you cannot simply point at
a couple of phrases
and call it “poetry”
poetry, that grand word, poetry
we hide behind its ornate facade
we hide behind wide stanzas
and fragrant bouquets of metaphor
we write each other riddles.
we beg to be understood.
poem?
poem—
a written articulation of feeling
not merely
thought.
i will not describe a pastel beach
i will not build a sandcastle,
line it with pink and green coral
only for you to pick each line apart,
to inspect each grain of lucent sand
with pink acrylic nails
searching for meaning that isn’t yours.
the walls of this poem are mine
i am alone inside this poem.
Sadie Derry is a fourteen year old from Toronto, Canada. She loves reading, writing, theatre and annoying her friends as much as possible. She hopes to continue to improve her writing skills throughout high school and beyond!