WINNERS NOVEMBER 2019 POETRY CONTEST Holiday Magic

First prize 10 and under

Summer Claudia Balfanz, age 10

Roseville, MN

Chinese New Year

I move away from the New Year’s party.
It is too much for me, the Fireworks,
The Dragon Dance,
Red envelopes and oranges.
I look out the window, thinking
That nobody remembers Qai Lin. Not the way
I do. I bring an orange to my mouth,
Knowing this will not be a lucky year.

There they are.A Stag, a Doe, and Fawn, curledTogether. In the moonlight.The Stag is sheltering mother Doe,Lying in front of the infant. They are silverIn the moonlight, past my window.Qai Lin, myThe deer are my protector family.