Stark County District Library 15th Annual Youth Poetry Contest Booklet

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2014 Youth Poetry Contest

Table of Contents Introduction ......................................... 2 Grades 2 - 3 Awards ......................................... 4 Poetry .......................................... 5 Grades 4 - 5 Awards ......................................... 29 Poetry .......................................... 30 Grades 6 - 7 Awards ......................................... 64 Poetry .......................................... 65 Grades 8 - 9 Awards ......................................... 100 Poetry .......................................... 101 Grade 10 - 12 Awards ......................................... 124 Poetry .......................................... 125 Index of Entries ................................... 135

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 1

Grades 2 & 3

2014 Youth Poetry Contest

Grades 2 & 3

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POETRY!

Stark County District Library’s

15 Annual Poetry Contest th

We received 546 poems from 53 Stark County schools. We would like to thank all participants for their hard work this year.

Thank you, teachers, for encouraging your students to participate in this year’s contest.

Arts Academy @ Summit Belden Elementary Belle Stone Elementary Canton Academy Canton Center Christian Canton Country Day Cedar Elementary Chapel Hill Christian Crenshaw Middle Early College Academy East Canton Elementary East Canton Middle Echo Hills -Stow ECOT Edison Middle Fairmont Catholic Fairmount Elementary Faith Islamic Academy Frazer Elementary Genoa Elementary Gibbs Elementary

GlenOak High Hartford Middle (STEAMM) Hartville Christian Home School Educators Immaculate Heart of Mary Jackson Middle Jackson High Lake Cable Elementary Lake Center Christain Lake High Lake Middle Lehman Middle Manchester Marlingtom Middle Mason Elementary Massillon Intermediate Massillon Junior High McGregor Elementary McKinley High Ohio Virtual Academy Our Lady of Peace

Perry High Pfeiffer Intermediate Sauder Elementary Sandy Valley Middle Sandy Valley High St. Michael Strausser Elementary Timken High Tusky Valley Intermediate Uniontown Elementary Walker Elementary Warstler Elementary Worley Elementary Youtz Elementary

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

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 2

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Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 3

Grades 2 & 3

Grades 2 & 3

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Grades 2&3 Awards Liam Butler  Mayor has a lot of Hair .......................................27 Pennelope Peppard  Kites .....................................................21 Christian Parks  Save Resources .......................................... 8 Alayna Stephens  If Ever I Could Go Out to Sea....................5 Emma Bourquin  The Baseball Game....................................25 Chloe Ahn  What in the World is That? ................................... 7 Caden Bailey  How I Can Help ...............................................26 Tess Bossart  Happy ..............................................................15 Malia Lewis  My Nice Day ......................................................5 Keya Williams  Little Lily ........................................................20 Alyssa Mitchell  Roses ..........................................................12 Makenna Dunlop  Sports .......................................................26 Christina Nosic  My Borther Ate My Homework .....................25 Lyric Fields  Summer Break ...................................................16 Sidney Paxton  Hop and Look................................................16 Gavrielle Steele  Walrus .........................................................27 Khushi Pasrija  My Piano ....................................................... 6 Olivia Opal Kramer  Love ......................................................16 Kate Reindel  God and Jesus ................................................. 6 Seth Butts  Opposite Seasons ...............................................26

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 4

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Grades 2 & 3 My Nice Day

If Ever I Could Go Out to Sea I run, I play.

If ever I could go out to sea,

I eat every day.

A mighty fine captain I would be,

I skip, I hop.

I’d sail the world and see the things I’d need to see.

I play with a top.

And if ever I could fly a plane, I touch my nose,

A mighty fine pilot I would be,

I touch my toes.

I’d fly to Africa and get a chimpanzee!

I say good morning, And if ever I could drive a train,

I say good night.

A mighty fine driver I could be,

But by the end

I’d go through mountains and deserts and that big open prairie.

Of the day I turn off the light,

But- since I am a child I can:

I say good night Run so very gaily through our wonderful yard,

And hug myself very very tight!

Do cartwheels and handstands And, most importantly, I can imagine all the things I might do

Malia Lewis 3rd Grade, Faith Islamic Academy

Alayna Stephens 2nd Grade, Homeschool Grapes I like purple grapes.

They are juicy, sweet and good.

They are really great!

Jade Hall 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary One Little Elf One little elf looking at me then he calls one, two, and three come to me said he Hey one, two, and three come to me and you will see a little flea Oh no not a flea that flea will bite me, me, and me So, I guess I’m the key Please take the flea from me, me, and me and we will obey See, see, see Ok I will take the flea.

Chloe Hall 3rd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

It’s Raining It’s raining all around, Pitter Patter is its sound.

The rain is cold and wet, It’s the clearest thing I’ve ever met.

Elijah Gram 3rd Grade, Homeschool Eva Pretty, awesome Singing, dancing, playing I feel like playing with her every day.

Beautiful!

Shelby Miller 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 5

Grades 2 & 3

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God and Jesus God and Jesus are so kind to me, just like they were to the Israelites and Moses in Deuteronomy.

God is our father, he is so holy, Jesus is our teacher, the one and only.

I need to say, I do this too I read the Bible every night. And when I'm scared or am in fright, I pray and ask God to help me know what's right. I know Jesus made me feel what is true, because I know what I should do. So just remember or keep in mind, God and Jesus are with you all the time!

James Kersting 2nd Grade, Cedar Elementary Oranges Oranges are great.

They are juicy and yummy.

I like oranges.

Ciara Smith 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Kate Reindel 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary Rocky My Cat Running running all the time Occupied all the time with bugs Catching bugs Kind he is Yelling for help when his brother bites him Rachael Williams 3rd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Name Poem Exercises a lot.

Important Likes school!

Eileena Extra funny.

Nice.

Always reading!

Jumps Athletic Calm Keep promises.

Smart Original None Stop Eileena Jackson 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

My Piano My piano is my favorite, It's just like me and you, just like your voice that always descirbes you.

My piano, my piano As awesome as I sing.

But most of all. . .

I love it more than anything.

Khushi Pasrija 3rd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary I Love Animals I love animals no matter what Even if they are tame or not Meat eaters or plant eaters I love them all the same, no matter what.

Kylie Bonfire 3rd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

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What In the World Is That?

I see something strange.

What is it?

It's ear is as pointy as daggers.

It's clothes are greener than a new born leaf.

His hair is as orange as an orange.

His beard is as fluffy as a poodle.

His shoes go clickity clack just like high heels.

And are as shiny as a nickel.

I wonder, “What is that?”

Do you know?

Yes, a leprecahn.

Chloe Ahn 3rd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary Mac-n-Cheese I like mac-n-cheese.

It is so yummy to eat.

It is the best food!

Hailey Barker 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 My Favorite Games My favorite type of games You won’t understand But when you play them You’ll think it’s quite grand.

It isn’t very fun When you play at first But then it turns cool And your mind will burst.

Alexander Burnison 3rd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Pizza I like cheese pizza.

It is the best food ever.

It is very good!

Brooklyn Cundiff 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary Pineapples I like pineapples.

They are delicious and sweet.

They are very good!

Amour Stevens 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Acrostic Poetry Crazy Outstanding Nature Nosy Ocean Lover Rising Star Connor Curran 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Chicken I like chicken legs.

It is the best food ever.

Chicken is so good!

Justice Cassidy 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary Brock Crnic 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

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Grades 2 & 3

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I love the bookmobele I love the bookmobele and every book in it. I wish I could take but I no I can’t. Could I pretey please With shuger on top? Please pretey come on just one time?

Ella Moore 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary The Tummy Stuffers Food Crunchy, gooey Eating, swallowing, making Watermelon, apple, water, milk Sipping, drinking, pouring Liquid, wet Drink Kenna Loukas

Pizza I like cheese pizza.

It is the best food ever.

Cheese pizza is good!

Kristen Rosenow 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Summer vacation It’s summer it’s summer. I’m happy because school was such a bumer. Now I play I play and at school I work work. Now I fly a kite such a beautiful site. at school I wach brinpep It was like school would never stop! It’s summer It’s summer the best time of the year!

Kate Bloom 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Orcas Orcas are swimming around the ocean.

Orcas can swim faster than you can run.

Orcas are no people eaters.

Christian Kaylor 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Save Resources This is what I will do to save the Earth.

I will take out trash.

I will save water.

I will recycle paper, metal, cans, and plastic.

This is what I will do to save the Earth.

Christian Parks 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Butterfly or No Butterfly There was a butterfly but where did the other butterflies go?

They were going to a place to spend the Winter.

Then when she found out it was Winter she went off.

She went through many states and even one country!

But there were other kinds of butterflies!

There is a group of Peacock butterflies.

There is a group of Amanda's Blue butterflies.

There is a group of Zebra Swallow Tail butterflies.

There is a group of Viceroy butterflies.

But where are the Monarch butterflies?

She found her butterfly family!

Earth Day When is earth day?

It does not matter.

Every day is earth day.

So treat it like it matters.

Recycle plastic paper and glass.

You do not get a pass.

Do not ask what you should do.

We can all do it and so can you.

Happy Earth Day. Dominic Dionisio 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Dylan Liber 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 8

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I Write I write and write and write, I write from day to night.

I write on trees, but just not bees.

I write on paper, I live with pens.

And I just say I’m usually right.

I write and write and write.

Phebe Klein 3rd Grade, Genoa Elementary Help Clean Up the Earth The Earth is a circle.

Help it stay clean.

Don't be littering.

Don't be mean.

Don't always ride in a car.

Yes, you can walk.

Then that means you can talk, Make things grow.

That's how you can show Alright let's go!

Emme Woolbert 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 Hello April Hello April I’m glad you’re here Because that means spring is here With flowers bloming brids are singing & The sun is shineing Hello April and I’m glad your here.

Gwen Vahezen 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary Naggy dragon I once seen a dragon but he was always snagging. his name is harry and live on Perry. He has a friend named John and lives by a pond. The dragon was tryin to hush but he was in a rush and ran out of town.

Lillian Huntsman 3rd Grade, Walker Elementary School Storms I’m not in danger.

Storms are here, what should I do?

I should go downstairs.

Lalah Brandon 2nd Grade, St. Michael School

MR. WASHINGTON Mr. Washington, Honest as can be.

Tall and strong, Smart and kind.

He can be pale, But not all the time.

He might wear a white wig, It stands for fairness.

Daniel Miller 2nd Grade, St. Michael School

Pizza I like cheese pizza.

Cheese pizza is delicious.

Cheese pizza is good!

Sheila Brown 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Leanne Passthing 2nd Grade, Cedar Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 9

Grades 2 & 3

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I am I am from Italy and Germany.

I am nice, blue eyes and athletic.

I feel awesome because I play with my friends.

I fell peaceful when I’m on vacation.

I am anxious when I’m grounded.

I am interested in football and especially sports.

I am nice and kind to other people.

I am always ready for ice cream and sports.

I am full of happiness and humor.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be.

Sam Kerscher 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

I am I am from Turkey or Canada and America.

I have blue eyes, my hair is blond, pierced ears.

I feel healthy because I run a lot.

I feel good when I do gymnastics.

I am full of hugs.

I am worried when my brother gets hurt.

I am interested in gymnastics and art.

I am always ready to go to Cedar Point.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be.

Taylor Isik 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary Acrostic Poetry Helpful English November Resting Yelling Henry Elliott 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Weather Thunderstorms are bad.

Tornadoes are worse.

Hurricanes, whew here's the tricky part, you either risk and stay home or you evacuate the land.

Foster Camp 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Cats and Bats All around are cats.

Sitting on mats.

All the fling bats.

Are the bats in the hats.

Now are the cats and bats fling in hats under mats!

Blaire Testa 3rd Grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Acrostic Poetry Patient Adventurous Tomboy Intelligent Elegant Nice Clumsy Eager To Dance Patience Coleman 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Spelling Test Spelling People’s names Everybody loves to write the words Lollipops and Llamas Interesting is Not too hard Getting ready for The Excellent Spelling Test Lucy Visco 2nd Grade, Strausser Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 10

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Acrostic Poetry Mustang Intelligent Seal Holly Elephant Leopard Lion Mi’Shell Booth 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Jacinda Jumping all the time Acting all the time Crazy at home In dresses all the time Naps all the time Dances all the time Always likes hamsters Jacinda 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 Acrostic Poetry Crazy Laughter lover Awesome Ice cream Rose admirer Eating Claire Bigrigg 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Day and Night Day Sunny Bright, Running Playing, Swimming Sun, Bird, Bats, Owls Sleeping, Eating Night Cooking, Dark, Spooky Jalicia 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Logan King 2nd Grade, Cedar Elementary

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Grades 2 & 3

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Me and My Butterfly My butterfly would go anywhere with me.

Even if I went all the way to the sea.

My butterfly would go anywhere with me.

Even if I went all the way to Italy.

My butterfly would go anywhere with me.

Even if I went and climbed the biggest tree.

My butterfly would go anywhere with me.

Even if I went to England just to drink tea.

My butterfly would come anywhere with me.

And we will be forever happy.

Niquea Blakely 2nd Grade, Belden Elementary School

Feeling Sad What should I do?

It’s like I’m going into a deep black hole. I don’t know if there’s anymore hope.

Look at this empty place. Am I the only one left? Is it something I don’t know?

Someone please tell me. I do not know what to do. But they say if there’s a will there’s a way. But where’s my will?

Holleigh Ayers 2nd Grade, Echo Hills School-Stow

Roses There are many kinds of roses.

Time to bring out the hoses!

My favorite kind of flower is the rose.

I sniff them with my nose.

Some roses can be red or white.

They just might be blue….just might!

Alyssa Mitchell 2nd Grade, Youtz Elementary School

Orcas Friendly giants swim around.

Large fish, large teeth.

Blowing water for people to know they’re alive and free.

As long as an ambulance, as long as the eye can see.

First prize swimmers, Sweetest whales I know.

Abby Adams 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Helen Keller Helen Keller was an interesting person so I decided to choose her. She was blind and deaf. She was a speaker and author. When she was 9 month old she got a bad illness and became blind and deaf.

Trinity Connolly Acrostic Poetry Adventure Unusual Social Technology Insolation Nation Austin Ware 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Libraries Lots of fun Inside voices Books Reading Awesome Ready for learning fun You are smarter Sasha Greer 3rd Grade, Arts Academy

Love Nice, fun Caring, feeling, loving Love makes me sweet.

Hugs!

Reese Garcea 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 12

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Cat Cat Friendly, fuury Scratching, meowing, attacking Lives with my friend Meow Madison Heiser 2nd Grade, St. Michael School My Favorite Things My favorite game is Skylander swap-force because you can Swap there tops and bottoms And make toys come to Life.

I like the color turquoise Because it makes me calm.

I like pickles because they Are juicy and sour.

Davion Thomas 3rd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Acrostic Poetry Jesus Believer Awesome Entertaining Virco Open New Jae’von Mayle 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit If You’re a Poet and You Know It If you’re a poet and you know it clap your hands.

If you’re a poet and you know it clap your hands If you’re a poet and you know it then your poem will surely show it If you’re a poet and you know it clap your hands.

Matt Wilt nd 2 Grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Grades 2 & 3 I am I am American.

I am many freckles, hazel eyes, nice I feel good because I am kind toward others.

I feel peaceful when I am with my mom.

I am full of mystery because I’m always sneaky.

I am scared of sharks.

I am interested in toys.

I am always ready for a soccer game.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be.

Preston Rickmann 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Save the Earth People on this Earth are not careful.

Having too many cars is not cool.

They have factories with smog.

Poisons hurt animals – like dogs.

The earth has trees that give us air.

There are bees everywhere.

The earth has grass.

We recycle glass.

Nate Davies 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

I am I am England.

I am glasses, brown eyes and brown hair.

I feel happy because I have friends.

I feel peaceful when I am in bed.

I am full of joy.

I am scared when I see scary movies.

I am interested in video games.

I am always ready to play.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be!

Josh Westfall 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Lily Pad A green lily pad.

A green frog jumping on it.

A flower on top.

Lily Goehring 2nd Grade, St. Michael School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 13

Grades 2 & 3

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I am I am from America.

I am black hair, green eyes, freckles I feel healthy because I run.

I feel peaceful when I relax.

I am full of joy and mystery.

I am scared of sharks.

I am interested in science and baseball.

I am nice and loving toward others.

I am always ready to go to the park.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be.

Elden Schrembeck 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Moms Who bandages my scraped knee?

Who worries when I climb a tree?

Mom, wonderful Mom! Who cheers for me at my games?

Who always knows who's to blame?

Mom, helpful Mom! Who bakes cookies and cooks?

Who reads me stacks of books?

Mom, sweet Mom! Andrew Dylewski 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Yay Summer is here, Yay! The sun comes out today, Yay! No school today, Yay! Nick Hallaman Grade 2, St. Michael School Foals Foals are nippy.

Foals are cute.

Foals are soft.

Foals are load.

Foals are furry.

Foals are beautiful.

Broc Pratt 2nd Grade, St. Michael School

Earth The earth is a circle.

Don't forget to recycle.

The Earth is big.

With places to dig.

The Earth is a circle.

Keep the Earth clean trash everywhere.

Keep the Earth clean not dirty.

So it will be pretty.

Anthony Battle 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Clouds Clouds are fluffy Clouds are soft Clouds are white and puffy Clouds are like a blanket drifting aloft Celia Conner 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Fall The leaves on the trees Rustle and shake as they blow Around the green grass.

David Schrembeck 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary Apples I like green apples.

They are really delicious.

They are so yummy!

Trinity Fisher 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary Acrostic Poetry Awesome Swag Panda Hot Dog Lazy ET Lover Ashley Tonsky 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 14

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Grades 2 & 3

Happy I am feeling happy today.

I will go out to play.

Let's go to the park.

Or to the water park til dark.

That's going to be a fun day.

Pandas Eating in China Like they have never been fed Loving their bamboo Emmalie Mitzel 2nd Grade, St. Michael School

We can go on our bike for a ride.

Or walk our dogs by our side.

Let's put a smile on your face.

Swim and eat ice cream all over the place.

Day and Night Day Sunny, Bright Running, Playing, Swimming Sun, Birds, Boat Owls Sleeping, Eating, Cooking Dark, Spooky Night Kaylee Scott 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

I am happy are you?

We have fun stuff to do.

These are some things I do.

When I'm happy, Thank you?

It's going to be a fun day.

Tess Bossart 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Me His name is Braylen Ross.

He is a boss.

He likes jets.

He hates pets.

Braylen Ross 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Destiny Fitzgerald Des in one of my nicknames.

Extra smart.

Sports are my style.

Talented at math.

I love ice cream.

Nice to people.

Yoyos are fun to play with.

Fantastic at sports I love my family.

Terrific at spelling.

Zooms through my test.

Games are fun.

Eileena is my BFF. Reading is fun.

Awesome at reading.

Loves school so much.

Does the right thing.

Destiny Fitzgerald 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Jeremiah James 2nd Grade, Cedar Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 15

Grades 2 & 3

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Hop and Look Looking, Looking all around jumping, hopping to the ground. One is up the other is down jump up, jump down the love we Spread is all around!

Sydney Paxton 3rd Grade, Uniontown Elementary School

So Sweet So sweet to be sugar So sweet to be candy So sweet to be ice cream So sweet to be everything, sugar that is Lollipops, chocolate and sugar galore Cookies, cakes and frosting

Summer break Tic tock tic tock goes the classroom clock I’m really trying to stay awake but my beauty Sleeps at stake

Oh my I want more!

Tic tock tic tock I soon feel disamused I’m serious I could not find a boringer Thing to do

The dance Move Mimic is to repeat Rhthm is the beat One of the parts is to move your Feet. everybody go rrmm rrmm like a hummer Jeep I’m Going to go hard and I’m going peep peep Peep.

I’m going to see that frog on that lilly pad going leap leap.

Lyric Ruffin 3rd Grade, Walker Elementary School

Tic toe tic toe I don’t even know why I tried to do this much I rather not make such a fuss Tic tack tic tack why do I even act so nice and so smart I’m really afraid of a little dart Tic tack toe tic tack toe now do you what time It is I really love its time for the end of School!!!!!

Lyric Fields 3rd Grade, Walker Elementary School Love Love is strong, Love is fair.

Love is even in the air.

Love is neat, Love is sweet.

Love can even be a treat!

Love is low, Love is high, Love is even in the sky.

Love is good, never bad.

Love can never make you mad.

Love is huge, Love is small.

Love will come at any call.

Olivia Opal Kramer 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Isabella Rivera 3rd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary School

Acrostic Poetry Joke Teller Entertaining Kid Crazy Kid Intelligent Kid Swag Durant Je’cis Moody 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Friends Friends Kind, funny Laughing, running, eating Toys, perfume, anger, words Fighting, yelling, ignoring Mean, attitude Enemy Jada Michalek 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 16

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Puppies Tiny, cute Silly, loving, playful Puppies make me feel happy.

Cuddly!

Morgan Kutzera 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 A Special Haiku Tree, flower, blossoms, bees, birds, grass, sun, dew, sleet, hail, dirt, roots, butterflies.

Nora Evanto 3rd Grade, Fairmont Catholic School Ice Cream Flavors

Marissa Crazy, fun Loving, kind, cheering I feel like we’re friends.

Buddy!

Emma Kracker 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary Giovanni’s Funny Poem My name is Giovanni.

I like to have money I do not want a bunny And people think I’m funny.

Giovanni Washington 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Acrostic Poetry Awesome United States Brilliant Responsible Eat Eligent Aubree Stewart 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Syllable Sports Sports Tennis Gymnastics Hockey is fun Awesome Makaylah Davis 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Chocolate and Strawberry, I really cannot decide.

But what about Vanilla, When it melts down the side.

I really like Cherry, Or maybe Almond Drizzle.

They are all so good, Especially in the middle.

I think I would pick Chocolate today, By-the-way.

Lily Stewart 2nd Grade, Sauder Elementary School

Fun in the Sun We have fun in the sun no matter what we do.

We have fun in the sun you know it’s true.

We have fun in the sun if that’s what we can do.

We have fun in the sun if that’s the last thing I do.

Madison Turner 3rd Grade, Watson Elementary Pineapples I like pineapples.

They are juicy and tasty.

They are really good!

Alex Dexter 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 17

Grades 2 & 3

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Love I love my family.

I love keeping my money.

I love my cousins.

I love hot dogs with ketchup.

I love my mommy so much.

Tristan Fisher 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary Acrostic Poetry Diez Rock Star Awesome Very Awesome Emportent New Draven Tucker 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit The Hannah Poem Her name is Hannah.

She is a banana.

I like horse’s nay.

I like to play.

Hannah Franks 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary Acrostic Poetry Jumbo Ohioan Helicopter Man Numb Skull John McCord IV 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Kyle’s Life Creepy Yelling now Likes WWE Eats salad Kyle Nichols 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary Cocoa Cake I like cocoa cake.

It is tasty, sweet and good.

It is really great!

Hunter Casto 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Trucks can be weird Some trucks are big, Some trucks are small, Some trucks are black, Some trucks are white, Mabey some trucks will fly, Mabey some trucks will have two wheels, Some trucks are exspensive, Some trucks are cheep, Some trucks can be funny, Some trucks can be weird, Some trucks are fast, Some trucks are slow Trucks are a kind of vehicle that is powered by gas.

Mabey some trucks will be powered by electricady.

Michael Hudach 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary School If you were a horse If you were a horse you would be in a pasture and run like the wind, you would jump the jumps that held you in. If you were lame you wouldn’t be wild and people would come to ride you, but if you were wild cowboys and cowgirls would be at the rodeo to ride you.

Wild or tame, tame or wild whatever you choose you are still wild or tame and tame or wild.

Amanda Katz 3rd Grade, Walker Elementary School

I am I am from America.

I am blue eyes, blond hair and pierced ears.

I feel flexible because I do gymnastics.

I feel peaceful when my friends are nice to me.

I am full of power!

I am scared when my sister yells at me.

I am interested in cheer and art.

I am always ready to go to Mi Casa, cha-cha-cha!

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be!

Jillian Baker 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 18

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Grades 2 & 3

Acrostic Poetry Justice Awesome Enrjeit Like School Jayden Webster 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Snow Snow is falling, falling down, falling, falling, falling down.

Friends My friends are funny.

We always hang out at lunch.

My friends are the best.

They always can make me laugh.

I can always count on them.

Lexie Betz 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Kathryn Chech 2nd Grade, Frazier Elementary Schoo

Acrostic Poetry Class Clown Awesome Monkeys Epic Really Weird Outdoors North American Cameron Morton 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Kittens I love my kittens.

First comes snow, next comes rain.

Then comes santa on a choo-choo train.

CHOO-Choo

Hello May Even though April is over. May is here!

May, means it’s almost summer vacation!

May is a time to relax and have fun.

When May is here that means school is almost done. Now May is here!

