mk

I run through the woods,
happy to be free,
my feet pounding on the rough ground,
my heart beating.

The birds sing a melody that I do not know,
the trees hovering over me,
protecting me.

I trip over a root.
I get back up;
my knee is bleeding, but I do not notice it.

I see light ahead of me.
I have reached the forest edge;
disappointed I lay on the grass.

I fall asleep, no longer feeling free.

I opened my eyes to find moonlight pouring through my curtains and onto my bare feet, uncovered by my restless flailing. I sat up, wide awake despite the hour, every sense alert. I slipped out of bed and onto the cold floor, glancing at the clock as I went into the hall and crept past my mothers’ bedroom door.
My feet pitter-pattered on the kitchen tiles as I padded to the door and unlocked it so I could escape onto the porch. My pajamas had been worn thin and were no protection from the late September chill, and I stood stalk still, eyes facing the heavens to search out the constellations. I was so enthralled with my stargazing I didn’t notice my little brother beside me until I turned to sneak back inside. He looked at me with fear in his big brown eyes.
“What’s wrong Andrew?” I tried to persuade him to tell me with my soft tone.

I ran through the woods, the pounding of hooves right on my heels. As the noise became louder it was inevitable; I was going to get caught. Like a foreign infiltrator, I was in for a lifetime of woes, that is if I did not make my final stand here. A foreign infiltrator was one way to describe me; I just liked to refer to myself as "one with a better idea of how the empire should be run." My insight could cost me my life.

Hide

By Marissa James
Oxbow High School, Grade 12

I'm running through the forest.
Trees and brambles whip at my ankles,
and tear at my skin.
There is no color,
the night is in black and white,
and the wind splashes
across my tear soaked face.
I can't run fast enough.
There is nowhere left to go,
and no time to get there.
A root of a tree is unearthed and torn
by the tread of my sneaker.
In revolt to this unjust attack,
the tree sends a branch
thundering from the sky,
and I fall,
in a puddle of tears and blood.
But, God is not so merciful,
for I am still alive,
only now I cannot run from my past.
It's finally caught up with me.

Running through the woods

By Michele Sterling
Hartford Memorial Middle School, Grade 8

I was running through the woods, enjoying every second. I had not been in these woods for over a year. My family had decided not to come back right after Grandma’s death. I missed these woods so much -- the sweet smell of pine, the setting sun just visible through the trees.
“So beautiful,” I whispered to my dog, Blyss. She was running through the woods just ahead of me. I had named her after these woods when I got her three years ago. She was just a puppy then tripping over every little twig, every little leaf it seemed, until I had to pick her up in my arms so she wouldn’t get hurt.
Up ahead I spotted my favorite spot, my rock. This is my spot. I could sit and read here for hours, from sunrise to sunset.
I loved these woods, these beautiful, wonderful woods.
My woods.

Fair

By Patrik Roberts
Hartford Memorial Middle School, Grade 8

Old Guy: Where are we?
Old Woman: No idea.
Old G: I think we are at that fair they talk about.
Old W: Me, too.
Old G: It sure is hot out.
Old W: I think we need to change out of all these black clothes.
Old G: I hope they race them pigs again.
Old W: That was exciting last year.
Old G: I want to get me some of that apple cider again.
Old W: I want some of that cotton candy they talk about.
Old G: I want to ride that new Ferris wheel they tell me about.
Old W: They have those new sewing machines. I want to try them out.
Old G: Well then, let’s go.

We bonded
as we ran through the woods
with our heart rate monitors
checking our watches
and calling out
“Shoot! I’m not in my training zone!”
and answering
“Let’s go faster!”
and when it was over
I ran through the woods
searching for someone to follow
out of the woods
back to gym class.

I heard something behind me

“Who’s there?” I asked. No answer. More noise, it was coming closer. Whatever it was.
“Ahh,” I screamed. I started running. I don’t know where, just run, I told myself. Get away. It was following me, but I was too scared to see who or what it was.
I ran past houses, churches and stores. I ran through the woods. Still it followed me.
“Stop running! It’s me!” yelled the thing.
I stopped running and looked around. I saw my best friend.
“Why were you running from me?” she asked, “I thought we were playing hide-and-go-seek!”

