The town was usual enough – roads scaled
with tar-soaked pebbles,
grass flattened with our footprints
as my siblings and I ran along,
laughing and puffing. The sky a thick grey cloak,
patterned like sheepskin
and historic buildings casting checkered shadows
on the ground. It had a beach
with sun-bleached sand and rolling waves,
forever crashing into a thick white foam,
the cold air whipping our flushed faces
as we emerged from the salty sea water,
but always running back in, desperate for more,
despite the goosebumps on our arms.
The stars at night were seemingly touchable,
only metres away from our raised fingertips.
They reflected in our sparkled eyes, as we lay
on the dewy grass,
accompanied by the humming cicadaas,
we only dared to whisper,
as everyone had their lights off,
sleeping soundly.
after “The Town” by James K. Baxter
Commended (juniors)
Billie Allan
Year 9, Queens High School