“Balloons” by Jayden Jones

Jayden Jones (age 13)

BALLOONS

You and

Me cannot

Be justified by left

Or right we are only

In mid suspension and

You don’t know if you feel

Like catching me or sticking

Juice stained fingers in the

Air; gesticulating: look, she

Is undulating above the

Trees diaphanous and

Not substantial at

All fly away

Stands of

Hair

Blue clouds and freckles pink cheeks and summer nights I’ve always wanted to rise (not fall) in love while summer air skims my sticky skin and I wear sundresses so my shoulder blades are bare and your fingers stroke my back as the sun sets and we aren’t so high above anymore; just in our minds.

—from 2015 Rattle Young Poets Anthology

__________

Why do you like to write poetry?

Jayden Jones: “I write poetry not just because I need to, but because I want to; I like to write poetry. Poetry, for me is similar to the sky in the way that it never feels the same way never twice; there’s always something different about each piece I write, and my perception of poetry is constantly changing. But, regardless of the temperamental nature of my poetry, there are a few things that I always enjoy when I’m writing. I like the fact that something simple, and different from people’s expectation of poetry can sound just as beautiful as something really elaborate and specific. I like spilling words on the page, and swimming in them. I like that in poetry, I can come to terms with the fact that sometimes I will reach a point of understanding or conclusion, but I can also accept that I’m not at a stage where I’m capable or willing to understand, and be okay with it. I like being honest.”