1st place, Poetry in the Randall Albers Young Writers Award: “The Herring Net - Winslow Homer” by Liam Benham

The Herring Net - Winslow Homer

my spine ached parallel to the sea surface,
clashing to the sides of the sailwood, Welch’s fingers in between
the fish-filled net, in exhaustion as dusk rose
my hands slippery hanging off the rim
tilting the boat slightly left,
With rain tingling on my hat, the waves transport us toward our enemies.
a bronze-outlined chest floats past
attention-catching, I lost his grip
Blinded by the night storm fog, I lept of faith.
Treading, I soon obtain the chest,
teeth well ground, throwing the chest aboard
Welch couldn’t bother to me; testifying my strength,
the water fights back.