By Dylan Marin

Some are like birds in a flock
and some are lone wolves,
but they long for connection
like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle.
Most cannot find the pieces
that match theirs,
some give up and choose a slow
death,
altering their minds with
substances
like a headless chicken walking
blind.
The pain closes in like a Great
White on its prey.
If you let it hold tight, you
may not see another day.
Mind and body, all connected
like a necklace.

Honorable Mention: Dylan Marin
Juvenile Hall, Loma Alta High School (Teacher: Brian Kirven)