gat Dang, stuff’s so sad out here Why these girls wearing short skirts?

Can’t even pay her child support But got money for dem see-thru shirts?

Whole lotta pimps out chere Wantin’ money and drugs Some fathers, some locked up Can’t give their sons and daughters hugs I know all dis sounds crazy I know all dis aint good But you just gotta strive through it Especially when you “In the ‘Hood” Kiara Spells 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Summer Summer is full of magic The hot sand between your toes Ice cold lemonade rushing down your throat Hot sun rays beating down on your back Cold water as you jump into the pool Smell of sunscreen in the air Seeing the world through sunglasses Summer is a wonderful time Destiny Freday 8th grade, Early College Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 83

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry “Tears in the Trenches”

“ Time of Time “ At times, Time is too short, Suddenly your favorite song has ended, Your friendship has, Or even your life, Someone’s life, You’re out of time to do something, Answer something, Or reply back to someone, It makes you want to do something, See something, Hear something, Feel something, Be something, But sometimes, Time is too long, The feeling you feel, Or some lame song, Just seem to go on and on, When time is like this, You wish for it to be short again, But not too short, No, Somewhere in the middle, You wish for this, Time and time, Again…

Mackenzie Threm 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Down in the trenches we huddle and crowd Some beg, some plead, some cry in fear The artillery sounds are muffled but loud Leaving us longing for the sounds we used to hear No children laughing, no birds singing Instead the rumble of tanks, man killing man No friends, no family, no church bells ringing Expected to be brave but not sure if we can Time drags on, never quiet or calm Minutes pass slowly, a never-ending lag Broken bodies scattered, the battlefield of the Somme A fallen soldier still holding his nation’s tattered flag This battle is over but no one truly won Our graves are wherever we drop As the poisonous gas eats away at the sun The mourning seems never to stop Vincent Mergner 9th grade, Jackson High School

Teachers, Oh Teachers Teachers, oh teachers For the thousand time There’s a ton of homework And too little time Teachers, oh teachers Give us a break There’s ten million things That no one can take Teachers, oh teachers We are only teenagers We need a million month vacation just to get away Teachers, oh teachers Get off our backs There’s a thousand things to do Maybe I will give it back.

Elaina Kirkpatrick 8th Grade, Sandy Valley Middle school

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 84

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9 Be You Piecing it Back Together

As I read through the old book, the pages feel as if they are falling to the ground It seems to you as if they are teardrops from your eyes, so You feel it But you know you’re not crying on the outside, but on The inside You feel scared and hopeless; you don’t let people k now so you always put on a big smile to hide it all As you go through these times you let it all build up and then you take it all out on yourself When you really didn’t do anything, but you don’t want to feel like a mess When somebody finally notices it’s usually too late, but for you it wasn’t that person helped you through those times and helped you piece the old book back together You then realized that book was really your soul and you put it back together instead of tearing it all the way apart That person helped you, so you thanked them with all your heart that you did not lose yourself over nothing and you really appreciated their help so you would not have to fall into a deep hole that you could not crawl out of even with every struggling muscle in your body Seirra Taylor 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

There are many things hidden behind her.

She doesn’t show what she is made of.

She is afraid people will judge her.

She is afraid people will view her as different.

But her talent and her beauty are so amazing.

Her self-esteem is so low From many people bringing her down.

She tells herself she needs to build it back up.

People that she loved, cared for and so much More let her down.

She finally realized that people’s thoughts really don’t count.

Everyone is going to be judged Their whole life.

You can’t hide who you really are for others For the rest of your life.

One day someone is going to see who you are And love you for you.

No matter who it is or when it is Someone is going to love you, So don’t let others bring you down.

Ayona Broyles 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Music is Magic It can calm you down Make you dance like a clown It makes you fan-girl Then you’ll start to twirl You’ll fill up with glee When the beat goes “Bum bum bee” It will go into your head Until you go to bed It feels like magic If you’re listening to music Samantha Thompson 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 85

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry The Bench I sit here on this bench

Some memories aren’t as happy,

In the center of the park,

Days when no one saw a smile.

I think a lot of happy thoughts

I don’t like thinking of these,

I also think some dark.

And I don’t want to for a while.

I want to fill my mind with joy,

I come here everyday

I think of things that make me content,

And sit here in this seat,

Bringing back only positive thoughts,

Through the rain, through the snow

Reflecting on all the good times I’ve spent.

In the cold and in the heat.

So I sit here on this bench, Overlooking the park, I think back on past memories,

I think of all the happy thoughts,

On the neighborhood playground.

And say goodbye to all the dark.

All of the friends and smiling faces, That I had previously found.

Erica Factor 8th grade, Lake Middle School

The Meaning of Life What is the meaning of life? We may ask obviously the answer isn’t in textbooks and a flask.

Sometimes we think too much of that question Many people answer, although it’s a suggestion.

Obviously, the answer is right in front of us.

