NLW Teen Poetry Contest -- Third Place!

Winter Tree

The bare trees hold themselves up straight

But occasionally shiver in the cold.

They sway back and forth

As the breeze tickles their exposed arms.

They shake like a dog that is soaking wet

That just escaped from falling in the pool.

They stand in one place reaching for the sun,

Anticipating grabbing some warmth.

The wind sounds like a flat music note

Swiveling and scurrying between each branch

The powerful whisper vibrates along the trees

Sending them in utter shock to move.

The branches are so fragile and flimsy

That they could easily break off with one snap.

With branches as delicate as a baby birds' wings,

They want to be secure and steady.

The trunk is the heart and soul of the tree

That spreads life into each branch.

Each branch attributes a quality to support the tree

Through every season during the year.

A single tree cannot survive on its' own,

For it needs every other tree in order to live.

With a single breath, and a single sway,

It can keep a whole forest alive.

written by Margaux, age 15, Saddle River Day School