2nd Place: Winter

Sophia Khoshcar 

Winter is an excuse -

perhaps an invitation -

to give to others, 

to show appreciation

We slow down for a fleeting moment

between the chaos of the holidays

We reflect on where we are

and where we want to be

Without winter would there be less compassion?

Would we turn away from those in need?

Would there be less concern for the gifts we give

and more for the ones we receive?

I’ve never known a winter like the ones that grace the silver screen 

I’ve never shoveled snow from my driveway,

never had delicate flakes land on my eyelashes 

Winter is rainy days,

dark clouds painted across the sky

Winter is joy when the heater clicks on for the first time

Winter is getting ready for holiday parties, 

laughing with friends and family all night

Winter is shining in the reflection of bright Christmas lights

Winter is the emptiness left by loved ones gone,

gratitude for the ones who created a new dawn

It is moments of hope, glimmering bright as the sun

It is curling up at home, relaxing when the day is done

Winter can be draining, yes it can feel too long

Stuck in a loop, like that one Mariah Carey song

But though winter can feel like it goes on for ages,

at the end of it all, we turn a new page

Spring may bring a new beginning, 

but surviving winter lets us emerge on the other side grinning