First place: “I am Starling”

The following is a poem awarded First Place in the 2009 Literary/Art Contest (7th and 8th grade division).  This years theme was “What a Starling Can Do to Fight Breast Cancer.”

I am Starling

breast cancer…
for some women
it’s one’s worst nightmare
for some
it signifies the end
for some it signifies helplessness
hopelessness…
but then
hope swoops down on the wings of a Starling
it lifts one’s head up
it gives one comfort
the Starling is here to help
I am Starling
and I will do all that I can

By Brena Andrews, 8th grade, Bakersfield Starlings 14s