This week we feature the runner up winner for the 9-10 poetry section of our Shalom Literary Wonders writing competition. Gabrielle A. has reminded us that there is great magic to be found in written words, whether they assume the form of a well-constructed story, beautiful poetry, or even lyrics written to be conveyed musically.

The aestheticism of a sentence is informed by the way it successfully flows. Quite different from grammar, which refers to the establishment of coherent meaning, the rhythm and cadence of a sentence gives it beauty, power, a lyrical impact that evokes a mood and tells a story in itself. 

                “Rhythm. Life is full of it; words should have it, too” – Arthur Gordon

Hidden in a Storybook

A book is a portal to worlds unknown,

A journey to places you’ve never been shown,

With characters that come alive in your mind,

A story that will transport you through time.

The magic of reading is a powerful thing,

It can teach you to laugh, to love, or to sing,

It can make you feel brave, or give you a fright,

As you journey through the words with pure delight.

You can travel to places both near and far,

You can be a princess, or an astronaut on a star,

A wizard or a warrior, a pirate or a knight,

You can be anyone with the words you invite.

The magic of reading will always remain,

A journey of wonder, a story to gain.

By Gabrielle A. (Runner Up Yr. 9-10 Poetry)