#FallWritingFrenzy 2021

This is my entry for the #FallWritingFrenzy 2021 kid lit contest. The poem is inspired by the contest's fall church image but also by my 11-year-old daughter who made a wonderful fall illustration (see below) and who was a bit upset when she turned 10 last year but who is now very much enjoying being a tween.

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Under the autumn tree at ten

​10.
I’m in the fall of my childhood.
The crunching sound of feet on leaves,
like old toys discarded.
Favorite clothes that don’t fit anymore,
raked from my closet. 

​I liked the close-up look at life.
I liked being me.
 
My arms are longer now.
I can reach, on my own,
the lowest branch on this tree
with just a little,
effortless
jump.
 
My feet are faster.
I catch the leaves – well, most of them.
I win, wind.
 
My books are thicker.
​My brain is bigger.
My gaze is wider,
and oh –
look!
Look at those colors!

While this poem was inspired by the contest image, it was also inspired by this drawing made by my 11-year-old daughter.