Belting Broadway

The wind whips my face
as the boat accelerates.
I let it flip and toss my hair
as my feet dangle over the edge.
White foam tickles my toes.

The sun pours down
across the green and blue waves,
each rough bump
now lined with glittering gold.

My friend sits next to me,
and when the first notes of a song escape her lips,
I join in,
the wind stealing the lyrics
as soon as they slip from my mouth.

I smile when the last note
hangs in the air
My voice is weak from roaring the words
But I fall back and laugh with Amelia.
Again?

I nod.
I want this afternoon,
this boat ride,
this song,
this moment with Amelia
to last forever.

---

Sarah Jordan, age 12
West Bath, Maine
Center for Teaching and Learning
Teacher: Nancie Atwell