Found in everyday places, like a car or a bus.

People search and search and even went on a tour The answer is right in front of us, 2+2=4 Zara Siddiquee 9th grade, Jackson High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 86

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9 "I am strong & passionate"

I Tank I have a blue fish I have a red fish I have 1 tank I have 1 can of food I have 1 house My blue fish likes rocks My blue fish loves to hide in the rocks My red fish likes the seaweed My red fish loves to swim through the seaweed My blue and red fish are best friends How can this be?

My fish don’t care that they’re different My fish don’t see color and judge My fish eat the same food My fish swim in the same tank My fish live in my house My fish love me.

I have a blue fish I have a red fish I have brown skin You have white

I am strong & passionate I wonder what my future holds I hear fans cheering my name I see my wife & kids in the stands I will win this game I am strong & passionate I pretend the trophy is in my hands I feel the rush of adrenaline through my body I touch the smooth dirt ground beneath me I worry that what if I don't think fast enough I cry because I want this for my family I am strong & passionate I understand that it's not about the win I say it's for the love of the game I dream that one day I'll win I try & push & live strong One day I'll win this...

I am strong and passionate Kevin Miller 9th Grade, Perry High School Love and Hate I love food I hate uneven numbers

So tell me why fish have better attitudes, Better than you?

Brianna Agomessou 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

I enjoy relaxing I dislike landscaping My favorite food is escargots I’ll never eat avacado My favorite place is the Bahamas I’ll never go to Russia My favorite music is R&B I’ll never listen to heavy metal Someday I’ll live in Atlanta I’ll never quit on my education Elijah Msafiri 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 87

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry Where I’m From

I Am I’m from Hixson and Mayle Trisha and Matt The sound of a baseball Hitting a bat I am from card games And dusting and Rolling on floors.

I am from sleeping To loud grandma snores I am from death and divorce And Lucy kicks galore I’m from Penny and Bean The best team I am from praises and smiles Receiving glares I am from hoping someone would stop and state I am from lisa and Todd Breathing country air Mary and Tracy with Crazy city may sees I am from horse ridings And clumsy fishing trips.

Deep in the closet Hidden in a bag Lies pictures and letters That make me feel sad I am a seed half of each tree One single person creating a team

I am from an Accident from love and loss I am the books on the shelf.

(Full of wisdom and knowledge.)

I am from the lilac tree the suburban backyard the many flowers that are full of joyful memories.

I’m from the band tees and brownies from Disney movies and nickelodeon cartoons I’m from the wallflowers and social butterflies.

From Get’er done! And shut’em up I’m from believe in magic with karma in-between I’m from Merry’s ice Cream chocolate with lots of sprinkles From the grandpa that wanted to fight but couldn’t because of age.

In the attic was an old box over flowing with pictures like the lakes into streams the water my family has swam for years and years to come.

Amber Schumacher 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Madison Hixson 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 88

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9

You Shine

I Am

You shine like the stars You shine like the sun Girl, you’re full of fun And, OMG, you can run You may not believe it So come on down and sit ‘Cause I have to tell you Something that is hard to say Girl, you can fight Girl, you can hit You are one-of-a-kind You’re great, girl – you are You shine like the start You shine like the sun Girl, you’re full of fun And, OMG, you can run Your smile is worth a million You’re kind, helpful, and more Special, spiritual, smart, sweet girl You are the one, girl – yeah

I am a good friend and funny I wonder why people have hate for one another I hear people calling out for help and no one helps I see who people really are deeo down I want to be able to love myself I am a good friend and funny I pretend to be happy a lot I feel my life falling apart I touch my friends’ hearts when they need help I worry I won’t make it to success I cry when my friends are hurt I am a good friend and funny I understand life is hard I say I’m okay even if I’m not I dream I will live a happy life I try to be kind to people I hope I will be successful in life I am a good friend and funny Lydia Schauer 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Girl, you can fight Girl, you can hit You’re one-of-a-kind, girl You’re a great girl, you are You shine like the stars You shine like the sun Girl, you’re full of fun And, OMG, you can run You shine You shine Yes, you do Stephanie Turner 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 89

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

The Window Looking out the window of an apartment in New York City made me feel insignificant.

There are times in life when I want to feel that way.

I mean, take a look at all the lights, all the people.

There are literally millions of them within a three-block radius and yet, you will never meet most of them.

They will never meet you. They can never judge you.

Looking out the window is a way to remind myself that I’m a tiny part of the world that keeps going, whether I want to or not.

Some ask why I would want to feel that way.

Have you ever been so overwhelmed, like everyone wants a piece of you or that you have to live up to expectations because others are counting on you?

There are days when I have so much pressure on my shoulders and if I don’t do something right or well enough, the world is going to stop and stare at me, telling me I screwed up.

Then, I go over and look out of the window.

I realize that there is just so much more going on in the world.

