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    • The Survival

Dunedin Secondary School Poetry Competition

The Esplanade

The ocean breathes in and out,
the spray like steam
in the winter air.

Streetlights illuminate the walkway
and make the sea
sparkle like stars.

The sand is smooth and pearly
in the dark,
disappearing and revealing itself,
as if playing peek-a-boo with a child.

The waves crash high on the walls,
splattering the walkway tiles with foam.

Warm breath clouds
the brisk air.

Moonlight paints shadows
on the faces of the people and
creatures around.

The world is quiet,

until morning.


Commended (juniors)

Lydia Butler
Years 9, Queens High School

Generously sponsored by

University of Otago

University of Otago: Dept of English & Linquistics

Otago University Press

Otago University Press

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