This April, we ran a poetry contest to celebrate National Poetry Month. We challenged you, our readers, to craft a poem using only the words that appeared in one of our newsletters (here are the original contest guidelines if you want to give it a try).
Turns out, you’re all poets and we didn’t even know it. We were beyond thrilled to read the original, creative, and awe-inspiring poems Greenvillians created from our newsletter copy. Check out the poems below.
WINNER — “You, Now” by Mimi Jones
It is early in your life.
Your first sunrise.
You’re beautiful, original,
unlike any other.
Your launch to earth is
a gold ticket.
Make the process easier—
Scoop up passion.
Seek adventure.
Strut your artistic signature.
Choose a fresh perspective.
With great gusto,
find your most interesting you.
You can’t solve yesterday’s riddle~
the question of time.
For youth will only accelerate
by another day into sunset.
Now is the
season of
You.
“Where good is endangered” by Karolina Zapal
In spring, pink is simple.
Garden beds open up like an afternoon
overlooking a bone-gold lake.
Wildflowers sip the April rain, and you enjoy a weeknight pull
to celebrate. Go ahead, make a decision
like the scenery, see your face change to bright,
and pick herbs and music that make love to your belly.
As a trail surgeon, you care
for a plant zoo. Where good is endangered,
a dog-friendly porch is the peacekeeper.
“Girl Dad” by Andy Coe
Through the hazy gold history of our children’s life
Photo shrine: face painting, petting zoo, happy summer splash
So beautiful. Style, originality, and creativity.
They’re free to strut their stuff (with gusto),
Highlighting their inspired excellence.
Up-and-coming! We want enriching opportunity
for them, not just pink showcase.
Discovery, health, careers, art & light…
This is required: Don’t forget to vote.
“Refreshing” by Maygen Bazemore
Like wildflowers grow in rain,
We develop as we feast on art.
Plant a book, sprout new skills.
Summer vacation to a network exhibition,
and french toast to brews.
We grow up to join the other professionals.
Submit entries to the contest,
Winners work the most.
Once an artist, now robotic.
You need to find your passion.
The sunset returns to its sunrise.
Your arts are calling, refresh your craft,
Society’s business plan can wait.
“Greenville, Our Happy Beautiful Home” by Melissa Moore
The take-over of spring in the Upcountry is live,
A season to refresh and grow.
Peace of scenery and trail
Clarity of life and fresh perspective
Opportunity of learning and change
The launch of summer is lit,
A time for fun and passion.
Splash of beach and lake
Adventure of exercise and play
Gusto of brunch and burgers
We celebrate Greenville, our happy beautiful home!
Strut, be free.
Seek your calling.
A bright future awaits!