I run through the woods
A startled moose runs away
A powerful beast
- By Zachary Tarbell
Grade 6

I ran through the woods
I saw a colossal moose
and tripped on a root

By Kian Hutt Vater
Grade 6

I ran through the woods
My sides cramping, sudden pain
Oh! The agony!

By Ben Upton
Grade 6

I ran through the woods
smelling pine air as I go
river runs swiftly

By Ryan Darling
Grade 6

As I run through the woods, nature engulfs me. All around me are trees and nothing else. A couple of brown chipmunks with a white and black stripe that run from the tip of their heads to the tip of their tails; a few gray squirrels jumping from tree to tree, and 3 or so wild flowers blazing with bright colors. I slow to a walk to look around. The smell of pine and maple leaves me dizzy in sweet dreams. I finally sit down under a big oak tree and gaze around.
I look at my watch and see that it’s been an hour or so since I left my home to go running, but I don’t get up. Soon the sun starts setting and I find myself getting very sleepy, but I don’t want to go home. The setting sun brightened with red, orange and yellow colors covers everything before saying goodbye for the night.
When the sun finally sets, the darkness amazes me with blues and blacks. I look at the stars and count them as I lie on my back near the oak tree.

I ran through the woods, looking all around,
Searching for your eyes
The spark of light that will let me relax
That will let me stop running and just breathe
I ran through the woods, seeing the sun
Jump off the soft green moss that covers the scars
On one rock that carries so much
The same rock that we sat on for lunch when we were younger
The rock where we sat to figure our way home
This rock carries more memories than you or me
I ran through the woods trying to find my way out
I ran laughing, crying and smiling.
I ran from everything that was to everything that is
I try to find a way out then there you are
And the light that reminds me it’s all worthwhile

An Affair with a fair

By Felicia Neuhof
Woodstock Union High School, Grade 10

It’s in the official voice of the traffic director,
In the sink of the car tires making their way through the worn out path,
In the “click,” “click,” “click” as my friends and I get out of the car and shut the doors,
It’s in the excitement of the long walk through the field rife with cars,
In the faint hazy buzz of the jumble of musical and crowd-filled noises ahead,
In the sour smells of animals, stomach churning smells of exhaust, repulsive smells of cigarette smoke, yet pleasant smells of wood fires, and sweet and salty smells of food,
It’s in the purchasing of tickets and waiting in lines
In the rush of the increased and overpowering noises,
In the almost impossible sailing through the sea of people,
In the endless and almost impossible task of keeping track of your family, friends and money,
It’s in the adrenaline rush of the rides and the flashing lights,

Grand Vermont Fair

By Ben Kaija
Woodstock Union High School, Grade 10

Early up
To get to the fair
Smell of fresh Vermont air
Long car ride there
Even longer back
Filling up the daypack
Up go the stands
Up go the rides
Even the stage is getting ready for bands
The people start to come and get ready for fun
At this oh, so wonderful
Grand Vermont Fair

The classic Ferris wheel
And famous fried food
Will always appeal
In whatever the mood
With bingo, Blue ribbons
Games rides and sweets
There is sure to be found
All sorts of treats
Daylight comes to a halt
And down goes the sun
But there is no stopping
The party’s just begun
At this o, so fantastic
Grand Vermont fair

On come the lights
Along with those crazy entertainers
In polka dot tights
Noises from games
Clash with the shouting
Of everyone’s name
Not to get their attention
Because they have no intention
Of caring at all
Because they’re having a ball
At this grand Vermont fair

I run through the woods

By Olivia Powell
Woodstock Union High School, Grade 10

I ran through the woods

By Danza Rodrigues
Woodstock Union High School, Grade 10

I ran through the woods
Heard the birds chirp
I ran through the sandy beach
Heard the waves crash
I ran through the field
Heard the grass rustle
I ran across your lawn
Heard the dog bark
I ran up the your stairs
Heard your voice
I ran into your room
Heard my heart beat
I ran into your arms
Heard your heart beat
I ran all this way
Just to hear you!

