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Out-of-Region Prize Winners

Prize Winner

Jayme Lemke

Grade 10

Pickerington High School

Teacher: Mrs. Carol Low

Shoelaces

Prize Winner

Ryan Miller

Grade 12

Pickerington High School

Teacher: Mrs. Carol Low

On These Scars I Smile and I Sleep

Prize Winner

James Mitchell

Grade 11

Paint Valley High School

Teacher: Mrs.Patti Spidel

Where I'm From

Prize Winner

Jayme Lemke

Grade 10

Pickerington High School

Teacher: Mrs. Carol Low

Shoelaces

When I was

in kindergarten,

he sat behind me

on the bus ride home.

My feet tucked under

the green seats,

the mean boy would

deliberately

cut my shoelaces;

quietly scissoring

the delicate strings.

I would go home;

and the torn threads

dangling from my feet

would make me laugh

while I cried.

Prize Winner

Ryan Miller

Grade 12

Pickerington High School

Teacher: Mrs. Carol Low

On These Scars I Smile and I Sleep

So quiet,

I can hear that the television is on,

But the screen glows

warm, blue,

Electric.

The sun is falling down outside

On a Monday evening

Where east street overlooks

That graveyard where rocks teach

With dust and we learn by choking.

I step out into the air

Where dusk hangs down from trees,

Catches my face and sticks

Like spider webs.

The forgetful language of darkness,

It urges me and settles on my shoulders.

I rest on this porch

Content to watch the moon

Rise up over this gravel ocean.

Where the chalky stones mimic my fingerprints

On antique street curbs

As I write epitaphs on asphalt.

First for this city,

And then for Myself.

Prize Winner

James Mitchell

Grade 11

Paint Valley High School

Teacher: Mrs.Patti Spidel

Where I'm From

I'm from wood burning stoves, from real-made and storytimes.

I'm from the dusty wheat fields. (Where the sun's heat beats to a tempo on your back.)

I'm from wild roses and grape vines, the hollow beech trees carved out by time.

I'm from mashed potatoes with gravy and eating at the table, from Wanda's scorns and Ruth's steadfast faith and care.

I'm from just suck it up and no rest for the weary, from you have 10 seconds and one more time.

I'm from always say grace, God is with you, and keeping a Bible in your room.

I'm from a dot on the map of America, grilled hamburgers, and homemade relish.

From losing Grandpa on Christmas to the car wreck you remember.

The long, hard days I had to endure that made me who I am,

Times that taught lessons with less pressure but more to lose.

*With special thanks to George Ella Lyons whose poem by the same title inspired this piece.

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