Second Place Poetry Winner

The Climb

by Helen Linford

I have always hated

When I need to climb,

So I tried to stall,

But I knew it was time.

 

So I started up,

Already thinking

How treacherous

It was climbing.

 

I put one hand

In front of the other

Starting to breathe

A little heavier

 

I was half of

The way up.

Then I slipped!

Why’d I mess up?

 

Because of that slip

I went down a way.

This day for me

Is looking very gray.

 

I was breathing so hard

Could I go any further?

So I said to myself

“Should I go slower?”

 

But which one should I choose;

Getting up a bit slower,

Or (even if I might die!)

Getting to the top quicker?

 

I decided to go slower.

I definitely could not stand

Going quick, because my heart

Sounded like a drum in a band!

 

I was almost there

When my left foot fell!

Luckily, my right foot

Was on there well!

 

My heart beating very, very hard

Onto the top I start pulling myself.

I remembered I had asked for help,

But was told, “Do it yourself.”

 

Even though no one

Else probably cares,

I finally made it

To the top of the stairs!

 

 (Mr. Anderson 6th grade)