Echoes by Parker MacRae, U5
winner of the teens (12-19) poetry category
Liberation75 writing challenge, jersey
“I admire the structure of this poem, and the comparisons it makes as it progresses -they are well considered. The rhymes and half-rhymes are not forced, they compliment the flow of the poem. That last line “And we’ll feel free again” is especially interesting with the use of feel (not be) which reinforces the message that freedom cannot be taken for granted.”
Main Judge
Quiet Is the street of a Town once bustling with People, thoughts, memories. Panicked Is the woman at The checkout, serving Businesses, friends, families. Fearful Is the tired mother, Who is holding close Children, food, medicine. Coughing Is an elder Woman, yet she is Avoided, scared, lonesome. Begging Is the student Who seems to be Penniless, stressed, famished. Sickness Is clinging in the Air, making us feel Fear, paranoia, ill. Let’s think back to another time. The year is 1942: Quiet Is the town once full Of joy, empty of Residents, laughter, sound. Panicked Is the teenage boy Listening to a Radio, contraband. Fearful Is his mother who Seeks for her children’s Freedom, liberation, life. Coughing Is the baby in the Cot, a child without Hope, safety, stability. Begging Are the slaves, ripped from Their homes, yearning for Liberty, home, some food. Conflict Is clinging in the air, Making them feel Fear, paranoia, trapped. Let’s think towards another time. The year is 1945: Loud Are streets with bunting, Brimming with those who Frolick, celebrate, sing. Calm Are the mothers who know their families are Safe, free, liberated. Fearless Are gleeful children Who once again play In parks, squares, and sunny streets. Grateful Are the people of Jersey who delight In their bright new future. Freedom Is clinging in the air, The past echoes And we’ll feel free again.
