Presenting the Winners of the Jewish Observer First Annual Creative Writing Contest

We are pleased to announce the young writers recognized for their submissions to the Jewish Observer’s First Annual Creative Writing Contest. This year’s theme was “Spring,” and all the submissions beautifully represented the authors’ ideas of the season.  

This first year we decided to recognize four young writers, and you will find their winning entries below. Each will receive a gift and a special certificate. We congratulate all the winners and everyone who submitted their writing.  

And a final note of thanks to the parents who supported and encouraged their young authors.  

Be watching for next year’s Creative Writing contest call for submissions. In the meantime, keep reading, keep writing, and enjoy your upcoming summer! 

Spring Showers 

By Orly Aviv Barzel, 4th Grade 

the birds call 

the winds blow 

the april rain 

makes me feel not alone. 

listen to the animals feel  

warm breeze. 

see the rain fall 

it makes me feel at home. 

The rainbows shine 

The flowers bloom 

The green grass grows 

Lets me know it's ok 

And then I remember 

that aviv's my middle name. 

Last Years Leaves 

By Naomi Becker, 4th Grade 

Yeah, we know Spring is so special 

With all the beginnings ahead 

But what about the beautiful things 

That in Spring, they’re dead? 

I wish for a moment of silence 

For all the melting snow 

I know it’s lovely Spring 

But why does the white have to go? 

Oh, the joy of ice skating  

Slipping fast so you don’t sink 

But since it’s not cold, 

Why do you have to go back to the rink? 

Back then, all was quiet 

I could finally have my peace 

But with all the noise now, 

I can get annoyed with ease 
 

The cold was meant for hot chocolate 

To make it, I learned 

But the cocoa had a such short time 

Until ice cream and popsicle’s turn 

Why doesn’t everyone remember?  

Don’t they love the sights 

That Winter holds dear to them, 

All throughout the night? 

All I’m saying is this: 

Spring isn’t the best. 

All seasons have equal love 

And an equal amount of zest. 

Summer has its beaches, 

Fall has its leaves. 

Winter has its lovely snow, 

And Spring has its trees. 

What about the plants 

That are not alive anymore? 

Last year’s leaves 

Is the solemn thing they hold. 

I think it's time for Spring. 

By Harrison Prichard, 5th Grade 

As I watch the leaves, 

Emerging from the trees. 

With its white, glittering flowers. 

With beauty, I cannot comprehend 

My gratitude for. 

I used to not see these ones. 

These stunning, glorious ones. 

Spring used to feel so far away. 

Now, I look at the sky, 

With it's new white fluffy lands, 

With feeling of being free. 

I lift my head high, 

I don't wan't to be late, 

I think it's time for Spring. 

River Over Storm 

By Mackenzie Eastman, 1st Grade 

The river is light 

the storm falls at night 

I see the storm fall 

and I hear the river call 

the storm is done 

and the flowers bloom 

the sun turns maroon 

flowers sprout 

the sun comes out 

the sun is light 

and the rain stops at night 

the sun comes out 

I see roses when i'm out and about 

bunnies hop 

flowers pop 

birds sing 

to the butterfly king 

ladybugs climb 

all of spring is a rhyme