I’m so excited for this batch of young Viking writers. This week the poets read Brigit Pegeen Kelly’s “The Leaving” and were tasked with writing a poem in an epic manner about something they are proud of. I’m so happy to publish the folowing poets:
“Why Race” by Sam N.
When am I getting back?
Back to where I belong?
Wind on my helmet
if it even fits over my hair.
The rumble of the engine.
The thrill of the speed.
The stench of gasoline and rubber
back on the track
pushing the limits
the edge of control.
The tires screech
smoke billows
I’m around
back on the gas
righted once more
crossing the line
hoisting the cup
then I wake up again.
In the stands, watching them do it.
The smells all the same.
The roar of the crowds
The thrill of why we race
one day soon.
“10 Years” by Hayden C.
I am often asked where I see myself in 10 years
to that my answer is always unsure
what they see is confused
but what they don’t see are the shining lights
cameras
click
flash
paparazzi
The red carpet so long, never ending
My dress, jaw dropping
drop dead gorgeous
autographs, pictures, magazines.
One day I will lay lifeless in a casket
my presence gone
no physical embodiment of what or who I am
I might as well build myself into someone people love,
admire
cherish
know
recognize
One day I will be recognized,
but for now I sit in my bed
waiting for people to know my name.
“I’m Proud of Myself” by Ayden S.
I’m proud of myself,
my thoughtfulness. My work ethic.
But I’m also proud of my Dad. The moments we talked together.
He does so much, how can I ever say thank you?
When I grow up, I’m giving back to everyone who believed in me.
Hopefully, I’ll have lots of wealth, red lambo, and a family.
But what I hope for the most is happiness.
Can’t have anything if you’re not happy.
I’m proud of everyone. Everyone has their own story to be proud of.
If they’re not proud; I’m proud.
“Surrounded by the Beat” by Own C.
As I hear the drums pounding through my air buds, I fold laundry in my dimly lit room.
I separate the tops from the bottoms as I hang them on various colored plastic hangers.
I nod my head, tuning out the sounds of the world.
Humming to the lyrics, I feel safe, I feel secure.
I walk out to my car on this grey Chicago day.
I tap the blue button waiting for my music to play.
As the FKA synths fill the space, I drive over twigs and leaves on the grey pavement.
The harmonies flow and my body lifts.
I drive through the clouds, never coming down.
333 and zero gravity sets me free.
Bumpin’ that, bumpin’ to the beat, tapin’ my feet.
