The English Department, Publications Club, and Blog Class sponsored the second annual Poetry Competition in the Middle and Upper Schools. Poems went to Dr. Carr, fearless organizer and underwriter of prizes. She passed them on to Round #1 judges, a gallery of Humanities teachers, who culled the nearly 60 poetic entries down to 12. Then, those 12 finalists went to final judge Mr. Sarkis who decided upon a 1st place, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention. Reprinted here is the winning poem, “Legacy,” penned by senior Peter Kadel. Note: all 12 finalists can be seen on the bulletin board in the Upper School Lobby.
Legacy
By Peter Kadel
Keep the campfire burning
Keep the campfire burning my friends; shelter this light that I have left for you.
My time with you is coming to an end, but I can still teach you a lesson before I leave.
Keep the campfire burning so I can remember where I come from as I make my way down the unmarked trail.
Gather round the fire and sing the songs I’ve taught you, but sing some new songs, too.
Tend to the fire as I have, but when the time comes, strike out on your own path as I am.
I’ll take a torch with me as I go up the mountain; I’ll use it to light the next campfire.
Watch the ridge above for the light I’ll leave behind; my fingerprints dancing across the mountain,
my legacy flickering in the night as I forge ahead into the inky darkness.
I have to walk this path alone, but solitude doesn’t suit me.
So promise you’ll visit. And I’ll do the same.
Winners compiled by Editor Shelby Armor