Teen Poetry Contest Winner for 2000
Lauren Anthony
Niles North High School, Grade 12

Once Upon a Child

ONCE
            A man and a woman long wished for a child
            Hope
            Heaven would grant their wish
ONCE
            A miller
            Poor
            Had a beautiful daughter
            Lies
            Deception to king
            Daughter spins to
            Gold
ONCE
            A king had twelve daughters
            Beautiful
            Slept in a hall
            Beds stood close
            Night locked and bolted doors
            Morning danced to pieces
ONCE
            A wife fell ill
            Called ONLY daughter
            Be devout and good
            I look down from
            Heaven
            Watch down upon maiden
            Weep

            Devout
            Good
            Sweet
            Child of mine