2011 Poetry Contest Honorable Mentions

Coming Home
Guayna Wright, Radiant, VA

There's a place I dream to be,
A weathered cottage by the sea;
Salty breezes calling me.
Nantucket, I’m coming home.

I see the sails and wonder when
My fateful ship will bring me in.
Before the lighthouse beacon dims,
Nantucket, I'm coming home.

Summer's madness now tamed by fall;
The hot, hurried pace, now a cool crawl;
My heart can hear the mystical call.
Nantucket, I'm coming home.

One day I'll settle on your shore,
A sea grass wreath upon my door,
And with each time my joy will soar.
Nantucket, I'm coming home.

---

Nantucket Daydream
By John A. Arena, Nantucket, MA

Warm winds from the Wauwinet, whisper soft and slow.
I hear the sounds of sifting sands and I know that I must go.
I see a scene of sails at sea, beneath a seagulled sky.
I mustn’t mull this muse too long, a teardrop wets my eye.

A rabbit runs, a doe deer darts,
An osprey swoops and soars.
A pheasant hides, a falcon glides,
O'er the misty moors.

A salty breeze trips through the trees.
Scrub oaks swish and sway.
Eel grass bends from sea blown winds,
On a damp and dreamy day.

Altar Rock, Hummock Pond,
The points of Smith and Great.
Beauties sunning, bluefish running,
I hope it's not too late.

Summer son on Sankaty,
Moonlit Madaket moors.
Windy weather o’er Tom Nevers'
Shimmering sandswept shores.

Blurry, blissful, tranquil times,
Where did they fade away?
My heart is heavy, happy sad,
As I dream of Lady Grey.

---

Nantucket
Natalie McNabb, Newcastle, WA

There was that summer
I first saw your waves:
Memorial Day had drawn me here;
Labor Day had carried me away.
            But, back I came.

Now, October and November appear
With sister December in tow,
And January with her stars
And February with her frost both
            Whisper, "Don't go."

So, I watch March and April
Dance in through rain and haze
And am caught kissing your daffodils
Before I, at last, admit to May,
            "I will always stay."