If I let one person down, there are countless others I could be making proud or won’t judge me.

The world wouldn’t stop if I messed up, There are always chances to try again.

The window did me a favor.

It saved my life.

Jaymee Barrett 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

The Fixer-Upper When your heart is broken And it needs some fixing Of course, I’ll be there to fix it.

When your shoulder’s in a slump And it really needs some fixing, Of course, I’ll be there to fix it, Don’t worry, I’ll always be here, You don’t need to worry Because I’ll be here To guide you And to fix you.

Janese Billings 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

My Soul My soul cries, When someone in my family passes away, My secret place is excited, When I ride the tall, thrilling roller coasters, My soul feels nervous, When I go up on stage to tap dance at the Palace, My spirit feels thrilled, When I sing in front of a big audience, My inner feiend laughs, When I spend time with my cousins, My spirit feels full of love, When I pray to the Lord, My soul is amazed, When I get a compliment, My inner self screams, When I get in trouble, My secret place dances, When I hang out with my friends, My soul makes me who I am, My soul.

Nikki Yoho 8th grade, ECA @ Souers Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 90

I SPY Poetry

Grades 8 & 9

The Real You Your eyes are kind, Your body is calm, Your hands are gentle, Your smile is welcoming, But your mind is a whole different story.

Your mind consumes it all, It tears it all that away to make you seem dangerous and twisted.

You put up a front to come off as something you’re not, so afraid of the real you.

But it was me who struck you in the heart to reveal the real you.

You were so afraid of your loved ones knowing the person you really are.

But I came along and destroyed the plastic that you were hiding behind.

Now it’s you, the one you’re so afraid of.

Now you’re left alone, empty, and afraid.

Evahanna Cruz 8th grade, Early College Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 91

Grades 8 & 9

I SPY Poetry

Our Fellow Native Americans Our fellow Native Americans were once the only people that ruled Before Englishman owned plantations and slaves were used as tools and slaves were used as tools Spread all over our nation with tribes and clueless knowledge they lived through the dangers and used their natural resources.

Our Felow Native Americans who hunted with bows and arrows and skinned animals for clothes canoed through rivers so narrow made their homes and tools theirselves Before other nations came to this land The Natives stand Our Fellow Native Americans painted symbols on their faces Together they play the drums and dance.

Native Americans watch the stars and mark the constilations Our Fellow Native Americans who lived on this land before us.

Emily Wells 8th grade, Early College Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 92

Grades 10-12

I SPY Poetry

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 93

I SPY Poetry

Grades 10-12

Grades 10-12 Awards Amanda Carano Night Lies ................................................................................................. 102 Jordan Floyd Sun .......................................................................................................... 95 Ophelia Knight Begin? ····················································································· 102 Katelynn Leach Set It Free ................................................................................................ 96 Jessica Linville The One ................................................................................................... 101 Sefra Manos The Cat .................................................................................................... 100 Cindy Pan FORK ······················································································· 95 Jacki Szuzechowsk The Way I Feel About You ....................................................................... 95 Natalie Thouvenin Your Laugh .............................................................................................. 97 Nabila Utami The Hurt ··················································································· 97

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 94

Grades 10-12

I SPY Poetry

Sun

FORK

Bright, warm Burning, glowing, shining Golden, fiery, distant, white Reflecting, eclipsing, revolving Cool, empty Moon

“Here lies Captain Spork, Ate a full plate of port He was eating so much During his time of lunch, That he swallowed the fork And rolled over dead Due to the force of torque.

Jordan Floyd 11th grade, Jackson High School

Cindy Pan 12th grade, Jackson High School

The Way I Feel About You As I lay motionless with a blank expression on my face, occasionally smiling at the thought of you.

Your touch, your taste and smell. I do, it’s true. I’m madly in love with you My missing half, my long lost piece. I’ve found you at last. I ache for your company, for your embrace.

With eyes as deep as the ocean, I can almost just stare into them and drift away, Lips so soft and tender, a touch so light and caressing it sends chills down my spine, in hopes that you will never let go.

I love the warmth of your skin and the shyness you show.

I feel like we are a match made in heaven and we can accomplish anything we put our minds to. I’d do anything for you.

You by my side and me by yours, hand in hand we face the world.

I love you so much it hurts. When I’m around you I feel so alive, so whole again.

I feel on top of the world, like nothing could ever stop us.

I’d give my life for you and defend you with every fiber of my being.

My heart jumps at the sight of you, then kicks back in to beat a million miles per hour.

When I’m around you I feel my temperature rising.

I’m so happy I met you. I love you so much. You’re my love, and my life.

Baby you’re my world.

Jacki Szczechowski 11th grade, Canton City Digital Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 95

I SPY Poetry

Grades 10-12 Set it Free

Your Love for Me is Like the Sea A Villanelle by Anna Huntsman Your love for me is like the sea: A rapid burst that strikes the shore Perhaps the sand will set me free.

