longing

Poetry·Cora W. Bucher, age 13 — A late-night meditation on isolation, watching an empty spotlight on gravel while longing to step into that illuminated space and receive nature's applause.

Poetry·Nicholas Bonavolonta, age 12 — A tree by a river watches leaves swept away, fish jumping, and birds flying, longing to explore the world beyond while rooted in place.

Poetry·Eden A. Marish Roehr, age 9 — A child's ocean memories with parents transform into longing as music triggers dreams of returning to those carefree moments of jumping waves together.

Story·Emily Schneider, age 13 — A girl in California gazes into a snow globe's winter scene, imagining the Christmas town inside before returning to the blazing heat outside.