Veronica Kmiech of Battleford has been selected as the second prize winner from Grade 12 students in the 2010-11 national student poetry contest held by Polar Expressions Publishing.
As a result of her accomplishment, Veronica receives $70 and a certificate for her winning entry, The Lady 'Neath the Snow. Veronica's school, John Paul II Collegiate, has received a matching prize. In addition, Veronica has won a copy of the book, Cites of Gold, which features her award winning poem and includes the works of all 25 to 45 per cent of all entrants (depending on grade).
Polar Expressions Publishing showcases the work of Canadian students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 through this contest. The company says its intent is to provide a tool to educators in promoting poetry and prose with the goal of inspiring a life long enchantment.
The contests are an opportunity for students to see their work in print and compare it with that of their peers. For two students' contests (poetry and short story), Polar Expressions received thousands of entries from more than 500 schools across Canada. More than $11,500 in cash was awarded to students and schools. Polar Expressions also gave more than $10,000 worth of books to school libraries in these contests.
The Lady 'Neath the Snow
Deep in a lonely prairie culvert, winter softly prowls,
And as he takes his hold, a lone coyote howls.
This winter is a careful chap and seldom lets us know
What he's concealing out there buried 'neath the snow.
Sweet Summer's fading blossoms freeze out on the plain,
And yet they're not alone. Two others still remain.
The one is a corsage, bought for naught but show.
The other, just a lady, sleeping 'neath the snow.
She's dressed in her best suit, the finest she owns,
The last she'll ever wear - forever on her bones.
No one shall e'er remove the stains that on it flow,
The blood, in horrid contrast, to white and purest snow.
Above this lonely scene the wind sings in the air.
Seeing the lady 'neath the ground he asks, "Does no on care?"
Dear lady, never fear, although you may not know,
Those who love you want you back; they'll clear away the snow.
This story's not pleasant one, or one you'd want to hear.
Worse still it is a truthful tale from back many a year.
Sweet summer's blossoms flower still, dancing to and fro,
Over the spot the lady lay, dead beneath the snow.