An angry wave immerses me Then calmly, sweetly, does adore Your love for me is like the sea.

Emotions, crashing ceaselessly; Atlantic showers prick and pour Perhaps the sand will set me free.

A sky that stretches endlessly, Encasing restless time and lore Your love for me is like the sea.

Like vessels on the harbor, we Shall beat and change forevermore Perhaps the sand will set me free.

An ocean, darkened doomfully, Whose treasures I cannot explore Your love for me is like the sea Perhaps the sand will set me free.

Anna Huntsman 12th grade, Perry High School

Do you remember the days and nights All the moments we laughed without care?

Because my friend, I think back to when We said we’d never leave each other.

Now all that I recall is that promise we made When we became friends forever.

Now I will never let you down.

Your brightest blaze or your darkest spell It will not keep me from saving you from The darkness inside your heart I will find a way, there are unlimited days For you to come back with me So now, my friend, I’ll ask again Would you come close and hold my heart Because at this moment in time I’ve lost my way in this maze of light Without you…

Please raise your hands, so I can see Where you are your engulfed heart And I’ll set it free I know there is a way, there will come a day When your light has shined bright.

I won’t give up on finding you.

Believe in me, I’ll never abandon you.

This heart that you’re holding Let it guide you Look to me and you’ll see that you’re not alone Please don’t give up just yet I’m here holding your hand Put down your flag, look around you And see that there is more to life than the darkness Hold on to me, I’ll help you through This time of pain inside your heart and soul I won’t let go, I’m here for you This light will break through the wall of your heart And you will see again, that I’m here for you You’re never alone, this maze isn’t meant for one Just come my way This could be the day Your darkness turns to light Katelynn Leach 10th grade, Timken Early College

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 96

Grades 10-12

I SPY Poetry Your Laugh

I like to hear you laugh because it’s never just for show I like to hear you laugh because it warms me when I’m cold I like to hear you laugh because it makes our smiles grow And I like to hear you laugh because it’s music to my soul Natalie Thouvenin 11th Grade, Homeschool

The Hurt An anti-bullying poetry That apathetic face with a mortal tongue Ceaselessly putting a rhythmic curses on me

I Spy Spring I spy something sunny I spy something nice I spy something growing I spy something blooming I wonder what that could be.

I spy something wonderful I spy something great I spy something so bright It makes my smile light up the sky!

Do you want to know what I spy?

That something I spy is…..

Human nature and its wonderful Spring season.

Habbibah Muhammed 10th grade, Leap School

That frozen heart and despise looking eyes Continuously dragging me under a storm With no silver lining after all Look, I am an individual!

I am Matter Stop drowning me deep down the oceans And forcing me to feel those tensions and emotions BecausePulling me down will never be soared you up to the top I know Behind those laughsScattered a bruised heart I know Behind those giggles Lies scars of fears And I know Behind those prides There is a numb soul of Abandonment with zero goal Because in the end I realized That only The Hurt hurts other people Nabila Utami 12th Grade, foreign exchange student at GlenOak High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 97

I SPY Poetry

Grades 10-12 Macbeth

Macbeth was a thane Married to a women With something wrong in her brain Manipulating his own To do something the country will disdain A dagger, a life Something at strife Macbeth reveals his true self On a night where everything is erroneous The owl shrieked Air in Scotland no longer harmonious Death by friend Or was it foe Who took Duncans life And left him thinking it was something he would outgrow Guilty consciences and sleepless nights Ballroom dances and petty fights Dinner at his castle revealing the truth A bloody Banquo standing aloof Only the culpable Seeing this spoof Macbeth is a tragedy A record one ive seen Filled with unholy homicides and hands unclean Along the lines of fate and freewill Macbeth foresees his future The witches chant An unruly grant of his impending downfall And in this way They portray his murderer A man unnaturally born Macbeth is caught between utter confidence and acute anxiety Murdering those in his path The fight to keep his kingship

With his inevitable wrath The new king is someone the villagers execrate A man full of lies A man full of hate Upsetting the balance of nature And for a brief brunch Each other is what the horses had ate The winds soon picked up speed Macbeth continually filled of greed Macbeths song began with lullabies and easter baskets Gifts of loyalty That led to guillotines and caskets He destroyed relationships and lives They were self inflicted He couldn’t possibly thrive Distancing himself from all who cared His downfall began And he was unfortunately unprepared Facing death abundant Macbeths life now redundant All hail our king Newly returned to his throne Previously restored from England This Macbeth simply didn’t condone Birnam Woods had moved This, the witches had proved With their wickedness served on a platter Macbeth didn't trust them He, the latter His lineage expired Macbeth's death is required Malcolm is crowned On the streets of Scotland Peace is finally found

Lindsey Wasnak 10th Grade, GlenOak High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 98

Grades 10-12

I SPY Poetry

Her Everything His beauty shimmers in the sun of the afternoon day.

