Zachary Yates, Grade 8
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, San Clemente
First Place, Middle School Poetry

The Mystery of Beauty
Friedl Dicker-Brandeis

As a woman artist with a gift from above,
She captured emotions, expressions, and love.
Formally taught in art and design,
Her own creativity began to shine.

A knock on the door that quickened her breath,
Spoke of a move to a camp of death.
Torn from a life of canvas and paint,
Her vision of teaching soon became faint.

Puddles of tears and looks of dismay
Longing for escape but forced to stay.
With an eye for beauty, the children she drew
Their youth and compassion changed gray into blue.

Ignoring the sadness, she taught her gift,
To the children whose spirits began to lift.
Her works of art were never shown,
They developed a talent on their own.

No matter what faced with, she always found good
She taught what God gave her, like everyone should.
Focused on what was important in life
She lived to paint in spite of strife.