In December, the English Department issued a challenge to Upper Division students, faculty, and staff: submit a piece of writing with exactly 59 words for the 59th day of school! Each piece must, in some way, involve the theme of light.
The power of light is foundational to The SPARK Campaign, most concretely in the ways SPARK has brought more light into our academic spaces, but also conceptually. Naturally, we were inspired. We are pleased to share with you our SPARK-themed submission, as well as the winners and honorable mentions selected from 71 contest entries!
LIGHT
At the firepit we gorged
on toasted marshmallows
their sweet smell drawing
others near
it only takes a spark to ignite
community
sharing warmth and welcome
as it grows
binding us together
in purpose
in belonging
and joy
yes
it begins with a spark
we feed it
we pass it along
we do not keep our light to ourselves
Suzy Akin
First Place: Margot M, Grade 7TIAMAT
The mortar-like rain has been pounding us for so long. The monsoon is almost over, but until then, we wait. At first sun, we make bread and sing until dark, the only lights the stars above our heads. When at last the rain fades, I pad softly out on my paws. My wings spread; I welcome the new year.
Second Place: Emily F, Grade 6STRESS
Light as a feather
Unseen
Unheard
Hidden in my brain
It says but not a word
Many years will pass,
I’ll worry.
I’ll grow.
That tiny bit of weight,
It will start to overflow.
I’ve learned in life
To enjoy each moment
For stress is quite abundant.
A person’s just a feather,
Hidden in a bird of the world
59 WORDS!?
I have to write a story with 59 words. How? It also has to do with light. How random! I’ll have to cut off words and sentences and make it look mystical, like poetry or something. Let’s see, bright, light bulbs, the sun. There are so many types of representations for light. Impossible. Oh wait, I just did it.
Third Place: Guy R, Grade 6
Honorable Mention: Emily S, Grade 6NIGHT WATCH
Up above in the swirly navy, the sparkles reveal her. Eager to spin and dance, shooting through the sky. Bursting all her colors, she twirls, leaps, and loops around letting herself go. As she joins the other bright stars, there is a human somewhere out there, looking up at the sparks of light in the night sky. Shooting stars.
Honorable Mention: Brian H, Grade 6DARK AND LIGHT
As darkness rots across the land, shadows overcast, a long-lost hero wakes. In a futile attempt to clear the malron, the hero is brought to his knees. His heart fills with pride, as he gazes at what was once his. He knows the war isn’t over, and knows his allies will never stop. For light is never really gone.
Faculty Winner: Liz McColloghThe CAT VS. THE CHRISTMAS TREE
There’s a new toy. More specifically, many new toys, neatly arranged, hanging for me to choose from. My favorites are the glowing bulbs that detach and make a satisfying clicking sound on the floor. Don’t tell: I buried one of them under the bathmat.
Tonight there is a new strand; the bulbs don’t detach.
Evidently, the tree won today.