Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Joy (05/18/06)
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TITLE: THE POWER OF JOY | Previous Challenge Entry
By Patricia Williams
05/20/06 -
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On a whim I had entered my childhood pride and joy in an adult open poetry contest.
I opened the envelope almost reverently. Surprisingly I felt that same rush of excitement
as I read that my poem had been chosen to go on as one of the semi-finalists. What a
wonderful feeling of joy and happiness that comes when a task is successfully completed.
At nine years old I had spent most of the night struggling to compose a poem for our
"Crime Doesn't Pay" poem competition. After tossing my pencil on dad's desk I had sat back
in his comfortable chair, closed my eyes and repeated my creation over in my mind.
My goat, Dagmar, must have sensed my excitement for she was much more fidgety while
I tried to milk her. I had to rush to catch the school bus. As I entered the classroom there was
no doubt about everyone being excited. We sat in great anticipation while waiting our turn
to share our contest entry.
A PIRATES TALE
I was a pirate big and strong,
I sailed the oceans all day long.
I sailed the oceans wide and blue,
And this sad tale I tell to you.
I took my treasures from land and sea,
And all honest men were afraid of me.
I filled my vessel with other mens gold,
Took more of their treasures than my ship would hold.
Now gold, silver, jewels, and me,
Are with my ship at the bottom of the sea.
The life of crime it did not pay,
There's only one, the honest way.
My classmates had clapped as I finished and I felt a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
All of us had to wait a week for the judges final decision on the winners for the whole school.
The assembly was called and we headed for the auditorium. There was more excitement than
usual. Whoever won this competition would go on to the state competition. The odds of my
winning weren't good. In fact, it would be an honor as a fourth grader to place in the finalists
at all.
The principle opened the final envelope and read, "Our first place winner is Patricia Ann
Heaston." Cheers erupted and I experienced an overwhelming joy that bubbled over as I sprang
from my seat like a jack-in-the-box. It's a day I'll never forget. Little did I know at that time that
I would be given the honor of also winning the state competition. I've been very blessed to share
in many wonderful experiences during my lifetime. It seemed strange to be feeling the same
sense of anticipation I had as a child. I found it exciting to anticipate my poem being considered
for another place of importance. Glancing at the envelope, I smiled. Sometimes seemingly
the smallest things can bring one great joy. I couldn't help but wonder If I really had a chance
to win once again, only time would tell.
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