Winning Poems in Joe Sottile's Build Myself a Winning Poem in Rochester contest

Congratulations to Gates, Nathan, Rebecca, and Katherine!

First place

Corbett's Glen

by Gates McMahon, age 13Penfield, NY The world is twisted, broken, and polluted above... But, through the tunnel nature remains. Crystal clear water and verdant green trees beckon. Through the tunnel Through the tunnel Water cascades down craggy rocks And the songs of birds harmonize with the bubbling creek. Through the tunnel Through the tunnel Wooded pathways lead the way through nature's private world Serenity and peace await... Through the tunnel

"Corbett's Glen," ©2011, Gates McMahon. All rights reserved.

Second place

Wickham Farms

by Nathan Murray, age 10Penfield Wickham Farms in Penfield is so close to us, We can get there without a fuss. I love your ice cream in a cone, And picking a pumpkin you have grown. In the corn maze I get lost, Your chicken dinner is low cost. On the jumping pillow I go up and down, I never ever get a frown. Animals, playground, tractor rides, Batting cages, mini golf, then inside… We look for the cute little mice, And the people that work there are so nice. Birthday parties, field trips from school, On holidays you really rule. There’s no doubt east or west, Wickham Farms you are the best!

"Wickham Farms," ©2011, Nathan Murray. All rights reserved.

Honorable Mention

RMSC

by Katherine Warth, age 11 Rochester Of all the subjects at my school, I think science is totally cool! There's only one place that I go, when Science is what I want to know. The Rochester Museum and Science Center, starts the fun as soon as you enter. From a Wooly Mammoth skeleton, to gooey experiments with gelatin. You never know what you might see, because this museum is the place to be! Great for all people; children, women, or men. I just hope we can go again! "RMSC," ©2011, Katherine Warth. All rights reserved.

Honorable Mention

The Theater

by Rebecca, age 12 Penfield The Auditorium Theater is the place to go When you want to see an amazing show When I was little I saw “Blue’s Clues” and “Bear” Then I saw “Wicked” and “Lion King” there My friends were a part of the “Wizard of Oz” cast All who watched surely had a blast “Lion King” was really great I hope to see it again at a later date “Wicked” is my favorite, I saw it three times Sorry, I can’t think of any other good rhymes My mom helps us get tickets really cheap She makes sure we don’t go to shows sure to put us asleep Next year we’ll see “Shrek” or “Billy Elliot”, either one would be great Which one will we watch? I’ll just have to wait On the third floor is MJT Stages, a small theatric endeavor However, it’s a great place to see shows whenever I’ve been to camp there for many years It’s helped me overcome my acting fears So that is the one of the greatest places around You should head over there if you’re ever in town

The kids participating in the poetry contest watched this music video about the Rochester area and wrote about one of the places shown here. When you watch it, we hope that you will be inspired to go "out and about" in beautiful Rochester, NY with your kids. If you are a teacher and use the video to inspire your own classroom poetry-writing exercise, we'd love to hear about it!