This poem by Alena Zhang ’18 was published in Black Fox Literary Magazine, Issue 13, Winter 2016. Alena’s work has also been published by the NJ Live Poets Society and has received a Teen Ink Editor’s Choice Award. She earned a Scholastic Silver Key for Personal Essay/Memoir. Enjoy this poem by Alena.
“Perennial”
The backs of her hands wrinkle
with the wear of time
Dandelion feathers of a baby girl
thrive on in her mind
Skipping, sneering, sparkling,
her daughter tauntingly chimes
“One day, mother,
maybe one day.”
She gleams, prances, sashays away
Holding on to her light —
leaving nothing behind.