POETRY
2009 HONORABLE MENTION

Prey
Sophia Richardson
16 years old, Pennsylvania

War is a bird of prey
Swooping down on innocent Peace
Who forgot to check for shadows
Before leaving her underground haven
Peace hides, runs, flees in blind terror
But her oversight cannot be overcome
In one fluid motion Peace is flying
Caught in War’s sharp talons
One last breathtaking rush of air
Before War lets Peace fall
And watches tiny vultures
Tear her to shreds
Eat her alive.