At first misty then drizzling now coming down hard like long, thin fingers reaching down to earth gray against the green of the pine trees combining with the fog that has rolled in from the sea. Many people prefer tropical islands or dusty deserts— but I like the wet and the fog and the mist and the gray skies of home because . . . to me, nothing is better than wet and mist and fog and gray fingers of rain against green trees. Natalie Lam, 12Bothell, Washington
Poetry-Nature
My Deepest Desires
I want to be one with the earth I want to sink my feet into the soft dirt and feel no difference between myself and the world around me. I want to slip into the cool river water and float as if I am made of it. I want to climb the tallest trees and daringly sway in the breeze. I want to look into a wolf’s eyes and feel no fear at all. I want to be one with the earth. Isabel Taylor, 13Royal, Arkansas
The Ocean
I stand on the ocean shore, watching the waves go by. The sun is going down but I don’t leave. I will stay out on the ocean shore. Seagulls fly overhead, they land down on the beach. Their far-off cries bid the day good-night. Out in the sunset I see dolphins leaping through the waves. Their turning, jumping transforms the setting sun into the start of a new day. They call out to me and I long to join them in the freedom that is the sea. Sunset is a dark, purple haze, recalling everything that is beautiful. I grab a boogie-board and float along with the water. A giant wave comes over me and I tumble head over heels underwater. In the sea I am a new creature. When I return to the surface I laugh out loud. I look up and see the first stars. The sky is becoming black. It is time for me to be going. Tomorrow I’ll come back and watch from the ocean shore. William Ilgen, 9Berkeley, California
