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The Poetry Tent at the Collingswood Book Festival 2014

Fifth Annual Youth Poetry Competition Award-winners, Finalists & Selected Entries

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Honors and Prizes Awarded Ages 7 to 8

Winner Wintery Christmas by Assya Balany Second Prize I Have Dyslexia by Abigail Cashin Third Prize On the Beach by Lydia Smith Hon. Mention Kitten’s Fur Tickles My Face by Caroline Cook Ages 9 to 10

Winner I Am by Timothy Sheehan Second Prize Dancing on Ice by Anushka Gandhi Third Prize I am a Tiger by Owen Dodd Hon. Mention Sparkling Sea Glass by Caitlin Alfaro Hon. Mention Autumn by Natalie Desmond Hon. Mention Halloween by Brandon Plummer Ages 11 to 13

Winner Nature Has a Way by Antony Post Second Prize At the Beach by Julia Wheeler Third Prize Lemon by Nicole Budzynski Hon. Mention In the Inside by Lucy Fisher Special Haiku Award …. Caroline Cook The above young poets received a certificate and numerous prizes.

such as delicious gifts from the Pop Shop Café and Restaurant,

which has supported the youth poetry competition since its beginning.

Others providing gifts this year to the young poets include: Cabana Water Ice . Broadway Theatre of Pitman Camden Riversharks Baseball . Pinsetter bar & bowl Perkins Center for the Arts . ExtraordindaryED

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First Prize -- 11 to 13 years old

Nature Has A Way Alone as the clear, turquoise, waves smash on to the millions of particles of sand the wind whistles a soft tune as it blows by, creating a movement in the ocean. Time and time again it is difficult to recognize something so beautiful. As I stroll back through the woods to my lonely cottage, trees begin to die. Brown leaves get stuck to my shoes. Nature has a way. For years that passed and years to come, everything has a special time on Earth, gracing everyone at its stunning pace. But if an animal crawls by, there too time is limited… Nature has a way.

Antony Post Age 13 Haddonfield, NJ

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Second Prize – 11 to 13 years old

At the beach At the beach I see waves crashing, turning, and shaking As if inside an upset stomach I smell the salt water stinging my eyes Like on the saddest day of my life The dozens of people talking Sounds like white noise Warm sand clump together— The softest rocks around I feel my worries break free At the beach

Julia Wheeler Age 11 Medford, NJ

Third Prize – 11 to 13 years old

Lemon The bitterness of the tart fruit bursts through my taste buds! Although it sweetens the cold iced tea, It is still as bitter as school starting early. The unknowing waitress put too much lemon in my tea— The sourness overpowers all. A crisp lemon cut in half— Like a springtime daisy Leaves me with new emotions.

Nicole Budzynski Age 11 Medford, NJ

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Honorable Mention – 11 to 13 years old

In The Inside She’s “fat” He’s “ugly” They wear black And…they wear pink Why do we do this Why do we choose to hurt Why is everyone separated Aren’t we all truly the same Scientifically, the same atoms But what about our souls Don’t we all have dreams Hopes Wishes Desires Everyone has an opinion But should that opinion be hurtful Should we be able to separate people Because of their gender, their skin color, their ethnicity Is it really necessary We never know how much time we have So why spend it hurting Why don’t we just love Why is that so hard

Lucy Fisher Age 11 Collingswood, NJ

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Finalist –- 11 to 13 years old

The Hills From a Distance People will climb. The farther they walk The farther the hills roll. The moment they turn around The hills are there Waiting. People have shadows … Their shadows are the hills.


Finalist -- 11 to 13 years old

Lemon Summer squirting in my puckered lips A sun of sour growing on my tree Seeds inside, like petals start a new generation. A sun of sour growing on my tree On a cloudy day a lemon will bring out the sun— a smile on my old oak tree.