Avery Neider 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary School Summer and Winter Summer Hot, Sunny Play, Laugh, Swim The seasons are fun!

Ice skate, Sing, Skiing Snowy, Dreary Winter Angelica Martinez 2nd Grade, Bellstone Elementary

My cat is a calico.

Kittens are silly!

My cat Figaro is orange.

My pet is really smart.

Karyssa Strobel 2nd Grade, McGregory Elementary School

Platypuses Semi-aquatic Swimming, looking, walking I think they’re awesome!

Mammals Landen Day 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Bullying Bullying is wrong. You should not bully. Speak up bullying should not be done. The plan is to stop the bullying. Bullying is not rite!

Cory Noll 3rd Grade, Walker Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 19

Grades 2 & 3

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Little Lily Little lily in the pond frogs around you singing songs.

Sitting on green lily pads.

Cobra One tiny cobra As poisonous as can be Eating lots of cake.

Jonas Jacob Grade 2, St. Michael School

Your petals are a milky way with a drop of golden ray.

Heroes Look beyond the distance galore!

The sun shines brightly above the shore.

You’re beautiful soft and sweet.

You’re gentle and little but so unique!

Keya Williams 2nd Grade, Strausser Elementary School

Hulk Green, Strong Jumps, Runs, Smashes Muscles, Hair, Lifesaver, Force Walks, Jumps, Runs

In my class In my class We have a mat a Pack a sack and a Rat but I will pack My snack in my pack With my rack!

Emma Labbe 3rd Grade, Uniontown Elementary School The Secret Heros They’re cool

Green, Little Yoda Samuel Pennington 2nd Grade, Worley Elementary School Cake I like cake with grapes.

Cake with grapes is good to me.

I like to eat cake!

Destany Scott 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

They’re awesome They’re warriors They’re from China They lived in ancient times They wielded swords What are they?

You may think of Samurai

I Love Swings all the time.

Tigers are cool.

Early riser.

Victorious is my favorite show.

I go everywhere.

Eat lots of corn.

Stevie 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

But no Samurai don’t even live in China They’re Ninja.

Lincoln Mumea 2nd Grade, Homeschool

Chocolate Cake Yum, chocolate cake.

It is very, very good.

I like to eat cake!

Cole Macksyn 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 20

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Back to School Today I will rush to school, to learn, work, make new friends, and play.

I’m in Fourth grade now, hip hip hooray!

Josie Mauller 3rd Grade, Uniontown Elementary School The Evil VS Good Once upon a time there lived a beutiful princess. one time a Evil witch took the princess.

The witch took the princess to her evil castle.

The people in the castle were all evil. The witch told the people to take her to to the sell. The princes tried to get away but she could. The people left the door open a inche and the princess got out and fighted the people and the witch and the princess won and they all Lived Happly ever after.

Joshua Anstine 3rd Grade, Walker Elementary School A Day at the Beast’s Castle I’m the fairest Princess of all See me dance down the hall I’m Princess Belle so I hope you see The happiness in me The Beast threw a feast for me He told me to stay but I wanted to play Later that day, my friends and I were acting in a play It was very fun Even though the play was outside in the hot sun The castle was big oh so big He told me to do jig That’s the end So good bye my friend Alexandra Salvino 2nd Grade, no school listed Mitten the Kitten Kitten named Mitten She is a kitten She loves to play She can’t pay Charlize Smith 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 Kites Swish, swash, this way and that, Flying through the air Everywhere.

They’re diamond and they’re square.

They’re blue, pink, green, and yellow.

Flying through the air.

You see them everywhere.

Blue, green, square, All of them Everywhere.

Pennelope Peppard 2nd Grade, St. Michael School

The Mosquito It flies around.

It drinks a little bit of your blood.

It makes a very small hole in your skin.

It flies away.

It drinks someone else’s blood.

Then it flies off to Mosquito Wood.

Sebastian Noling STARS Stars are pretty.

Stars are bright.

Stars stay up pass mid-night.

Stars are quiet.

Stars are a beautiful sight.

Amelia Noling 3rd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary School Cats Cats Cute, fluffy Meowing, purring. Walking Lives in my house Cute Ava Meoli 2nd Grade, St. Michael School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 21

Grades 2 & 3

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

I am I am from France and America.

I am green eyes, light hair, and white skin.

I feel healthy because I walk with my dad and sister.

I feel peaceful when I am alone.

I am full of hugs.

I am scared when my dog runs away.

I am interested in baseball.

I am nice and kind to others.

I am always ready for baseball.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be.

Dirk Carron 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

I am I am from France.

I am blond, blue eyes and giggles.

I feel happy when I play with little kids.

I feel peaceful when I’m at school.

I am full of hugs and smiles.

I am worried when I think I broke a bone.

I am interested in cheer and singing.

I am nice to others.

I am always ready to go on vacation!

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be!

Lindsey Gotham 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

I am I am from Poland, Russia, Ireland, Germany and Slovakia.

I am blond hair, blue eyes, and tan skin.

I feel good because I play a lot.

I feel peaceful when I read.

I am full of mischief and mystery.

I am anxious when I have to clean.

I am interested in history.

I am nice to other kids.

I am always ready to play video games.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be!

AJ Doane 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary I am I am from America and Hungary.

I am freckles, blue and green eyes, blond and brown hair.

I feel happy because I play with my cousins.

I feel peaceful when I am with my family.

I am full of humor.

I am scared when I am alone.

I am interested in cheer and singing.

I am nice toward others.

I am always ready to go to the mall.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be!

Eva Morgan 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Jungle Where in the jungle The jungle is a wild place the jungle there are a lot of animals cougars leopards geckos lizards tree frogs wolf coyotes Those are the animals of the jungle.

Jack Miller 3rd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Legos Long Easy build Ggo everywhere On and off Short Dillon Norch 3rd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary Pineapple I like pineapple.

It is good, juicy, and sweet.

They are bright yellow!

Ja’Lynn Hill 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 22

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

I am I am from Italy, Ireland, America and Germany.

I am brown eyes, brown hair and nice.

I feel happy because I tan on a boat.

I am full of happiness.

I am interested in history.

I am scared of the dark.

I am nice and sharing with others.

I am always ready for ice cream!

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be!!!!!!

Vincent DiSpina 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Somedays Most titles have different names.

Cause I call: Monday is a someday and Friday is a pieday and Saturday is a blatterday And Sunday is a funday, But what do you call a Chicken day?! Well….It’s Called a flickin’ day!

Laney Mikes 3rd Grade, Uniontown Elementary School I am I am from Germany and Slovakia.

I am freckles, brown hair and eyes, and tan.

I feel happy because I have a family.

I feel peaceful when I am in nature.

I am full of love, joy, humor, hugs, caring.

I am scared when I have nightmares.

I am interested in Legos, science and history.

I am always ready for a movie.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be.

Sage Lammelein 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary Strawberries I like strawberries.

It is good, sweet and has seeds.

It is really good!

Lyndsay Shirkey 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Grades 2 & 3 All Alone All alone in the cold.

Nothings yet sold.

All alone in my home.

My home shaped as a dome.

All alone, far from home.

Now I’m getting cold.

Naiomi Pledgure 2nd Grade, Warstler Elementary Acrostic Poetry Movie Watcher Ice Cream Amazing Girl Singer I Love Popcorn Awesome Miasia Seymour 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Acrostic Poetry Art Nice Generous Economical Loving Interesting Quiet Usher Egotist Angelique Jones 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Acrostic Poetry Economical Loves Sky Rim Irish Joke Teller Awesome at Games Has Lots of Medals Elijah Conner 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Dolphins Dolphins are real nice They swim in the cool water They can do tricks too!

Betty Wilkes 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 23

Grades 2 & 3

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Dogs Dogs, dogs, here and there. Dogs, dogs, everywhere. As you can see, there are dogs for you and dogs for me. Dogs, dogs, everyone needs.

Dogs, dogs, there’s different types of breeds.

Small dogs, big dogs, every kind of dog. But what do dogs like? Bones, bones, here and there. Bones, bones, everywhere. As you can see, there’re bones for you and bones for me.

Bones, bones, every dog needs. Bones, bones, there’s different types to eat. Small bones, big bones, every kind of bone. I like dogs, do you?

Every dog is fun for me and for you.

Roxanne Warstler 2nd Grade, Watson Elementary School The Sparkle Crystals sparkle, Diamonds glitter, Gold and sliver give off the thing I like.

Jewels shimmer, And rivers glisten, Snow is the sparkle, But without the Sun they cannot shine at all.

Rebekah Gram 2nd Grade, Homeschool

Alone in the World The wind howls like a wolf Leaves rustle like a bear in the wild Everything seems helpless Bad people are out to get you You never know what is going to happen Fighting for survival But, that is just how life is when you are ALONE IN THE WORLD Madison Argento 3rd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Awesome Awesomeness A video game is awesome!

What’s up?

Eh, yo yo yo!

So, got som’ candy?

Ooooooh!

Me greedy for videogams!

Everybody do the dance!

Preston Thomas Phillips 3rd Grade, Arts Academy Pineapples I like pineapples.

It is good, sweet and juicy.

They are so yellow!

Kayli Hazlett 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary Smile The sky is gray.

You can’t go out and play.

But there is one thing you can do.

It’ll make the sky blue.

Bring happiness to you.

But all you have to do Is smile big and true.

Noor Shah 3rd Grade, Faith Islamic Academy Acrostic Poetry Magnificent Over the Head Crazy Lazy Lover Young Teen Molly Shackle 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Orcas swimming near and far.

Black and white spots, sharp teeth.

Eating seals and squid, penguins and dolphins, other kinds of whales.

Swim in north or south poles.

Tristan Collier 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 24

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

MY BROTHER ATE MY HOMEWORK My brother ate my homework; Bur first he grabbed a fork.

He gave out a great lurp.

Then gave out a big burp.

After that I called him a jerk.

While he made a big smerk.

My brother ate my homework; It wasn’t really classwork.

I returned to school workless.

However my teacher was speechless.

That’s it kids that’s the day my brother ate my homework!

Christina Nosic 3rd Grade Walker Elementary School

The Baseball Game

Grades 2 & 3 Mother Marvelous Outstanding The Best Helpful Expert Respectful Lauren Rogers 3rd Grade, Arts Academy Purr-fect I have a cat, her name is Breeze.

She has so much fur, it will make you sneeze!

She’s very sweet, She’s not that neat.

I walk through the gate and head to my seat, But before I sit down, I’ll grab something to eat.

Pretzels, peanuts, hotdogs and more!

She is nice, She doesn’t eat mice.

All of the foods that I love and adore.

I don’t even mind the hot summer heat, If my teams gets a run I’ll jump to my feet.

The umpire yells strike one and strike two But not strike three, that’s a hit, Woohoo!

I can’t think of a way more fun could be had, Than sitting at a game, watching my dad!

Emma Bourquin 2nd Grade, Walker Elementary School

But she has a toy mouse That she carries around the house.

When we plug the vacuum in, She runs so fast your head will spin!

Most of the time she acts mild, But when she gets catnip she goes WILD! At the end of the day, I go to bed.

And what do you know? She’s on my head!

Cats and Dogs Cat Poufy, clever Purring, sleeping, hiding Claws, yarn, bones, toys Running, jumping, barking Slobber, furry Dog Brooklyn Gantlin 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

She purrs so loud, I’m up ‘til dawn!

The sun peeks out and I start to yawn.

My Breezy is purr-fect in every way, By my side she’ll always stay!

Autumn Hager 2nd Grade, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 25

Grades 2 & 3

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Nature Bees buzzing by Plants are growing out of ground Birds are singing songs.

EJ Greathouse 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary Narwhal Awesome, fast Jousting, bobbing, protecting I feel magical.

Arctic Gavin Wyatt 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary I am I am from Ireland.

I am freckles, blue eyes, and brown hair.

I feel happy when I go on a bike ride.

I feel peaceful when I play my i-pod.

I am full of mischief.

I am nervous when I go no hands on the big hill.

I am interested in history.

I am generous and caring toward others.

I am always ready to go outside.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be!

Adam Larimore 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary Acrostic Poetry Silly Embrace Live Indian Night Liker A Fish Selina Bowen 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Kittens I love my kittens.

My cat is a calico.

Kittens are silly!

My cat Figero is orange.

My pet is really smart.

Karyssa 2nd grade, McGregor Elementary

Sports I wake up, Time to play.

Hope out of bed, Time to go outside.

My friends and I play Baseball, tennis, football too.

Hopscotch is always fun.

But seeing my friends’ smile Is the best part of the fun.

Makenna Dunlap 2nd Grade, St. Michael School Seven Frogs Hopping Croak, jump, splash, swim, dive Jump, jump, jump, splash, splash, splash, dive Jump, jump, jump, jump, SPLASH! Connor Hockenberry 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary How I Can Help I can plant a tree.

I can recycle what I see Like bags bottles and cans and metal like pans.

I can ride in an electric car.

It will take me far.

This is what I can do.

How about you?

Caden Bailey 2nd Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Opposite Seasons Winter Cold, white Playing, snowing, freezing Shoes, sports, dresses, napping Running, playing, shining Hot, fun Summer Seth Butts 2nd Grade, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 26

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

WALRUS Walrus so slippery and fat, So shiny in the sun.

Breaking ice for lots of fun.

Hungry walrus eating clams, Munch, munch, crunch.

So wrinkly and fat, So blubbery and brown, Big and bloppy, With teeth so sharp.

Gavrielle Steele 2nd Grade, St. Michael School Acrostic Poetry Leopard Umbrella Kangaroo Everything Luke Marsh 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Grades 2 & 3 Spring Fish are swimming and splashing.

The moss is very soft.

Sun shines bright in morning light.

Marissa Hall 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary The Mayor Has a Lot of Hair!

Look up there that cloud looks like the mayor I bet his shampoo takes good care of his hair He probably likes his steak medium rare Last summer I saw him at the fair I can tell people love him beyond compare.

Liam Butler 3rd Grade, Arts Academy

Blue Whale Biggest animal Swimming in the deep blue sea Eating tiny krill J Ben Morrow 2nd Grade, St. Michael School

I am I am from Germany and America.

I am brown eyes, blond hair, tan and flexible.

I feel healthy because I walk with my brothers and mom and dad.

I feel peaceful when I swim in my neighborhood pool.

I am full of intrigue and mystery.

I am scared when I think of ghosts when I’m in bed.

I am interested in softball.

I am loving toward others.

I am always ready to go to Florida.

I am me and there’s nobody else I’d rather be!

Amanda Grisan 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary

Acrostic Poetry Super Technology Lover Ocean Lover Native America Everyone’s Favorite Stone Patterson 2nd Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

Summer Blue Happy blue in the sky Happy blue in the sea Happy blue all around you You cannot live without blue Because then we would not have other colors too.

Laura Bliese 3rd Grade, Homeschool

Hello April Heloo April, I’m glad you’re here Because that means Spring is here With flowers bloming, birds are singing and The sun is shining Hello April and I’m glad you’re here Gwen Vahezen 2nd Grade, Uniontown Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 27

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 28

Grades 4 & 5

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4&5 Awards Lauren Nieporte  Nobody’s Perfect ................................... 39 Abbie Green  When the Doves Are Gone ......................... 54 Atira Anthony  Salutations ............................................... 31 Aaron Spencer  Michael Jordan ....................................... 30 Ruby Attar  Doorknobs ..................................................... 47 Amya Stewart  Red, Red, My World is Red ...................... 56 Brooke Lenigan  Tree ...................................................... 48 Michael Barlow  My Secret Place ..................................... 57 Audrey Gabriele  All About Me ......................................... 32 Makaylin Armstead  Donut Dance ................................... 60 Hope Abrams  What I learned from My Family ................. 57 Ian Laughlin  If I Were a Tornado ..................................... 47 Rinoa Chech  Some Lives ................................................ 53 Snehal Choudhury  The Dolly Who Went to School ......... 51 Joseph Moore  Blue, Blue, My World is Blue .................... 49 Breonna Smarr  Love ....................................................... 57 Ben Oliver  Color of Winter ............................................... 31 Camille Marchesani  Winter’s Happiness ......................... 38 Trynity Jordan  That Big Jerk! .......................................... 58 Mary Bliese  Down By the River ....................................... 59

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 29

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Workout Workout Sweaty intense Heartpounding rewarding exhausting Sweat, Perserverance; Strong, Powerful Challenging grueling soaring Endurance Fatigue Boot Camp DeAnna Weber 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

MICHAEL JORDAN Michael Jordan is an eagle Soaring higher then the highest seagull, Looks so great in the air Aggressive like a bear Soars high and so free Not anything like you and me His home is Chicago, but not as of late.

A New home is D.C. Is not that great.

Aaron Thomas Spencer 5th Grade, Massillon Intermediate

ABC Poem Awesome, Bacon hater, Cash Maker, Dog Lover, Energetic, Fabulous, Glamorous, Hyper, I-phone, Jump roper, Kind mainly, Lying isn’t my thing, Money Maker, Nice sometimes, Opertunity givern Popcorn eater, Quiz hater, Rock Hater, Super girl, Terrific I am, USA is where I am, Violin Hater, Wisdom girl, Xelllent (excilent), Yogurt Lover, Zebra Lover Forever!

Angel Quinn 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Grades 4 & 5 What I Think and What I Know When it is dark I know it is night And in the day it is always light I found a hole that is bug bunnys I think he is cool and I think he is funny What I know and What I think Gabe Shilling 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

WELCOME TO SPRING Spring is the time to swim!

Popular songs will be playing!

Rainbows come after the rainy storm!

Ice cream sandwiches in the sun!

Nice weather to be outside!

Good butterfly watching spots!

Spring is fun!

Angel O’Quinn 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

If I Were a Dance If I was a dance, I would be the weirdest dance That would make the worm look hard.

It would be me just flopping around.

If would look like a puppet that was Being controlled by a baby I would do my dance every where I go because it’s mine Grayden Clark 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 30

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

The Joys of Winter Winter is white, green, brown, tan, and silver White is the sight of a bunch of snowmen Green is the feeling of a bunch of snowballs Brown is the smell of hot chocolate Tan is the taste of chocolate chip cookies Silver is the sound of Jingling bells Winter is white, green, brown, tan, and silver Justin Porter 4th Grade, Mason Elementary

Diamonte child - Adult Child Young energetic Playing changing growing Kid-playful childjre; bossy grownups-adult Cleaning cooking working Older wiser Adult Nyah Gamble 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Sports Kickball Fun painful Running kicking walking Playground ball; football score Running dodging throwing Hurtful painful Football Ronald Lewis 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary Salutations Of French, bonjour to the wayfaring man Of Irish, diadhuit to the bike riding girl on her way to school.

Of Ethiopia, teanastellen to the village women preparing food Of Russia, 3ApaBCTBYUTE! To the busy business traders in commerce Of America, Hello! To to every man, woman, boy and girl.

Aira Anthony 4th Grade, Youtz Elementary

The Colors of Winter Winter is brown, white, red, peach, and grey Brown is the sight of steam coming from my cocoa.

White is the feeling cold snow giving frost bite to my fingers.

Red is the smell of steamy smoky fire making me warm.

Peach is the taste of the warm and cozy cookies watering my mouth Grey is the sound of crystal kales dripping from my spouting.

Winter is brown, white, red, peach, and grey Ben Oliver 4th Grade, Mason Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 31

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

Hawkeye I’m great with a bow, yes I know.

Aiming takes a lot practice, but soon you’ll get the hang of it.

I’ve practice for a year but never hit the target before.

There it is the target, 50 ft away.

I take a deep breath and pull back.

I close my eyes and let go. I hit it!

Chris Romar 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

I am a Hurricane I am a Hurricane big and strong but not all around, I am fast I am strong but not all of me is, in the center I am calm sensitive I care for others so I am gentle inside.

Alexander Simpkins 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

All About Me I am nice and caring I wonder if there will be peace in the world I hear birds singing I see rainbows after it rains I want a real horse to take care of I am nice and caring I pretend to be sleeping even though I am not I feel sad when one of my friends are crying I touch my pencil when I write I worry about bad weather I cry when my feelings get hurt I am nice and caring I understand how to be nice and kind I say nice things to people I dream I will work with animals I try to be kind every day I hope we find a cure for cancer I am nice and caring Audrey Gabriele 5th Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

DIAMONTE CHILD – ADULT Child Young Energetic Playing Changing

Growing Kid-playful children;

bossy grown-ups- adult Cleaning Cooking

Working Older

Wiser Adult Nyah Gamble 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 32

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Me I am like a cat. I am like a cat because I make my eyes narrow as slits. Cats also are very fast, so am I. Cats can be very good at jumping around and being able to sneak up on things when they want to. Cats cane be very stupid, obnoxious, annoying, gross, and weird. The biggest reason is because I keep to myself, just like a cat.

Aaron Gothard 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

All About Me! K as kool with a “K” Awesome as Katy Perry Yolo as in “Hello” Liking as in loving Extra as in lots of fun Excited as in crazy Kaylee Metzger 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Winter Colors of Ohio Winter is red, green, blue, yellow and brown Red is the sight of kids playing in the snow.

Green is the feeling of green trees with snow falling down.

Blue is the smell of candles burning Yellow is the taste of hot coco.

Brown is the sound of people of joy.

Andrew Bowman 4th Grade, Mason Elementary

DOCTOR WHO D is for Daleks who fought in the time war, O is for Outside the green anchor and red waterfall door.

C is for Companions who the doctor needs, T is for the Master who wanted to leave.

O is for Outerspace where Gallifray was, R is for Rose Tyler who came along just because.

W is for Watch with the time lords DNA in it, H is for Hollering which is what the doctor will get.

O is for Obvious for what the number 1 question is, and if you don’t stop watching, you’ll get addicted to all this!

Caroline Watson 5th Grade, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 33

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Pizza Pizza is good Pizza is great Pizza is something that sits on my plate I’ll put it in the oven but it still won’t bake Pizza is good Pizza is great You can have any toppings, but it’s till taste great Pizza is good Pizza is great Jasmine Frye 4th Grade, Mason Elementary

Trees Trees are so green.

They make me scream.

Every night I think about trees in my dreams.

I know it sounds crazy to think about trees.

They make me scream when I think about trees.

Madisyn Miller 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Grades 4 & 5

The Colors of Winter Winter is orange, gray, yellow, blue, and gold Orange is the feeling of the warm fire Grey is the sound of belle ringing.

Yellow is the smell of good cookies Blue is the sight of snow Brown is the taste of hot Chocolate Winter is orange, gray, yellow, blue, and gold Cortez Robinson 4th Grade, Mason Elementary

Baseball I love to hit homeruns running bases is always fun outfield is cool to I think I need Gatorade Before the time runs away Branson Wolf 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

The Colors of Winter Winter is, grey, white, blue, red, orange Red is the sight of the Fire Crackling Grey is the feeling of kids hitting with snow balls.

Orange is the smell of candles burning on the table.

Blue is the taste of cookies all over my taste buds.

Red is the sound Fire Crackling Winter is, grey, white, blue, red, orange Marvin DuBose 4th Grade, Mason Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 34

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

I’m a Rainza Bi Saxoed Shurog I’m a Rainza Bi Saxoed Shurog It’s loyal like a dog.

The look of the head is the color read.

It is like a Rainbow.

It’s colors put on a show.

It is fast like a dirt bike Brave and strong like a Knight.

Then it’s like Pushur, funny, cool, and play minecraft the game.

It’s really fun, I can’t blame.

I am a Rainza Bi Suxoed Shurog.

Joey Bellamy 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Life as A Bug The life as a bug is tuff.

Every day and all night I worry getting eaten by an owl. The grass is trembling above our heads, Its hard to seek food and shelter.

Its a harsh stormy night. We have to seek shelter quick. If we can find it soon, We will die, finally, We found a cottage.

Then, we made though the season in there finally were safe!

Jack Hilson 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Lauren Copeland 4th Grade, Sauder Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 35

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

This Is Me Though but gentle History inspires me Interested in always learning more Songs inspire me too Intoishon drives me Standing up for people makes me fell good Music has always helped me Enough is never enough for me.

Tessa Veidert 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Grades 4 & 5

The Coin Poem 2 by 2. 4 by 4. Saving up 11.00 more 1 coin, 2 coins, 5 coins, shiny new coins.

Bronze coins, silver coins, gold coins, too Small coins big coins, small are cool.

Thick and thin small and tall.

I have saved up, let’s hit the mall.

Gwyneth Douce 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

The Colors of Winter Winter is red, orange, blue, brown and clear Red is the taste of amazing candy cane Milk Shakes Orange is the sound fire cracking in the hot chimney Blue is the sight of snow storms blowing Brown is the smell of hot ginger bread baking Clear is the feeling of cold wind blowing on my rosy red cheeks Winter is orange, red, blue, brown, and clear.