Her elegant hair, flowing past her hips Her shape is of the hourglass And her soft but pouty lips.

Her delicate soul fragile and sad, Love is something she never had.

I’ll mend her heart, And be with her till death do us part.

Her voice spans over the horizon of my world, Filling up y happiness She always knows how to make me smile, And dominates my sadness.

I want to be her everything Her sweet love, My heart soars around her And reaches to the skies avove Her love everlasting, Smile even more radiant and bright, When I sit in the dark, She was my light She is my soulmate Fate brought we together I’ll never leave and I’ll always love her, Now and forever She is the other half of me, The piece that was missing for so long Now she’s with me.

And that’s where she belongs.

Timothy Labus 12th grade, Timken Senior High School

The Wallflower In the back of the room she sat quiet.

Not ever once did she cause a riot.

She listened and observed all those around.

Hardly ever did she produce a sound.

Listening closely and silently throughout the years, Some may have called this girl the eyes and ears.

Others may say she was the one to cower.

But she was mostly known as wallflower.

Though unseen was how she normally stood.

She would have told you this was something good.

At dances she stood away from the crowd.

Never once singing along much too loud.

She prefered to keep to herself mostly; Never having many people closely.

What she heard and saw she kept to herself, Locked it away and kept it on a shelf.

She never judged and always understood, Put your trust in her was something you could.

She could see the world for the way it was, And she knew some things happen just because.

When noticed, she would give a small, shy smile.

For she was not one to be very hostile.

Her long hair she wore down covered her face, Her favorite shirt was covered in lace.

Her nose was small and her eyes ocean blue, But that was not something many people knew.

She’ll speak to you if you speak to her first.

She will never think that you are the worst.

She is the one that few will know to miss, I guess that’s what made her good at being this.

Allyson Nichols 12th Grade, Perry High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 99

I SPY Poetry

Grades 10-12 The Cat

Come on, come closer child, I’ve got somethin’ to say, It’s a tale about a cat, who could never find his way.

Now this cat was extraordinary, as he discovered new things each day, Yet he went on with his life, like he knew it was his last day.

I’ll tell you about a cat, who was braver than us all, A cat who above all, never took a fall.

Now this cat was somethin’, to cherish quite, As he was a pet, night to night.

This cat was somethin’ special, a pet with a full heart, As he always, always, always, knew his part.

This cat was an adventurer that did things on the whim.

This cat was one that used his nine lives, to get rid of the grim.

Come on, come closer child, I’ve got somethin’ to say.

It’s about how you live your life every day.

Don’t squander the opportunities, stand up and be strong, Because if you follow your heart, you can never be wrong.

Sefra Manos 10th grade, Lake High School

Beautiful Disaster Everything we are is a beautiful disaster.

The methods in which we make ourselves cry are gorgeous.

The way we tear into each other is spectacular.

We are a beautiful woman in a broken homeless shelter.

We are a boy with promise shooting heroin for the 15th time.

We are a serial killer-- begging for forgiveness.

A deadbeat father with a change of heart.

We are a rose covered in the mud from the monsoons.

One last kiss at the end of the world.

We are a photograph in black and white Of a 12 year old girl with bright eyes and a cigarette.

We are a love song that screams the whole way through.

A whispered tune of tender hate.

We are two teenagers that love each other Too much for their own good.

Because it’s all they really know.

Because they’re too young to understand, But not too old to still believe.

We are our own destruction, And the language with which we kill ourselves Is far too poetic to notice the pain.

Everything we are is a beautiful disaster.

And it is keeping us perfectly insane.

Kennedy Lawver

12th grade, Jackson High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 100

Grades 10-12

I SPY Poetry THE ONE The One

The One

That book that made you love every page That challenged you Inspired you Made you a better person

The boy that you truly loved Who challenged you Inspired you Made you a better person

Whether or not you will Read You remember how you felt Reading It

Whether or not you’re still Together The feelings never go away Of him

Looked like any old book at first You hated reading Yet somehow you opened it up to Page one The pages kept turning totally enthralled in it suddenly, nothing else mattered only this book it took you to a whole new world made everything okl

You thought he was just another guy You had sworn off dating Yet somehow you approached him and said Hi You kep talking Totally enamored by him Suddenly, Nothing else mattered Only this boy He took your problems away Made everything ok

Jessica Linville 12th grade, GlenOak High School

Llamas Llamas Fluffy, fabulous Prancing, watching, spitting Content, carefree, casual, cool Better than Alpacas Llamas Emma Waer 10th grade, Jackson High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 101

I SPY Poetry

Grades 10-12

Night lies At night it's dark Sad thoughts consume you You think about all the things you've been through You think there's no end to this emptiness And your problems are hard to confess What you don't understand is that the night lies You have to wait for the sun rise The colors of life fill the sky You see the start of a new day through your eyes And you realize that the night lies You thought about being done But by doing that you would never see the sun The sun comes up for you For you to have light For hope to see through Don't give up in the dark For the night lies To keep going, you have to await the sun rise Amanda Carano 11th grade, Sandy Valley High School

Begin?

