Sarah sat at her desk, staring at the blank piece of paper in front of her. She was supposed to write a poem for a competition that would be published in the district magazine for third graders and over. She had been looking forward to this for weeks and had poured her heart into crafting the perfect poem. But now, as she sat there with writer’s block, doubts crept in.

She started to write, but the words didn’t flow as she had hoped. The deadline was looming, and she was feeling more and more frustrated. Finally, after hours of struggling, she finished the poem and turned it in.

Weeks later, the results of the competition were announced. Sarah’s name was not on the list of winners. She felt her heart sink, as she had been so hopeful for this opportunity. Her teacher, Mrs. Johnson, called her over after class and said, “I’m sorry you didn’t win, Sarah. But your poem was beautiful, and I’m so proud of you for putting yourself out there.”

Sarah felt a glimmer of hope, but the disappointment lingered. She had worked so hard on that poem and had put her heart and soul into it. The rejection felt like a personal failure.

A note left in the book box-

Love to me is very sweet.

Love can sweep you off your feet.

Love is caring.

Love is sharing.

Love is kind

but hard to find.

This poem was written as a class assignment for the fourth grade for competition and district publication. It was a runner-up and was not printed.

It was praised by my teacher who encouraged me to add more detail and depth to my writings. I am upset. I fell short, I guess I’m just not good enough – Sarah

The Response –

It’s hard to be judged and not succeed, To feel like your best is not what they need, But don’t give up, keep writing and trying, And soon enough, you’ll see yourself flying.

Love is indeed a sweet and precious thing, It’s what makes life worth living, And even if this poem didn’t make it to print, Keep writing and sharing your heart’s imprint.

Remember that writing is not just about winning, It’s about expressing yourself, and your soul’s beginning, So let your words flow freely and true, and know that there’s beauty in what you do.

– David