Gavin Hane 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

My Pet Bat! My pet bat eats a nat His name is pat He hates my cat He likes my rat And thats that Kristin Lewis 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

The Colors of Winter Winter is red, blue, yellow, green and brown.

Red is the sound of the fire crackling in my house Blue is the sight of bright warm gloves, hats and scarves that keep me warm.

Yellow is the smell of good soft cookies Green is the feel of warm loveable hugs Brown is the taste of warm soft stuffing.

Meigan Crawford 4th Grade, Mason Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 36

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

If I Were From Books…

Warriors…If I were a warrior cat, I would be in River Clan, where the streams run freely through the territory, I’d be an apprentice with heart and soul, who always followed the rules. I would stand by the Warrior Code at all costs.

Hollow Earth… If I were a turin, my sibling and I would have the power to read each other’s mins. We would only do this, though, when trouble comes. We would also probably have a better relationship.

Wings of Fire … If I were a dragon, I’d be a SeaWing. I would have wings the color of the bluest skies, with splashes of black and white. I would live with the others deep in the sea at the Hidden Palace.

Gallagher Girls … If I were a Spy, I’d learn everything there was to learn.

I’d have few friends, but they’d mean everything to me. I would feel the same way about my family.

Any Comics … If I were a comic book character, I’d be Vaporcon. I would bicker with my seven siblings: Umbreon, Espeon, Leafeon, Jolteon, Glaceon, Sylveon, and Elision. But inside, we’d be the best of friends.

Sophia Warner 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Green, Green My World is Green Emerald colored grass dancing upon the ground, Leaf colored feathers floating above the earth, Mint colored paint drying on the wall, Kiwi dyed hair flowing in the air, Pear colored plants lying in my yard

Shine Bright I am a star I shine so bright You see me in the midnight And I am miles away I stick out even during the day Gavin Timms 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Green, Green My World is Green Dylan King 5th Grade, Cedar Elementary

About Puppies Pupies are soft, puppies are warm As a blanket, puppies are nice, Puppies are beautiful, puppies are playful, Some puppies are big, some Are small. Puppies are awesome, brilliant too.

Cheyanne Newman 4th Grade, Bellestone Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 37

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

Winter’s Happiness Winter is blue, yellow, green, brown, and red Blue is the sight of kids laughing and having a ball Yellow is the feeling of family and friends hugging me close and warm.

Green is the smell of pine trees being watered and lifting spirits up Brown is the taste of warm gingerbread men. Making my taste buds happy.

Red is the sound of crackling fire in our cozy home.

Winter is blue, yellow, green, brown, and red Camille Marchesani 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

What Winter Is Winter is white, baby blue, brown, green, and orange.

White is the sight of people shoveling the cold snow.

Baby blue is the feeling of hugging my baby brother by the fire.

Brown is the smell of the cinnamon in the eggnog Green is the taste of warm peppermint tea with my brother.

Orange is the sound of the toast fire crackling Winter is white, baby blue, brown, green, and orange.

Stefan Monahan Prince 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School Purring, purring, all the time, Running from Claire to make sure he's fine, Ill all the time from throwing up, Not lazy all the time but will drink from dad's cup, Catching birds is what he dreams, Enthusiastic, but not what he seems Abby R. Williams 4th Grade, Lake Cable Elementary My cat Lily This poem is about my cat Lily.

She is really silly.

She loves my turtle Steve He chooses to believe that she’s going to make him leave.

She wouldn’t do that Lily is a very nice cat.

Lily is very funny.

She doesn’t like bunnies.

Lilly loves turkey She hates beef jerky.

Lily drinks water She drinks like an otter.

Lilly drinks fast But that’s in the past.

Kylie Leach 4th Grade, Tusky Valley Intermediate School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 38

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

I’m a Baseball I’m a baseball every day and night My favorite part is that I get to take flight.

I take massive impact but that doesn’t bother me, Because I like hearing the ump, “Strike 1! Strike 2! Strike 3!”

When I meet the bat, it’s like meeting a nat, The second you’re hit, you go by just like that.

I’m in the sky, and I meet birds while they fly and I say hi!

If you were a baseball, you might feel this way, So come on, let’s go and play.

Anthony Warner 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

ABC POEM !

Athletic, Best friends, Cookies Diamonds, Energy, Funny, Gymnastics, Halloweens, I-phone, Jumpy, Kickball, Lollipops, Music, Nerdy, Ohio State, Promises, Quickly running, Rubies, Subway, Tablet, Unique, Vip, Wobble, X-box, Yogurt, Zebras.

Alphabet poetry!

Mianni Sylvertooth 5th grade, Gibbs Elementary

Nobody’s perfect Too big too small, Too short, too tall, Too whiny, too blunt, We’re all pulling stunts!

Too quiet, too loud, We whisper, we shout, Too fat, too skinny, Our health is too minty!

Too wacky, too gross, Has too many toes, Too scared, too scary, For a child-too too hairy!

Too smart, Too dumb, Too ugly, too pretty, Too attached to our kitties!

Too mean, too nice, Like tacos, like rice, We always scream, and we always cry, So nobody’s perfect, not even I. Lauren Nieporte 4th Grade, Warstler School

If I were a Dance If I was a dance, it would be the weirdest dance, That would make the worm look hard It would be me just flopping around It would look like puppet that was Being controlled by a baby I would do my Dance every where I go, because it’s mine Grayden Clark 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Bookbag Math and Read were talking In my bookbag one day. Read was mad At Math because I was doing math in math calss. Read started to Cry. Then Math said, “Sorry Read. I talk Tre. Than Read apologize Math. Then they became friends again. The End. Tre’Shaun Hopson 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 39

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

The Colors of Winter Winter is Green, Blue, White, Red, and Gold.

Grey is the sight of the hot chocolate steam.

White is the feeling of the fluffy snow Brown is the smell of hot chocolate Red is the taste of striped candy canes.

Gold is the sound of jingle bells tingling Jade Nielsen 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

The Colors of Winter Winter is red, grey, brown, blue, and white Red is the sound of fire crackling.

Grey is the sight of snowstorms outside Brown is the smell of cookies cooking.

Blue is the feeling of frostbite.

White is the taste milkshakes in my mouth Winter is red, grey, brown, blue, and white.

Moses O’Neal 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

Grades 4 & 5 Big Brother When your there I never get fear.

When you play I never get hurt.

I wish the day would never end just The way the world never ends if you Say farewell I shed a tear for a Year When you come again then the Best time of the year is when You come to stay for real.

Bethany Nicole Miller 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Artist A is for Art R is for bushed T is for tremendous I is for imaginative S is for stencil T is for teidious Ethan Montgomery 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Summer is fun Summer is fun Summer is cool. Summer is fun.

Summer is fun when you have Your friends around. And family to giggle, laugh, and so much more I love summer how about you.

Tori Jeanette McPherson 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Kids Playing, running, jumping, and spinning is what we like to do when we laugh when we play it’s always a sunny day. Rain coming from the sky. Don’t cry we’ll laugh and play. We ran and played we had a fun day. It’s time to go it’s time to say goodbye it’s time to end this day!

Hannah Fildes 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Keyboard Cat There was a cat from Earth, Who played the keyboard at birth, He had some fame, Although he was lame.

That silly cat from earth.

Rose Gray 4th Grade, Canton country Day

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 40

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

My Favorite Month of the Year

Winter is red, brown, light brown, brown Red is the sight of fire crackling in my fire place that keeping nice and warm Brown is the feeling of yummy hot coco burning my hands but it feels good Light brown is the smell of yummy delicious cookies on the table that’s making my mouth drewl Brown is the taste of yummy cookies and hot coco and it’s yummy.

Brown is the sound cooking in the oven and it looks so good Na’shailla Sanders 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

Kennedy Kind entertaining nice nosy elegant dramatic (in a good way) yelling at my sisters Kennedy 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Untitled My puppy ate my homework My cat ate my lunch My dog through my shirts away And thats the end.

Jermani Downing 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Easter and then Halloween Easter Tasy caring Hunting decorating snacking Eggs, basket; candy, fun Scare-----ing frightening playing Costumes treats Halloween Zmarrie Robinson 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Cupcakes and Salad Cupcakes Sweet fluffy Sparkling tasting falling Cake mix, icing; lettuce, tomato Dressing enticing mixing Healthy yummy Salad Dayjah Walker 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 41

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

About My Puppie Nice to me Our puppie is cute Each other I don’t have Love her to death Taylor Maurer 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

What I Would Be I would be sea green I would be a hunger game dog I would be pizza I would be a tornado I would be a carige I would be a violin I would be NYC I would be cinnamon I would be sour I would be Bugs Bunny I would be Dynomite I would be wegges That’s what I would be and That is me and I love it.

Madalynn Bryant 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Doggy Days My little dogs are like treasures to me, they are as sweet and loveable can be, every spring day when it is warm, we take our dogs on a walk, we go all around the block. One dog always wants to go ahead, but the other one gets ahead instead, when we come back we give them water and a treat, After that its time to sleep! And they sleep and sleep and sleep.

Molly Robinson 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Friends Friends stay by your side Run and hide It’s cool to hang with them Echo’s by her or him Never hurt you Do your best and tell the truth So be happy with your friend.

Ayana Spencer 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Otters If I were an animal, I would be an otter.

I would splash and play, all day in the river.

If I got hungry, all I have to do is grab a shell and eat my dinner.

At night I will float on my back and my family will link hands so we don’t drift away as we sleep Alexandria Matie 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School Football Football, Football, Football, Let’s Go Rodney 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 42

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

If I Were a Cat If I were an animal, I would be a cat, Because it’s my favorite animal, And because of warrior cats Alyssa Powers 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

The Color of the Winter Winter is white, red, yellow, brown, and gold.

White is the bright beautiful snow Red is the hot warm, crackling fire.

Yellow is the taste of gingerbread houses and people.

Brown is the brown hot chocolate Gold is the sound of jingle bells Sharya Umbles 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

SPRING Spring is coming! Yippy!

Play all day in the sun!

Riding my bike to my friends.

Ice cream cools me down when its hot.

Nice when I spend time with my family.

Grown up and ready to play!

Te’erica Grimes 5th grade, Gibbs Elementary

Trees!

Trees are just so easy to think about. With their Roaring leaves in the wind, their Excellent branches spiraling everywhere. whith their high treetops, and hungry roots. You see, trees are

Spring Sun warm the cool air Party with my friends Rain outside Ice cream all day Nice weather Grill out with your friends 7 family Daeonna Owens 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Extraordinary living things, with some mysterys solved and some not. But, you see, I love Trees!

Annabella Kovach 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Winter Wonderland Winter blue, orange, lite brown, black, and red.

Blue is the wonderful white snow in my yard.

Orange is the warmth of the fire lifting my holiday spirit Lite brown is the smell of warm soft cookies baking Black is the taste of the warm soft wonderful chocolate chip cookies Red is the sound of warm file crackling in the fire place Winter is blue, orange, lite brown, black, and red Logan Scott 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 43

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

Winters Colors Winter is white, orange, brown, pink, and blue White is a sight of a melting snowman Orange is the felling of the weather fire Brown is the smell of delicious gingerbread Pink is the taste of fresh baked cup cakes Blue is the sound of ice falling and smashing on the ground Winter is white, orange, brown, pink and blue.

Noah Menegay 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School summer eat your ice cream the sand between your tows summer is so awesome yay hey summer Jennifer Halm 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Jacob Craig 4th Grade, Sauder Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 44

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

The Colors of Winter Winter is white, orange, brown, gold and red White is the sight of snow Orange is the feeling of hot apple cider Brown is the smell of cookies and hot chocolate Gold is the taste of holiday foods Red is the sound of cracking fire Winter is white, orange, brown, gold and red Jada Benison 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

The Storm Everyone come on Lets watch the storm We waited and waited We didn’t hear a sound We fell a sleep we heard a thud We went outside we got stuck in the mud Raven Long 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

The Colors of Winter Winter is white, gray, red, brown and orange Gray is the sight of smoke coming out the chummy Orange is the feel of frostbite on my hand White is the smell of turkey in the oven Brown is the taste of delicious hot chocolate Red is the sound of crackling fire in the chummy Winter is white, gray, red, brown and orange.

Colin Ruffin 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

Steak Happy apple Noisy Nice Annoying Hotdog Hannah Billman 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Erin East Canton track Running fast In first place Noisy we are I won!

Erin Norris 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

The Hobo Theres a hobo on my street.

He has really stinky feet!

Sometimes he eats my neighbors trash.

When he was running from the po-pohe tripped over and made a big clash.

I never see that hobo but man he had a really cool stache.

Khali Petrik 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

DIAMONTE POEMS Winter Snowy Slushy Sleeting Snowing Freezing Rudolf Santa; pool bikes Swimming Tanning Sunning Older Wiser Summer Danajiana Strickland 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 45

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

All About Me I am like a golden penguin because I would love to be rich. I am like an atomic bomb, and I ride on an F-150 and while I fall someone plays the drums and he has the Japanese band and the song they are playing is metal.

I always wear high tops because I love basketball.

I also love corn and I am from unicornatopilis.

The last thing about me is that I love beastboy and I smell like mint.

Cory Stubblefield 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Me as a Unicorn Magicle unicorn is a girl random a unicorn lover nothing is impossible don’t give up an lover of animals Miranda Hoover 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Winter Is‌ Winter is, gold, blue, brown, red, and white Gold is the warm smell of candles burning delightfully in the window.

Blue is the feeling of warm hugs all around me Brown is the taste of warm hot cocoa burning in my mouth Red is the sight of the warm crackling fire.

White is the sound of children playing in the cold snow.

Winter is, gold, blue, brown, red, and white Jessica Horner 4th Grade, Mason Elementary School

Sometimes Sometimes I wonder about silly Things! Like Did I flunk?

Sometimes I wonder if I flunked that test We all do at times. Sometime I wonder if people are staring? Are they talking about Me? Sometimes, we all wonder Hannah Gillis 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Rain Splish Splash!

Rain falls with a Smash! Water rushes down a hill, if you stay in rainy weather too long it will make you ill!

Rain is not fun to have around, Please rain, don't fall to themselvesground!

Stella Camp 4th Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 46

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Navaeh nice excellent violence angle entertaining heavenly Kamyia Friedman 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Ruby Attar 5th Grade, Arts Academy at Summit

The Right Path I want my hair to be a certain way I want to make really good grades I want to be really pretty I want everyone to really like me But first I need to look inside my heart and try to get off onto a new start I am perfect just the way God made me I need to slow down and see How I can make me inside a better me Instead of looking on the outside a certain way I will work on the inside to have a better day Thank you God for putting this on my mind and making this poem change me to be kind Hannah Knight 4th Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

If I were a Tornado It was a day in the sunlight Until it grew as dark as night, I was a tornado fierce and strong And I was there going along and along.

People were screaming and ran far away And I might of broke there blue bay, I finally was done and stopped the storm And all the sunlight came and growed, Every one was happy even Ben So I was there all lonely again, SO I tell you children do not be a storm, Or your life will be lonely and bored Ian Laughlin 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 47

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

The Night Oh night your stars are so bright.

I watch you at midnight.

Night I wish you were mine.

You would be one of a kind.

I would tuck you at night.

Oh I love you night I will always remember That your stars shine bright.

Zion Moore 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Brett My brother is Brett He is not a brat He is nice and likes rice He calls himself normal that is up to him. He is my brother and I have him Love, Brey Breyana Buxton 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Karli Karli is my name.

Animal what I would be is a cat.

Rain is what I am, so cold Like my mom I do everything like her. iPad that is what I have.

Karli Hill 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Monday monday waking up sloppy grouchy tired my brain is not working today, angry lazy days that’s why I cant, wait until Friday!

Rylee Morris, 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Grades 4 & 5 The Virtual World Awesome sight, Very bright, All I see is Light.

What I like is dark, The animal likes to bark, The name is Clark.

What I know is a lie, I would rather say bye, My character randomly died.

Though I like to know, In this world people row, This is when I have to go.

Will Storsin 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Tree Gentle breeze, Lifts your leaves, To the sky.

Sheltering those smaller than you, Nurturing them and giving them food, They rely on you.

Even when the toughest storm has been found, You will never, never, never fall down, You are strong.

Brooke M. Lenigan Grade 5, Pfeiffer Intermediate

Summer I love summer.

It is the hottest.

We play outside all day long.

We drink water all day.

We dance, sing outside that summers here.

Summer rocks!

Summer is awesome!

Hailey Hart 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 48

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Blue, Blue, My World is Blue Sky blue cars racing around the tracks, Cedar blue book bags hanging on the students’ backs, Blueberry butterflies flapping above trees, Dark blue contacts changing the color of pupils in our eyes, Light blue ocean waves flowing on the beach, Blue, Blue, My world is Blue Joseph Moore 5th Grade, Cedar Elementary

Teddy Teddy is my dog Teddy is adorable but he’s not that nice and eats a lot If he gets used to you then he is nice to you So hope he gets used to you So then he gets to be nice to you Jenna Knepper 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

My Monkey He is so cute He wears a crown And blows a flute Sometimes he frowns But he still looks cute In his tiny suit Kaitlyn Latham 4th Grade, Massillon Intermediate

Sports Sports Football baseball Running catching fighting W.W.E. boxing; X-bos, pS3 Playing watching gaming Games buying Video games Tay’zon Stewart 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

People People are weird People are cool Some people jump in a pool People are awesome People are dumb some people Have no thumb. Even though People are those things Maybe we are those things?

Henry Boyle 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Jalepeno My tail end is in a loop, I sometimes make you have to poop, I’m red, green and that is all.

If I’m in a drop you will fall Dimitri Sholtis 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Ethan Collins Entertaining Timing Happy Awesome Nice Ethan Collins 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 49

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Purple Pretty Unicorn colors Real color Purpley Love it Excellent Ryan Alm 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Cheer Cool and ful Hearing and fearing Elementary school Ecology Run and fun Cheyanne Tipton 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Grades 4 & 5 I am I feel like a hydra that’s read and with a green Mohawk.

I feel like this because I want to be awesome and have people see me that way.

I want to be like thor because he’s awesome.

I’m not awesome now, but I want to when I grow up.

If people don’t see me that way fine, but I don’t wine.

So that’s why I feel like that.

Simeon Snyder 4th-5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Recycle We Recycle plastic, metal, glass, and paper to save the earth. If we Recycle we can make the earth a Better place.

It's good to Recycle because you can help save animals that need help. When you litter you are destroying the Earth around you. A way that you can save our environment is by picking up trash. DO NOT LITTER! IT IS BAD TO DO! What can you do to save the earth? Let's save the earth together!

Lindsey Wackerly 4th Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Unicorns I love unicorns Unicorns are adorable Unicorns are awesome Unicorns are magical I love them The End Joshua Viertel 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Me I am…Like a pair of Ice Skates…

I glide over endless Ice Not knowing what is next…

I keep going…

Trying to do the best I can…

I…Glide Olivia Gruber 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Yellow Pandas Y-ellow E-ntering L-iving L-oving O-n their own W-ondering P-andas A-dorable N-erdy D-oodle with Bamboo A-wesome S-miling Kylie Schaefer 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 50

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

The Dolly Who Went To School Twas a dolly who was nine; For she looked very fine.

She never went to school as a lad; She did chores to keep her daddy glad.

“Mum, what is school like?”

The dolly asked.

“Oh, these children want to be cool, as they fool around on their bikes!”

This dolly was scared; What if nobody cared?

What if they made fun Of her little hair bun?

But she never went to school before; She needed to step forward and try; She couldn't stand back and cry.

So the day she went to school; She thought the buses she rode on were cool.

When she went to her class; it smelled of sweet lemon-grass.

Her teacher was very sweet; Someone her parents would love to meet!

So school wasn't so bad after all; This dolly was starting school at the best time of the year: The fall!

Snehal Choudhury 4th Grade, Lake Cable Elementary

Piglittels Piglittels are sweet, they are kind, with their curlier tail, I’m like them, Loving, pink, oink those are some things I think of Piglittels Delilah Keinath 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Me I’m Green like a plant I’m Candy that is sweet I’m a van that holds nice, sweet, people I’m a Flute that is graceful as a butterfly I’m like Atlantis, full of wonderful things I’m like Olaf , funny and sweet I’m like the dance Zumba, fast and active I’m like flip flops, I love summer M-my favorite season is spring/summer A-active Y-yacking all the time A-amazing Maya Hershberger 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty is so cool and awesome to. I love it, how bout you?

Si is soo funny and sleepy to.

Hey Jack don’t forget Phiph he’s funny too and who’s happy happy, happy. I think that’s Jase. How bout you, but Willie is high teach redneck are you to.

McKaiya Helwig 5th Grade, East Canton Elementray

Stanzas A stanza is a paragraph if you can’t find it we will laugh. because a stanza is something you can see just look for the space, it is eeeezzzzz!

Anthony Lopez 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 51

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

Darkness Everyone Goes through darkness But everyone can turn on the light When you go through darkness, what will you do?

Will you stay or will you make your light bright This choice is not easy but just look to a friend You will make a good choice Just let go and five your worries to the devil I hope you make the right choice Emily Kline 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

Homework Oh Homework oh Homework I hate you you stink I wish I could wash you away in the sink is only a bomb would explode you to pieces, that would make me as happy as happy as can be Mariaha B. 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

In Spring In spring I go off with a ping.

As the birds sing.

Flowers bloom in my room.

Dispelling all winter’s gloom.

Spring is a time to laugh and play.

As we count tulips on the way.

Now I finish this poem to say “Spring is here!” “Hurray! Hurray!”

Theresa Ortiz 5th Grade, Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy

Pizza Pizza is square or triangular It has little circles of pepperoni It has cheesy cheese It is really saucy Pizza is really good It can make you sick if you eat too much It is greasy Pizza Tyler Hoover 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Padawan My Padawan If I could do one thing than go to school it would be fly to Tatooine. I could be a Jedi after meeting Qui gon jinn. It may be a little deadly but it is not as bad as homework Jar Jar Binks I would mostly want to meet.

Thomas Maxwell 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Tree I have a tree his name is Bob he is nice he is not a slob He is sweet and he is fine and I know his sister and he is mine I know it’s crazy to love a tree but he fits me perfectly Olivia Mayle 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 52

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Some Lives Some lives change Some stay the same, Some just flow, Flow as they go.

Some leave to follow their dreams, Lives go to never be seen.

Some lives change for the better or worse, Some because its life’s curse Some lives change and receive a new life, Some lives change because of strife.

Some lives go down by bad things; some lives go up when they see rings.

Some lives are happy with a new surprise, Some have difficulties in their lives.

All lives are directed, so done be surprised if it’s affected.

Rinoa Chech 4th Grade, Frazer Elementary

My Steer Frosty Fast as a cheetah Running in the pen Off to a good start Shatter broke Takes time to break You are the best steer Quinton Motts 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Horses Horses eat hay Horses are fast Horses are sweet Horses like to run They are fun They are cool They are the Best animal ever to find Horses are nice Allie Payne 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

My Buzzy Bee My buzzy bee is a lot like me.

We like to sit in trees and drink honey.

My buzzy bee will do anything with me.

We could glide through a race and winners we would be.

My buzzy bee is so fuzzy.

It’s like a blanket around me.

My buzzy bee wishes he could go to my school, Belden Elementary.

My buzzy bee is not mean.

He’s so nice he gave me a black and yellow diamond ring.

My buzzy bee sings in the shower but is never in there For less than an hour.

My buzzy bee is a bizzzzzy bee.

My buzzy bee really loves me.

Robbyayre Blakely 4th Grade, Belden Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 53

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

When The Doves Are Gone When the doves are gone,things will change, Bird feeders full of seeds and berries, While cherry trees are full of cherries, When the doves are gone things are still, No songs in the morning nor at don, And no soft white birds in the lawn, Oh,when the doves are gone, Abbie Green 5th Grade, Stausser Elementary School

Rylee Toombs 5th Grade, Massillon Intermediate School Dark Horse The dark horse runs through the night, faster the better. The dark horse runs alone no friends means no foes. Can’t see his face so nobody knows can’t know his secrets because he doesn’t show. No enemies no foes and he doesn’t show. He’s a secret to most, but only I know.

The way he hides, he knows I wonder why he doesn’t show Reagan Mason 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

I am this Because I am blue because of poo I like the sun because of pun I am rain because of cain Emma Baker 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Ryley Cecil 5th Grade, Massillon Intermediate School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 54

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Spring

Please, please, please come spring, Where the the flowers come up, When the birds sing, ‌...PLEASE COME SPRING!!!

Nickolas Ginther 4th Grade, Massillon Intermediate Baseball Bat for hat Hat for cat Mitt for mammals Balls for bag And bag for box Sarah Kay Boyle 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Unicorns Universe love them Never not awesome Interesting Colorful Outdoors Runing on rainbows Nice Super Claire Adams 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Untitled Blue and pork Blue is cool, so are pools.

New York is huge so is pork.

Caleb Groghan 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

All About Jessica Joker excellent super silly incredible cool awesome Jessica 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Joey Murray 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

My Family is Cool!

