National Poetry Day takes place on August 24, so The News asked three pupils at Mount Aspiring College, Wanaka to share their compositions.
Ella Briscall (12), of Wanaka, wrote an ode to a favourite pair of shoes —
‘‘How they would feel for us, or how we would feel for them’’.
Sara Ambrose (12), of Wanaka, worked within the specific constraints of haiku — a short Japanese poem with 17 syllables and three verses — to tell her story.
‘‘My friend’s pony recently died, and I decided I would write a poem for her horse.’’
For his poem, Ollie Blyth (15), of Wanaka, said he imagined ‘‘all the senses I could feel around me’’ while walking through a forest.

Winter Breeze
By Ollie Blyth
As I wander through the lonely forest,
I feel as if I’m at the florist.
The singing birds and emerald trees,
Blowing gently in the winter breeze.
The breeze glides down softly to my knees,
My knobbling knight’s night-time knees.
The creatures scatter and scuttle,
Little shuttles, oh so subtle
Wander through the lonely woods,
Looking for some mid winter goods.
A snowflake falls upon my brow,
My dark brown no frown dark brown brow.
The hills and the mountains
Are higher than fountains.
They hold tall tales,
Of the Prince of Wales
I roll down the hills,
And climb in the breeze,
On the mountains of imagination.
I played in the breeze and with the trees
In the lonely, one and only, middle of winter breeze.

The Ride
By Sara Ambrose
She starts a canter
We are so unstoppable
Off in the sunset.

Ode to my shoes
By Ella Briscall
We’re here waiting in her bag.
Old, muddy and beaten
From running, games
And adventures.
From muddy puddles
Streams and creeks.
From jumping like deer,
Running like horses.
We’re always here for her.
Whatever the weather,
Whatever the day.
As faithful as dogs,
Ready for play.
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