We are pleased to announce that Homecoming and Perch tied for first place in the 2020 Thought Tools Timpani Poetry Competition.
HOMECOMING
by Mira, 13 years old
by Mira, 13 years old
her homecoming was a loud one
fitting, since she was the kind of person who
exuded so much exuberance
the world nearly drowned itself when
the oceans clamored just to kneel at her feet.
her every action allured attraction
from friends and enemies alike
she wore her self-esteem like she wanted to be seen
but don't take her immodesty personally
at ross they dress for less but this girl,
this girl dressed for the mirror-
the mirror and her own self-admiration.
she didn't even pretend to be self-effacing
she knew it was a waste of precious
time she could be spending on helping
others and herself
(because yes, she helped others too;
pride is not equivalent to selfishness.)
she didn't just defy the norm, she changed it
her very existence was a resistance
she made a path for others not accepted
she accepted and expected the rejected
her proclamation was a declaration of
love for the unheard;
she made them heard
she knew what it was like to be the only
in retrospect, she was the only
unapologetically honestly real person
who enlightened and empowered and devoured
every stray compliment she could find, her confidence
was bound to be her end.
her leaving was a quiet one
fitting, since she was the kind of person who
wouldn't want her absence to be noticed
but in a world like this, it's hard to miss
when something good has gone.
fitting, since she was the kind of person who
exuded so much exuberance
the world nearly drowned itself when
the oceans clamored just to kneel at her feet.
her every action allured attraction
from friends and enemies alike
she wore her self-esteem like she wanted to be seen
but don't take her immodesty personally
at ross they dress for less but this girl,
this girl dressed for the mirror-
the mirror and her own self-admiration.
she didn't even pretend to be self-effacing
she knew it was a waste of precious
time she could be spending on helping
others and herself
(because yes, she helped others too;
pride is not equivalent to selfishness.)
she didn't just defy the norm, she changed it
her very existence was a resistance
she made a path for others not accepted
she accepted and expected the rejected
her proclamation was a declaration of
love for the unheard;
she made them heard
she knew what it was like to be the only
in retrospect, she was the only
unapologetically honestly real person
who enlightened and empowered and devoured
every stray compliment she could find, her confidence
was bound to be her end.
her leaving was a quiet one
fitting, since she was the kind of person who
wouldn't want her absence to be noticed
but in a world like this, it's hard to miss
when something good has gone.
- copyright, Thought Tools Timpani, 2020
PERCH
by Martha Armstrong, Ithaca, NY
Four male goldfinches
Glint like lemons
In the budding crabapple tree;
The females veil their presence.
A blast of last season's snow
Jostles and bounces them
To and fro.
With a head tuck
The decision is made –
Shelter in place.
I turn up the thermostat
And shiver
From my clandestine perch.
- copyright, Martha Armstrong, 2020
