Teen Poetry Contest Winner for 1999
Carolyn O'Neill
Niles West High School, Grade 12

Autumn

A leaf, golden red and bright, floats from the tree

And gently brushes her shoulder

Before continuing on the descending voyage.

Prepared to rest, it settles...

Until the wind picks it up and forces it, slowly tumbling,

Into the air's foggy crispness-

Its silhouette appearing against the clear blue background-

As it relishes a moment of freedom...it is too brief

The ominous wind swoops up the leaf

And carries it down

To be trampled on by some relentless foot.