Young Writers Project is a creative, online community of teen writers and visual artists that started in Burlington in 2006. Each week, VTDigger publishes the writing and art of young Vermonters who post their work on youngwritersproject.org, a free, interactive website for youth, ages 13-19. To find out more, please go to youngwritersproject.org or contact Executive Director Susan Reid at sreid@youngwritersproject.org; (802) 324-9538.
Mapping a scenic jogging route through the park is one thing — and steadily persevering as the tight pinch of a stitch is grabbing hold of your side is quite another. This week’s featured poet, Maelyn Slavik of Burlington, propels herself forward with the self-made rhythm of her own feet to the pavement and a vision of sure success.
Getting where I want to go
By Maelyn Slavik, 12, of Burlington
My sneakers hit the pavement,
the constant sound of the thwapping filling the nippy,
early spring air.
My breath comes slow but heavy —
before like a soft summer breeze,
now like a strong wind,
fit for a fast sail on the lake.
My leg muscles burn,
going from small sparks of pain
to a strong flame,
not even flickering.
A small pinch comes from my side,
making it feel compressed,
tight with a cramp.
My mind fills with protests,
reasons why I should stop.
They’re like large highway signs,
directing me in a certain way.
I do my best to look the other way,
to continue moving forward,
to keep resisting the pair,
to keep my eyes on the finish line.
I focus on my breaths,
listening to the air,
singling in on slowing it down.
I feel myself going forward,
remembering that I am succeeding,
that I am getting where I want to go.
My sneakers hit the pavement,
running forward,
getting me closer to my goal.
