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.
Sign-making
Abigail Balon, 14, Panton
Oct. 17, 2025. 3:35 p.m.
I go to the woodshop,
grab some cardboard,
walk over to the weeping willows.
Find a large stick and
break off the uneven twigs.
Open the door,
plug in the “Mamma Mia” soundtrack,
take a pencil
and write, “Save Freedom of Speech.”
I hold my breath as I draw two outlines.
I Sharpie everything and
add some color.
At 5:50 p.m., I’m done with everything:
two signs taped to a stick,
one handheld.
I’m excited for the following day,
when I can rise up —
and I won’t be alone.
