I told you what Logan and Jason did for reflections but I didn’t say anything about Janette. She wrote a poem. And she won!
Here is a picture of her poem that she wrote, typed up and formatted.
I didn’t help her at all except for correct spelling. She was really motivated to enter the contest and knew that she wanted to write something. This was actually her fourth poem that she wrote, all the others equally impressive, but she wanted to do the best she could so she kept writing until she was satisfied. She also didn’t procrastinate finishing her project. She had it written a month in advance and typed up a couple of weeks in advance. She can really be a self starter when she wants to be. I am very impressed.
They had an awards ceremony at school to give out a certificate and gift card to the winners. Now her entry goes to the next level.
Kathryn, I think you have a writer on your hands. That poem was beautiful. What a wonderful talent Janette has.
Wow! Kat, I’m speechless. And jealous. Jannette’s poem is better than most of the poems I’ve read in my years of poetry workshops. She’s extremely aware of the function a poem, which is difficult for even college to grasp. Every word of the poem is precise, she doesn’t overstate anything. She’s not using adverbs, which is what most people do when they start writing poetry. I’m speechless! I’m so impressed and proud of her. The potential that little girl has is ridiculous. With a little bit more formatting, the poem itself could actually take on the shape of a diamond.
I would definitely love to read her other poems if she wants. And if she’s interested, I’d love to teach her more about the craft of poetry, give her suggestions, tips, etc (you know, if poetry is something she loves doing and isn’t just a fun school assignment). To have talent like this at her age is truly amazing. The poem itself actually reminds me of The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams the way it’s so simple – a poem about gems – and yet, it causes the reader to think far beyond what’s being stated. That’s a very difficult task to accomplish. Good for her!