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First Prize – 9 to 10 years old

I Am

I am the leaves of the trees. I wonder when the sun will explode. I hear the sound of nature whistle. I see beautiful sights that remind me of my imagination. I want a piece of everything on earth. I am the leaves of the trees. I pretend I live in an enchanted place. I feel wet clouds sink through my hands. I touch the soft flowers blooming in spring. I worry the earth will one day become as it is in Wall-e. I cry on the nature that dies out as people become irresponsible. I am the leaves of the trees. I understand why nature is beautiful. I say without colors life would be dull. I dream one day pollution will end. I try to make the world a better place. I hope life will become more spectacular. I am the leaves of the trees.

Timothy Sheehan Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

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Second Prize – 9 to 10 years old

Dancing on Ice

Taking off my guards, Stepping on a sheet of white,

Flying high, Silvery skate blades gleaming in florescent light,

My blades gracefully landing, Soft music willingly propels me into the air,

Kicking off my fears, I become stronger, Except for the swish of my blades everything is …

silent Pure, fresh, icy air wraps around me,

Swish! My blades stop moving as I strike my final pose,

Joy seeping into me from all directions, It’s Endless.

Anushka Gandhi Age 9 Haddon Township NJ

Honorable Mention –9 to 10 years old

Sparkling Sea Grass Sparkling sea glass, Where did you come from? Maybe you came from the sky

or a place where gods ruled the lands You are round like a ball You are blue like the ocean You feel calm like a person meditating Do you remember the time you washed up on the shore? I wonder if you have traveled the world

Caitlin Alfaro Age 9 Lumberton, NJ

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I Am a Tiger I am a tiger, A ferocious big beast, But my cubs have no food, And we need a big feast. We had murky brown water, Dead fish, And oak pine, My cubs have no food, And that’s my trouble, Yes, mine I raise my big head and let out A big roar, And then I patter, patter, patter, Which makes the animals scatter. I hear chomping, Yes, chomping, In a tree, Which holds a squirrel, And I tried to take nuts From that ferocious girl. I am a tiger, A ferocious big beast, But my cubs have no food, And we need a big feast

Owen Dodd Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

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Halloween

It’s Halloween! I see houses galor,

and trick-or-treaters from door to door.

I smell the scent of candles in the night,

and the smell of sweating kids running left and right.

I taste the sweet brown chocolate melting in my mouth,

and the rock pop candy popping about.

I hear the kids going trick-or-treat,

and the birds going tweet tweet tweet.

I feel my thick leathery bag,

and my costume’s cape-like rag

Right now, today is Halloween night.

I told you the senses, now have a good fright!

Brandon Plummer Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

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Autumn Colorful leaves on my head I don’t want to go to bed Pumpkins growing The wind is blowing The whistling is so great The scarecrow dancing in the leaves In the sloppy pile He tried to say hello friend But it wasn’t worth his while Pumpkin pie, hot and steaming Get the rake, the yard needs cleaning Autumn spices in the pie The cookies are so good I could die Colorful leaves on my head I don’t want to go to bed

Natalie Desmond Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ


Bubbling Cauldron Bubbling cauldron Red, orange lava; black dust Loudly shaking ground BOOM! Lava runs down the sides Smoke rising high in the air This tragedy might be disastrous— These colors seen in a leaf

Emily Murphy Age 9 Medford, NJ

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I’m Hungry

Can you hear that? My stomach pleading begging with every grumble “Feed Me!” I must oblige I inhale the warm simmering chocolately fragrance of brownies baking Is this love with one quick chomp The brownie is prisoner in my mouth My stomach SILENT This is love! Uh-ph… Can you hear that?

Audrey Cashin Age 10 Mt. Laurel

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Pretty Seashell Pretty seashell, Where did you come from? Maybe from a place where everything is peaceful and full of happiness and love Your center is a big spiraling stairway You are brown like a fuzzy carpet You feel bumpy like a stone wall Do you remember when I would come to your home, the beach, and collect other seashells? I wonder who lived inside of you. If I did, then I would have loved my beautiful home— You.

Sidney Bernhardt Age 9 Medford, NJ


Come Out With Me To the Baseball Field See the green grass grow, and the hard dirt laying on the ground. Hear the sound of fans cheering, baseballs bouncing off bats and the ball hit the catcher’s glove. Feel the everlasting light pour onto you from the towering lights. Smell hot dogs on the grill and leather that makes up a glove. Taste the speedy breeze, and the variety of food on the concession stand. Come with me to the baseball field.


