Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2011 - (Page 45)

First Place, Ages 13 and under Top of the Food Chain by Odetta Li The first embryo to eat its way out Wins, with serrated teeth the opportune First born has the honor of consuming his Unborn brethren. Such fratricidal Tendencies start early, to the misfortune Of his cannibalized siblings. At birth he is abandoned by his mother, Not that he needs one really, for already He kills like no other. A single drop, shed in a moment Of weakness, is sufficient. Once he has Determined his target it does not escape. His blade, arched and eager, cleaves silent Through the shimmering water, invisible, Until he greets his victim, jaws agape; The pink crevasse clarifies his intent. The last thing his prey feels before succumbing Is the sting of salt water sliding over Its brutalized body. In a happy manner he indulges in this game. He feels no remorse; he does not know shame. He strikes terror with his very silhouette, Scouring and devouring without a second regret Until the day he is spotted by a crew. Foiled by a simple net, He is promptly served in stew. Judge’s comments: The poem opens with a very vivid, if disturbing, image and never lets go. This seems apt for the central idea, which nonetheless is treated with sardonic humor. There are images that are so graphic they successfully convey not just the ferocity of the strong, but also the terror of the weak. In the final stanza, the poet gives this game of hunter vs. hunted its absurd (and logical) end. It’s more than a punch line; it makes the “crew” seem oddly godlike. And it leaves one wondering, after all the graphic imagery, if the food chain keeps going up, and what fate (gasp!) awaits us. odetta Li, 13, is a Year 8 student at Island School, Hong Kong. She dabbles in many activities, including archery, debate, math competitions, writing, and table tennis. She also enjoys playing several instruments, namely the piano, the violin in the school orchestra, and the recorder. recently, she has tried composing and is currently studying for a piano diploma. Second Place Waiting for Colors by Kacey Fang, 13, CA about our judge: eric gamalinda divides his time between family in Manila and work in New York. His writing awards include the Asian American Literary Award, the Philippine Centennial Literary Prize, the Philippine National Book Award, the Asiaweek short story prize, and several Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards. He teaches at Columbia University. Third Place Silver by Yvonne Ye, 13, CA www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine imagine 45

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2011

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2011
Contents
Big Picture
In My Own Words
Physics Is…
Making the Team
Nuclear by Nature
Physics: The Next Generation
Telescopic Views
Exploring the Mysterious Lives of Stars
Around the Universe in Three Weeks
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Book Buddies
Meeting the (Economics) Challenge
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Creative Minds Imagine
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2011