And the Winner Is…
First off, I want to thank everyone for participating. I got a lot of wonderful stories, and it was hard for me to pick just one winner. I want everyone to keep up the good work. Continue writing and putting yourselves out there! There will be more competitions in the future.
So without further ado… congratulations Maya Daisy! For writing the winning story, I bestow upon you a months’ worth of bragging rights and your story to be featured in my blog. Right now!
The Christmas Eve Poetry Slam
By: Maya Daisy (15)I was walking in the town square with my pet akita, Shroom. I lived in a perfect, picturesque town, but it wasn’t too perfect. There was just enough grime to keep it realistic. I was leaving the only bookstore in town with a bag full of books I was excited to read. I saw a flyer taped to a lamppost covered in frost.
“Look Shroom!” I cried. “A romantic poetry slam!” Shroom barked. “And the competition takes place on Christmas Eve! I have this one in the bag,” I declared confidently.
***
After spending several hours of blood, sweat, and tears writing this poetry, I was finally ready. “Okay, Shroom, wish me luck!” I said as I waited for my turn to battle for the ultimate prize of bragging rights and satisfaction.
Shroom barked twice and wagged his tail encouragingly.
“Lotus Lazuli?” A woman poked her head out into the backstage.
“Me! That’s me,” I said, suddenly overcome with nerves. I took a deep breath, and then stepped onto the stage to the sounds of crazed cheering and screams. Except that they weren’t cheering for me, they were cheering for my competitor.
The boy standing on the other side of the stage was the most handsome person I had ever seen in my life. I mean, you know, if I had been paying attention, then I might have noticed. But I wasn’t! I was laser focused on his gorgeous face on winning.
“Seriously?” I asked incredulously.
The announcer stepped into the middle of the stage. “Alright folks! Today we’ll be watching Lotus Lazuli battle it out against Rome Montague, seven-time winner!!” The cheers reached a fever pitch. Rome smiled at me charmingly, all blond ringlets and aristocratic profile. (And were those dimples?!?!?!) I was determined not to let his incredibly attractive self distract me. I was here to win, and nothing would stop me.
“In idle dreams of long ago,
I imagined my true love;
A perfect match, a soulmate,
An angel from above.
Now you’re here, and now I know
Our love will stay and thrive and grow.”
The crowd cheered, and I smiled at Rome confidently. He didn’t look concerned though, on the contrary, he looked pleased.
“Every day with you gives me a thrill;
All my dreams you richly fulfill.
I'm a fool for your charms;
You belong in my arms;
Love me; please say that you will.”
He winked at me on that last line, and that only made me more determined to crush his soul by beating him. Wow, that was violent. My friends Ria and Celine are rubbing off on me. Regardless, I HAD to win. I had the perfect poem in mind…
“Darling your touch
Fills me with bliss,
My whole world is rocked
Each time we kiss.
With everything
You say and do,
I’m so much more
In love with you.”
As I spoke the last few lines, a cold wind swept over the stage, and something began to fall… Snow! Talk about romantic. The announcer stepped onstage again. “Alright folks! Rome has one last poem, and then it’s up to you guys to decide who won. I think it’s pretty clear…” She gave me an encouraging smile.
Now Rome did look concerned. “Uh.. Uh..” He looked lost. I couldn’t believe it! I was really winning. His face brightened.
“Every time I see your face
I think of you.”
No one cheered. Why would they? That was a lot worse than I expected. Regardless, I felt a little bad for him, so I clapped lamely. A few scattered people in the audience clapped with me.
The announcer cleared her throat. “ Well, thank you Rome for that, uh, creative piece of poetry. However, the people have spoken and the winner of our show will be Lotus Lazuli!!!!” Everyone cheered, and even though I had been expecting it, I was still ecstatic.
Shroom charged out from backstage and jumped up to lick my face. I was so happy; I didn’t even have the heart to push him down.