My mom is so cool So is my sister Alexis Mare Edwers So is my dad and cat.

Zachary Gottscheck 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 55

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Green, Green, My World Is Green Green frogs jumping in the woods, Mint colored alligators swimming in the dirty swamp, Sea green turtles moving under the sea, Emerald ducks walking around the pond, Apple grass flying through the air, Grassy leaves falling around the tree, Green, Green, My World Is Green Lauryn Smith

Grades 4 & 5 DaD Your sweet like chocolate Sometimes you can sting like a bee but your usually not mean your happy like the sun I love you a ton You’re my best friend and your name is Ted I love you Dad Alyssa Wahl 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

5th Grade, Cedar Elementary

Red, Red, My World Is Red Red fire trucks beeping through the streets, Cherry balloons floating in the breeze, Lava colored volcanos bursting above the sky, Strawberry popsicle’s sticking to my hand, Sunburst colored hair flowing through the breeze, Red, Red, My World Is Red Amya Stewart 5th Grade, Cedar Elementary

Jermiah Burton 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Columbia There is a place I adore It is in South America I am lying on the floor Think about Columbia I love it a lot The music, my Family, and everything else Where we are isn’t as hot!

Columbia Ana Clapper 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 56

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

What I Learned From My Family I learned to be happy and never be snappy, To care for my friend and have love that never Ends

I Thought I thought we were going to buy a flying yacht, My mom thought not.

I learned that citizenship is key, It’s success for you and me

But I forgot my mom thought not, And I bought a flying yacht.

I learned to stand up for what is right, Peace and love, hope and joy are what we need tonight Hope Abrams 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

My mom was wrought.

Hana Klein 5th Grade, Pfeiffer Intermediate

Love It gives life meaning, It makes your heart pump, It makes your spine tingle, It makes life worth living, Love makes you do crazy things, Love put butterflies in your rummy, Love if Life Breonna Smarr 4th Grade, Walker Elementary

Evil Master Mind Kyle is my name and fame isn’t my game.

I’m an ordinary kid with the brain of an evil master mind because it’s mine if I were a fish I’d be a shark but I’m still like a tank but only by heart.

Kyle Kern 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

My Secret Place I can heartrains, As they pass, my secret place.

In my secret place, I can feel hard rocks, Against my palms.

I can smell burning coal, My mouth tastes of its smoke.

In my secret place, I am hidden.

Michael Barlow 5th Grade, Worley Elementary

Kaitlin Kitten is my favorite animal.

A person who likes people is price bubbly gum like me.

I like snow leopards too, also my favorite animal.

That’s my girl by Matt be is a song I like.

Love cotton candy it’s my favorite food I am a flod I like picking up stuff and putting it somewhere else.

In my song when I am older is that right.

Kaitlin Shrader 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 57

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

My Family, My friends, My all the way around First comes my friends, then goes my family, third comes my poem, last comes my enemy. I love to read books, but watching the movies sucks, I also math, but you can’t, feel my wrath, my friends are, always awesome, but loyalty also cost some, I try to keep an open mind, I’m also not the special kind, The one that will be there for me is my grandma, grandpa, mom, and my cousin Brailynn.

I hope they will always want to sail in, when it’s time to get tucked in, I want to thank Jesus for my sins, when I wake up, I hope I get to go around, My friends, my family, my all the way around.

Matthew Gentry 4th Grade, Walker Elementary

No Segregation I hope there’s no Separate race, to put Segregation, in it’s place, No matter if, you’re black or White, with your dream, You’re always bright Matthew Wood 4th Grade, Walker Elementary

That Big Jerk!

Poor mama she was hurt.

By some Big Jerk named Burt.

He called her names about her race and her deformed face.

I don’t think its fair.

He probably doesn’t care!

I told that Burt with a smirk.

You’re a Big Jerk it’s not fair you Don’t Care.

So Pick on….

NOBODY! Trynity Jordan 4th Grade, Walker Elementary

Spiders Creepy, crawling everywere, some are venomous, need to leave me ALONE! Lexis Andrews 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

I have a dog name Sadie, she is very very fun.

But when you come to meet her she will bite most Everyone.

The Fool The man who lives in a pool all of his friends run away from him like fools.

They should fix him with some special tools, but I don’t know about that because he will never be cool!

Jack Davis 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Some days she is crazy and she runs around the Yard, But some days she is sleepy and then Lets down her guard. Sometimes I want To kick her out But then I remeder What it’s all about. Owning a Dog will make you smile so be happy because it only last for a while.

Faith Abrams 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 58

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Down by the River Down by the river the water flows, Turning and gurgling as it goes.

As you watch, you think of the spring nights so clear.

Down at the pond, the sky looks like a mirror.

You think of the summer so hot like an oven with bread.

You sew in the sun with your needle and thread.

You think of the fall with its leaves so bright.

It's a very lovely sight.

You think of the winter so cold That your bread starts to mold.

You sit by the river waiting for your mother's call That it's time to go to the mall.

You like the river's calm much more than the hustle and bustle of the mall.

“Goodbye river. Good night.”

Mary Bliese 4th Grade, Homeschool

Halloween & Easter Christmas Dazzle glittering Baking wrapping decorating Presents, stars; ghosts and goblins Tricking treating frightening Scary eery Halloween D’Kayla Williams 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Jesus, Sweet Jesus Green, Green, My World Is Green Light green teddy bears sitting on my bed, Dark green grass waving under the oak tree, Emerald apples falling of the dining table, Mint ice cream freezing in the freezer, Cyan tree leaves hanging on the bush, Neon green pencils glowing on the desk, Green, Green, My World Is Green Dylan Wagner 5th Grade, Cedar Elementary

Jesus, sweet Jesus belongs to me, He is the One, Who set me free, Free from the Devil who’ll trick and lie, Free from the Hell where man-kind shall die, Jesus, sweet Jesus came to die for me, Died on the cross at Calvary, There He lay in a stone tomb three days, Then rose again so man can be saved, Through His Salvation you can be saved, And live again in a gold mansion paved, There will we live in sweet harmony, Jesus, sweet Jesus ahead of you and me, And there will live forever; yes, forever and always, But we must wait until that oncoming day.

Mattie Smith 4th Grade, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 59

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

“Donut Dance” As the chocolate, creamy donut danced upon my hand With sprinkles so soft, I had to say “oh man’’.

It was a rainbow in my mouth Chocolate drizzled, large as my house.

They’re round, sprinkled, and love to dance Just the smell makes me want to prance.

So glazed and brown,

Sweetie Pie S-he is sweet W-eirdly crazy E-cludively crazy E-lementary smart T-oatly cuddly I-ntentioanlly cute E-xploding adorable P-otentionally a lunatic I-think shes cuckoo E-ndly eating Olivia Ollis 4th Grade, East Canton Elementary School

baking bread, bumpy and tasting of sugar Making me feel comfy.

There is a cream stick Chocolaty with jelly.

It makes a calm sound Settling in my belly.

The donut dance can be sticky Hurry up and dance, The time is ticking.

People People are weird People are cool Some people jump in a pool People are a we Some people have no thumb Even though people are those things Maybe we are those things?

Henry Bayle 5th Grade, East Canton Elementary

Some donuts taste good, There’s no reason to lie.

It’s soft and glazed with blueberry, oh my!

The donut dance is really fun.

There’s strawberry and chocolate Why don’t you have one?

Puppies Puppies are so cute and cuddly so little so sweet i love how they cuddle and snuggle at my feet they are so tiney and full of joy i love how my puppy plays with his squicky toy Caitlynn Mullins 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Makaylin Armstead 5th Grade, McGregor Elementary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 60

Grades 4 & 5

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

My New Cat! My new cat With me all day We played meowoight or wrong All day long!

My new cat talks funny He talks like Darth Vader I call him Vader He is not jolly Be he is energetic!

He is the best cat I have been with Yeah!

Kajami 4th Grade, Belle Stone Elementary

Braedon Brillent Runner Awesome Excellent Dude Outstanding Nice Braedon Smith Grade 4, Belle Stone Elementary

Hunter, Naz Naz Humble Unstopable Not bad true eat rockin J’s Hunter Wilson 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Dreams Dreams Dreams Are everywhere There’s dreams When I think about the word “Dreams” I think big I think Imagination.

Erica Stevenson 5th Grade, Fairmount Elementary

Apollo Awesome Playful Outside Loves people Loves playing football Ok ok ok ok!

Nathan Stephens 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Captain America Cool Awesome Pro There’s only one god and he doesn’t dress like that!

America Intersting Never loses Absolute Martial Extreme Really old Intelligent Capable America Jagger Williams 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 61

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 4 & 5

Jenna Ramsey 5th Grade, Massillon Intermediate School

MassilloThe Fool The man who lives in a pool all of his friends run away from him like fools.

They should fix him with some special tools, but I don’t know about that because he will never be cool!

Jack Davis 5th Grade, Mason Elementary

Ice cream and candy Ice Cream Cold icy Scooping eating playing Chocolate syrup; sticky yummy Buying cruching chewing Sweet delicious Candy Justus Hunter 5th Grade, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 62

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 63

Grades 6 & 7

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 6&7 Awards Christian Via

 My Last and My Best .................................................... 66

Eliz Slabaugh

 Running Dream ........................................................... 78  Lullaby ............................................................................ 70

Olivia Miller

Carly Rose Justice

 Pieces of My Heart.............................................. 81

 Saying Goodbye ...................................................... 67

Olivia Budzinski

 The Perfect Summer ................................................... 75

Rachael Fiore

A Blessing in Disguise

 Questions Unanswered ................................................ 71

Katrina Miller Jake Yoder

 Laurysa Ridenour ......................................... 78

 A Poem ............................................................................ 69  Day Dream ............................................................... 72

Jaydan Morgan Jenny Lyogky

 Motionless ................................................................... 74

Caitlin Bailey

 Fantasy Worlds ............................................................ 83

Bridget Lee

 The Road Before Me ....................................................... 94

Kellie McDonald

 Inspiration................................................................ 73

Rochelle Leeper

 Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac ............................ 72

Madison Swartzentruber Denver Wittmer

 Name Pain................................................. 79

 Tribute ...................................................................... 71

Cara Bunner

 Noise ............................................................................. 91

Evan Akers

 Adventure Time ............................................................... 83

Brielle Anderson

 Exraordinary Granma Alice .................................... 89

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 64

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Apple Cherry, scarlet, like the horizon it shines.

It’s shape is plump, lopsided it is.

Apple luxurious pieces of wonder.

It smells of the beach, like a new can of Febreeze.

Crunch into the apple.

The apple is like a tropical smoothie.

Like the sunrise, and sunset.

Tangy, sweet, juicy like a bite of deliciousness The apple calls you into your mouth.

It’s like a warm sunny day.

It’s called sunex.

Alex Roth 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Life Is… Life is like a rollercoaster There are ups and there are downs One day you’re the king of the world The next your hopes are in the ground Life is like a game of chance You can risk it all with out a glance You may win fame and glory Or you can be an old story Life is like a storm blowing You can’t control which way it’s going It can bring you to the top of life Then push it away like a kite Life is like a fight You are using all your might One day the finish is in sight The next hope is out like a light

Grades 6 & 7 Pop Can The first time I got spanked by my dad I was 7 years old summer of 2007 my cousin showed me how to shake a can. Thrilled I wanted to try it on my dad I ran to the fridge so excited and quickly grabbed a can. I shook that pop can like it was my job!

Not knowing I gave the little surprise to my dad only to find out I had made a huge mistake.

It felt as if the can had exploded like a volcano. And the soda was the lava. His eye’s got wide like the ocean.

Now fear rolling down my spine as he said in a calm voice “Bend over.”

WHAM! Tears began to dance on my cheek.

I ran away to hide my face. Just to think this all happened because of one can.

Cara Crews 7th Grade, Jackson Memorial Middle School

Life is what you make You can leave it You can take it Make the most of life and you’ll be glad But remember is not good or bad Karli Walsh 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 65

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Proud

My Last and My Best

As I threw my line out in that midsized pond, I started to feel something tugging on my line.

The snow is silent under my skis as I cruise to the top of the hill.

Seeing nobody else dropping, I call my drop and start the run.

While I tried to reel it in, I started to get dragged with the rod closer to the water.

I finally got the fish close to shore and pulled the line as hard as I could.

When the fish was out of the water in my hands, to everyone else it looked normal but to me it was like gold.

Christian Zavarelli 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

Thinking About What Thinking about writing a poem.

Thinking about going home to write poem.

Thinking about going home in my room to write the poem.

Thinking about the moon.

Thinking about the bright Moon.

Thinking about the bright Yellow moon.

Thinking about the sky.

Thinking about flying in the Sky. Thinking about flying in the Beautiful blue sky.

Joe Mayle 6th Grade, Early College Academy

Keeping to the side, I speed towards the knuckle next to the first ramp.

As I fly over it, I pop my knees and throw all my weight into a left-side 360.

I stomp the landing and glide on the powder to the next knuckle.

I pop off and rotate 360 degrees.

I jump the next two ramps, taking in the sensation of flight.

As I land, I let out a whoop of success.

But the happiness of a great run is cut short by sadness.

That was my last run, not only of the day, but also of the season.

No more skiing until next December.

My last run.

My last and my best.

Christian Via 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 66

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 6 & 7

Angelic Gracefulness An angel, yes, an angel, who sits so gracefully on a wooden chest, who was held by a kind, sweet woman who passed it down to her granddaughter.

An angel, yes, an angel, who sits so gracefully on a wooden chest, waiting to be held and passed down once more.

Morgan Dunbar 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School Kelly Richey 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Saying Goodbye Me without you is like a bird without wings But saying goodbye is the worst thing.

Its like a sun without shine or a moon without glow.

Beign without you is hard to grow.

Days feel longer without you to protect me.

In a world of criticism and lies.

Then you suspect that I can move on from such a world of cries.

The truth is I can but saying goodbye is tough.

I want to move on with my life which is rough.

Just saying goodbye to you is to much.

Although I know that one day I will be with you.

Olivia Budzinski 6th Grade, Jackson Memorial Middle

FOOD THAT TASTES GOOD Pizza is good and tasty.

Ice cream is cold and chocolaty.

Chicken in good and has a great flavor.

Isaac Smith 6th Grade, Crenshaw Middle

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 67

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Laugh A laugh is a curious thing It can come out when you sing Or maybe when something goes ding A laugh is different for everyone But it says you’re having fun So don’t keep that laugh inside Go outside And have fun With everyone Madeline Dodson 6th Grade, Arts Academy at Summit Annoying In the car, in the house, and in my room, they are there, repeating sounds, singing stupid songs, and touching me.

I yell at them and plug my ears to try to get them to stop, but it never works.

Maggie Moore 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

My mom yells at me and says they’re just happy, but I know they’re just doing it to be annoying.

Eli Bauer 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 68

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

The Storm Along the ocean shore, the moon was bright as lights.

The distorted area is beginning to restore, to its original sounds and sights.

Grades 6 & 7 A Poem This is a poem, a poem that isn’t perfect, but it’s at the best of its ability,

For a long time ago the earth gave a shout!

No one knows So here is the story of that great shout.

a poem that is written on a piece of paper,

Along came a sound past the ocean floor, The sound was mysterious no one had ever herd before.

Then a crash of lightning came down, And no one made a sound.

a piece of paper that was once blank, but was intended to be written on.

Then out of no where came a wave, That buckled to the ground in rage!

Then no animal or human made a peep, Because they were all fast asleep.

No one knew of the storm, But everyone saw the left over debris.

It tore apart their parks and schools, It left hundreds of people lying in the streets.

Many people wish they had prepared, For the tsunami that left their fields bare.

The End Kathryn Connair 7th Grade, OHVA

MY FAV COLOR The color purple My favorite color I love it so much Nyal Alston 6-7th Grade, Crenshaw Middle School

This poem will eventually, be revised, be edited, be checked, be typed, be printed, and finally be read.

After that, it either will be thrown away at the bottom of a trashcan, or it will be stored and sometime be discovered and read again.

This is a poem, a poem that isn’t perfect, but it’s at the best of its ability.

Jake Yoder 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 69

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

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.

My Art…Ballet 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

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

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

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 ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 70

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Black Kitten 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.

Maryia Norris 6th Grade, Early College Academy

Grades 6 & 7 Tribute The people ran down the streets 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 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

In Downtown Boston 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 ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 71

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Day Dream I close my eyes and what do I see?

The dream is always the same for me.

I see a court with a NCAA circle of blue, A crowd yelling and waving their arms, too.

The teams are announced and we are ready to go.

A running offense and a smothering defense we will show.

Our uniforms proudly display our number and name.

I am one of those guys in this game.

The ball goes up and the action begins.

The passes, the baskets, hoping for the wins.

I am the playmaker and the pressure I feel.

I head fake, bounce pass, and shoot as if it is real.

The ball is bounced and passed around.

We run, shoot, guard and rebound.

The scoreboard keeps changing as we go up and down.

This game has become the best in town!

My shot is up and I give a shout because the basket sis good as time runs out!

Jaydan Morgan 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Rochelle Leeper 6th Grade, Lake Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 72

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 6 & 7

Danielle Deryck 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School Inspiration You were an inspiration to me.

You were all I wanted to be.

But somewhere along the way we fell apart.

What happened, inspiration?

Was it me or was it you?

My heart is now black and blue over losing you.

I remember one time, inspiration You told me all you have to do is Stand tall and true.

And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

Kellie McDonald 6th Grade, Early College Academy

Summer Morning First day of summer Smell the roses And the fresh air Hot humidity sweating down my face Water glimmering by my side Wish there was some wind To slide by On that hut summer morning Elizabeth Blair Grade 6, Early College Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 73

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Motionless The black pavement attracts the sun, inviting its heat to take over.

The sand lies motionless with footprints indented in itself.

The ocean comes out to meet the dry sand but is called back by the waters far away.

Karlee Nesbitt 6th Grade, Jackson Middle

Xanadu My Dog We had Xana before I was born After she died my world was torn.

Arriving at home she would lick my face.

As a pup we dressed her in fine lace.

The night air is cool and every star shines, trying their best to show their brightness.

The moon shines bright but does not heat the pavement, sand, or ocean.

It shines and will keep shining until morning comes.

Jenny Lyogky 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

I loved Xana with all my heart I know that we will meet again, even though we’re apart.

Even though you are in heaven now I’m sure I’ll see you again somehow.

Cassidy McGirr 6th Grade, Early College Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 74

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 6 & 7

The Perfect Summer Have you ever walked outside and smelled the morning dew?

Have you ever walked outside and discovered things about your nature you never even knew?

Have you ever walked outside and saw your neighbors playing together and mowing their lawn?

Have you ever went outside and watched the sunset at the break of dawn?

In the summer have you ever seen kids playing joyfully with the happiest soul?

In the summer kids laugh, sing and play in the great big pool.

In the summer do you go outside and find pictures in the great big white cloud?

In the summer children laugh and play aloud.

On this beautiful day People are happy and say “look, what a nice day.”

People and neighbors are friendly and they say “hey.”

On this beautiful day birds and wildlife fly by.

On this beautiful day you can’t quite understand the majestic wildlife but you know they are saying hi.

You go outside and ride your bike.

You go outside and adventure new things by going on a hike.

You go outside and have a nice lunch.

You go outside and say “I’m thirsty” so have a glass of yummy fruit punch.

You wanna spend time with your family and friends.

You wanna go pick flowers and cut of the beautiful stems.

You wanna go on a family cruise.

You wanna take a long, quiet peaceful snooze.

The perfect summer is caring for someone dear like a mother.

The perfect summer is always being there for one another.

The perfect summer is being with the people you love.

The perfect summer is having a special symbol, and for me it’s a Dove.

Rachael Fiore 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

About Me Five feet two and eyes of blue. Brown hair age twelve. Born on September, two languages I speak.

Many might say that makes me unique. The color of grass i tend to enjoy; Flannel shirts and Construction, after all I’m all boy! Computer games are how I spend my free time. It drives my mom nuts but its not really a crime. I like to build and collect tools I do. One day I may build a dream house for you. I hope this poem didn’t blow your mind, my name is Alex and I’m one of a kind.

Alex Fleseriu 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 75

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

A Friend to Remember My eyes watch the horizon and see the sun start to sink.

I sit alone by a small stream that pokes through the misshapen piece of earth, that snakes its way into the lake.

My thoughts also find the image of the river on the other side.

There it struggles to weed out the sorrows the lake has endured.

Then I think of the person who showed me all this.

Mallory…

She was a friend I could never forget.

We explored the lake and the forest that surrounds it just so we could wander into any adventure that shows itself.

MY BIRTHDAY Roses are red Violets are blue its my B-day And I got a party to go to Zoe Heasley 6-7th Grade, Crenshaw Middle School

I’ve always enjoyed walking through the forest and seeing new things.

But I’ll always be drawn to the tranquility of the lake with the pitter-patter the fountain provides.

I look at the kaleidoscope of colors.

My thoughts wander to form one conclusion: Friendships can shatter and break, all but lost to time.

Yet this lake will stay here all of my life.

Now that my eyes don’t threaten to spill over from the remembrance of better times, I bask in the beauty of the setting sun, just letting my thoughts wander again.

Nina DeDecker 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

MY FAMILY My family is great Why is my family so great Because they are funny Javonna Hammond 6-7th Grade, Crenshaw Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 76

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Grades 6 & 7

Quinn Murray 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Lightbulb I am a bright light Yet I’m surrounded by shade I can be a spiral or I can be round My light shows you where things are I shine like a giant star in the big dark sky When I’m dim I am a big black cat over you You turn me on and you turn me off I have fire burning inside me But it doesn’t hurt I have got filament Inside me and when It stops burning I die Tara Klingenberger 7th Grade, Manchester School

Autumn I love seeing leaves fall In the evenings I love hearing ghosts and spiders I love feeling my candy When I get home from trick or treating I love the taste of candycorn I love the smell of fresh baked cupcakes I love looking outside And thinking it snowed then realize it is just frost I love the sound of little kids getting scared On Halloween night I love to lay in a hot bath For hours with no end But most of all I love laying down On a cold autumn night With my dogs Natalie Phillips 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 77

Grades 6 & 7

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Running Dream I play a punishment sport.

I am trained to keep going, even when I don’t want to, even when it hurts.

I take pride in tired, sore muscles and dry, cracked feet that have done me proud.

No matter how hard I fall, I always get back up and try again.

When I want to stop, I tell myself I’m almost done and will be there soon, even if it’s not true.

But most of all I keep going, not because I’m trained to but because I want to.

Deep down I don’t know how to quit.

None of us do.

My sport is hard, my sport is tough, but I will never give it up.

I don’t always win, but the real prize doesn’t come in a bronze, silver, or gold.

It comes in the feeling I get from running.

I’m just a girl who is running her dream.

Eliz Slabaugh 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

A Blessing in Disguise I cannot go anywhere without being stared and pointed at.

I hear kids talking about me behind my back, Asking such ignorant questions.

I know I am different, But I’m proud to be anything but ordinary.

A lot of people will judge me first before they know me.

They don’t give me a chance, To tell my story.

People will look at me and will say “What’s wrong with her?” or “She is weird.”

Even though it is not the ideal choice for a life, God has given it to me to live, And live it I will.

All my life people will point and stare at me But I will ignore them, And their ignorant questions and comments.

I will not be ordinary; I will be unique.

I will be me.

Laurysa Ridenour 7th Grade, Lake Center Chrisian School

Easter Day Warm sunny spring day Flowers are in full bloom Different colors and shapes Birds are singing a sweet song The Easter Bunny eggs are hiding Waiting to be found Colors and patterns of all kinds Children find the eggs happily Baby animals look around to see the world Kennedy Graham 6th Grade, Early College Academy

ICE CREAM - FOOD THAT TASTES GOOD Food that’s good.

Ice cream – great flavor.

Cold chocolaty creamy when its hot outside in a cone.

Pizza tasty and good Jayden Hall 6-7th Grade, Crenshaw Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 78

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Name Pain I enter the pizza store.

“Swartzentruber, please.”

The woman at the register does a double take at my name.

I brace myself for the usual comments or questions: “That is a long last name!

How many letters are in it?

You ever get tired of signing it?

Is it German?

Is it Amish?

Are your parents Amish?

Are you related to the Amish family with the same name?

You don’t look Amish.

I bet that took you a long time to learn how to spell that name!

How do you pronounce that again?

Let me try to pronounce it.

Swat-en-trooper?

No, its got a z hmm…

Swat-zen-rooper?

No, it’s got a t Swart-zen-trooper?

Did I say that correctly?

Do people ever call you trooper like the storm trooper from Star Wars?

You related to Arnold?”

I usually smile and reply, “It has fourteen letters.

I just sign my name.

Yes, it’s German.

I am not Amish.

I learned how to spell it before entering preschool.

It’s actually pronounced exactly how it looks, Swart-zen-truber.

