November 2021

I can’t stop myself From looking out there. Like something is Controlling my eyes, Pulling my head towards The airplane window Again and again Seeing America Below us. Ladies and gentlemen, Please go back to your seats and Fasten your safety belts. Thank you. Tears suddenly Race out of my eyes like a lake across my face. I can’t stand it! China is now A long way left behind. Mom! I want to Go back now! I cry. Alisa Zou, 12Concord, MA

Tessa sounds like clear blue streams, as the water flows peacefully and silently away, Like a piece of sheet music just lying there, waiting for someone to finally play. It sounds like an echo through the mountaintops, Or a beautiful dress sitting in the shop. Like the soft flutter of a butterfly’s wings, As the young girl reads and the sparrow sings. It is a shy tiger waiting to roar— My name is always there, deep inside my core. Tessa is the base, the courage in me, Venturing through life and seeing the trees. Tessa is unique and special and my own, It is a beautiful artifact. It is my gemstone. Tessa Hsieh Schumacher, 10Los Angeles, CA