“Self Portrait” by Katie McDowell (18), New Orleans Center for Creative Arts "An Old Man in Military Costume" by Simone Wuttke (18), Dartmouth College (recent Benjamin Franklin High School graduate) "This oil on canvas painting is inspired by Rembrandt's 'An Old...
The smell brings me misery
For my heart forever has an injury
They made the mornings less weary
Fresh-flipped, maple-drizzled, oh the sweet memory
Honestly, you inspire me to the highest degree
I try to create them just like you, to remind me
But something’s missing, I feel like a wannabe
There’s something that only you can see
I’ll keep trying for my peace
With you, there is always a smile near
Now maybe a smile and just a little tear
For now you’re not here
But I have no fear
The taste of your pancakes remains crystal clear
Because of the love we share
My love for cooking is everywhere.
Rita Desir is an eighth grader at Harriet Tubman Charter School. She wrote this piece to honor her grandmother. She connects with people through food and music and aspires to be a pastry chef and a forensic scientist. Rita’s favorite quote to live by is “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair” by Shirley Chisholm.