Does life begin with a single drop of hope? Or does it bloom forth blindly like crabgrass in the spring Haze?

Does it begin on the wind? Like the cries of those who have left the earth long before us?

Or does it sing tales of love songs and whisper sweet nothings into the ears of the lonely?

Does life truly know no boundaries?

Or does it border forever in between possible and impossible?

Or is it all just a constant never ending dream? Leaving man to want, need and yearn?

Never to find where it all began?

Does life begin with a single drop of longing? Or does it leap blindly into the night like a man gone mad?

Does life begin‌Or has it already begun?

Ophelia D. Knight 11th grade, Timken Senior High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 102

Grades 10-12 INDEX

I SPY Poetry

_____ A _____ Abrams, Hope ---------------- 53 Adams, Payge ---------------- 40 Adkins, Faith ------------------ 73 Agomessou, Brianna ------- 87 Ahn, Chloe -------------------- 34 Altman, Madison ------------- 28 Amos, Izaiah ------------------ 30 Anderson, Carter -------------- 8 Anderson, Christian --------- 70 Angerman, Addison --------- 69 Anthony, Atira ---------------- 27

Betz, Brenin ------------------- 15

Cline, Taylor ------------------- 74

Billings, Janese -------------- 90

Cobbs, Adriann --------------- 25

Binion, Damien --------------- 14

Coblentz, Jada ---------------- 49

Binius, Bryce ----------------- 31

Collins, Nikaala --------------- 37

Bliese, Laura ----------------- 34

Comfort, Cassia ------------- 27

Bliese, Mary------------------- 32

Conklin, Nicholus------------- 82

Bliese, Michael --------------- 21

Conner, Emily ----------------- 16

Bohrer, Kaegan ---------------- 7

Cooper, Allly ------------------- 63

Bohrer, Kinsey --------------- 60

Cornelius, Jase ---------------- 8

Bolon. Cole-------------------- 13

Cosentino, Anna -------------- 55

Broom, Madison ------------- 28

Covington, Isaac ------------- 46

Broyles, Ayona --------------- 85

Crable, Nyla ------------------- 20

Butler, Samone -------------- 76

Crawford, Kaleigh ------------ 15 Crawford, Michael------------ 81

Anthony, Gavriel ------------- 59

Cribbs, Gracie ------------------ 7

Armstead, Coley ------------- 31 Armstead, Mason------------ 29

_____ C _____

Cruz, Evahanna -------------- 91

Asberry, AJ -------------------- 16 Campbell, Patricia----------- 70 Capocci, Adrianna ---------- 32 Carano, Amanda ----------- 102

_____ B _____ Baldwin, Ally ------------------ 52 Barnes, Emily ----------------- 34 Barrett. Jaymee -------------- 90 Barros, Ashleigh ------------- 28 Bavis, Ashton ----------------- 58 Beasley, Aleyse -------------- 70

_____ D _____

Carcione, Willow --------------- 7

Dalton, David ------------------ 62

Chahal, Damenpreef ------- 25

Daves, Ava--------------------- 20

Chapman, Arianna ---------- 24

Daviduk, Jalynn ---------------- 8

Charlick, Zachary------------ 50

Davis, Ben --------------------- 28

Chase, Victoria --------------- 18

Decker, Preston -------------- 20

Chelbert. Foster ------------- 25

Dedrick, Jade------------------ 70

Choudhury, Snehal --------- 24

Degenhard, Ella -------------- 19

Christensen, Chloe --------- 27

Demetro, Carter -------------- 10

Clifton, Lexy--------------------- 7

Demmel, Kyle ----------------- 50

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 103

I SPY Poetry

Grades 10-12 INDEX

DiMarco, Ranita -------------- 54

Freday, Destiny -------------- 83

Harvey, Rae-Ann -------------20

Dimmerling, Ronald --------- 33

Freeman, Anna -------------- 79

Hasting, Cassidy -------------30

Dinwiddlie, Jack ---------------- 8

Freeman, Christa ------------ 57

Hauner, Katelyn --------------28

Dobransley, Brenna --------- 27

Fulmer, Lilianna -------------- 26

Hawk, Jacob -------------------- 9

Dotson, Shalya --------------- 32

Haymaker, Brynn -------------11

Douglas, Cierra -------------- 78

Hedrick, Mackenzie ----------10

Downerd, Chloe -------------- 78 Doyle, Ainsley ---------------- 56

_____ G ______

Driesbach, Taryn ------------ 15

Galletta, Tessa --------------- 45

Duff, Graham ----------------- 62

Geiser, Lucy ------------------ 47

Duncil, Destiny --------------- 69

Geisheimer, Caitlyn ----------- 6

Dunn, Molly ------------------- 16

George, Kaleel ----------------- 6

Dutton, Tessa----------------- 10

Gidcumb, Kaylee -------------- 5 Glaser, Dominic -------------- 16 Grant, Madison--------------- 73

