Winning Poems

Ever since the Partridge Pedal Party, when several students in our school won prizes in the poetry contest, I have wanted to post their poems here.  Each student gave me permission, and I'm delighted to have enough time to post them now.  I was very pleased with their success, and bless them for their hard work.

Honorable Mention went to Nathan Yutzy,  son of Marvin and Rhoda, who is actually a former comp student.  He's a senior this year, and entering a poem was voluntary.  In a subtitle line, Nathan quoted I Peter 5:7 (NKJV):  "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."

Jesus Cares for All  
by Nathan Yutzy

Our pain--He bore it all.
Not only bore, but still He bears
Our heavy burdens, fears, and cares.
Our sadness, shame, He gladly shares.
Our pain--He bears it all.

Our tears--He felt them all.
Not only felt, but still He feels
Our weeping anguish as we kneel.
Our open wounds He gently heals.
Our tears--He feels them all.

Our sins--He pardoned all.
Not only did, but pardons yet
The tainted past we so regret,
Unsparing, frees us from our debt.
Our sins--He pardons all.

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Second Place winner was Jordan Nisly, son of Marvin and Rosa.  He won a $10.00 cash prize.

Kansas Drought
by Jordan Nisly

The quenching rains abruptly stop.
The farmers know not why.
Their faded fields turn brown and crisp,
And crumple as they die.

"How can we manage to provide?"
They question God in prayer.
In unity they ask for rain;
The drought is hard to bear.

Crops fail because of glaring heat,
And life is far from fair.
But finally cooling, lavish rains,
Refresh the stifling air.

The world is green with spirit now.
Plants grow and strut with pride,
Opening wide their leaves and pores.
They're glad, for God provides.

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First place winner was Lois Yoder, daughter of Richard and Susan.  Cash prize for this poem was $15.00.

Ripening Day
by Lois Yoder

The sun arises from the East,
And glitters bright on dewy green.
It soon illumines tender sprouts,
And sparkles bold in every sheen.

A green expanse across the plain
Is marred by clumps of shatter-cane.
The sun is high as plants stretch out--
But kernels grow as comes the rain.

The Kansas sun is parching now.
As mighty winds come scorching through.
It drives the moisture down to "nine."
Awakens berries' golden hue.

The rolling combines, wind-rows leave.
The baler's gobbling mouth creates
Bales on the stubble-studded field.
The sun has set; hot wind abates.

Amid its bed of starry hosts,
A harvest moon begins to peep,
Revealing what's already past.
It shines on fields now fast asleep.

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Entering a poem in the contest is mandatory for my composition class students, and thereby some self-confirmed non-poets have undergone a metamorphosis.

As is typical, the comp students agonized considerably over incorporating the poetic devices that seem to flow effortlessly in great poetry.  Teaching "monster" that I am, I required some rhyme and rhythm in their poetry writing, and they delivered.  Imagery and alliteration are present in their poems also--even several layers of imagery, as demonstrated in Lois' poem.  I know that poetry can be good without these elements, but having included these will forever give the students respect for other poets who use these devices masterfully.  Respect for such poets is in order.

I'll be sure to pass along any encouraging words you might have for these student poets.  Respect for them is in order also.