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THE COLD WATERY BEACH

I walk to the beach

And look around. 1234 lots of people.

I hear waves. Humongous waves hitting the

Sticky wrinkly sand. I smell all the salt watered people. Peeee youuuu!

Stinky smelly people. I walked in the water,

I swallowed stinky smelly salt water. I threw it right back up my throat.

1 step by 1 I got deeper and deeper in the warm water.

I went faster and faster in the water. I started stepping on hard shells, then I picked one up.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Crab! I dropped it back in the water. It looked like it was dead.

I put my crabby hand back in the water. Ouch! He pinched me! Not dead!

Nicholas Griese Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

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Purple Purple is good news waiting to occur Purple is the chirp of birds with the cool breeze blowing Purple is peace over the world being spread with love Purple is the flapping of butterfly wings in the afternoon Purple tastes like bubble gum fresh from the wrapper at Camp Pine Tree Purple smells like cookies baking in the oven at my house Purple sounds like a vacuum picking up dust from my living room floor Purple feels soft like my baby blanket I got years ago Purple looks like the sunrise at my bedroom window early in the morning Purple makes me feel like my daddy hugging me all the time

Sidney Bernhardt Age 9 Medford, NJ


In The Diner In the diner I see friends chatting about news I smell the bacon and pancakes I touch my buttered toast I hear plates and forks clatter I feel happy but sad when we have to leave I hug my sister and say goodbye I look out the window to see the busy world I hope to come again with my sister In the diner


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FUN FALL

I stand ten feet away In a ready position. I’m ready to Jump.

I watch the dirty green, And the yuck yellow,

And the pretty purple. Swirl around in the air,

I smell the fresh cut grass. I wait…

Until the leaves stop swirling around in the air, I wait…

Until the everything stops, And all I hear is me breathing.

I wait… And listen. Here it is!

GO!! My feet barely touch the ground.

I dig up dirt with my feet, I feel the wind blow on me and hold me back.

PLAT!! I landed on my back.

The Fall fun has just begun!!

Macie Troncone Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

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HIKING

HISS BUZZ

SQUAWK RUSTLE

COLD CLEAN WATER SMOOTH DAMP ROCKS

BUMPY DRY BARK

LIGHT BLUE WATER FALLS STUNNING IMMENSE MAPLES

SECRET STAIRCASE LEADING TO MORE WATER FALLS

I FEEL RELAXED Ava Palmer Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ


Grandpa is snoring!

It’s raining it’s pouring Grandpa is snoring!

The window is old The window is leaking The window still is white and cracking. It reminds me of grandma’s cottage cheese, in the morning. Drip drop drip drop from the roof top. Dripping in the puddles Dripping in the grass Drippy droppy another drop and it will be a muddy mass

The dripping and snoring and other things boring. They are loud, soft and they bother me, so annoying! I think I won’t make it through the morning.

Nelson Martinez Age 10 Haddon Township,

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Halloween

I see a lot of scary purple witches and boney skeletons and monsters with green faces.

I see people with untied shoe laces. I see people talking

I hear people saying trick-or-treat I hear the wind howling in the street. I smell the smell of candy and the sharp grass the grass is sharp as a shark. I feel the cool breeze and a heavy bang and an itchy name tag. I taste my delicious chocolate and pumpkin pie and pumpkin seeds.

Shreyas Rajashekhara Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ


The Hot Sandy Beach Seagulls wading in the water Waves crashing down on the wet sand

Hermit crabs skipping in the hot bumpy sand Seashells laying on the wet sand.

The waves tumbling down Making the kids shout at the top of their lungs Seagulls taking peoples’ French fries.

Salty, hot French-fries swishing in my mouth Buttery, lemony lobster too, yum!

The hard, bumpy horseshoe crabs The smooth, wet seashells The arcade games were fantastic Beach sweet beach.

