Motlow honors two top poets

Poetry by Ricky Vinson and James Pack, in front, took first place in a recent contest sponsored by the Literary Club at the Motlow College McMinnville Center. Their poetry will be published in Mosaic, a student journal published by the college.

Pack, a resident of McMinnville, is a graduate of Warren County High School and the son of Regina and Jerry Pack. He is a university parallel major in English and plans to write fiction and teach creative writing.

Vinson, of Woodbury, graduated from Jackson County High School and is the son of Joyce Vinson of Woodbury and Larry Vinson of Centertown. He is a university parallel major with plans to pursue a master?s degree in education.

Here are the two award-winning poems:

?A Dozen Roses?

By James Pack

In my happiest and most miserable days

You have kept me alive in so many ways.

When I read your words or hear your voice

I can?t help but smile, realizing your gift of choice.

I?m sending you a dozen roses, when I owe you a million.

And had I the money I would send you a million.

Look at each one and smile at what you see

Each holds 100 miracles you performed for me.

?Mookstruck?

By Ricky Vinson

Moon, you bequeath me with a dazzling smile

Orphaned from the start, you?ve maintained grace and style

Ostentatious and lurking, always seeking fame

Narcissism claims to be your middle name.

Starry-eyed, the world gazes up to your throne

Tonight, all over the world your presence is known

Round and full, like a nice china plate

Universally cool my breath you proudly take

Crescent, perfectly poised; this, my favorite phase

King of the night sky, forever keeping me in a haze.