LHS CLASS OF 2021 – Page 67 – "2:25 PM" – Poems from Lexington High School Class of 2018

Eliza M. // IDENTITY

Let them be as leaves, always changing colors and blowing around in the wind but limited to one season of life.
I’d rather be a branch, observing like a scientist experimenting and learning.
To have survived the coldest winters, to live, strong and sturdy. To be swayed by the gentle breeze across an open field or by rough gales on the tops of mountains.
I’d rather be boring, and if then ignored by everyone, than to be a colorful leaf, growing in the safety of a backyard where they are admired and then raked up by uncaring hands.
I’d rather look uninteresting and bland than bright and superficial. If I could be strong, observant and wise, I’d rather be a branch.

Ian Carson // WATER ON A STORMY DAY

Let them be as tranquil, placid ponds.
Always still, calm,
quietly dignified
but never changing.

I’d rather be an ocean on a stormy day,
tumultuous and in flux, like the universe we live in.

Our world does not stop,
does not pause
to take a breath.
Why should I try to be any different?

To have been alone
with nothing else but the windy,
storm-grey sky,
rising and falling
as gusts blow back and forth.
To be respected, not as consistent or serene
or even wise but as dynamic, a thing of energy.
A blustery sea.

I’d rather be unconstrained and abrupt,
and if then puzzling
or even alienating
to those who encounter me,
then to be calm and agreeable, the placid pond
where tranquility is guaranteed,
but change and the power to act is not.

Nate Colburn // RED MOUNTAINS

Swish swish swish.
The sounds of skis pierce the absolute silence of the forest
It is the crack of dawn, he is the only human on the mountain
Swish swish swish.
He is picking up speed, carving around the trees with haste
The animals watch him blaze by, the crisp morning air coming out of him
Swish swish swish.
The powder makes way for the titan coming through
His legs are tiring, his breath is hastening
Swish swish swish.
There was a storm last night, the leftover snow still falling, the wind howling
A tree is down, concealed by the vegetation of the mountain
Swish swish swish.
The man is approaching the fallen feat of nature, still unaware
He is finally enjoying himself, in complete harmony with his skis
Swish swish swish.
His final moments are going by, yet he is completely unaware
He ducks under a bush and sees it, but cannot stop himself in time
Swish swish-
A loud thud, then the trail runs red
The falling snow begins to cover him, no one will ever know

Dilara Dokmecioglu // AN OPEN BOOK

Let their stories be written as diaries.
Always with perspective and thoughtfulness
But guarding concealed secrets,
Hiding behind a seemingly perfect facade.

I’d rather my story be an open book.
Free and brave, like a bird
Rising above trivial conflict
To soar across the clear blue sky.

To have expressed my motivations,
To be honest and kind
To be loyal and unwavering
A trustworthy and understanding companion.

I’d rather them see my colors
Than lock away my thoughts.
If I could stand tall and true,
I would rather be an open book.

Rebecca W. // OPPOSITES

Let them be as volcanoes
always fiery and blazing
but turning land into coal.

I’d rather be a mountain
tucked in with the others like a single snowflake
falling down with so many.

To have broken away from the others,
to stand tall and proud.
To be blanketed in snow
or glisten in the sun.

I’d rather be cold and hidden, and if
then shivering instead of an uncontrollable madness
than to be a ball of flames
where lives are destroyed
by their own decisions.

I’d rather be serene
than angry and always seen.
If I could hide within myself under the sky
I’d rather be a mountain than the other kind.

Xinyi Zhao // NANJING

7:15, tide raised:
Surfing in the wave
of the crowd,
The station doesn’t
seem to have space
to stand still.

Bouncing onto
each other like penguins,
Finally able
to get on the train;
The pressure of air
keeps one remembering
breathing.

Washed out by
the flood of people;
Drifting with
the mob, floating
back to the surface.

As violent as the
Waves seem,
In a small
valley road
was able to find
some peace.

As marvelous as the
tide seems
as a whole;
Yet each is
an individual drop;

Feeling at home.

Aidan K // IN THE MIND OF A TEEN

I have a few issues.

I’m always stressed,
I procrastinate and
I’m ignorant.

It takes too much time for me
To process information.

I hide emotions because
They can be too complicated.

Sometimes I feel too
Mature for my own good,

And high school science
Isn’t really my strong suit.

But I don’t care.

Because I’m still happy,
Positive, formal,
and caring.

I have a few issues.
But who doesn’t?
Despite my flaws,
I like who I am.