Complied by Harrison Flowers
Author: Noel Ingram
Title: Faltering on Balance
The balance, grace, and elegance portrayed,
with little dancing whispers that cascade.
The mirrors, creaking floor that’s smooth and sleek,
Has seen the beauty fall with tears not weak.
The bruises, gashes, blood on tired feet,
Are scars of trying to see God and meet.
The crowds say that the strength it surely takes
Is something many hours are sure to make.
A goddess that floats just above the floor
The turns and leaps she makes, they sound no more.
The pittering of claps are rare to her,
Like greats with gifts of frankincense and myrrh.
But oh, her music, muse, and all, they fade.
And like the ribbons on her shoes have frayed.
The girl with balance, dignity, and grace
Performs despite all tied with pinky lace.
Author: Spencer Barnhill
Title: Laughing Dust
Vanilla puff once hazel kernel;
Bough-draped rubber once floating balloon.
Crumbling twig once purple orchid;
Hazy dawn once misty moon.
Colored arc once clouded sky;
Tallest oak once budded seed.
Scorching blaze once lone ember;
Trimmed shore once abundant reed.
Herbal tea once peppermint leaf;
Red butterfly once green cocoon.
Mountain cottage once rocky hill;
English letter once Roman rune.
Bitter drink once coffee bean;
Crisp apple once pink flower.
Silver bell once iron rod;
Twelfth day once eleventh hour.
November gust once distant sound;
Distant sound once November gust.
Laughing baby once family dream;
Dying body once laughing dust.