Ethan William Bergmann Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

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“The Dream Capsule”

Eyes are Microscopes. The electric fumes smell floating on the floor.

Spooky sounds come out of the new Neighborhood canvas that came to life.

I touch the scientific pollen in the air. I’m trapped in a dream.

How can I get out? Am I done for?

I doubt it. I see a video of my day.

Am I trapped here forever? Am I removed from Planet Earth?

Am I gone? I hope I’m wrong. You know what.

I take all my questions back.

Benicio C. Foote Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

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First Prize – 7 to 8 years old

Wintery Christmas

It is snowing everywhere Christmas lights are here and there Ornaments on Christmas trees Look very pretty, pretty please People singing Christmas songs When the clock chimes, Ding Dong Crunching pine cones under foot Unwrapping presents, I got a book Grandma baked a big fat cake I took a big bite “Yum”! with cocoa shake Cookies, candies fill the house, Some for the people, some for my mouse Feel that soft snow When the breeze starts to blow Frosty must be cold out there Maybe he needs a jacket to wear. I sense a sweet scent in the den Cookies pies and cinnamon Christmas brings a lot of cheer I hope it’s like this every year.

Aaaya Balany Age 8 Cherry Hill, NJ

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Second Prize – 7 to 8 years old I Have Dyslexia I have Dyslexia that is a big word that means reading is hard for me In my class everyone is ahead of me I try to catch up but when I look in a book it looks like letters are everywhere coming from all directions I squint my eyes It’s too much to look at I am getting help now I am reading words Soon I will read chapter books I will catch up Look out Here I come!

Abigail Cashin Age 7 Mt. Laurel

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On the Beach On the beach I see the seagulls flying Like kites soaring I smell the salty breeze I hear the waves crashing Like glass breaking I feel the hot sand on my feet I taste the salty sea water I feel like I am free On the beach

Lydia Smith Age 8 Tabernacle, NJ

Honorable Mention – 7 to 8 years old

Kitten Fur Tickles My Face Kitten’s fur tickles my face, I am its special sleeping place. The purring sings with my heart, There is no way we could be apart. Eyes are green with flecks of gold, Now my heart will never be cold.

Caroline Cook Age 7 Collingswood, NJ

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Special Haiku Award

Chocolate Beard Ice cream tastes so sweet, Trickles quickly down my chin. Mmm, chocolate beard!


Special Haiku Award

Squirrel Squirrel digs a hole, Holding nuts for winter need. Goodbye to summer!



Sun Inside the Pineapple

There’s a sun inside the sweet pineapple. Sun is warm on my skin It reminds me of my mom Because she likes pineapple My mom makes me feel warm inside, too.

Rhyse Redding Age 7 Medford, NJ

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New York City

I see the buildings looking down on me It looks like leaves falling off a tree I see the cars stop and go VROOM! Dried up leaves flying, got to get a broom! I love the way New York looks. I hear he people talking Shouting louder and louder I hear the people running in a rush Their feet slam on the ground I love the way New York sounds. I smell the gas from the cars I cough and cough I smell the food Up and down the street Wow! I love the way New York smells.

Calvin Luong Age 8 Cherry Hill, NJ


Mom and I make salsa

Red is the tomatoes I crush in the blender Squishy like water balloons. It swirls like a tornado

My mom and I make salsa for our family.

Maddie Brooks Age 8 Tabernacle, NJ

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Pretty Rock Pretty rock, Where did you come from? Maybe from under the sea You are bumpy and smooth like skin You are turquoise like the ocean You feel like a new discovery Do you remember when I was on the beach on a kickboard and I saw a lobster underwater? I wonder if you were there too

Sean Alfaro Age 7 Lumberton, NJ


Pretty Rock Pretty rock, Where did you come from? Maybe from India from the Buddha statue You are oval like an egg You are blue like the sea You feel smooth like a rose’s petal Do you remember me when I was born? I wonder if you can stay on the moon

