beauty

Personal Narrative·Kathleen Werth — A meditation on how the sun's dangerous beauty contrasts with the moon's honest imperfections, questioning what nature teaches us about perception and need.

Poetry·Maya Wolfford, age 13 — Natural elements—waterfall, brambles, ocean, rose—hide their true natures behind false facades until one rose's kindness earns it the gift of beauty.

Poetry·Katy Meta, age 13 — A young poet defends the beauty of a common weed against dismissive judgment, finding enchantment in its velveteen leaves and hidden indigo bud.

Story·Emma Watson, age 13 — A girl covets a gold necklace at a shop but finds greater beauty in a silver flower from her backyard that transforms her reflection into something magical.