Bryn Mawr Sixth Graders Become Published Poets

What do sixth graders Cora Halperin Kuhns, Tessa Coats, and Emma Huang have in common with megastar Taylor Swift? They are all young poets published through Creative Communications, an organization devoted to the promotion of writing, teaching and appreciation of student writing through national contests.

Bryn Mawr students submitted their original poetry as part of an assignment from sixth grade English teacher Sierra Duckworth. After reading Brown Girl Dreaming, the award-winning memoir written in verse by Jacqueline Woodson, students each wrote five narrative non-fiction poems. After revising their work in class, Ms. Duckworth encouraged all students to submit at least one poem for publication.

“I want students to learn different genres of writing and create opportunities for real-world connections,” she said. “It’s important for students to create authentic products that are being judged by real-world criteria.”

So far, three students have received news that their pieces were accepted, with more possible this spring. (Taylor Swift’s poem, "Monster in My Closet!" was published by Creative Communications when she was in fifth grade).

“When I was told that my poem was accepted, I was proud of myself because I think I worked really hard on it,” said Emma. “I like the way writing poetry lets me write down my thoughts in a more descriptive way.”

Tessa also enjoyed writing poems for the class and the contest. “I like that you can have more details, and it is just told in a smoother way,” she shared. “It’s a better way to express yourself and your feelings.”

Read their poems below! 

"One Small Change"

By Cora Halperin Kuhns

It only takes one leaf

one flap of a wing

to

create an amazing  thing.

It may not seem like

a lot

but believe me…

It is.

"Wind"

By Emma Huang

Leaves dance in the breeze

Branches tremble as the wind

Blows through its bare limbs.

 

The harsh wind surrounds

The crooked twigs that scratch me

Leaving behind chills.

"Winter" 

By Tessa Coats

 

The moss on a tree

is green, and the ground is cold.

Yet it’s still thriving.

The leaves are hanging

on already thin branches,

before they float down.

Frost covers the ground

And the cold is a blanket

around my shoulders.

Our breath is misty

Hovering near our pink cheeks

Like a cloudy haze.

Leaves litter the ground.

Fall is just a memory

Disappearing fast.