Bridget Alfara Age 7 Lumberton NJ

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Pink Rose Pink rose, Where do you come from? Maybe from Snow White’s garden You are leafy like the trees You are pinkish-purple like nail polish You feel smooth like the inside of a turtle’s shell You remind me of my favorite necklace with lipstick and gems I wonder if you could talk would you say, “I like being a flower”

Lauren Feeley Age 7 Southampton, NJ


Fat Sand Dollar Fat sand dollar, Where did you come from? Maybe from an ocean bank You are round like a ball You are white like a cloud You feel rich like a dollar Do you remember when I stepped on you at the beach? I wonder if you’re worth money

Braden Age 8 Audubon, NJ

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Peaches, Apples, and Memories

Juicy peaches remind me of my fuzzy blanket I snuggled with when I had the flu. Green apples remind me of the apple cake We made for my grandmom for her birthday My mom and I. I placed the apple slices on the batter like petals in a flower. Sweet memories!

Addison Butcher Age 8 Shamong, NJ


Juicy Tomato Juicy tomato Wrinkly and smooth Star on top Inside tiny dot seeds. The vines are long with lots of red. I grow tomatoes with my dad in our garden.

Lydia Smith Age 8 Tabernacle, NJ

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“Good-Enough-to-Win” Poems Entries that received special note during the judging The huge number of entries this year were packed with excellent poems, it wore the judges a bit weary, and a few felt guilty that this poem or that poem did not get into the finals. Included here are these special poems.

The Wonderful Jungle Today was an OK Day I Rode My bike down a path Then the path got split in half.

I went to the right I was way out of sight.

Then I heard a loud hoot And then I fell on my knees,

My bike fell on a root, I saw a lot of trees.

I smelled the flowers, For about 2 hours.

I saw a monkey He was very funky.

I saw the sunset, Then I got upset.

My sandwich tasted yummy, Then it filled up my tummy.

That was my fun day HIP HIP HORRAY!!!!!!

Aydan Horn Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

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FUN AT THE AMUSEMENT PARK

All of the kids screaming The wonderful smell of funnel cake makes me really hungry,

The rides going round and round makes me really dizzy, I taste the really good cotton candy I want it again and again,

The softness of the tickets for the games and the rides Makes me really anxious to go on more and more,

All of the music makes me want to dance Because… I am at… the…

AMUSEMENT PARK! Sarah Weissinger Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

Little sand dollar, Where did you come from? Maybe from deep under the sand You are round like the sun You are white like the moon You feel peaceful like meditation Do you remember if you ever saw me at the beach? I wonder if you are worth money

Simon Bernhardt Age 9 Medford, NJ

MY THANKSGIVING

I can taste apple and pumpkin pie, Turkey and cranberry sauce Corn, cake, and ice-cream

And apples mushed up like gloss I can see the feast and my family

I can hear yelling, thanks and talking I can feel the heat of the turkey I can smell its deliciousness too

I had a great Thanksgiving I hope you had one too ☺

Greta Mathiesen Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

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Boardwalk

I hear the waves crashing down, The birds are chirping all around.

I feel my foot touch the ground, The wooden boardwalk is all brown.

I smell the food that they make, Like pizza, and yummy funnel cake.

I see the beach, what a beautiful view, The fluffy white clouds in the sky so blue.

I taste the strong lavor of the salty French Fries. They taste so good; I want to blink my eyes.

The Jersey Shore is such a great place, It puts a big smile on my face.

Sophia Singer Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

Happy Birthday

The bright shiny flame on my birthday cake Laughing children surrounding me With smiles as bright as the flame

Singing happy birthday as loud as they can When we blow out the candles me and the fan

We look forward to the juicy pizza in our mouths Then we will go to the bouncy house

We come back exhausted As se eath the ice cream as it defrosts

We leave out the door and we are sure we’ll come back For Many More

Ayeashi Daniels

Oranges Sweet, so juicy Bright, so sticky Bumpy, so wrinkly inside Reminds me of a warm summer day And eating oranges In between quarters at my soccer games – Yummy So good!