Yes, people call me trooper.

I am not related to Arnold, his last name is Schwarzenegger.

And I would never shorten it.”

Instead of the usual questions, she says, “I love your name. It reminds me of mine.”

I then ask, “What’s your last name?”

The woman replies, smiling, “Wolfeschlegelstein.”

I can’t help myself, so I ask, “How many letters is that?”

“Eighteen,” she says.

“You know my pain!” I say as I walk out the door, smiling.

Madison Swartzentruber 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 79

Grades 6 & 7

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Jaclyn Zanolli 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Nathan Trussel 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 80

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The Knock We wait for you to come.

We sit on the couch, waiting for you to give the knock.

But you only come once every two months.

You wait for us to call.

You sit at home, waiting and watching Westerns.

Or you are at a table, reading your Bible or thinking of your four girls and their families.

We miss you and enjoy talking together.

We love it when you surprise us with a visit from the south.

We wait for you to come.

We sit on the couch, waiting for you to give the knock.

Until you finally knock and come in.

Will Caudle 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School Letters The first time I moved I was 5 years old.

I lived in Massillon.

Excited to drive to school.

Excited to learn ABC’s.

At home mom quizzing me, Something wrong, mixed up letters.

Something wrong, drove to hospital Doctor said, “Dyslexia.”

To help me, we have to move.

Felt very upset, anger Punched me in the stomach.

The letters laughed at me.

Lots of letters, everywhere, On shirts, posters, books, desks, Intimidating me.

Later on, I made one friend She helped me with the letters.

Letters no longer intimidate me.

Brianna Haynam 7th Grade, Jackson Memorial Middle School

Grades 6 & 7 Pieces of My Heart My feet tread quietly along the runway of thick cement dotted with multicolored speckles of ancient pieces of gum from the occasional passerby.

I pause as I come to the old apartment building, its windows covered with yellowing newspaper curtains, a “For Sale” sign stamped on the front door.

My eyes meet the enemy, the old scar-covered Pepsi machine with years of stealing lots of seventy-five cents hidden behind its tough plastic barrier.

I hear the creaking of the swing set at the Mini-Park whose equipment is no stranger to the light brush of the Sharpie marker, where my friends and I would play, giggling at the unedited literature at the bottom of the slide.

Home.

Where the pieces of my heart fit perfectly into the potholes on the main road.

Carly Rose Justice 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 81

Grades 6 & 7

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Wolves Wolves howl at the moon Wolves howl at the moon An eerie tune Wolves howl at the moon As they howl As they howl Flys by the owl As they howl “Where are you” they howl “Where are you” they howl “Follow the owl” “Where are you” they howl

Trotting through the snow Trotting through the snow Where the owl goes I don’t know Trotting through the snow

The Calm and the Wild Once I get home there is a pause, then the stampede comes.

I am so excited to see them, and they are so excited to see me.

They jump for joy all around me, trying to get my attention.

I pet them and let them outside.

They run and chase squirrels, getting their energy out.

As soon as we get in, one of them goes straight for a toy at full speed, and the other goes to my mom.

It is an epic battle between me and the speedy, the tiny, the fierce Pippa.

On the other side of the room, The fluffy, fuzzy, furry Zoe is just chilling next to my mom, all calm and is being pet.

In the night In the night Follow the owl in flight In the night

A shadow running A shadow running Fast and cunning A shadow running

The eerie sound The eerie sound With the one now found

After a while Pippa will calm down, and Zoe will stay calm.

Then we sit down, maybe watch a movie, and the pups come up next to us and sit on our laps and by our legs, wanting to be loved.

Payton Triplett 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

The eerie sound Elizabeth Shahan 6th Grade, Marlington Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 82

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Adventure Time I come rushing out the door, books in hand, ready to read, ready to start my day with an adventure.

It’s a routine for me: pull myself up the branches and start climbing.

But before I start reading, I pray and thank God for my tree.

My tree is my second home.

It’s where I relax, enjoy nature, and read.

It’s nothing special, not too big or too small, but has a section of branches that can perfectly hold me and all of my belongings.

It’s a getaway from what takes up most of my life: school, sports, electronics, and the craziness that is my family.

Reading is more than looking at a page and processing the words; it’s an adventure, so I hope my tree doesn’t get destroyed, so my siblings can eventually go up there and realize reading is exciting, educational, and funny.

Evan Akers 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

Grades 6 & 7 Fantasy Worlds Books.

The magical fantasy hidden within the pages of a book, they transport me into creative worlds far, far away or make-believe.

But sometimes my head refuses to think that what I read is make-believe.

The fantasy worlds full of dragons, magic, and animals that can talk, they stay in my head and my mind begs for more.

So I read more and more, in hope that someday I will write a book of my own.

Caitlin Bailey 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 83

Grades 6 & 7

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Seasons I remember when we would rake your leaves and jump into them.

We used to do that a lot, but now we mostly fight.

I miss doing that; I hope we can do that again.

As I see your leaves fall I know you are near.

Discover I curl up in my blankets where minutes turn to hours.

I read, read, read, where I’m fighting the empire, stalking a deer.

I live without anybody or start a war.

I survive the apocalypse and rebuild ancient Greece.

Then I look up.

It’s time for bed.

I turn off my lamp, then continue my book in my head.

Matthew Macerol 7th Grade, Canton Center Christian School

I enjoy when you come.

You make life fun and enjoyable.

I will never stop loving fall …

Kyrsten Bartley 7th Grade, Canton Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 84

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Grades 6 & 7

Jelly Beans and Society A jellybean is like a person like its unique flavor and color.

Boxes of jellybeans are like a city, state, country, with its combination of colors and people.

Or lack of.

So what makes up a jellybean?

Some mushy filling, dye, a sugary coat But there’s so much more in it that meets the eye.

Same with a person But we sometimes judge them on their skin, religion, beliefs.

And their character goes to waste.

Let’s say I opened my box of jellybeans and found a color I’d never tried before.

I can either taste it or leave it.

Same with someone we’ve never seen before.

Whenever this happens, I pause I open my pack of candy and 99% is red And then there’s one little blue piece.

And we can easily forget them in a sea of red.

Let’s either toss it or embrace it.

In most societies, there’s a normal and a not normal.

Who wants to be the aberration?

The problem is how we deal with them.

How do we react to a difference?

We have to choose to either embrace or dislike.

Some people try to change them.

They remain different.

And different is good.

And we can’t look at all these different people call them bad.

We have to examine their character and see their strengths.

And a world without differences is a bag of plain jelly beans.

We have differences for a reason.

Just understand their value.

Maryann Meniru 7th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Why Each time I look at you, my heart pounds louder than any drum ever created.

I look at your every move as I study your face, as your soft words travel through my ears.

I only wish to find out if it’s true, if what I feel is real, if that sparkle isn’t just a lie.

Why is it that when I see you, my stomach turns and my mouth gets dry?

Why is it hard to find words to explain how I feel, to find out what I’m feeling isn’t real? The lights shine brightly as they reflect off your eyes.

People say it’s just a joke until it happens to them.

There is a reason why you are called a crush, because once you found out, you crushed my heart.

Myra Wade 7th Grade, Lake Cable Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 85

Grades 6 & 7

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Jasnoor Goraya 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Inspiration is the Key When someone is holding on by a thread they feel lost and upset.

When someone is lost they feel unneeded. The human body will begin to shut down because of depression. That’s when your everyday angel comes to your rescue. For some people it’s a best friend. For other people it’s a lover. But, no matter who your hero is they will always save you. Like the Journey song, “Don’t Stop Believing, hold on to that feeling.” Or as Miley Cyrus says in her song, We Can’t Stop, “Forget the haters because somebody loves you.”

When someone tells you that you can’t do something you should want to prove them wrong even more. If people are talking bad about you then you must be an amazing person and try your hardest to prove them wrong. Like Queen says, “We are the Champions!”

Or as Eminem says, “I’m Not Afraid to take a stand. Everybody Come take my hand.” You have to remember this thought, hard work pays off and inspiration is the key.

Megan Cooper 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 86

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Sports Sports are for everyone, They are so much fun.

There are so many different kinds, There is always a time for you to shine.

There is soccer, tennis, baseball and basketball, For all of them you need a ball.

For some of them you may fall.

But if I my recall, You can play them all!

Christina Paxos 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Grades 6 & 7 Ice Cream Ice Cream, Ice Cream so lovely on it’s cone. It sits there with a cherry like a crown upon its throne. Ice Cream reminds me of warm summer days, when I can go out, enjoy the sun, and play. The Ice Cream truck comes down the street, I run with loud, pounding feet. When I hold the cone it looks so nice. It’s very cold, as cold as ice.

Because the sun is so warm, I have to walk fast. The ice cream’s so good I wish it would last. It melts down my fingers and onto my hands. I imagine my toes are wiggling in the sand.

I wish I were relaxing on a beach far away, where I could have a peaceful getaway !

Livi Ash 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Dakota Eckenrode 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 87

Grades 6 & 7

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Jumping Into Fall Have you ever smelled rich hot chocolate, or fresh pumpkin pie?

Well if you have, that’s fall. Have you ever seen kids going from house to house to get candy, or pumpkin pie cooking in the oven?

That’s fall. Have you ever heard leaves fall on the ground and make a crackling sound, or the whistling wind? That’s fall.

In the season fall, you will probably hear laughter and kids having fun or the birds chirping in the wind. You will probably touch a rope on a swing or, a bright orange pumpkin. In fall you would probably taste and feel the warmth of the hot chocolate in your mouth, or the smooth pumpkin pie touching your tongue. Fall is about the leaves changing colors like red, orange, and yellow and seeing scary decorations out.

Fall is about seeing happy or scary faces carved into a bright orange pumpkin , or smelling the hot apple cider when you’re putting the cups towards your lips. You’ll also smell in the fall the hot rich chocolate melting over the warm campfire on a chilly night, or hearing screams of fright in the night.

If you go to get pumpkins at a pumpkin patch, or go to get candy at a store for Halloween, that’s fall. Have you ever just wanted to stay in bed curled up in a blanket well that day right there was probably fall.

Did you ever see witch costumes, or zombie costumes? That’s Halloween and that’s fall. Have you ever raked leaves in a huge pile and heard crackling noises when you jumped in them? That’s fall. Have you ever watched a football game or gone to a football game on a cold chilly fall night?

Well all of those things are what fall is about.

Jillian Cardi 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Fishing Fishing is a great way to just sit back and relax with your friends and family. It is vary colm and you can have fun. Fishing is also a sport that has Tournaments to win prizes just for catching a fish. The biggest fish ever caught Was a Atlantic bluefin tuna it weait was 1,496 pounds of tuna. The smallest fish ever was a paedocypris it was a prehistoric fish. It length is 7.9mm.

The oldest fish is a Rockfish it was 200 years old. A good fishing pole to go fishing in a lake is about $50-$80. A kids pole is $5-$10.

The most common fish is a bass it can grow up to 18 in long and 24 years old and weigh about 8.64 pounds Joe Ackerman 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 88

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EXTRAORDINARY GRANDMA ALICE With Love to my Great-Grandma Alice, who is 90 years old.

There’s only ONE Grandma Alice!

She’s INDEPENDENT and SWEET. She’s NICE to everyone she knows, And everyone she meets.

She loves to read the BIBLE, And knows every book by heart!

Every Sunday you’ll find her at CHURCH, Because JESUS is close to her heart!

She’s really good with her HANDS, She loves to KNIT, CROCHET and SEW. She makes dishrags for the poor, And for people she doesn’t even know!

Her QUILTING is extraordinary!

She barely ever messes up.

Every quilt is different, Because of her MAGICAL TOUCH!

Grades 6 & 7

We LOVE her Chicken and Dumplings!

She CANS so many things.

She’s always finding a BARGAIN, On earrings, shoes and rings!

If you ever get a bee sting, She’ll tell you to rub three weeds.

She has a CURE for everything, And she always MEETS YOUR NEEDS. She LOVES her children and grandchildren!

And her great-grandchildren and friends too.

She always FINDS TIME For every single one of YOU! There were 13 CHILDREN in her family!

Together they would cook, clean and play.

One time they broke all of the dishes, So they wouldn’t have company that day!

There’s only ONE GRANDMA ALICE! And now you can see WHY. Great-Grandma Alice is INDEPENDENT, I don’t know anyone else with these qualities, There’s no fix-it book on her shelf.

Unless they’re WAY UP HIGH! When she climbs on the roof she’s FEAR(LIKE GOD!) LESS, I LOVE YOU! And fixes the spouting HERSELF! Brielle Anderson 7th Grade, Chapel Hill Christian Grade School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 89

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Moon You are so dark I can’t go to the park When you come up It’s time for bed I say “no” Shaking my head I think of my room Every time the darkness comes I say “Awww, no more fun.”

I see the shining stars And I say “You look so far.”

Mikayla Johnson 6th Grade, Early College Academy

Hannah Holzopfel 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School Dreams One night A girl asks her mom Mom what are dreams The mom says dreams are just a curtain behind reality What does that mean the girls asks That means that they are just a door to a better future Well if that’s the truth how are dreams made Well I believe that god puts them in your hands And you’re capable of making the dreams come true and only you And with those couple simple words And angel gets her wings and that girl That sweet little girl She gets reminded of that special night For that is the only memory of many That she will truly remember of her mother Because after that something tragic happens But that will not be her down point she In fact won’t have a down point Because she will always have her mom’s word in her heart And her mom’s legacy will live on Verna Zhu 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 90

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Ukraine As we break free of our shackles We follow our fellow states We wait to see what we'll tackle As the road ahead may be paved

We are still trying to recover Form the disaster that happen years ago And mourn the ones that died from it As we forget what happened at that city ages old

As our government builds our defense Our government makes us free men As we deny the reds and put up a political wall But now we say the sword is mightier than the pen

Grades 6 & 7

Noise She sits in the auditorium, trying hard to think, What was seven squared again?

She feels her shoulders sink.

How could she ever study, with these roaring girls and boys?

Why won’t they all just shut up, and refrain from all their noise.

Their worthless conversations, and pointless terms of phrase, Can they not just go outside and play, or save this for other days?

We get aid from the western powers a small fee Aid to get us off our knees But our people are happy with this fee Because it helps the Ukrainian people be free Nickolas Krajcovic 7th Grade, Osnaburg Local School

A little boy named Rory asks her if she wants to play.

“No, you noisy hellion!

Why won’t you go away?”

After that, they let her be, the little introvert.

They play amongst themselves again shaking off her words of hurt.

So back to noise, so back to chaos, Distractions left and right.

She can’t hear herself think again, so she’ll study another night.

She puts away her textbooks, and calls “I’m ready to play!”

But there’s no one ‘round to hear her, all the playmates went away.

Cara Bunner 7th Grades, Lake Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 91

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Fall The summer drifting away.

Colorful leaves coming to play.

The brisk wind coming by.

Hearing the leaves crinkle and fly.

Fans cheering.

Football fans peering.

Taste of candy around the corner.

Pumpkin faces smiling with horror.

Kids getting ready for Halloween night.

But will they succeed with all the fright.

Thanksgiving is coming all right.

Will the turkeys put up a fight.

Fall is spiraling away.

But we will remember everything to this day.

Lauren Freidly 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Friendly Reminder I sit here on the old couch, holding the tattered photo album that’s been sitting on a dusty shelf.

I open it and seem to have entirely forgotten about every moment captured in them.

I study the faces of my family and me.

Genuine smiles are spread across every face, laughing and having fun.

Looking at these pictures brings me back to a world that no longer exists, a word I’ve already explored and made memories with.

Looking back at these pictures reminds me of what I really love, what really matters to me.

Having photos like these is a nice thing because sometimes I need to be reminded of what’s important in life.

It’s easy to get caught up in things happening now, but these photos serve as a reminder of who I was, who I am, and who I will be.

Hannah Wilson 7th Grade, Lake Cable Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 92

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Grades 6 & 7

Ethan Maycon 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Pain The pain I feel is unreal no one knows the lies I heard the secrets the promises that was made.

This hurts no one, the fights, the arguing, everyone hears the screaming the yelling, the cursing no one knows, the love is what no one sees, the caring the sharing no one knows the lies this pain I feel is real no one hears the screaming they yelling no one sees my pain you can’t feel.

Its levels to this pain no one hears the secrets, the lies the promises I heard, No one knows the levels to this pain no one knows how many times I cry, how many mountains I climb how many rivers I made with my tear, No one knows how many promises were made how many days I spent trying no one knows my pain like God does no one sees my pain like God does no one can listen better than God can. No one knows the nightmares I have, the dreams I dream no one seen the things I seen, No one hears the things I hear no one knows my PAIN like I know my pain, this pain I feel is unreal.!

Izzzane’e D. Goodgame 9thGrade, Timken High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 93

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Smack!

The winning hit for carpet ball.

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

The Road before Me The grassy green fields greet me in the spring, turning crispy brown and snow covered in the winter.

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.

The rising yellow sun finds its place in the sky every morning, and the clouds become white as a new day dawns.

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 see the magnificent dark brown horses whose hooves are larger than boulders, the snow-white sheep with the black faces and the brown spotted cows that mechanically chew the grass piece by piece.

Carpet Ball Mentors

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 School Poems I don’t like poems They are difficult and long I do them anyway Ben Smith Grade 6, Jackson Middle School

We see the beauty of the scenic road with the green trees and the bright flowers that line it.

The hum of the engine and the soft music escaping from the radio occupy the car as we trek forward to our destination.

The car rolls to a stop.

I say, See you soon, hop out, and wave, waiting for the trip home with you.

Bridget Lee 7th Grade, Lake Center Christan School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 94

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Grades 6 & 7

Our Cage For Ruth Minsky Sender

It got to one girl, one with a beautiful poem.

Nazi soldiers on the edge of their seats waited for the signal to punish her, but nothing came.

They arrived, broken hearted, stiff, terrified.

She had great faith in her voice, one thing that I never thought would happen.

Some still had faith, some were hopeless.

I couldn’t help myself, I kept watching.

Jews trudged through stations, not knowing what would happen next.

I marched to the faucet and let the cool water cover my worn face.

I relaxed into my regular routine.

I had a position, one that I couldn’t escape from.

I had to be cruel, harsh, scary.

Days passed until we heard something, someone strange, until I saw the flag, and the clickety click of horse shoes.

We ran with the prisoners to the forest, left them for freedom.

By that time, I knew: I had failed our cage.

Brianna Roth 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

The Jews were our entertainment.

I chuckled under my breath as I saw the shaking prisoners.

(Dark Night) Sitting on the bench, The sun shining in my eyes.

With the bad worm stench.

With the pretty amazing skys.

I just want to know why, The clouds aren’t out tonite Abby Casselberry 6th Grade, Lake Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 95

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

In Half

The first time I lived in half, I was eight.

I received a phone from my father , I was overcome with joy.

Later that night we gathered at the very back of the house , the words pouring out of my father’s mouth brought chaos to my stomach and I felt weighted.

The phone was a pillow, meant to be a cushion.

Everything is different...

My sister hung her head.

She knew. She was ready.

I didn’t cry, I wasn’t sad, I was too Overwhelmed to return to my room, for reasons only an eight year old would understand why.

The night after thistable, bed, TV gone. huddled near the fire, warm, in the fire’s grasp.

I was correct.

Everything, different.

At times I can numb the memory easing the pain.

But at other times I remember in such detail that it feels as if I am there on the couch when everything broke in half.

Airplane It flies like a bird, And roars like a lion, But when you sit inside,

Aaron Juergenson 7th Grade, Jackson Memorial Middle School

And look out the window, You can soar above clouds.

But in a short time, It starts rumbling down, To your requested destination Jed Swym 6th Grade, Homeschool.

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 96

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Gregory Baker 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 97

Grades 6 & 7

Grades 6 & 7

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Isaiah Roberts 6th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Oh Star How you shine so bright Almost like a new flashlight And when you sparkle My eyes just go to you Almost like a bird Unable to fly And how you make me smile And bring memories worthwhile But now I give you a farewell You must go Because every night The stars must die So the sun can shine How beautiful you are Oh star Sarah Snyder 7th Grade, Jackson Middle School

Uniqueness As I sit outside, looking at the nature around me, a bird catches my eye.

A Northern Blue Jay. I see it every day, but it gets me thinking about the little details.

It has beautiful, majestic blue feathers that make it blend in with the sky.

It flies ever so graciously and stands out in the tree like light in darkness.

It gives me a smile, and it makes my day.

It shows me how unique everything, specifically that bird, is.

Mitchell Grabowski 7th Grade, Lake Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 98

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 99

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 8 & 9

Grades 8 &9 Awards Danielle A Horne  Him and Her ............................... 117 Ryan Dugan  Childhood love ................................... 109 Olivia Kurtz  World In A Day .................................... 104 Sefra Manos  Run .................................................... 107 Maria Knepshield  Life in the Spotlight .................... 120 Abigail Thouvenin  Life is a River ........................... 102 Savannah Sparks  You’re You ................................. 105 Haley Lunsford  Butterfly......................................... 104 Nick Quinn  He’s Never Truly Gone ......................... 116 Julian Herstine  A Sonnet ........................................ 101

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 100

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Vacations My vacations are fun in the spring.

The summer is a good time to ride.

My family and I love to sing.

I hang out with the animals and hide.

Horses, cows, goats, and chickens squawking.

My grandpa got the tractor and I went without a care.

My grandpa and I hear the wind talking.

We picked a green and tasteful pear.

We all have a great time.

We pray to God for everything.

We made dinner with a lime.

I read a book while it was raining.

Everything we do is together.

I miss them every second of the day.

I love my family forever.

My family loves me in so many different ways.

Emily Cain 8th Grade, East Canton Middle School

The Separatist There was a murder, It was malice, In the palace, From the intruder, The intruder was a guard A traitor to the order, Sent flying by the mortar, In the war his life was hard.

Nathan Moore 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

O Father O Father who I love so dear, Who helps when I shed a tear, One who is as strong as a million ants, O Father you are the rock which I stand, O Father you’re like Van Gogh, So creative and painting like a pro, O Father who’s really hardworking, No matter the pain, no matter the hurting, With wonderful wills and wishes, Always allowing me new bridges, Bridges of opportunity and dreams, O Father so much you’ll help me achieve,

Sonnet Screams filled the dark as her tears hit the floor.

Window blew open as she fell apart Her broken, bleeding heart laid by the door She was so perfect like a piece of art.

A tornado had hit, leaving a mess.

She holds on to the note, yelling his name.

The sobs escape, which she tried to suppress.

“Who is to blame?” she cries, “Who is to blame?”

Her legs being to shake and her head spins.

His eyes are gone, his smile is gone, he’s gone.

Don’t you understand it? Now nobody wins.

I guess we know why he was so withdrawn.

It’s so sad that he had to lose the fight.

He may have died but she died too that night.

Jillian Herstine 8th Grade, Middle School

With your love filling my heart, O Father I couldn’t bear being apart, You are my hero and who I admire, The one who will lead me to aspire, O Father your words fill my empty mind, As if a wise owl sharing lessons so kind, You make me a better person to all, O Father your will to not start a brawl, O Father I will always love you, Love you with all my heart so true, You are the rock in which I stand, The rock on which I, I see the grand land ahead.

Katie Skyllas 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 101

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Life is a River In its own way, Life is a river, Flowing each day.

We never know what’s ahead, “I can’t do it,” many have said.

They cling to rocks and branches by the stream, They live in fear and their lives nothing mean.

But those who raft the river with courage, faith, and hope, Happily and safely flow the river’s slopes.

So swim the river, Ford the streams, Love the waterfalls, And as the ocean calls, You will have lived your life with courage, faith, and hope.

Abigail Thouvenin 9th Grade, Homeschool

My Love He’s gentle and he’s kind He always ends up on my mind When I hear his name I stumble To hear his sweet name be mumbled I’m like his princess you see This boy treats me like royalty Following like a lost puppy But he’s not afraid to be funny I couldn’t see our love was strong Till I felt the warm hug wasn’t wrong When we hugged I was scared That he would hear my heart be declared The beat, beat, beat, beating of my heart Helped me understand he was a new start His smile is as warm as the sun Letting me know I’m his loved one I learned we could love each other to death But neither of us wants to take our last breath I still remember the day we met Everything started out as a bet But we stand together hand in hand As our futures are being carefully planned I still get nervous That my heart would be of service To let him hear the beat, beat, beat, beating I wonder if he can hear it repeating.

Reece Turley 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Grades 8 & 9 My Grandfather You taught me good you taught me well Never left my side even on my bad days The many things you did All the times you were there Let me know deep down inside How much you really cared Even though I might not say I appreciate all you did, Richly blessed is how I feel Having a Grandfather just like you When nights are cold And stars are few I close my eyes and think of you A silent hope A silent tear A silent wish that you were here I know that your better No more pain, No more suffer Forever in my heart Forever in my life I love and miss you You left to soon With you it was easier But now it’s time to let go Carry on you beautiful angel I’ll see you soon.

