Olivia Ervin
12 years old
7th Grade
Lorton, VA
Browne Academy
Ms. Gerber
Mountain Campus Hike
The humid and cold feel of the air as it swipes against my cheeks
The way the sun timidly peeks around the white and grey clouds, showing its yellow rays of light every now and then
The uplifting feeling as I become more aware of the forest’s overwhelming beauty
I look back and gaze at the perplexing piece of art mother nature blessed us with
I push past the slippery, rocky ground and the whining of my classmates
Wondering if we will ever make it to the top
I push past the distant barking of a dog and the cold, staggered breath of my own
I remain quiet, letting nature have its turn to speak
I push until I reach the top and see the fog blanket the town below
It reminds me of my own blanket at home, as it gently sweeps over me
I climb and push myself through the forest
And reach the top.
Mitchell DeBoer
12 years old
7th Grade
Alexandria, VA
Browne Academy
Ms. Gerber
Maroon Bells
High in the sky
Way above the sea
A place in the mountains
As pretty as can be
The trees sway
As the wind blows
And as the birds sing with glee
You stand there, as peaceful as can be
When you take a look at the sky
However, you see no sky
All you see, are flying sheep
The things we call clouds
Pinecones fall
The grass grows
And the animals you see
Might be a moose, or some crows