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The beach

I smell the sea water, I smell the weeds in the sand, as the shells are in the ocean, I laid back and tanned

I taste the sea salt in my mouth, when the waves are crushing in. I taste the sour orange on my lips, I taste the humidity in the wind

I see the seagulls eating as the breeze goes by, these birds are so noisy they will always cry

I hear the gulls speaking, when the sand gets kicked, the waves are crushing the rocks. It’s a trick!

Wonderful day at the beach I hope I go again!

Kassidy Philips Age 9

APRIL IS HERE

On a nice, warm weekend The sky was all blue.

And no one had the flu. It’s a nice April Day.

I think it’s time to play Croquet!

Spring is here Is all I hear.

April throwing winter away! Hooray!

Jacqui Shourds Age 9 Collingswood NJ

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The Night of Halloween I hear the wind blowing tonight I hear the children playing tonight I hear bells ringing tonight.

I see the children running tonight I see the children trick or treating tonight I see the lanterns glowing tonight.

I feel the leaves falling tonight. I feel the candy filling tonight. I feel myself running around.

I smell the treats in my bag. I smell the joy through my heart I smell the treats in the house.

I taste the candy in my bag. I taste the treats in my sack. I taste the chewy candy I taste the candy in my mouth. Pratham Setia Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

Old Starfish, Where did you come from? Maybe from a fish that remained in the ocean a long time ago And turned into a star You are a yellow star like gold You are a star like treasure You feel rusty like an old body Do you remember when I saw you at the beach? I wonder if you came from the sky

Malcolm Bodiford Age 9 Lumberton, NJ

Sunset leaves are cool Leaves are floating everywhere Dancing in the wind Colorful like a sunset Pretty like a fall evening Lydia Smith Age 8 Tabernacle, NJ

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Baseball games Whacking swinging It’s been forever since I’ve been hitting, But now it’s my time to shine not shine, I have to have lots of confidence to go up there, If I get hit It’s like I get bit by a bear, I hope I hit my wish and hit a homerun, You always have to swing for the fences, It’s hard to complete this task, But all I have to do is try to hit the ball, Now I’m up to hit, I might have just bit my lip, I’m at the plate with two people behind me, The ball is coming straight for me, With all my might I swing the bat, whack!, It hits the fence, running to the rubbery bases, I touch first, second, third, and I slide for home, Inside the park homerun, I scream as happy I can be.

Matthew Keating Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

Minecraft world I spawn Trees, animals, and water all round Punching trees and crafting tools to defend me in the monster hoard. I get a pickaxe to mine I hope I get diamonds to be a boss to fight creepers And the other monsters through out the night. I build the castle to help protect me I place a bed sleeping it feels good. Servers with friends Playing fractions skywars and other mini games This game will blow your mind. ☺

Ryan Murphy Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

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I Lay Upon A Field

I lay upon a field of grass.

I saw a bed of flowers.

I heard some bees go buzzing by.

Then I smelled some pollen.

Oh no… ACHOO!

I felt the wind upon my skin.

Oh my, I’m chilly!

Time to go! What a nice day!

Julia McLaughlin Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

Day at the Beach Seagulls squealing, kids screaming,

Waves crashing by. Crabs scramble,

I touch the water with delight. The crabs pinch my feet,

As I stand by I taste the salt water,

Oh, my, my!! I built a sand castle,

As the day was going by, My sand castle came crashing down,

As the kids came running by!! The day was great, We got home late I was sad to say

Goodbye!!

Sophia Loeffler Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

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Ants Crawling black dots Moving swiftly on rocks Digging out their new home. Red ants, black ants, Crawling in my bed, Sometimes even on my head Red ants, black ants Near the kitchen door Why are you always on my floor? Go away annoying ants!

