By AVA THERRIEN

Grandma, I remember in Kindergarten

When you bought me my first kite.

It was bright pink with a line of stitches across the back.

You took me to Harkness Park,

The wind was strongly blowing,

as if there was a tsunami of breezes.

I could feel the moisturized air engraving into my skin.

My black shoes, green pants and purple coat, protecting me

From the strong current of air.

I remember running in the emerald grass fields,

As my feet sunk into the depths of the earth.

My golden hair blew into my face,

Blinding me from the world beyond.

I remember the bumblebees pollinating,

as if they were playing hopscotch on the dandelions.

And the smell of the ocean breeze filling my nostrils.

The sun that shined in my eyes,

and the beautiful sea view in the distance.

The big ships that you said were the homes of pirates,

resting on the surface of the water.

I remember the boy who got his kite stuck in the tree.

And the sound of the salty waves

crashing against the sand.

The birds soaring in the bright blue sky,

Searching for fish to skip out of the water.

And my kite gliding in the ray of sunlight,

Cutting through the clouds

as if it were a flying scissor.

That day brought me wonder,

Wonder that you could get from seeing a spaceship.

That day, my imagination crawled out of my head,

exploring something afar,

Like when a baby bird leaves its nest for the first time.

But the most important thing about that day was

Where were you?

You, were stopping time.

Your small silver, old fashioned camera.

Taking pictures at every angle.

You made sure that day was important,

So I would never forget it.

Every time I flip through the book,

I can jump through the 4x7 photos

Reliving the moment with peace.

Ava Therrien, a 13-year-old from Waterford, wrote this poem for her grandmother, Carol Diana of Waterford, as a Christmas gift.