Inspired by Donika Kelly’s poem “Offering”
I watch quietly,
As you lie there,
still and peaceful.
sniffles and looks of regret
fill the room.
Mother pushes me forward.
I stumble,
But shuffle my feet forward,
Your rose clutched in my hand.
Its sharp thorns
dig into my soft skin.
A vibrant red rose,
Fresh petals,
Holding strong to the stem.
I picked it myself,
Just for you.
I swallow the lump in my throat.
Release my tight grip,
And place down my offering,
To you.
Grade: 6
Bethesda, MD
Maryland
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
My teachers