Kyle Callahan Age 8 Haddon Township, NJ

On the beach I see the ocean It looks like a blue sky I smell the salty breeze As it flutters across my face I hear screeching seagulls Ready to steal our food The sand tickles my toes Like my little sister does I feel happy On the beach

Maddie Brooks Age 8 Tabernacle, NJ

Watermelon Green like grass Red like cherry water ice You cannot eat the mean black seeds

Alex Butcher Age 8 Shamong, NJ

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In England I see the beautiful Buckingham palace Reminding me of kings and queens I smell hot dogs on the street like when I am at a Phillies game at home I hear the busy traffic as cars yell at each other I feel the sidewalk under my feet As I walk to the art museum I feel closer to my family In England

Rhyse Redding Age 7 Medford, NJ

On the sandy beach I see the waves coming up on the sand Like rain splashing from a puddle I smell the salty ocean I hear everybody talking and having fun My sisters build sand castles I feel the hot sand on my skin like the sun I feel relaxed, free, and happy On the sandy beach


In the Meadow Blue flowers like blueberries In the meadow Purple flowers like plums In the meadow Yellow flowers like bananas In the meadow Pink flowers like raspberries In the meadow


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The Relaxing Beach

Waves sprinted across the clear, blue water Before crashing on the soggy sand.

Distinct smells of sunblock and saltwater Put a smile on my face. I stared at my magazine

before my stomach roared like an angry lion. Still gripping the smooth, ruffled magazine,

I bit into the succulent, juicy hoagie And sipped the sweet, cold lemonade,

and all my cares melted away into the sand that was burning my skin,

but I never cared about hot or cold, as long as I was at my favorite place.

The shouts of crashing, calm waves

And laughs of joyous children surrounded me like the serenity I felt.

I took a handful of potato chips out of my bag and stuffed the crispy happiness

Into my satisfied mouth. I folded up my magazine

And lifted myself up off the sand. I walked over to the ocean

And felt the clear, crisp waves Lap against my ankles.

I never wanted to leave the beach.

Juliet Fassano Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

Morning The strong orange glow of the rising sun, The robins chirping in the early morning, The sweet smell of eggs and toast being cooked. A clean breath of oxygen is taken in, As the warm rays of sun seep through the windows.

Danielle Taylor Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

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Hershey Fun

Roller coasters hear the Woosh! Water slides hear the swoosh! The water park is so much Fun surprisingly the day is done You hear the splash on the Log floom when it drops you Hear the BOOM!! One more ride then Hershey’s closed Flips and turns and backwards To the ride is over Yay Wahoo Darby Rice Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

At the diner in Aruba I see people eating in side And birds watching from the outside I think they want the corn on my plate I smell sweet and yummy bacon on the grill I hear quiet conversations Talk of travel and plans for the day I feel the warmth of the spoon against my brain freeze I feel comfortable here At the diner in Aruba

Lauren Feeley Age 7 Southampton, NJ

The Ocean

I wake up to see the sunrise of the sea, the people and the trees, and the glimmering salty sea. The people playing games… It’s all the same Down by the sea. The surfers Riding the waves, and, the people bathing in the salty sea. The long days of playing, I’m just staying down by the sea. The sunset is filled with purples, pinks and oranges. The sea calms, the day ends, down by the sea.

Vivienne Koory Grade 5

Garfield Elementary

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At Rodizio Grill I see waiters carrying steak swords Like medieval knights I smell yummy steak My mouth waters as I wait I hear forks clinking against plates Like swordplay I feel like I could eat forever At Rodizio Grill

Kaitlin Sullivan Age 10 Marlton, NJ

WINTER! I see snowflakes slowly falling down. The white footprints from the squirrels are slowly turning brown. The summer flowers are crumbled up I put them in a purple cup. I hear the snow crunching when I walk. As I kick the snow my brothers gawk. The wind is blowing in my ear, my big brown eyes will shed a tear I taste hot chocolate warming my chest. In winter time it is the best. The marshmallows are melted like a family crest.

Jezaida Santana Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

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Red Red is the sun in the summer And the color that hides in the late sunset.

Re is a ruby and sometimes a rose.

And red is the coolest as far as color goes.

Red is the color of a face when embarrassed. And is the show off of all colors.

When pink becomes dark, it says goodby to pink and turns to red. But red goes to orange when it becomes lighter.

Garnet red matches the flurries that jump from a fire. And are the pieces of sun that float away from that ruby red ball.


