On a warm spring day,

                                                                                        The wind exhales a cool breeze;

                                                                                        He knows the hot spots

                                                                                        Up north, at the farm.

                                                                                        The sun’s radiant smile

                                                                                        Peeks out through cloudy lips –

                                                                                        Giving just enough warmth

                                                                                        For us to play.

                                                                                        As I walk outside,

                                                                                        I see the leaves full of color;

                                                                                        I deeply inhale

                                                                                        The scent of horses as they prance

                                                                                        Around my grandparents’ farm.

                                                                                        All of a sudden,

                                                                                        I hear a dull roar

                                                                                        Getting louder with each step.

                                                                                        As I turn the corner,

                                                                                        A machine jumps out driving crazy.

                                                                                        He knows no patience,

                                                                                        Always in a rush —

                                                                                        Never listening to Nature

                                                                                        And her beautiful songs.

                                                                                        Just listen for a moment –

                                                                                        Hear her mellow and uplifting song

                                                                                        Of life so pure.

                                                                                        Free of the city’s killing breath,

                                                                                        Always breathing a deadly exhale,

                                                                                        This is my escape

                                                                                        From death, noise, and impatience.

                                                                                        I am free to live and listen –

                                                                                        All the secrets are told

                                                                                        In patience and calmness,

                                                                                        Never in haste and always in honesty.

                                                                                        I am free to tell my secrets

                                                                                        To an always listening Nature

                                                                                        And free to simply be.

Cierra Adkins is an eleventh-grade student at Central High School in St. Joseph, Mo.