_____ E ______

Grassell, Esther -------------- 42 Grier, Brenya ----------------- 12

Hinderegger, Andrew -------11 Hixson, Madison --------------88 Hollinger, Hailey --------------59 Hooper, Jade ------------------32 Hough, Andrew ---------------- 5 Howard, Haley ----------------75 Hoyt, Monica ------------------24 Hoyt, Morgan ------------------26 Huntsman , Anna -------------96 Hurd, Brooke ------------------19 Hurd, Grace--------------------14 Hurd, Robert -------------------15

Eakle, Evyn ------------------- 77 Ebbott, Zach ------------------ 37

_____ H ______

_____ I ______ Ijoma, Stephanie -------------45

_____ F ______

Hager, Autumn --------------- 11

Factor, Erica ------------------ 86

Hall, Timothy------------------ 68

Faris, Caitlyn ------------------ 31

Hamrick, Logan -------------- 17

Finefrock, Aliza --------------- 68

Hanlon, Mya ------------------ 21

Fiore, Rachael ---------------- 56

Harman, Curtis --------------- 72

James, Zach -------------------68

Floyd, Jordan ----------------- 95

Harris , Gabriella------------- 31

Jenkins, Anna ------------------ 6

Fox, Isabella ------------------ 34

Harrison, Melody ------------ 25

Jenkins, Damaris -------------47

Hall, Ryleigh ------------------ 20

_____ J ______

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 104

Grades 10-12 INDEX

I SPY Poetry

_____ L _____

Mayberry, Jarod -------------- 72

Johnson-Bennett, Kyla ----- 10

Labus, Timothy -------------- 99

Mayle, Alyssa ------------------ 9

Josef, Ryan ------------------- 18

Lane, Madison --------------- 29

McAllister, Domonique ------ 82

Lauer, Kiara ------------------- 73

McCalla, Jasmine ------------ 51

Lawson, Grace --------------- 64

McCoury, Fiona --------------- 33

_____ K _____

Lawver, Kennedy ----------- 100

McGee, Eilis ------------------- 57

Leach, Katelynn ------------- 96

McGeorge, Kaitlyn ----------- 78

Katigbak, Cate --------------- 58

LeClerc, Jacqueline--------- 37

McLemore, Makenzie ------- 25

Keister, Garin ----------------- 77

Lee, Tatianna ----------------- 14

McNickle, Colin --------------- 15

Kelly, Emily -------------------- 13

Lenarz, Corey ---------------- 80

McQueen, Jordan ------------ 81

Ketler, Rachel ---------------- 77

Lesh, Riley -------------------- 76

Mejia, Diana ------------------- 80

Kirby, Jordan ----------------- 71

Lilley, Jaida ------------------- 29

Mergner, Vincent ------------- 84

Kirkpatrick, Elaina ----------- 84

Linville, Jessica ------------- 101

Messman, Jacob ------------- 53

Kistler, Isabella --------------- 79

Lober, Emma ---------------- 100

Meyer, Anna ------------------- 61

Kitchen, Sierra --------------- 71

Lopez-Garcia, Isaiah ------- 14

Middour, Isabella ------------- 18

Klatt, Josh --------------------- 65

Loudin, Elijah ----------------- 32

Miles, Micaiah ----------------- 51

Knepper, Grace -------------- 72

Loukas, Kenna ----------------- 6

Miller, Katrina------------------ 43

Knight, Ophelia -------------- 102

Loudin, Aliyah ---------------- 51

Miller, Kevin-------------------- 87

Koch, Kenneth --------------- 71

Lumbatis, Abigail ------------ 38

Miller, Natalie ------------------ 60

Johnson, Destiny ------------ 80 Johnson, Khristopher ------- 76

Mizener, Julianna ------------ 41

Kokensparger, Hannah ------ 5

Mocher, Lily -------------------- 13

Krier, Kevyn ------------------- 75 Kryah, Zoey --------------------- 6

Mayes, Ty’Riare -------------- 74

_____ M _____

Montini, Brianna -------------- 39

Manos, Sefra ---------------- 100

Morgan, Sarah ---------------- 60

Marciano Jr., Greg ---------- 76

Morman, Ava ------------------ 20

Marcos, Mireya -------------- 30

Morton, Cameron ------------ 12

Martin, Griffin ----------------- 16

Msafiri, Elijah ------------------ 87

Martinez, Angelica ---------- 15

Musaelyan, Inessa ----------- 13

Kukoleck, Marley ------------ 30

Moore, Unity ------------------- 11

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 105

I SPY Poetry

Grades 10-12 INDEX

Muhammed, Habbibah ----- 97

Patrick , Joy ------------------- 26 Patrick, Lydia ----------------- 21 Patterson, Hunter------------ 20 Penaflor, Ysabela ----------- 40