One Halloween One Halloween you see candy galore. And see trick-or-treaters at your door. It is a dark night but you can still see kids having fun.

You can feel the chilly wind. You can feel the goosebumps on your skin. You can feel the excitement crawling up to your chin.

You hear the laughter of children going by. You hear dogs barking in the street. And trick-or treaters asking for sweets. You can smell the caramel apples and taste them too. You can smell the icy air and taste the dew. You can smell the sugar in the air and hopefully on your tongue.

Now I have to go but on lst word… Trick-or-Treat

Elizabeth Hind Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

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Swing I felt the rough ropes that I was Holding onto Wind blowing in my hair The smell of flowers just blooming And thin fresh air

Birds were chirping Trees were swaying Sun shining above I look around and in a pond There is suddenly a dove

Pollen was falling all around me Oh such a thing I can’t believe I had such a good time Swinging on that swing.

Dana Willis Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

Autumn Leaves Dancing, prancing through the air Moving, grooving, without a care. Yellow leaves upon the tree That breaks off and galls so gently. Going along with the whistling wind It has a spot that is pinned. The bright red glow that can’t be missed That’s like a perfectly shaped wish. It soars in groups to the ground And flies and floats all around If you look in the bright blue sky This sight of colorful leaves fly With the cold wind following with it The great white clouds will be lit It dances prances all around Until the leaves touch the ground.

Rielly Narkiewicz Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

42

This is Halloween Kids in their costumes running from house to house and lawn to lawn especially this one kid named Sean.

Kids laughing and screaming up and down the block doors closing left and right, inside my grainy trick or treating basket I think I found a rock!

Running my finger across the cold doorbell to give the people and alert, once they open the door I can smell their dessert.

Eating my candy on the way home because it is too late, this holiday really is great!

Finally I can’t believe all the things I’ve seen on this one holiday called HALLOWEEN!!

Peter Cruz Age Haddon Township, NJ

“The Halloween Night”

On the scariest day of the year,

I look around Ghosts and goons all over.

Screams in houses. This day will scare anyone.

I bet it will. The smell of the chocolate candies

in baskets. I shove the sugary chocolate bar

Into my mouth. I run like a cheetah to a house

“trick of treat!: I touch the candy grab a handful

Run off into the night And rule the world with my might.

Ryan Murphy Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

43

It’s the 17th and it’s amazing as I walk into my house

My wonderful family screamed, “Surprise!”

I fly back on my couch, my heart is pounding, and my body is shaking.

Presents are everywhere. Here, and there, bright colored packages filled with joy.

The cake looks like it’s on fire with candles.

“Make a wish, Blow the candles out!”

I close my eyes, I wish… I wished… ACHOO!

“Ew! You sneezed all over the cake” “Eat that – Please!”

Taking my first delicious bite Sweetness dances in my mouth Delicious joy!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Gabe Olivio-Hyder Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

Thanksgiving Everyone sitting at the table eating turkey and stuffing I love it when my family’s there all the food taste so rich more of it would be my wish the pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes it all makes me so grateful I love Thanksgiving all of it.

Julia Green Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

44

That Sweet Delicious Ice Cream Waiting in a long line on a hot day Prepared to spend our money on the icy cold ice Trying to find a spot eating the delicious treat Licking pieces off the treat You feel it trickle down your throat After the ice cream is the hard cone Taking a bite you hear the crunch The ice cream and the cone are a perfect mixture I can’t wait till next time To eat some of that sweet, delicious ice cream Tyler M. Williams Age 10 Haddon Township, NJ

Down in the Basement

toys crayons

down in the basement tv

bathrooms down in the basement

computers paper

down in the basement it’s a very sweet place down in the basement

you would want to come down in the basement

but only if you dare

Jillian Marinelli Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

Cinnamon

Cinnamon with its sweetest scent makes a timeless flavor One that which everyone should try to savor In muffins, cookies, Cinnabuns Cinnamon I love you you smell better than a chocolate chip cookie too.

Jillian Marinelli Age 9 Cherry Hill, NJ

the poetry tent - collingswood book festival poetry tent at the collingswood book festival ... soft...

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