Finalist

The Creek

 

Late summer twilight falls on the creek in the woods

And the air above the rushing stream is heavy with humidity.

Some would claim the gentle humming comes from insects

But I know it is the electric buzz of unspoken intentions that fills the air.

Wordlessly, we wade in the cool water that laps against our knees

As we breathe in a strange perfume of tree sap and decaying leaves.

When my foot slips on a smooth stone, I lean on you more than is necessary

And you hold out your arm to offer support we both know I don’t really need.

The flowing brook presents us with gifts of leaves and twigs

Which collide with your legs before floating to tap against mine

Drawing a visible line to connect you to me.

 

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Sarah Jones, age 17

Wallingford, Pennsylvania

Strath Haven High School

Teacher: Emily Farrell