Kortney Kyles 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High Live and Love I have been quiet all my life To tell my lover how I feel Her rejection feels like a knife A broken heart that cannot heal How was she not able to see That love has brought us together A fool is what she thinks of me Whose heart is broken forever My light of courage is dark The life I always believed A journey I could not embark But there were sparks that would not leave Brady Tritt 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 102

Grades 8 & 9

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Skittles come in different flavors Skittles come in different flavors Red, blue, orange purple It’s so creative call it purple nurple dark side wild berry and tropical flavor Are my favorite flavors, so good you act like I’m telling a fable Taste the rainbow kiss the rainbow no share size All to myself I’m not gone share mine Don’t even ask the answer is no You want some go to the store 2.48$ for a bag of king-size skittles that’s a lot for a little That’s not fiddle Jonathan Johnson 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Friends Forever we will always be Friends that’s what they say Never to meet each other again We’ve gone our separate ways Troubling times put into perspective Our different shadows of character shows That’s why we fit so perfect together Us together that’s who everyone knows Friendship will it ever last?

It’s so hard to tell if it may Or will our heart be in pieces Please please make it stay Are we more than friends?

There’s no way it could be Love’s a tricky, passionate thing And friends no more will we ever be We are each others worlds One by one we collide We know that nothing in the future Can change what we feel inside Gabrielle DePasquale 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Butter for Life Butter is good Butter is fly If there was no butter I’d wish I would die Tastes good on toast I like butter the most I use it to bake I wish I owned a butter lake It’s necessary for french toast It’s worshipped coast to coast It’s made from a cow It makes people say “Wow!” It won’t make you fit and lean But it’s better than phony margeriene So what if it gives you flubber I will always love butter!

Samuel Petit 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Is she an angel?

When you see her smile all you see is light.

Through day and night she is jus the prettiest in sight.

Her eyes are a gateway to heaven, where riches are untold, You would just never know.

Is she an angel?

She is so kind but why is she just so shy.

She sits there and sings, oh how she sings, it just makes you Want to spread wings and fly.

Is she an angel?

She’ll die for you she’ll cry for you, But she will not lie to you.

When she cries it’s just the worst sight It will even want to make you cry.

Is she an angel?

You’ll never want to see her go Because she is far from a joke.

You’ll never know how much you really love her Until she spreads her wings and is never found again.

Is she an angel?

William Jackson 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 103

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Grades 8 & 9

Travel the World in a Day In the Mood for Food “I want to travel the world” you say.

Muffin Monday, Then why don’t we just start today.

Taco Tuesday, Waffle Wednesday, We’ll name a few countries, one by one.

Thirsty Thursday, Then just like that – Snap! – we’ll be done.

Fried Chicken Friday.

Let’s start by touring England – Oh! I’m in the mood for some food.

A cup of tea and a biscuit to go.

You, Should be too.

Next we move on to Paris, France.

Taylor McCarthy To visit boutiques and see Uncle Lance.

8th Grade, Early College Academy Now we move south and check out Italy, Birthplace of Paganis and Ferraris, don’t you see?

What do you say we traverse to Japan?

Butterfly And buy a souvenir Japanese print fan?

When she Transformed into a Shall we interchange to Mozambique?

Butterfly, the The soccer team triumphs immensely that week.

Caterpillars spoke not of her beauty, I say we hit Scotland before we move on.

But of her The Scottish Golfer golfs and plays bagpipes at dawn.

Weirdness. Then Wanted her to Now to “The Land Down Under”, (Australia), I’ll go.

Change back into Where cobber doesn’t mean corn, but a good friend you know.

What she always And last but not least, the U.S.A.!

Had been I’m happy to live here every day.

But she had wings.

Haley Lunsford God blessed us by giving us this noteworthy land.

8th Grade, Early College Academy And we can comprehend the work of His hand.

Now you can say you’ve voyaged the world, All in one day, your mind has swirled, Real To diverse countries outlying and near Real eyes Your journey’s now stopped my friend, right here.

Realize Real eyes And now you see our mission is done.

Jalen Cooks I hope that you’ve had oodles of fun.

8th Grade, Early College Academy Olivia Kurtz 9th Grade, Hartville Christian School Summer Vacation The drive to vacation can be very long, Be Happy Especially when my mom picks the song.

You may want to cry Decision was made, this year we fly, You may want to run and hide Gulf Coat Florida, in the blink of an eye.

But in the end We all have friends You may be down You may have a frown But you’re not alone Solana Garcia 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Butt in the sand, working on a tan, Vacation with my fam, theres no better plan.

Memories we make, the laughs we share One day I’ll look back and nothing will compare.

Austin Kutscher 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 104

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Untitled Here I am At the gates Ready to go No time to wait I’m glad I’m not there Its so scary and hot I really do care That I am not Clifton Gidcumb 8th Grade, Edison Middle School You’re You The girl in the corner cried She doesn’t laugh and sing The girls call her names and laugh in her direction And it’s contagious like a rapid infection The girl in the corner is hushed The boys call her names and vandalize The boys take her stuff and throw her stuff in the trees It’s all because they don’t see the world in her eyes When the girl opens up, it’s to herself She’s afraid that is she is in public, then she will get hurt When she opens up, it’s all pushed onto a higher shelf Like a broken toy that no kid wants to use

Maria Who Maria who throws punches like a champ and loves to play the drums Who is really nice and not afraid to speak her mind Whose hair is as soft as fur and who tells me I am her world Whenever I see her I automatically become happy there’s not a day that goes by that I’m not thinking about her She is so beautiful I don’t know what I would do without her I lover her so much Who loves her who?

I love her that is who.

Tristan Pedro 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

The girl in the corner won’t make friends Every time she lets her guard down, it comes back to haunt her Even though she tries her best to be nice The others all taunt her

A House to a Home A house is not a home, If there’s not a single place, Where one may be alone.

By himself without a trace.

The girl in the corner is by herself She knows that she is all by herself And no matter what people think, she will always be by herself And someday someone will be her friend for who she is

There’s nothing like being solemn, Like there is in being dead.

There’s not a single column, That has not a case of dread.

The girl is in the corner She does it to be herself When her friends venture over, everyone stares As if to say ‘who knew?’

And the girl stands and says “I am myself. And I have friends And you can too. And if they don’t like you, Then get away! Want to know why?

Because you are you.”

Savannah Sparks 8th Grade, STEAMM at Hartford

A cold voice ringing there, His body starts to tremble, As he sits in the dark chair, While the parts could not assemble.

Alone at last it seems to be, With memories that line the floor, With no more worries he’ll be free, He waits to choose a door.

Nathaniel Miller 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 105

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Far Away I try to find myself But I’m lost so far away People break down Never ask if I’m okay.

Am I being played Because I’ve been lost in this maze For days I can’t find the real me.

Cuz my heart has never skipped a beat.

My stomach tightens up when I’m scared Or when I’m nervous.

Can’t remember my name is it John or is it Curtius?

People say they know me.

Well go ahead an show me Said you’d keep me close But never had time to hold me I’m trying to change so I can be noticeable Will they kick me out or keep me home I’m still far way-far away An yet no one notices I’m not there Should I start to be like the others.

Cut myself, get things pierced.

See even if I would do that people won’t Notice, people won’t care.

I still feel so alone I’ve been left in the middle of No where.

I wanna go home Tears come down my face Still nobody’s here to catch them My mind is out of place No one here so what? Can’t replace Them.

My loved one’s has disappeared, gone, Vanished into the atmosphere.

I’ve broken down to my last bone No more crying those days are gone I reach my hands up to God And he stands me on my feet He fixes all the broken bones Then tells me that he loves me I might still be far away But I’m far from all the hate No more evil following me around I got God to appreciate So as I drop all my luggage And leave the past of hate I’m flying to my new home Now I’m far, from far away.

Bianca Burton 9th Grade, GlenOak High School

Grades 8 & 9 The Last Knowing of Life They begin to lower the lid The darkness starts to surround me Last thing I see is his face sad The last time he was around me All I heard was him crying I tried speaking up the words in my head But all I could say was nothing For I was forever dead Rebekah Milnes 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Ode to Basketball Basketball is really a friend He’ll stay with me til the end He bounces and jumps He’ll get me out of the dumps Basketball is just like a pal I’m never mad cause of the foul I play outdoor or indoor I can play anytime, for sure There’s many different ways to score I wish basketball was a chore I can play night or day There’s no fee, or pay I like to go to the games I want to go to the hall of fame I really like the Cavs Not so much the Mavs Basketball is really a friend I would never ever send My basketball to you But you should play too.

Jamie Taylor 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High Bricks Bricks are on a lot of walls Some are red and some are brown Some in cities some in towns Some build high and some stay small Colored, hard, and solid joy That describes them in all ways Chris Croston 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 106

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Run Run. It’s coming.

As fast as the night covers the earth.

Screeching to the sounds of the hunt.

Crying as it comes to perch.

It lives within the deep recesses of the mind, Waiting, waiting biding its time.

You feel it sneaking up on you, Adding to your edge.

As you feel your hair stand up, And adrenaline surging in your veins.

You turn around to face your foe, For whom you mean to end.

It’s just the shadows, the shuffling, That’s playing through your head.

Once it’s seen that this is meaningless, You release a sigh, For we all know what this feeling is, And it’s something not to mind.

Run, its coming, in the shadows of the night.

Screeching, scratching, dreadful sounds, To take you round again.

On a journey to the end, for this is just…

Your fears.

Sefra Manos 9th Grade, Lake High School

Ode to Butter I like butter. It’s really really good.

Everyone likes it, even the one’s in the hood.

You use it for cooking or straight up eat it I eat it so much I’m starting to bleed it.

Butter is like the 4th of July It’s awesome to bad it goes to my thighs.

It bounces, it melts, it slides all around I have so much there’s only room on the ground There’s nothing bad about butter. Nothing at all.

I have a collection that goes from wall to wall Butter is cash! Everybody wants some!

If you don’t like it, I’m calling you a bum!

That concludes my thoughts about butter If it were living, I’d probably marry her.

People say I have an obsession with it, but that’s not true!

I just really like butter, what about you?!

Ethan Friedrich 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

New York Girl She was a city girl New York was her whole world She owned Manhattan streets And traveled backseats She loved the bright city light And went out every night Her closet was packed She was a city girl in fact Kylee Thompson 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Why roses and doves?

Why do we give roses, to the ones we love?

Why do we symbolize love with a bird? A bird we call a dove.

The rose's thorns represent, the hardships of our love.

And the delicate red petals show, the beauty sent from above.

The dove's white feathers represent a blank canvas, on which to paint each story of love.

And the dove's ability to fly shows, the distance love can go.

Liam Ott 8th Grade, Sandy Valley Middle School Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 107

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 8 & 9

My Best Friends My Uncle You are there for me You’re one of my favorites one of the best You have my back I can tell that you’re different from the rest When I get put down Every time we hang out, we play video games You help me back up But without you I’m not the same We have an unbreakable bond My Uncle Through thick and thin You give me tips how to survive in life No matter what you have my back So that I can grow up and have a beautiful wife WE ARE BEST FRIENDS Both of our favorite cereal is Fruity Pebbles We sit together We always play fight like we’re rebels We laugh together My Uncle We feel each others pain You told me that you can see a lot of potential in me as a black man We cry together You also told me don’t say can’t because you can We are like long lost sisters You’re the type of person I look up to WE TRULY ARE BEST FRIENDS So the last words I said was “I Love You” Alexis Edwards My Uncle 8th Grade, Early College Academy This is gonna be a total bummer But I’m not gonna see you until next summer You always told me to let my dreams come true So when I make it to the top I’ll give the credit to you The Night Alone in Darkness My Uncle As the day fell to dark Devonne Hye I walked under the arc th 8 Grade, Massillon Junior High A low cry came awry As it began to die While I listen I wonder How I can keep from going under I am past my climax I must stop and consider the facts Sir Elliott Long Live the Beat of Life 8th Grade, Edison Middle School The thump of life keeps you at a steady sound But we stumble and don’t always hit the right note We are all born into something we didn’t ask for And yet we still have to play through it Moving Except for those who choose to walk off the field Always looked at as a pest.

We run into high and low pitches we can’t always reach Friends before all the rest.

And so we depend on someone else to play it Meet behind the wired gate.

Until comes a time, where its your solo moment Must this really be our fate?

And in your mind you’re thinking….

Will they judge me? Will they like it? What if I mess up?

Flowers blooming bright and red Never able to see the climax of your coda When she slowly bows her head.

But we go anyways and live and play and perform for those who watch Tears are flowing from her eyes Sometimes hitting a sour note here and there As we say our last goodbyes.

But the true overall performance is that Darian Burke We lived, kept our rhythm and marched.

8th Grade, Edison Middle School Long live the beat of Life Courtney Dozier 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 108

Grades 8 & 9

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Ah…Childhood Love…

Katheryn Buda, She was so sweet, Her hair was like golden fleece, Blowing ever-so-softly in the wind.

She was cheerful, a go-getter, She would always make me feel better She had a magical smile brighter than the sun, Her kindfulness spread throughout the air.

I loved her, indeed I did, But it didn’t help the situation I was in, She was with another man, And my soul was crushed to watch it happen.

I haven’t seen her since 5th grade, But I hope one day we’ll meet again, Until then I wish her well, And hope she stays safe ‘til then.

I hope I can hold her once more, And share my love in hope for return, And if not, then o-well to me, It doesn’t matter as long as she’s happy.

Ryan Dugan 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High The Quest The man had gone upon his quest That he would not let man take hold For if he had misplaced a stop His heart and soul would soon grow cold This man, tired and grown old Had tried will all his might Though he had not failed his quest It had been a wondrous sight He thought he didn’t need the help That he was better on his own But before his last glimpse of life He knew his greediness had shown Everyone he used to know Saw a shimmer in his eye But on that night they realized It was a glint until he died Chris Koncsics 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

3/11/14 “How do we come to be here next to each other in the night Where are the stars that show us to our love inevitable” Outside the leaves flame usual in the darkness and the rain falls cool and blessed on the holy flesh the black men waiting on the corner for a womanly peace I am amazed by peace It is this possibility of you asleep and breathing in the quiet air Dorian Henderson 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Night Rhythm I’ve been thinking about this all day.

Now that the sun has gone down, it’s time to play.

I’m not heading downtown with friends.

I’ve got my own rhythm…

The night rhythm.

I’ve got my sticks in my hand.

Ooh the adrenaline rush, here I stand.

My drum set in sightBass, snare, cymbals, tomsIt’s all right.

This is the spot that nobody knows.

I take a seat and my eyes close.

So calm, so soothingThe sound of superior beats.

It’s the night rhythm, the heat.

This could last all night.

I wouldn’t mind, it feels so right.

My heart is drunk with music.

My mind is high with acoustics.

It’s the rhythm…..the Night Rhythm.

Maria Wolfe 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 109

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

The Stars (Based off of John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars”) Once I was through with my twelfth year, My life began to be quite queer.

Everyone thought I was depressed, although, I was just a little stressed.

Thyroid Cancer with mets in my lungs, Somehow my heart continued to run.

Books became my new best friends, I read straight through until the end.

Soon I met Gus, Who was really never a fuss.

Although he was an amputee, He still seemed whole to me.

He made decisions based off of metaphors, Which made my jaw drop to the floor.

He flew me out to Amsterdam, Wow, what a gentleman.

Gus told me his cancer was back, Which made my heart start to crack.

He said he’d be okay, So I said, “Okay.”

I did not want to say goodbye, No one could tell me why.

You’re favorite color may not have been blue, But I just wanted to see the stars with you.

Melissa Bomba 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Grades 8 & 9 Love Love is here Love is everywhere I got love for friends I got love for family My love can be powerful My love can be weak No matter what happens I’ll always have love for you My heart is open To those who are lost Want love, I have it Need love, I got it Remember one thing I’m a lover, not a fighter Rayshauna Hastings 8th Grade, Lehman Middle School SAY NO Say no to those friends who will let you down Say no to the bad people who hang around Say no and stand your GROUND Say no to disarray Say no to a bad day Say YES to a peaceful life it’s a way that would do you right Jernee Walker 8th Grade, Early College Academy

The Modern Man Lord forgive me I’m a sinister sinner who has done the seven deadliest seventeen times I hope the lord does not hold me to these crimes many times I have tried to re align But in this day and time every thing is a crime to help express myself I scribble down these rhymes It’s a puzzle box filled with a million mimes and mimics, I’m sick of all these gimmicks I’m trying to leave this maze I’m feeling dazed and amazed on how many times hopes and dreams can be shot down in only a few days I finally see the exit with just so little time I better make the best of it before the end of time Joseph Davis 8th Grade, Early College Academy Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 110

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Mom Mom you are like a star shining so bright What’s funny is your my height Your not old You are gold When i was sick i groaned and moaned Something had to be postponed On restless nights when i was in my bed You where always there to soothe my head You stayed, survived, and sacrificed all these Years with me As far as i can see Mom have i ever told you how awesome you are You truly raise the bar Your there for my ups and downs Even for my all arounds Mom your my best friend I will love you till the end You’re my hero I love you so We’re in this together Wherever we go!

Alexis Yount 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

People People can be difficult, People can be nice, People can be very important, But People are still People, Nothing can change that, We’re all Human Beings People can love, People can hate, People can be different every day, Nothing can change that, We’re all Human Beings.

People are People, And you can’t Change That.

Christopher Manowski 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Gone It started when I woke up.

I had to clean to come see you.

I was listening to the cup song gone.

It’s ironic how one song will be in my memory forever.

It all ended with a phone call.

One that would change my life forever.

Picture a kid in their room cleaning, dancing.

Then your sister tells you he’s gone dad’s dead.

That’s why the song is ironic.

He had left no sign of him coming back.

But why? Why did you leave so early?

I needed you.

You are what every girl dreams of.

Walking down a white carpet to our true love.

Dream one gone.

Having my kids call you papa gone.

But am I mad, no.

I am sad. Sad that I lost someone so special to me.

But why? Why did you have to go?

You made a promise to live forever.

I knew it wasn’t true.

I just wanted to believe it.

I lost my dad. My best-friend.

My teacher, my tutor.

I lost my fishing partner.

But most importantly I lost my dad.

Do you understand now why that song is ironic?

Something even crazier is that the song resembles him so much. And now like in the song you’re gone.

It started when I woke up and ended with a phone call.

Kendra Blemler 8th Grade, Early College Academy The Normal Man The man was full of hate But nothing short of great They walked all over him But he never went dim He did what was asked And was given every task But put to the test He worked at his best He was never a guest Only worked for the best Still tries at a rate But is also great Cody Bouklias 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 111

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 8 & 9

~Fly Away~ My true passion and my love I wait for thee to come to thy door I yearn for thy love of mystery The whisper of sweet songs in the night. bring about our fond memories The true tales of thy life flow carelessly as the wind brisk but mild, brave yet silent Flying endlessly through the night Thy must not hope to be brought down for the flightless wings of an angel, slowly reach the ground For thy heavy burden upon thy heart holds too tight As days dawn meets its end Thy spirit takes off in flight.

Faith Seders 9th Grade, Jackson High School

Q Strong and good looking But you went so far You had a long beard But you went so far We were so close but You left for good You went west and I’m still in the east You’re shooting guns But I’m shooting basketballs We always played around We did everything And you went away I write to you everyday And you don’t write back

My Sweet Prince Goodnight my sweet Prince I wish only the best of dream May cross your pillow I wish you sleep well No crying or pain Good morning my sweet Prince Time to brave another day Have only the best of times As you go through life Have a smile the whole day I wish you the most wonderful wishes Good dreams Good times Many more good days ahead This is what I wish For my sweet Prince Rhiannon Wooten 8th Grade, Sandy Valley Middle School

Frankie We never got to see your eyes.

But I’m sure they would open wide and look up at the big blue sky.

You never got a chance to do much.

You didn’t get to feel the breeze on your skin.

You didn’t get to smell the roses.

You were gone before you knew us.

We don’t know why, but you didn’t.

It was your time to go, but ours to stay.

So, March 31 Was a hard day for me We talked the whole way On the plane I LOVE YOU TO DEATH But things will never be The same….

Tamia Ridley 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

We love and miss you every single day.

We will never forget you or the date of November 11, 2013.

The day that you were welcomed into heaven by the angels.

Peighton Neuman 8th Grade, Our Lady of Peace School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 112

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Extended Metaphor Poem-Musical Poems The poem flows along with ease Reminding you of music The rhythm of the poem moves From one beat to another As you read the lyrics they form a song Soon the poem sings for you.

Haiku Poem-Snow Days!

Snowflakes are falling, Children play in the snowflakes, They have called off school.

Cinquain Steps-Good Morning!

Breakfast, Eggs, milk, toast, fruit, Cereal, orange juice, Bacon waffles, pancakes, syrup, Mornings.

Number Poem-Happy Birthday!

02.03.04 –Ethan’s Birthdate Ethan is nine but he will soon be ten.

Birthdays Today he will have his best friends over.

Party time!

Ethan wants a puppy for his birthday.

Happy Birthday!

Pantoum Poem-Stars.

1. The stars twinkle in the night.

2. They are so high up in the sky, 3. I look at their shimmering lights.

4. I see it as I lie, 5. They are so high in the sky.

6. There is one brighter than all, 7. I see it as I lie.

8. I see one start to fall, 9. There is one brighter than all.

10. My creator made the stars.

11. I see one start to fall.

12. I have seen them from afar.

13. My creator made the stars, 14. I look at their shimmering light.

15. I have seen them from afar.

16. The stars twinkle in the night.

Phebe Swym 8th Grade, Homeschool

This is Me! The CRAKES in the SIDEWALK Are like SCARES on my HEART My TEARS Are like PUDDLES on the GROUND But the NEW BUDS on the TREES Is like my NEW start in the WORLD The YELLOW LILLYS in the GRAY Is me STANDING out in the CROUD The SMALLEST LILLY Is BRIGHT and BEAUTYFUL NO matter the SIZE I’ll always be the SPECIAL ONE Jessica Shanklin 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

A Boy Named KG You are a ray of sunshine, In a world that’s sometimes grey, The magic of your company, Will brighten up the day, You’ve guided me through bad times, Wiped away my tears, And brought me so much joy, As we’ve travelled through the years It warms my heart to know, You chose me as your friend, A loyal, loving person, On who I can depend, If I could have one wish, I’d make it just for you, I’d ask god for his blessing, In everything you do!

Cassidy Sells 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High The End Days Death is a fear for the final We wait for the time and prepare We die in the end with denial In that time we begin to care At last it will feed my hunger As it answers the mystery Heaven, hell, or do we linger For life is now to history Alfie Hinapis 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 113

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Grades 8 & 9

In Honor of Jackie Robinson Be cynical enough to protect yourself, but do it in a matter that is also good for your health.

Make sure you know when to open the door, but don’t let them push you onto the floor.

All the negativity seemed to have seeped into the orange peelings, and gathered like moss on the dirty ceilings.

Don’t pass up opportunities, just be aware, have some confidence and try a dare.

Protecting yourself doesn’t mean to have no fun, make sure you get the job done.

Island Carter 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Jack The Cat Tacos and Sandwiches Tacos are for you tacos are for me They are even better with 7 tons of cheese Sandwiches are good too can we enjoy them, can’t we This poem is all about food, lets enjoy it please

Jack the Cat had 9 lives

Right now don’t worry much about school We have things to attend to Like the meals you get here, school food If you think its healthy they might have tricked you Brian Nolan 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Jack the Cat has 7 lives now

He used one playing with a beehive Jack the Cat has 8 lives now He used another being kicked by a cow

He used another living on the prowl Jack the Cat has 6 lives you see He used another getting burned by hot tea Jack the Cat has 5 lives more He used another getting hit by a door Jack the Cat has 4 lives you know

Is It Perfection?

A woman’s heart may be an ocean An endless ocean may be a sea of secrets; All in thought, all in love, all in need, all in want.

No explanations, no realizations, no penniless thoughts.

What dreams may come, what burdens may shape all for one soul.

One spirit, one Kind, one Mind, one Heart, One Design.

Aurora Ross 8th Grade, Early College Academy

He lost another being ultra slow Jack the Cat has 3 lives now He used another? Already? Wow! Jack the Cat has 2 lives left.

He lost another? What a mess!

BETTER SLOW DOWN JACK! Jack stays home all the time Laying in my lap like a friend of mine Kirsten Mitchell 8th Grade, OHVA

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 114

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

The Unbroken Bond (Yet) A long time our bond shall last The love you gave –it’s gone very far ever since You died away I wish

Cows On one bleak summer afternoon A man was wondering through the woods Upon his back a sack of goods But what happened next would make him swoon A frightening noise came from behind Then spewing out their vicious moo The man ran fast, he lost his shoe A thought that will not leave his mind Kyle Gruber 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

You would some back Soon Every night I pray That you were here Instead of There The happiness you sang The joy you shared Why did you have to go away?

