Poetry, Essays, and Reflections

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2017 Writing Contest Winner
BRENDA CLAIR COX

We held our first annual writing contest in 2017.
Writers were asked to send narrative essays or poetry submissions for the following prompts:
"I find my peace...."
"I find my power...."
We received many quality submissions and enjoyed reading all of them. The panel chose the below poem as the winner.

This poem invites the reader to a quiet space, only to be yanked from this serene environment as sparrows descend
with cacophonous disruption. Terrific contrasting imagery as the writer attempts to regain her peaceful meditation.

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Submission responds to "I find my peace...."

Brenda Clair Cox

Brenda earned her B.S. in education from Northwest Missouri State University and her M.Ed. from Morningside College. She taught full-time for 25 years and served as education coordinator at an Iowa State prison. Currently, Brenda teaches at Iowa Western Community College. She lives in rural Iowa with her husband. Brenda loves gardening, traveling, being outdoors, writing and spending time with her grandchildren. 

Shooing Sparrows
© Brenda Clair Cox

Sneak out back to my garden getaway. 
An avian choir greets the day;
its repertoire of scales and harmonies
interspersed with solo trills.
 
Here, hidden from busyness drink in
heavenly blue morning glory
still blooming in late autumn. 
It also found sanctuary here.
 
Leaves that litter the floor rustle reassuringly
and emit a  heady earthy fragrance.
The wind chimes are still this morning,
but the fountain trickles a steady cadence.
 
Just before dawn, the raucous
cackling of English Sparrows
nesting in the honeysuckle annoyed me.
Their droppings still mar one corner of my lair.
 
Thankfully, they fled when I drew near. 
One has returned. Rattle the trellis, shoo! 
I refuse to allow the ruin of
this secret creative communion.
Distant honking V’s on the horizon remind
that frigid barren days draw near.