Just us
By Audrey Jones
Leland and Gray Union High School, Grade 10

Do you know that feeling you get,
When something's just meant to be?
You feel like everything's perfect,
Like nothing could ever go wrong.
You make me feel like nothing matters,
But us.
When our eyes meet, I can't think straight.
My mind goes blank and all I can see are your eyes.
When you smile, words fail me.
My heart skips a beat,
And I can't stop a smile from dancing across my lips, too.
When you put your arms around me,
I just want to fall into them and stay there forever.
You pull me closer, holding me in your arms,
Protecting me,
Even though there's not a sole in the world but us.
When you kiss me,
My heart stops.
Your arms are around my waist, mine around your neck,
And your soft, warm lips are pressed against mine.
I can't breathe,
But I don't want to if it means one more kiss,
Because maybe next time, it'll last forever.
I just hope you don't break my heart,

“Roy, what do you reckon it means? Roy?”

Roy had nodded off. His hat, pulled low over his eyes, blotted out most of the late afternoon sun. His shoulders drooped and he leaned off to one side, dangerously teetering on his seat.

Edna considered prodding her brother, but she feared that he would topple off the highly precarious seat if he was startled. He would likely break his already fragile hip. She repeated her question, louder, but her brother, either genuinely asleep or simply feigning obliviousness to ignore the real world — even if just for a few moments — was not roused.

Edna sighed. She pulled at the collar of her maroon coat; sweat had pooled there and she begged for a breeze to pass through, even if it did knock her brother off his stool. The coat was for later in the evening. The sky would be teeming with mosquitoes and the air would be crisp. Too cold for August, but Vermont weather is an unpredictable beast.

It was summer’s last farewell.

Growing Pains
By Jasmine Carpenter
Montpelier High School, Grade 10

Child promises broken
Oaths of love gone
Secret hand shakes forgotten
Spy names stolen
Play games left to die
Toys broken
But they’ll never be mended
Now it’s all no more
Thoughts of boys come
Teen-age troubles have invaded
Make-up and gossip
Broken hearts and crushes
Fashion and new friends
But then it all changes again.
Then college comes to an end
The real hardship begins
No summer vacation
No teacher’s pets
No more jungle gym
To swing on at recess
Time for work little one
That’s how the real world is

I ran through the woods
Carefully dodging the branches
Trying not to snap twigs
Trying not to make a noise

I ran as the fog
Was slowly settling in
And the beasts of the night
Were opening their eyes

I had to get back home
To my hole in the ground
Before the lone wolf
Cried its solemn cry

I had to get home
Before the owl took flight
And silently watched
For any sign of life

I finally got home
As the moon began to rise
Lighting the dark sky
Casting shadows in the night

And I got home just in time
For outside I heard steps
Large and lumbering
A hunter in the night

I take advantage
Of the one time
My mother forgets to say,
"Don't win any fish!"
I enter the fair,
Through the flashing gates
After I've,
Ridden, too many rides
Spun, too many times
Eaten, too much cotton candy
Dizzy,
I head to the booth
For two bucks
I get 10 little balls
I have to get one in the hundreds of glass bowls
Can't be too hard
I'm proven wrong
They bounce,
A LOT
Off rims, sides, even the posts,
Holding the booth up
Finally,
On my third box of balls,
It's in!
I'm handing a ticket saying:
Good for One Fish
Oh, what the heck,
I'll get my fish now!
I'm handed a bag containing:
Water and one fish
Then, I meet up with my parents
Carrying my fish,
Now named Nemo
All I can say is
"You didn't say I couldn't win a fish!"

I’m walking home alone today.
The trees my only companion, the way it should be.
I love the trees, their vibrant colors and unique shapes. How they’re all the same but just so different.
I’m walking home alone today.
Time to think.
Time to go the long way, time to go to that special place. The giant tree hidden on the hill, on the path that no one uses anymore. A dead end. I look up at its brilliant arms, stretching out in every direction. Arms to hold me tight.
I’m walking home alone today.
And I feel so sad.
This giant tree was meant to be the Perfect Treehouse Tree. I always said I would turn its welcoming limbs into my secret haven. But that was just an empty promise. That’s all anything is anymore. Broken.
I’m running home alone today.
Fast.
I’m running home alone today.
The trees my only companions, the way I wish it never was.

"Can I please go sit down?"
Sweat is forming on my upper lip, and my stomach is churning waves of vomit close to spilling over. I hate this.

Yeah, the smell, the Tango, the noise... the Fair. Champlain Valley Fair.

Hell met me at the line to the Tango. Open arms, plenty of room, ready for me as its next victim. It snatched my interest as soon as I walked in. I had to try and conquer it.