Love won’t let you go walk away!

You’re gone to the King and the kingdom of No fear Everyday I think about The unbroken bond…Yet

Let Go A girl one day lost all her might She believed it was her ending light Her whole life flashed before her eyes She was fed up with all his lies He said he loved her but broke her heart The pain inside tore her apart All she does is sit and cry Eventually she says goodbye Nadia Wiegreff 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

In memory of: Anthony Moore, Kevin Moore, Doreen Garrett, and Sybil Haynes- You’re truly sent from heaven.

Kandyce Void 8th Grade, Hartford School-STEAMM Academy The Monsters That Attack in the Day In this field of Imginary Cloud’s and Castles the monsters that only come out at night live and breath daylight The Iies they feed on are so cold.

They were never meant to be unfold, they tell a truth to get a lie and a lie to get a truth. They constantly break out and latch on to you; did you think monsters only attack at night? No they’ll get you anywhere and everywhere. They’re mad and UGLY on the inside but the bright eyes HIDES the side in which You can’t see, they seem as if they have inner BEAUTY but you can see on the outside but not on the inside. Behind the smiles and laughs is everything you’ll never understand. They’ll drive you insane but that can be a good thing. Insanity brings genus, so let them in and lie to them to the ones who ask if you’re ok feed them they’ll take care of you and make sure that you’re ok.

DID YOU THINK MONSTERS ONLY ATTACK AT NIGHT? But Sometimes there are monsters that attack in the day.

Vanitee Floyd 8th Grade, Early College Academy Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 115

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

The Random Poem: Im bouta spit a couple of bars, im only 14 so im not allowed to drive cars.

I don’t have any friends, there all fakes and snakes!

I’m feeling kind of hungry, Pizza, pasta, burgers fries and steak, and for desert I’ll take a couple pieces of chocolate cake.

Rikelle Rice 8th Grade, Early College Academy He’s Never Truly Gone Dedicated To My Father Steve

Grades 8 & 9 The Pressure like the wind on my face The nice breeze when it does blow With everything I can win this race I just push myself till I really go The big track is so black I tell myself not to be slow But sometimes I always lack Everyone in front will know Sometimes I go slow so I dont have an heart attack But I cant stop, my dad is in the last row I would rather have a dirt track But, oh well, maybe I'll win a bow

My father may have passed, But He’s never truly gone.

Or maybe I'll win more horse tack When I win, I'm going to glow Everyone will yell “Go Hammer Head Jack “ I wear his shoes upon my feet and his shirts upon my chest, And that's when I know I can go slow.

So He’s never truly gone.

Bethany Boyle 8th Grade, East Canton Middle School I carry his emotions inside my heart, And that way He’s never truly gone.

He may not be here now, But still, He’s never truly gone I have his favorite belt, and his silver ring, And to me, He’s never truly gone.

I wear his soul, like a regal cape, So that He’s never truly gone I think his thoughts, and possess his laugh, So to family, He’s never truly gone.

I wear his glasses, and see the world how he did, And in my mind, He’s never truly gone.

I have all his love, and all his knowledge, So to the world, He’s never truly gone

My Hero you weren’t a hero known by the world, you were a hero known by your little girl.

I know I get mad when you shriek at me, but I know you’ll be there when I need long arms.

I love how you risk your life day by day, to keep a roof over my head and all the bills paid You taught me life lessons from right to wrong, installed values and how to be strong. you live your life like a man of steal helping me when I need it, I plan to choose a man like you so I can marry someone like my hero.

Kaitlyn Jones 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Nick G. Quinn 9th Grade, Homeschool Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 116

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Brittany Brittany, You’re pretty like Flowers I’m glad you came Into my life Even though you Can be very Annoying Without you I don’t Know what I would do We are so much alike It’s hard to believe We are not blood related.

You do anything a real sister would do.

Even more.

You are my friend.

Someone I can talk to.

You have helped me a lot To become who I am And to not let people get to me You are my human Starbucks And that pretty good for me Adrian Jackson 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Me With Out You What’s Mickey without Minnie, What’s Piglet without Pooh, What’s Andy without Woody, That’s me without you, When Ariel doesn’t sing And ECA isn’t the knights, When Olaf isn’t happy, I’m lonely without you.

Kaia Williams 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Amor Her eyes remind me of our beautiful sky Looking into them reminds me of a comfortable place Where the sun is always shining and it never rains.

When she smiles it brightens my day, It’s a warm ray of bliss.

No matter where I’m at What I’m doing Why I’m doing it She always crosses my mind.

Like a goddess She is perfect.

The feeling i get when i’m with her, cant compare to anything else The times we laugh, the times we joke, I wouldn’t trade for anything else.

Like her, These moments are precious to me.

She is the one Who’s always there for me, As i’ll always be there for her, For this, i love her And for much more James Criswell 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Him and Her Him and Her are my world One handsome guy and one beautiful girl She acts like summer and walks like rain She drives me crazy but keeps me sane He’s strong minded and strong willed and with him, my heart is filled Him and Her are perfect to me As wonderfully wonderful as wonderful could be #27 in football, #1 in my heart and without him, I think I’d fall apart Her smile puts the city lights to shame I’m the luckiest girl in the world, and she’s to blame Logan who, Kortney who Him and Her are my favorite two Both amazing, both very caring But they’re mine and I’m not sharing We argue and disagree over small things But it’s worth it for the happiness he brings, and she brings Him and Her, Her and Him In no particular order, are my best friends Danielle Horne 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 117

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 8 & 9

Human I’ve always believed that at the point of conception, even inside of the womb, We are learning how to create.

How to mimic the glow of the smiles from the generations that came before us.

Our eyes are being taught how to carve out an impression into the back of someone else’s neck.

This is how I know that we are human.

We are learning how to love; or at least how to accept its cheaper replica.

Our personhood has proven time and again that our species is the only one to dismiss the spectacular, and praise the mundane affections; The calm and quiet house.

We are the only flesh and bone that bows down to the lackluster; The trees in the backyard.

The way he slouches in his seat.

The way her lips fold carefully over every word that she speaks.

I hope that in thousands of years from now, when the last humans on earth or aliens are looking back on us, they say that we did not just consist of computer wires and caffeine; That our minds held more than the construction plans for a suburban existence.

I hope that they say that we were electricity on legs; That our bodies were more than just tired.

I hope that we can fill up textbooks, that they know we tried our hardest.

I hope that there will be more to say about this species of walking, talking, shockwaves than there are stars in the sky.

Langley Smith 9th Grade, McKinley High School

Stay Positive I sat watching the sunrise I saw the brightness in the skies I remembered there is dark in bright I just need to go towards the light The rain might come fast It can be put in the past The sun will eventually shine Just give it some time.

Abbie Forsythe 8th Grade, Edison Middle School I Can’t Wait for Summer I can’t wait for Summer.

The long, exuberant nights Cookouts with family Hanging out with friends all day No stress over school assignments I can’t wait for Summer.

Drew Barress 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Mother Mother. a word we use daily, has been absent for me. the loneliness and bitterness, of the passing world. her touch is like the soft, wintery snow. her voice, are velvet wisps blowing through the air, that I can no longer hear. her smile, bright as the shining sun, helps me go on day after day, in this lonely place. but still, she gives me love and hope, the strength to go on. day by day, slowly, but surely, with the help of the word that brings us life and joy, Mother.

Brittany Friedrich 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 118

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

“Dread of the Undead” Putrid empty husks of neighbors, family and friends…

Rotting flesh and diseased body parts!

Trying to mentally block this new reality but my mind pretends That they still have functioning brains and hearts.

The odors of decay and death assault my senses at every turn.

This isn’t something I can easily ignore.

Cleansing by fire—I wish it would all burn!

There’s nothing left of the world that there was before.

My hatred for these abominations increases day by day.

White filmy eyes telling me to end the misery of these I used to know.

Whether out of anger, revenge or disgust…who is to say?

I soon come to realize I can end their existence with one fatal blow.

Vincent Mergner 8th Grade, ECOT

You Don’t See You think you know who I am You seem to think you know me.

But in reality what you see is a scam I’m different than what I seem.

Higher Thinking You just can’t run on your own It’s ever so tragic to be so alone I want to feel safe in a place I call home Why don’t I run just to be alone?

I can’t leave, trapped in this place I wanna go, I need my space Why does this feel like a constant race?

Can’t even go my own pace Just go, get out, before it’s too late You’ll be like me left as bait To take the pain and force left behind Am I even a thought in your mind?

Can’t shake the thought, it’s so hard to find Its all your fault, never been mine Do you now see the pain that you cause?

It’s not really me; I’m behind my flaws Crying and screaming never heard Flying silent just like a bird Now you see how I really think Constantly fighting to take a peek Of the real world, maybe its not just me Maybe people in our history Who have thought like me, but never spoke a word Silence is strong; it kills the birds…

Tyrek Allen 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Just because this is what you see Just because this is how I act.

It doesn’t mean that’s me If you saw past my shield you’d realize my self-esteem and courage clearly lack.

All because of what you say and do to me.

This is always how it will be.

Because you don’t see me.

Emilie Perkins 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Planned But Unexpected Waiting for forever The days have gone away Trust begins to sever I see hope start to fade No one knows why you left Life so sad and hectic They said it’s for the best Planned but unexpected Nadia Pryor 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 119

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 8 & 9 Life in the Spotlight

Come Back Dynamic and so full of flair Freckled beneath your ginger hair Please come back where you belong, Back where you can sing your song You helped me in my time of need And never had a spice of greed Please come back where you belong, Back where you can sing your song You helped me in my time of need And you never had a spice of greed Please come back where you belong, Back where you can sing your song Whistling, skipping down the hall Playing catch with a football Please come back where you belong, Back where you can sing along Singing salutations sweet With hair just oh so soft, like wheat Please come back where you belong, Back where you can sing your song Writing out this poem for you Never feeling quite as blue Please come back where you belong, Back where you can sing your song We never had an argument And you there, for me to vent Please come back where you belong, Back where you can sing along.

Kate Joseph 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

The feeling of the lights on your shining face, The way the crowd roars when you hit that pose.

The thrill of bring onstage is indescribable.

Its a personal form of heroine.

You feel like you could do anything, be anything.

You feel like you could handle all the problems you've ever had.

You feel infinite, like you could take on the world.

These feelings you get on stage are unbelievable.

Never will I forget these small little feelings.

These small little feelings we all call moments.

These moments made into memories.

These memories made into our life.

All starting at the spotlight on stage.

Maria Knepshield 9th Grade, Jackson High School

Girl on Fire!

She swirls her hair in the way the wind flows.

After that she twirls like a little girl and it shows!

This means she’s happy and nothing will make her come out of this mood. Well in her mother’s words “only for food!” She is happy as ever and people would stare. Only because of her majestic hair. It was on fire I think I’m mad.

But somewhat sad. It was red and on fire to the point it was on her head entire. She was so confident and was beautifully viewed. This means she’s happy and nothing will make her come out of this mood.

Amie Garner 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Good, Better, Best Good Better Best Never let it rest until My good gets better and my Better is my best I believe in myself And my ability to do my best I will act in such a way I will be proud of myself and others Will be proud of me too I will not waste this day because this Day will not come again I am, Tejona Jackson Tejona Jackson 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 120

Grades 8 & 9

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

My Best Friend My grandpa lived in a little house It was on a hill He had no spouse He was rather ill His name was Dave He made me behave I showed him my cards He told me of his cars Very nice vehicles We used to eat popsicles We trapped animals Sent raccoons to a farm Where they show no harm We were best friends like dumb and dumber But it came to an end I remember his laugh As well as his smile At the funeral I walked the aisle It was so hard it felt like a mile I said my goodbye I started to cry I will never forget The times that we had Peyton Rhodes 8th Grade, Massillon Junior High

Timelines How different our lives would be If when we make choices we could see How the decisions that we make Can decide the paths our lives will take If you go left instead of right, You say yes instead of no, You choose to fight and not flight Who knows where your life will go?

Every choice can change your life.

Erin Scroggs 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Come Back As we fly sky high I think all the way And then you’re there, you say good-bye Then we all gather and pray I was told it was a lie But I didn’t care anyway I could tell you he wasn’t shy I just wish you could stay Jacob Metzger 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

What Sounds Fun? As I watch the clock go by, I can’t think of what to do.

But find the need to sigh.

There has to be something new.

Maybe I could go outside, And take a little run.

Or maybe go for a ride, There must be something fun.

Tyler Gue 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Questioning Slang Are you gonna read it?

Or naw Are you sick?

Or naw Are you mad bro?

I though it was a cool story, So I’ll tell it again Are you gonna read it?

Or naw Are you sick?

Or naw Are you mad bro?

The End Carmine DiGiulio 8th Grade, Early College Academy

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 121

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Darkness Darkness falls Light will call Darkness dies Light will fly.

Dark won’t rehabilitate Light will illuminate Skies turn black But it won’t turn back.

John Stevenson 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Definition of Fear Nobody knows the definition of fear But it will always remain here Fear can control our actions It can divide us into fractions My definition of fear Is not being able to hear Not being able to see Oh what a dark world it would be Kyle Traxell 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

The Escape Does it look like I care?

No never.

This pain you cause, Will not last forever.

I’m better off this way, You caused things to change.

I had to kill the pain, To be free from your cage.

Does it look like I care, No, never.

Now that I am free, I will live on forever.

Amanda Lorenzo 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Grades 8 & 9 Rhythm As I keep the beat, in my little seat.

I keep asking myself why As I play another tie As I keep the tempo, I may decrescendo Playing the right note So perfect that I gloat.

Cole Dyer 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Around Time It all seems to run away Time vanishes day by day At every end its wonders show At every start its wonders glow The margin of use is very small It leaves me with no time at all In this life I can’t pretend For my days will surely end.

Max Baker 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

My Best Friend!!!

You are my best friend We went through thick and thin but, you are always there for me I can talk to you about everything You have my back Even though we might disagree, But we never will hate each other Sometimes I wonder if we are sisters, We have almost everything the same, We have almost every class together We think alike If we cry we try to understand each other Vanessa Williams 8th Grade, Early College Academy

She’s Just Another Angel She’s under us in the dark Taken away with her marks She left with no good-bye She wasn’t willing to try I wish she had remained But they caused her too much pain Soon she lost the very fight And took her life that very night Paige Chapman 8th Grade, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 122

Grades 10-12

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 123

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 10-12

Grades 10-12 Awards Mariah Lombardi  The Wrecked Are Wrong ....................... 130 Natalie Thouvenin  The Five Senses of Fmaily ................. 129 Emily Motz  Open Your Eyes .............................................. 133 Tatiana Bowman  No More! ................................................ 127 Sarah Wessel  Public Transit .............................................. 126 Rachel Maino  Whatever, However, No Matter What ......... 132 Isaac Ross  The One Who Will Complete Me ..................... 130 Mariah Lombardi  Two Of a Kind ....................................... 130 Aaron Troyer  Brainstorming .............................................. 133 Nicky Anderson  My Changing Soul................................... 125

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 124

Grades 10-12

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

My Changing Soul This is my life The time is not always right The sweets getting sweeter The winters getting colder And I’m just getting older To the grasses that are greener I will tell you my friend Our days are numbered, make the best till the end For all the secrets told I’ll share one with you My face in the mirror has never looked so blue The shades in my face have changed through time As the shades change in a days hours, to the unrecognized As the shades in my face change through time Changing through time To the unrecognized I find myself changing too My ripple in time, to my changing soul Remember my baby eyes Look now and see stories told From voices in the trees To the everlasting skies Secrets in the seas to my unrecognized eyes Watch the shades of my face See them move from each pane to each groove I am the unrecognized All my stories in the dark Every secret of mine burned with a flickering spark One life in several billion, I am one of the above It is a rariety to show my true love For we are the unrecognized A dancing star, A hidden whisper A shade of a billion in one small face A glimer of hope, a silver teardrop trace Ages past in a glaciers ice That shades of my face A face of those unrecognized Nicky Anderson 11th Grade, Timken High School

Crumpled Me You can't want me at least, not anymore.

I've been kicked and smushed and crumpled into a little ball.

I'm still me, but only barely.

I can't function as we'll and am only half as good as I was.

Parts of me stick out, ugly, jabbing corners.

Pieces that shouldn't be seen.

They are loud, fat, flighty, violent.

The things I hate, the things thought on my worst days.

And yet you pick me up, and dust me off.

Hold me close, even if I don't want it.

And slowly I begin to unfold.

My millions of creases are still there But you soothe me and smooth me Until I'm uncrumpled, wholly, me again.

Thea Angeli 12th Grade, GlenOak High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 125

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Pursuit Pursuit is a strange, perplexing thing For we pray, we hope, and we yearn That the goals we aim to achieve will stem From our talents, and skills that we learn.

Dreaming artlessly with our feeble hearts, We toil with our tasks at hand.

We wait for the day when our lives will unfold And prepare to take our stand.

With faith and confidence, we leap To put our wings to test.

But when we fall, our dreams soon fade; Evanescent with our fruitless quest.

Yet, while our lives can be marked by the times that we fail Or, by our achievement of dreams What is most treasured is often found By sheer serendipity.

Anna Huntsman 11th Grade, Perry High School

PUBLIC TRANSIT A blanket of snow covers the earth Footfalls indent the ground Gloves warm over fire escape latches by frost-chilled windows Carpeted ceilings, wet plastic floors Wind-bitten faces, raggedy hats, coats three times handed down Crooked teeth and bright eyes watch as the city passes by White plaster walls and fluorescent glare The clock runs five hours fast Past windows, stoop gray concrete walls Boomerang knees and broken-down feet Overlooked by their own cheerful smiles Sarah Wessel 10th Grade, Jackson High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 126

Grades 10-12

Grades 10-12

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

NO MORE! The tears running down their faces.

Their cries for help as the people walk pass them but no one seems to notice The fake smile that they paint across their face when they know that everything isn’t alright No more suicides No more pain No more heartache No more anger No more tears No more depression No more cuts No more bruises No more frustration This has to stop The by standers are just as bad as the bullies Somebody has to stand up Some action has to occur before another life goes by So who will you be Will you stand up for those who hurt Or will you be quiet and let them keep dying inside I know what I am I am an outspoken person A person who will fight for the weak The prisoners who tolerate the bullying needs someone strong to pick them up Someone willing to help them overcome this obstacle Someone who is not afraid to stick up for them when needed This bullying can stop if people would just be strong and work together and make it happen It can be done It MUST be done I say NO MORE Tatiana Bowman 10th Grade, McKinley High school

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 127

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Raven I once met a lad named Raven.

He shared a story of why he could never die, People came from all over to hear his tale, a tale of both magic and hellish sky.

He said that he once was a common manthat he walked and talked like we.

Then one day he met an old widow who told him a legend of the ancient birch tree.

This tree was unlike any other tree for its bark read inscriptions of forbidden secrets and when read out loud in plea, would curse the evil and bless the good people.

Raven believed himself pure and left to seek the ancient birch tree, little did he listen, to the widow’s warning which no man would wish to agree.

She had warned Raven that no man’s heart is pure, but stubborn as he, he nah believed.

When he found the tree , he became unsure.

The air smelled of death and something impure.

Ignoring his senses, he proceeded on, and hence read the deep inscriptions.

As he read his eyes lit up in flame, all light gone.

And when he saw again the world had changed from bright to black dawn.

Because of what he read, Raven’s life never faded.

As the years blew over he nor aged nor changed and watched all he loved get covered.

He lost the joy in living and wished to lay at rest, but he was cursed for not heeding a simple warning; That no man’s heart is pure, the widow’s simple forewarning.

So his tale must be told, hoping that the listeners take hold, of the ancient dark secrets we now all behold.

Angelica Bartholomew 12th Grade, Lake High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 128

Grades 10-12

Grades 10-12

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Beautiful Life is filled with rules. Rules that must be followed. There are some rules I don’t care for breaking at all. If it gets You in my arms, I’ll walk the miles that leads me to your front door. We are so close even though we are miles away. But the miles in between, don’t mean a thing to me. All the rules I brake is so I can see you, because all I can think about is you. You are so beautiful in my eyes and view. There is so many things beautiful about you that my words can never describe how much I truly love you. When I close my eyes, I see blue skies, and a beautiful sunrise that lights our skies. So beautiful in my mind.

That I could just cry. I’m so happy to be alive.

I open my eyes and see you by my side.

Everything feels just right for the first time In my life. I look into your eyes as you look into mine , we are feeling love for the first time and it’s a beautiful sight. As we lay under a clear night sky, you and I side by side.

Kaleob Yun 11th Grade, Canton Academy

Anatomy of a Doubt Carefully construct a drawing Make it multi-layered Include General notes- fear, pain, etcetera But go into the specifics List estimations, complications A complete diagnosis with a second opinion to boot Just don’t mention the emotion Or how to trust How to just Keep going Emily Bowan 12th Grade, Homeschool

The Five Senses of Family The sound of family is laughter The sight of family is a welcoming smile The scent of family is a mix of baby shampoo and laundry detergent The taste of family is a medley of leftovers The feel of family is to know you belong These are the five senses of family Natalie Thouvenin 10th Grade, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 129

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 10-12

The one who will complete me The future is an abstract thought, that seems light years away.

Every little action we take, affect it in some way.

Life as an adolescent guy can be difficult.

We struggle to fully understand and play for our future, we waste our lives on instant gratifications.

Never considering we are effecting more than us.

God made every man with a gaping chasm in his heart.

A chasm that will only be filled with the love of a woman.

Just as Adam longed to be with Eve, I am waiting for you, the one who will complete me.

The one who I can share my hopes and dreams with.

The one I will rely on for strength, support, and love.

The one who I know will always love and want the best for me.

The woman who will always put family before her own needs.

The one I will call blessed, and love like no one else.

I can’t wait until I get to know you, completle inside and out.

To learn what you love, fear, hate, and strive for.

I want to be your strong pillar, someone you will always count on for support.

When days turn into years, you will never grow old to me.

I could travel the world 1,000 times, and never meet another like you.

Ever day with you will be new and special.

Getting to know you more and more, while taking on the storms of life, with you as my strong anchor.

Isaac Ross 12th Grade, Hartville Christian

The Wrecked Are Wrong the owner of those combat boots had him pull the trigger of a gun pain struck clear back to her roots. whom she now abhored he had the fun her heart was broken he slowly snapped her bit by bit.

Never an i'm sorry was spoken she tried to hold herself together but nothing fit like a bird lost and alone,a broken wing she never could bring herself to forgive thought nobody could love such a messed up thing because the memories she was forced to relive He lived off of her pain she found something better that wasn't a game she held herself and used her brain And never again did she ever speak his name.

Mariah Lombardi 11th Grade, Perry High School

Two of a Kind There he goes again anger in his heart pain in his eyes nobody knows him they dont understand he walks with fire in his lungs hate steaming from his pores he's a lost boy they never found trapped in his own little cage can anybody save him? she stares longing, hoping he'll survive oh whats this cruel world done? she stares with hope in her heart and sympathy in her eyes they all know her they think they understand she walks with tears in her lungs love dripping from her pores she's the unknown wishing for the best. hoping he'll begin to feel something, anything different. from the dungeon he's in now.

Mariah Lombardi 11th Grade, Perry High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 130

Grades 10-12

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

What makes me Happy?

You make me Happy.

What makes me Happy?

You make me Happy.

I guess that means we’re happy.

What makes me Sad? This makes me Sad. What makes this Sad? I make this Sad. I guess that means I’m sad.

What makes me Crazy?

Life makes me Crazy.

What makes life Crazy?

I make like Crazy.

I guess that means I’m crazy.

What makes me Happy? What makes me Happy? What makes me Happy?

You make me Happy. This makes me Happy. Life makes me Happy.

I make me sad. I make me crazy.

I don’t know how to make me Happy.

Maybe I’ll stop moping.

I love when it rains in the Winter.

I love when there’s a chill in Spring.

I love the clouds of Summer.

I love green colors of Autumn.

I love marathoning my favorite shows.

I love listening to their voice I love being told I did well.

I love to think I love myself.

I really think I love myself.

I really think I love you.

I really think I love this.

I really think I love life.

I really think I love being sad.

I really think I love being crazy.

What makes me Happy?

I make me Happy.

What makes me Happy?

Being Happy makes me Happy.

I guess that means I’m happy.

Kennedy Lawver 11th Grade, Jackson High School Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 131

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 10-12

Whatever, however, no matter what…

I take a glimpse, a look around.

Do I know you; are you near?

Perhaps you’ll have that baby blond hair or maybe it will be deep and brown.

Will your eyes be blue like a crystal sea, or dark like pools of chocolate?

Perchance your skin, dark like a moonless night, or maybe fare and creamy white.

Whatever your color, however your hair, no matter your looks…

If you have redeemed the freedom that bought you with a price, and He is the one who guides Your life…

Then my dear brother, you are a priceless gem.

