We are thrilled to celebrate Grace Chung, a fourth-grade student at Belle Sherman Elementary, who was awarded first place in a national writing contest hosted by Young Writers USA. Grace’s original poem about her great-grandfather was selected from more than 1,800 entries submitted by young writers across the country as part of the “Wonderverse” poetry competition.
Congratulations, Grace!
DEAR GREAT-GRANDFATHER
By Grace Chung
While you heard bombs and shells rain down like a storm,
I listen to the soft pitter-patter of the rain on my window.
You saw jets, soaring and firing,
I sit in the quiet hum of a plane.
As tank fumes choked the air you breathed,
The scent of flowers tickles my nose.
Dirt clung to your tongue,
The sweetness of ice cream fills my mouth.
You held the cold hands of friends,
I stroke the fur of my fuzzy dog.
You endured the deep, misty nights,
I flourish during a golden, glowing day.