Finalist

 

My River

 

My river has  bridge

where I like to sit,

dangling my legs,

and listen.

Lots of things change quickly,

but the river takes its time.

And for some reason that’s comforting.

The summer-green grass

whispers excitedly

as if passing on secrets.

The trees murmur wisely,

nodding with the wind.

The birds gossip,

and there are rustles and an occasional splash

as various animals

go about living.

And then there is the river,

which passes on heedless of all,

intent always to push forward.

As it flows beneath me its seems to say

hello and goodbye at once—

“Must be moving,

there is so much to see!”

It reminds me that life is an adventure.

And whatever bad feelings I brought with me,
the river carries them away.

Rivers make good friends.

They help you remember

what the world makes you forget.

 

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Kara McKeever, age 17

Defiance, Ohio

Entered individually