_____ N ______ Neman, Marina --------------- 16 Newman, Alnyha------------- 71 Newman, Robert --------------- 8 Nichols , Allyson ------------- 99 Norch, Sydney------------------ 9 Norris, Maryla----------------- 43 Nutter, Alayna ---------------- 14

_____ S ______

Pennington, Myles --------- 79

Salvino, Ricky -----------------11

Peters, Isabelle -------------- 19

Sanders, Hannah-------------31

Phillips, Moddy --------------- 48

Schauer, Lydia ----------------89

Phillips, Vanessa ------------ 10

Schnabel , Sierrah -----------59

Pierce, Lauren---------------- 17

Schnee, Elizabeth ------------19

Plotts, Mackienna ----------- 33

Schnitzler, Millie --------------18

Preda, Preston --------------- 21

Schumacher, Amber --------88

Pritchett, Kaylee ------------- 12

Scibetta, Lauren --------------40

Purdy, Dylan ------------------ 12

Seawright, Janae’ ------------73 Shirey, Clay --------------------60 Siddiquee, Zara ---------------86

_____ O ______ Ohler, JoJo -------------------- 14 Olegon, Alex ------------------ 42 Oswald, Ashlyn--------------- 10 Overdorf, Haley -------------- 41

_____ P ______ Pack, James ------------------ 68 Palmer , Byanca ------------- 61 Pan, Cindy--------------------- 95 Pasrija, Khushi --------------- 27

_____ R ______

Simms, Carter -----------------21

Raines, China ---------------- 53

Smith, Sydney-----------------13

Rayner, Kaitlyn --------------- 80

Snyder, Laney-----------------47

Reynolds, Jenna ------------- 21

Solomon, Capri ---------------74

Roberts, Kenneth ------------ 45

Soltis, Aaron -------------------51

Rodriguez, Emily ------------ 79

Sommers, Blake --------------44

Rohrer, Kaegan -------------- 18

Sparks, Savannah -----------75

Rosler, Tess ------------------ 33

Sparks, Kolton ----------------- 8

Rowsey, Kayla --------------- 32

Spear, Nakia-------------------69

Rumbaugh, Keith ------------ 82

Spells, Kiara -------------------83

Russ, Jonah ------------------ 64

Spencer, Unique--------------43

Ryan, Abigail ----------------- 44

St. Jean, Bobby ---------------18

Smith, Morgan ----------------54

Stanley, Foster ----------------16

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 106

Grades 10-12 INDEX

I SPY Poetry

Stalter, Faith ------------------ 58 Staudt, Darek ----------------- 17 Steele, Gavrielle ------------- 15

_____ U _____

Woolbert, Allyson ------------ 46

Utami, Nabila ----------------- 97

Wolfe, Megan ----------------- 63

Stewart, Alana ---------------- 21

Woolbert, Emmelyn ---------- 16 Wright, Ake’ra ------------------ 5

Stock, Kaleb ------------------ 52 Stoltzfus, Abbegael --------- 42

_____ V _____

_____ Y _____

Strader, Mikayla ------------- 45

Vargo, Madi ------------------- 65

Yoder. Brandon --------------- 55

Szuzechowski, Jacki-------- 95

Vazquez, Marlana ----------- 83

Yoder, Jared ------------------- 64

Villard, Ryan ------------------ 10

Yoder, Kaitlynn --------------- 33

Strader, Jordyn --------------- 20

Yoho, Nikki --------------------- 90

_____ T _____

_____ W _____

Taylor, Sierra ----------------- 85

Waer, Emma----------------- 101

Teeple, Diana ------------------ 9

Wagner, Payne -------------- 15

Teeple, Nathaniel------------ 19

Walsh, Addison ---------------- 9

Tello Sunderman, Renzo -- 19

Wasnak, Lindsey ------------ 98

Thomas, Addison ------------ 12

Weaver, Lucas --------------- 68

Thomas, Stephen ----------- 38

Weaver, Savannah ----------- 6

Thompson, Samantha------ 85

Wells, Emily ------------------- 92

Thouvenin, Abigail ---------- 83

Wenum, Jeffrey -------------- 17

Thouvenin, Natalie ---------- 97

Wessel, Katelyn --------------- 5

Threm, Mackenzie ---------- 84

Wierzbicki, Adison ---------- 17

Todich, Kali ------------------- 78

Williams. Gavin -------------- 17

Tomkinson, Kloee ----------- 18

Williams, Grace ---------------- 6

Tsenekos, Ariana ------------ 29

Williams, Keya --------------- 12

Turner, Stephanie ----------- 89

Wise, Maria ------------------- 20

______Z _____ Zook, Cade -------------------- 50

Wittmer, Denver ------------- 43 Wolfe, Megan ---------------- 37

Stark County District Library ~ 2015 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 107

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