Good Luck. They had told me.

Hmm... now I'm looking around... nope. No good luck in sight.

Sure, I closed my eyes, but the Tango takes no prisoners. Either you walk away unscathed or you're all messed up for the remainder of the day.

Apparently I chose option two.

I.
I don’t remember when I retreated from the sun.
It was gradual, in increments, little incidents
drawing me further and faster into darkness.
I didn’t realize until the morning
I opened my mouth, words came out,
and nobody glanced toward me.

I hated this prison, this half-self-made cage.
I could see, I could smell, I could hear --
but I could not do.
I wouldn’t let myself. I’d be exposed.
People might see
what the mirror reflected so glaringly.
But what do mirrors show
but truth?
It’s our eyes that lie.

Once, when someone asked me
what animal I’d most like to be, I dropped my gaze
and said a maple tree, tall, thick-trunked,
steady branches spreading wide and up.
A tree is in the background; a tree
observes and whispers what it sees
and doesn’t care that no one looks its way.

II.
I leaned against the slick white bark
and listened for the footsteps of a no-longer-ghost.
It would be so easy, so fitting,

Self-explanatory content

By Sally Tucker
Hartford High School, Grade 10

I hate
Comparison
I dread
The deep
Judgment
Of difference
I’m irritated
How it
Winds through
Society
Sinking into
Our automatic
thoughts
I loathe
Any second
Glance
That isn’t
Quick acceptance
In my head
Even the
Angry words
I am writing
It bothers me
How you might
Be using
Any negative
Words about
This poem
Because
You're comparing
It to others
Right now
And you
Don’t think
There’s anything
Wrong with that

Marshal and Lucy

By Paul Detzer
Hartford High School, Grade 9

Mamma’s pretty strict, but she’s a great mom and I love her so much. She lets me and my brother Marshal play a lot of the time when she’s home, and when she’s at work she expects us to do the laundry but after that we can do whatever we want; but she says "Stay out of trouble, ya' hear?."
She leaves for work at the factory early in the morning, before I’m even up. Sometimes I wake early to say goodbye because sometimes she doesn’t get home until eight at night, my bed time. But normally she gets home at five, and she can fix us dinner and read us a story and clean the house a little. Marshal gets to stay up until 10, and if I try I can put my ears to the wall between my room and the living room and hear them talking. Mamma says when I’m thirteen, too, I can stay up with her and Marshal and be in their conversation. But I’m only nine, so that’s really far away.

Doors

By Josie Kerrigan
Hartford High School, Grade 10

Doors open
Doors close.
Doors creak
Doors squeak.
Doors are entryways
Doors are dead ends.
They whisper
They yell.
Doors are big
Doors are small.
They protect
They unveil.
Doors share secrets
Doors keep secrets.
Doors open
Doors close.

At the end

By Noah Detzer
Hartford High School, Grade 12

So soon it ends
in one year
everything will change.
everything.

All will leave
Some will succeed.
Some will fail.
Some will be left behind.
Some I may cross paths with
but
All will leave.

In a sense
it's a reboot.
a new beginning.
a success.
a new way of living.
the first day of the rest of your life.
so they say often
repeating it as though it is law.

Some parts are good
leaving behind
the fake,
the plastic,
the insecure,
the immature.

Yet some are far worse
leaving the best friends
the ones who really mattered
the ones you love
for a new life somewhere else.

At the end
all of the struggles,
the successes,
the pain,
the sorrow,
the sadness,
is rendered moot.

At the end
everything changes.

Full Moon

By Jamie Benson
Crossett Brook Middle School, Grade 7

A shaft of moonlight seeps through your window and rests on your pillow.

You check your clock, 12:00, you try to sleep but you can't.

You look out your window at the cool night.

The moonlight on the driveway, as puddles of shadow, endless.

Sections of sky woven seamlessly together.

It makes you wonder... . Why.

And in that moment your head rests on your pillow and your imagination soars.

Incarceration

By Katy Turner
Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans, Grade 10

It’s not that I hate my town. Or my state. I actually don’t. But I’ve been halfway across the world and back, seen places and things that I’m still trying to take in, and guess what? I’m restless. It’s true. I want a city, more than anything really. But it’s so easy to want something.