Rarer than rubies, purer than gold.

Perfect?

No, not at all.

Purchased from death, won over with love?

Yes, oh truly yes.

If He is in you, you are worthy; because He is worthy.

Do not be saddened or ashamed with guilt.

Whatever you’ve done, however you have acted, no matter your accomplishments…

My dear brother, you are forgiven.

Purified by His cleansing blood, healed by His wounds.

So my dear one who I’ll someday marryUntil that day when I see your face; kiss your lips; and tell you goodnight.

Until I have been given the task to love you are purely as I can, with all the Jesus love I have Ever been shown, until the end of the ageWait for me in the truth of the radical mysterious love of our Abba.

Whatever you do, however you serve, no matter your desires…

Wait in the satisfying love that fills every longing in your treasurable heart.

Rachel E. Maino 10th Grade, Hartville Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 132

Grades 10-12

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Open Your Eyes by Emily Motz You feel trapped inside of a box, While opinions of others dominate your life.

They haven’t seen the pain in your chest, Nor have they experienced your strife.

Society says “Be this!”

Friends say “You’re wrong!”

The world becomes the enemy, And it takes more strength to hold on.

The girl who wants a thinner waist, She cries herself to sleep.

You want to be the beautiful one?

Society screams “Don’t eat!”

The girl with no where else to turn, After her boyfriend gets mad and they fight.

She gets laughed at for the bruises every day, Then she cuts herself at night.

The boy with dirty & greasy hair, Receives nasty looks when he walks.

Last night he was woken by his mother’s screams, And his dad yelling “Don’t you dare call the cops!”

You curse under your breath at a single mom, Who is in line at the grocery store.

Her husband was killed in Iraq two years ago, Fighting for YOUR rights in a war.

Don’t let your eyes deceive you, Or your quick judgments get the best.

Let the feelings of others matter more, And society’s common opinions matter less.

For those of you facing tough times, Be strong and be who you are.

Stand up for yourself and for others, And happiness won’t seem so far.

Brainstorming So I’ve been told to write a Poem but I can’t think of what to say.

I’m trying sokething called brainstorming, but it feels like it will take all day!

Brainstorming can be difficult, you really have to focus your mind.

Oh, how about once upon a foggy night?

No, that does’nt really rhyme.

Maybe I need some coffee?

That should help my brain to think, Or maybe I could use an energy bar?

As a substitute for that bitter drink.

Well I’ve made a little headway, on this poem that I’ve been assigned But still I am not happy, because I’m running out of time!.

Only 20 minutes left to write, and inspiration I’ve received.

It’s about time that this brainstorming paid off, for I feared I’d get a “D”.

Now I’m putting on the funishing touches, to this priceless work of art.

I would continue writing, but alas, it’s time to part.

Hooray! It’s done! It’s been turned in!

My poem is now complete!

I guess brainstorming isn’t so bad.

But it sure can put you to sleep.

Aaron Troyer 11th Grade, Hartville Christian

Life is a journey, A hard trek we all must take.

We have the capability to love others, And I have hope that it will happen some day.

Emily Motz 10th Grade, Sandy Valley High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 133

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Grades 10-12

What about Love As I think back on my previous life, The anger, sorrow, pain and strife I remember all the good and bad, The things done wrong that made me mad Things done right and things done wrong, And things that made me think hard and long But through all the sadness, springs out a hope, Deep welling feelings when your at youre ends rope For I know up above lies God, the father, He’s there for you, you matter, he’ll bother He cares for you and your blocked of soul, That was once empty with his help made full Your earthly parents will always matter, they Raise you up when your in tatters But through everything we’ve said and done, Guess who let us have our fun God’s the one who let us live, Knowing his life for us, He’d give So knowing that, I’ll start a-new, and tell everyone so they can too For he gave me the Reason to Hope and Love A fresh start now from the Lord above I no longer think of my previous life Of the anger sorrow pain and strife.

Instead I look at New life ahead Knowing I can dance, have fun, be glad.

Katherine Allison 12th Grade, Jackson High School

Go for Gold So you want to be an Olympian. Fine!

Just remember it’s a lot of effort.

You’ll practice 4 hours a day, Be in bed before 9, And learn to love Subway.

The Olympics can be quite compelling.

To get started, you’ll need a sport.

Choose an activity At which you are excelling That requires a skill level less that infinity.

You finally made it to the Olympics!

It took determination, dedication, and some luck.

You aren’t very old So show your heroics, and always go for gold.

Cameron Beachy 11th Grade, Hartville Christian

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 134

Grades 10-12 INDEX

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Jacinda .............................. 11 Jalicia ................................. 11 Jessica .............................. 55 Kajami ................................ 61 Karyssa .............................. 26 Kennedy ............................ 41 Rodney .............................. 42 Stevie ................................. 20

Ackerman, Joe .................. 88 Adams, Abby ..................... 12 Adams, Claire ................... 55 Abrams, Faith .................... 58 Abrams, Hope ................... 57 Ahn, Chloe ........................ .7 Akers, Evan ....................... 83 Allen, Tyrek ....................... 119 Allison, Katherine .............. 134 Alm, Ryan ......................... 50 Alston, Nyal ....................... 69 Anderson, Brielle ............... 89 Anderson, Nicky ................ 125 Andrews, Lexis .................. 58 Angeli, Thea ...................... 125 Anstine, Joshua ................ 21 Anthony, Atira .................... 31 Argento, Madison .............. 24 Armstead, Makaylin ........... 60 Ash, Livi ............................ 87 Attar, Ruby ......................... 47 Ayers, Holleigh .................. 12

B., Mariaha ........................ 52 Bailey, Caden .................... 26 Bailey, Caitlin .................... 83 Baker, Emma ..................... 54 Baker, Gregory .................. 97 Baker, Jillian ...................... 18 Baker, Max ........................ 122 Barker, Hailey ................... 7 Barress, Drew ................... 118 Bartholomew, Angelica ..... 128 Bartley, Kyrsten ................. 84 Barlow, Michael ................. 57

Battle, Anthony .................. 14 Bauer, Eli ........................... 68 Bayle, Henry ...................... 60 Beachy, Cameron .............. 134 Bellamy, Joey ..................... 35 Benison, Jada ..................... 45 Betz, Lexie ......................... 19 Bigrigg, Claire .................... .11 Billman, Hannah ................ 45 Blair, Elizabeth ................... 73 Blakely, Robbyayre ............ 53 Blakely, Niquea ................... 12 Blemler, Kendra ................. 111 Bliese, Laura ...................... 27 Bliese, Mary ....................... 59 Bloom, Kate ....................... 8 Bomba, Melissa ................. 110 Bonfire, Kylie ..................... 6 Booth, Mi’Shell ................... 11 Bossart, Tess … ................. 15 Bourquin, Emma ................ 25 Bowen, Emily ..................... 129 Bowen, Selina .................... 26 Bowman, Tatiana ............... 127 Bouklias, Cody ................... 111 Bowman, Andrew................ 33 Boyle, Bethany ................... 116 Boyle, Henry ....................... 49 Boyle, Sarah Kay ............... 55 Brandon, Lalah .................. 9 Brown, Sheila .................... .9 Bryant, Madalynn ............... 42 Budzinski, Olivia ................. 67 Bunner, Cara ..................... 91 Burke, Darian ..................... 108 Burnison, Alexander ........... 7 Burton, Bianca ................... 106 Burton, Jermiah ................. 56 Butts, Seth ......................... 26 Butler, Liam ....................... 27 Buxton, Breyana ................ 48

Cain, Emily ........................ 101 Camp, Foster ..................... 10 Camp, Stella ...................... 46 Cardi, Jillian ....................... 88

Carron, Dirk ....................... 22 Carter, Island ..................... 114 Casselberry, Abby ............. 95 Cassidy, Justice ................ 7 Casto, Hunter .................... 18 Caudle, Will ....................... 81 Cecil, Ryley ....................... 54 Chapman, Paige ................ 122 Chech, Kathryn .................. 19 Chech, Rinoa ..................... 53 Choudhury, Snehal ............ 51 Clapper, Ana ..................... 56 Clark, Grayden .................. 30 Coleman, Patience ............ 10 Collier, Tristan ................... 24 Collins, Ethan .................... 49 Connair, Kathryn ............... 69 Conner, Celia .................... 14 Connolly, Trinity ................. 12 Connors, Elijah ………………23 Cooks, Jalen ...................... 104 Cooper, Megan .................. 86 Copeland, Lauren .............. 35 Craig, Jacob ...................... 44 Crawford, Meigan ............... 36 Crews, Cara ...................... 65 Criswell, James ................. 117 Crnic, Brock ........................ 7 Croston, Chris ................... 106 Cundiff, Brooklyn ............... 7 Curran, Connor .................. 7

Davies, Nate ...................... 13 Davis, Jack ......................... 62 Davis, Joseph .................... 110 Davis, Makaylah ................ 17 Day, Landen ...................... 19 DeDecker, Nina ................. 76 DePasquale, Gabrielle ....... 103 Deryck, Danielle ................ 73 Dexter, Alex ....................... 17 DiGiulio, Carmine .............. 121 Dionisio, Dominic ............... .8 DiSpina, Vincent ................ 23 Doane, AJ ......................... 22 Dodson, Madeline .............. 68

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 135

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Douce, Gwyneth ................ 36 Downing, Jermani ............. 40 Dozier, Courtney ............... 108 DuBose, Marvin ................. 34 Dugan, Ryan ..................... 109 Dunbar, Morgan ................ 67 Dunlap, Makenna .............. 26 Dyer, Cole ......................... 122 Dylewski, Andrew .............. 14

Eckenrode, Dakota ........... 87 Elliott, Henry ..................... 10 Elliott, Sir ........................... 108 Edwards, Alexis ................ 108 Evanto, Nora ..................... 17

Fildes, Hannah .................. 40 Fields, Lyric ....................... 16 Fiore, Rachael ................... 75 Fisher, Trinity .................... 14 Fisher, Tristan ................... 18 Fitzgerald, Destiny ............ 15 Fleseriu, Alex .................... 75 Floyd, Vanitee ................... 115 Forsythe, Abbie ................. 118 Franks, Hannah ................ 18 Freidly, Lauren .................. 92 Friedman, Kamyla .............. 47 Friedrich, Ethan ................. 107 Friedrich, Brittany .............. 118 Frye, Jasmine .................... 34

Gabriele, Audrey ............... 32 Gamble, Nyah .................... 32 Gantlin, Brooklyn ............... 25 Garcea, Reese .................. 12 Garcia, Solana .................. 104 Garner, Amie .................... 120 Gentry, Matthew ................ 58 Gillis, Hannah .................... 46 Goehring, Lily .................... 13 Goodgame, Izzzane’e .............. 93

Goraya, Jasnoor ............... 86 Gotham, Lindsey ............... 22 Gothard, Aaron ................. 33

Grades 10-12 INDEX Gottscheck, Zachary .......... 55 Grabowski, Mitchell ............ 98 Graham, Kennedy .............. 78 Gram, Elijah ........................ 5 Gram, Rebekah ................. 24 Grassell, Esther ................. 70 Greathouse, EJ .................. 26 Ginther, Nicholas ............... 55 Gray, Rose ........................ 40 Green, Abbie ..................... 54 Greer, Sasha ..................... 12 Grimes, Te’erica ............... 43 Grisan, Amanda ................. 27 Groghan, Caleb ................. 55 Gruber, Kyle ...................... 115 Gruber, Olivia .................... 50 Gue, Tyler .......................... 121 Gidcumb, Clifton ................ 105

Hager, Autumn .................. 25 Hall, Chloe ......................... 5 Hall, Jade .......................... 5 Hall, Jayden ....................... 78 Hall, Marissa ...................... 27 Hallaman, Nick .................. 14 Halm, Jennifer ................... 44 Hammond, Javonna ........... 76 Hane, Gavin........................ 36 Hart, Hailey ......................... 48 Hasting, Rayshauna ........... 110 Haynam, Brianna ............... 81 Hazlett, Kayli ...................... 24 Heasley, Zoe ..................... 76 Helwig, McKaiya ................ 51 Heiser, Madison ................. 13 Henderson, Dorian ............. 109 Hernstine, Julian ................. 101 Hershberger, Maya ............ 51 Hill, Karli ............................ 48 Hill, Ja’Lynn ....................... 22 Hilson, Jack ....................... 35 Hinapis, Alfie ...................... 113 Hockenberry, Connor ......... 26 Holzopfel, Hannah ............. 90 Hoover, Miranda ................ 46 Hoover, Tyler ..................... 52 Hopson, Tre’Shaun ............ 39

Horne, Danielle .................. 117 Horner, Jessica .................. 46 Hudach, Michael ................ 18 Hunter, Justus ................... 62 Huntsman, Anna ................ 126 Huntsman, Lillian ............... 9 Hye, Devonne .................... 108

Isik, Taylor ......................... 10

Jackson, Adrian ................. 117 Jackson, Eileena ............... 6 Jackson, Tejona ................ 120 Jackson, William ................ 103 Jacob, Jonas ..................... 20 James, Jeremiah ............... 15 Johnson, Jonathan ............ 103 Johnson, Mikayla ............... 90 Jones, Angelique ............... 23 Jones, Kaitlyn .................... 116 Jordan, Trynity ................... 58 Joseph, Kate ..................... 120 Juergenson, Aaron ............ 96 Justice, Carly Rose ........... 81

Katz, Amanda .................... 18 Kaylor, Christian ................ 8 Keinath, Delilah ................. 51 Kern, Kyle .......................... 57 Kerscher, Sam ................... 10 Kersting, James ................. 6 King, Dylan ........................ 37 King, Logan ....................... 11 Klein, Hana ........................ 57 Klein, Phebe ...................... 9 Kline, Emily ....................... 52 Klingenberger, Tara ........... 77 Kovach, Annabella ............. 43 Knepper, Jenna ................. 49 Knepshield, Maria .............. 120 Knight, Hannah .................. 47 Koncsics, Chris .................. 109 Kracker, Emma .................. 17 Krajcovic, Nickolas ............ 91 Kramer, Olivia Opal ........... 16

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 136

Grades 10-12 INDEX

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Kurtz, Olivia ....................... 104 Kutscher, Austin ................ 104 Kutzera, Morgan ............... 17 Kyles, Kortney ................... 102

Labbe, Emma .................... 20 Lammelein, Sage .............. 23 Larimore, Adam ................ 26 Latham, Kaitlynn ............... 49 Laughlin, Ian ..................... 47 Lawver, Kennedy .............. 131 Leach, Kylie ...................... 38 Lee, Bridget ....................... 94 Leeper, Rochelle ............... 72 Lenigan, Brooke M. ........... 48 Lewis, Kristin ..................... 36 Lewis, Malia ....................... 5 Lewis, Ronald ................... 31 Liber, Dylan ....................... 8 Lombardi, Mariah .............. 130 Long, Raven ...................... 45 Lopez, Anthony ................. 51 Lorenzo, Amanda .............. 122 Loukas, Kenna ................... 8 Lunsford, Haley ................. 104 Lyogky, Jenny ................... 74

Macerol, Matthew .............. 84 Macksyn, Cole .................. 20 Maino, Rachel E. ............... 132 Manos, Sefra ..................... 107 Manowski, Christopher ...... 111 Marchesani, Camille........... 38 Marsh, Luke ....................... 27 Martinez, Angelica ............. 19 Mason, Reagan ................. 54 Matie, Alexandria .............. 42 Mauller, Josie .................... 21 Maurer, Taylor ................... 42 Maxwell, Thomas .............. 52 Maycon, Ethan .................. 93 Mayle, Jae’von .................. 12 Mayle, Joe ........................ 66 Mayle, Olivia ..................... 52 McCarthy, Taylor ............... 104

McCord IV, John ................ 18 McDonald, Kellie ................ 73 McGirr, Cassidy ................. 74 McPherson, Tori Jeanette .. 40 Menegay, Noah .................. 44 Meniru, Maryann ................ 85 Meoli, Ava .......................... 21 Mergner, Vincent ............... 119 Metzger, Jacob .................. 121 Metzger, Kaylee ................. 33 Michalek, Jada ................... 16 Mikes, Laney ..................... ..23 Miller, Bethany Nicole ........ 40 Miller, Daniel ...................... 9 Miller, Jack ......................... 22 Miller, Katrina ..................... 71 Miller, Madisyn ................... 34 Miller, Nathaniel ................. 105 Miller, Olivia ....................... 70 Miller, Shelby ..................... 5 Milnes, Rebekah ................ 106 Mitchell, Alyssa .................. 12 Mitchell, Kirsten ................. 114 Mitzel, Emmalie ................. 15 Monahan, Stefan ................ 38 Montgomery, Ethan ........... 40 Moody, Je’cis ..................... 16 Moore, Ella ........................ 8 Moore, Joseph ................... 49 Moore, Maggie ................... 68 Moore, Nathan ................... 101 Moore, Zion ....................... 48 Morgan, Eva ...................... 22 Morgan, Jaydan ................. 72 Morris, Rylee ..................... 48 Morrow, J Ben .................... 27 Morton, Cameron ............... 19 Motts, Quinton ................... 53 Motz, Emily ........................ 133 Mullins, Caitlynn ................. 60 Mumea, Lincoln ................. 20 Murray, Quinn ..................... 77 Murray, Joey ...................... 55

Neider, Avery ..................... 19 Nesbitt, Karlee ................... 74 Neuman, Peighton ............ 112

Newman, Cheyanne .......... 37 Nichols, Kyle ...................... 18 Nielsen, Jade...................... 40 Nieporte, Lauren .............. 39 Nolan, Brian........................ 114 Noling, Amelia ................... 21 Noling, Sebastian .............. 21 Noll, Cory .......................... 19 Norch, Dillon ...................... 22 Norris, Erin ........................ 45 Norris, Maryia .................... 71 Nosic, Christina ................. 25

Olesen, Alex ...................... 70 Oliver, Ben ......................... 31 Ollis, Olivia ........................ 60 O’Neal, Moses .................... 40 O’Quinn, Angel .................. 30 Ortiz, Theresa .................... 52 Ott, Liam ............................ 107 Owens, Daeonna ............... 43

Parks, Christian ................. 8 Pasrija, Khushi .................. 6 Passthing, Leanne ............. 9 Patterson, Stone ................ 27 Paxos, Christina ................ 87 Paxton, Sydney .................. 16 Payne, Allie ....................... 53 Pedro, Tristan .................... 105 Pennington, Samuel .......... 20 Peppard, Pennelope .......... 21 Perkins, Emilie ................... 119 Petit, Samuel ..................... 103 Petrik, Khali ....................... 45 Phillips, Natalie .................. 77 Phillips, Preston Thomas ... 24 Pledgure, Naiomi ............... 23 Porter, Justin ...................... 31 Powers, Alyssa .................. 43 Pratt, Broc ......................... 14 Pryor, Nadia ...................... 119

Quin, Nick .......................... 116 Quinn, Angel ...................... 30

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Ramsey, Jenna ................. 62 Reindel, Kate .................... 6 Rhodes, Peyton ................ 121 Rice, Rikelle ...................... 116 Richey, Kelly ..................... 67 Rickmann, Preston ............ 13 Ridenour, Laurysa ............. 78 Ridley, Tamia .................... 112 Rivera, Isabella ................. 16 Roberts, Isaiah .................. 98 Robinson, Cortez ............... 34 Robinson, Molly ................ 42 Robinson, Zmarrie ............ 41 Rogers, Lauren ................. 25 Romar, Chris ..................... 32 Rosenow, Kristen .............. .8 Ross, Aurora ..................... 114 Ross, Braylen .................... 15 Ross, Isaac ....................... 130 Roth. Alex ......................... 65 Roth, Brianna .................... 95 Ruffin, Colin ....................... 45 Ruffin, Lyric ........................ 16

Salvino, Alexandra ............ 21 Sanders, Na’shailla ............ 41 Schaefer, Kylie .................. 50 Schrembeck, David ........... .14 Schrembeck, Elden ........... 14 Scibetta, Lauren ................ 70 Scott, Destany ................... 20 Scott, Kaylee ..................... 15 Scott, Logan....................... 43 Scroggs, Erin .................... 121 Seders, Faith .................... 112 Sells, Cassidy ................... 113 Seymour, Miasia ............... 23 Shackle, Molly ................... 24 Shah, Noor ........................ 24 Shahan, Elizabeth ............. 82 Shanklin, Jessica .............. 113 Shilling, Gabe .................... 30 Shirkey, Lyndsay ............... 23 Sholtis, Dimitri ................... 49 Shrader, Kaitlin ................. 57

Grades 10-12 INDEX Simpkins, Alexander .......... 32 Skyllas, Katie ..................... 101 Slabaugh, Eliz .................... 78 Smith, Braedon .................. 61 Smarr, Breonna ................. 57 Smith, Ben ......................... 94 Smith, Charlize .................. 21 Smith, Ciara ....................... .6 Smith, Isaac ....................... 67 Smith, Langley ................... 118 Smith, Lauryn .................... 56 Smith, Mattie ...................... 59 Snyder, Sarah .................... 98 Snyder, Simeon .................. 59 Sparks, Savannah ............. 105 Spencer, Aaron Thomas .... 30 Spencer, Unique ................ 71 Spencer, Ayana ................. 42 Steele, Gavrielle ................ 27 Stephens, Alayna ............... .5 Stephens, Nathan .............. 61 Stevens, Amour ................. .7 Stevenson, Erica ................ 61 Stevenson, John ................ 122 Stewart, Amya ................... 56 Stewart, Aubree ................. 17 Stewart, Lily ....................... 17 Stewart, Tay’zon ................ 49 Storsin, Will ........................ 48 Strickland, Danajiana ......... 45 Strobel, Karyssa ................ 19 Strunk, Brian ...................... 31 Stubblefield, Cory .............. 46 Swartzentruber, Madison ... 79 Swym, Jed ......................... 96 Swym, Phebe .................... 113 Sylvertooth, Mianni ............ 39

Taylor, Jamie ..................... 106 Testa, Blaire ...................... 10 Thompson, Kylee ............... 107 Thouvenin, Abigail ............. 102 Thouvenin, Natalie ............. 129 Timms, Gavin .................... 37 Tipton, Cheyanne .............. 50 Thomas, Davion ................ 13 Tonsky, Ashley .................. 14

Toombs, Rylee .................. 54 Traxell, Kyle ...................... 122 Triplett, Payton .................. 82 Tritt, Brady ......................... 102 Troyer, Aaron .................... 133 Trussel, Nathan ................. 80 Tucker, Draven .................. 18 Turley, Reece .................... 102 Turner, Madison ……………..17

Vahezen, Gwen .................. 9 Veidert, Tessa ................... 36 Via, Christian ..................... 66 Visco, Lucy ........................ .10

Umbles, Sharva .................. 43

Vahezen, Gwen ................. 27 Via, Christian ...................... 66 Viertel, Joshua ................... 50 Visco, Lucy ........................ 10 Void, Kandyce ................... 115

Wackerly, Lindsey ............. 50 Wade, Myra ....................... 85 Wagner, Dylan ................... 59 Wahl, Alyssa ..................... 56 Walker, Dayjah .................. 41 Walker, Jernee .................. 110 Walsh, Karli ....................... 65 Ware, Austin ...................... 12 Warner, Anthony ............... 39 Warner, Sophia ................. 37 Warstler, Roxanne ............. 24 Washington, Giovanni ........ 17 Watson, Caroline ............... 33 Weber, DeAnna ................. 30 Webster, Jayden ............... 19 Wiegreff, Nadia .................. 115 Wessel, Sarah ................... 126 Westfall, Josh .................... 13 Wilkes, Betty ..................... 23 Williams, Abby R. .............. 38 Williams, D’Kayla ............... 59

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 138

Grades 10-12 INDEX

Ka-Pow! Pop! Poetry!

Williams, Jagger ................ 61 Williams, Kaia ................... 117 Williams, Keya .................. 20 Williams, Rachael .............. 6 Williams, Vanessa ............. 122 Wilson, Hannah ................. 92 Wilson, Hunter .................. 60 Wilt, Matt ........................... 13 Wittmer, Denver ................ 71 Wolf, Branson ................... 34 Wolfe, Maria ...................... 109 Wood, Matthew ................. 58 Woolbert, Emme ............... 9 Wooten, Rhiannon ............ 112 Wyatt, Gavin ..................... 26

Yoder, Jacob ..................... 69 Yount, Alexis ..................... 111 Yun, Kaleob ...................... 129

Zanolli, Jaclyn ................... 80 Zavarelli, Christian ............. 66 Zhu, Verna ........................ 90

Stark County District Library ~ 2014 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 139

Locations Main Library

Madge Youtz Branch

DeHoff Memorial Branch

North Branch

715 Market Avenue N Canton, OH 44702 330.452.0665

2921 Mahoning Road NE Canton, OH 44705 330.452.2618

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Mobile Services

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