Hey, my name is Kala Lynn McMurray and I'm a rising Junior
at Gate City High School. This page holds three of the poems
I wrote during Governor's School this year. I've been writing for quite a while now. I also sing and write songs, and I've been singing since I was about four. In addition to writing and singing, I ride and show horses. I hope you enjoy my work and be sure to check out everyone else's pages!

You can email me at k_mack023@hotmail.com.

 

"The Black Velvet Box on the Dresser"

This is a poem spoken from the point of view
of a manmade object. You can be the judge
as to what object is speaking.

"The Warm July Wind"

This poem embraces the feelings of
goodbye and change. It is based
somewhat on summer love and
learning to let go.

"Where I'm From"

Like the title implies, this poem celebrates
all of the things I come from. They range
from horses and tobacco fields to
football games and apple pies.

 

The Black Velvet Box on the Dresser

 

I was there

On the fourth day of May 2001

When walks were taken

And promises were forever

I felt it that day

The smooth tan skin

Regarding me

As the American Dream

I was there

On the seventeenth day of March 2002

And he came

Their Southern sunrise

I felt it that day

The sweet newborn skin

Seeming to pull

Everything together

I was there

On the saddest day of her life

When he decided

Forever was a diminished dream

And circles could be broken

I felt it that day

Her saltwater tears streaming

Carrying her Maybelline makeup

As she wiped them away

I was there

On the day she found her strength

When she placed me

In the black velvet box on the dresser

I felt it that day

The feelings of goodbye

And black velvet

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The Warm July Wind

 

Another slight breeze

Changes the path of a tear

Trickling down my face

A prisoner escaping the Alcatraz of my eyes

The wind picks up

As I stand entranced

Letting sand drift through my fingers

Like tiny solid raindrops falling from a solemn sky

My eyes look to the left

As if searching for a sunset in the east

Or a promise that never existed

When the last grain of sand leaves my trembling hand

I stand up, wiping away tears and memories

As another slight breeze

Changes the path of my heart

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Where I’m From

 

I’m from worn lead ropes held by tough hands,

from Circle Y Saddles and big Belgian geldings leaving hoof prints

in the soft brown mud.

I’m from the dusty tobacco fields.

I’m from the weeping willows casting their shade on hot July days,

The oak trees losing their leaves in the front yard.

 

I’m from wagon trains, football games, and riding since I could walk,

from Betty Sue, and Terry Lynn, and Thelma Jean.

I’m from the patient horse training and dedicated farming day after day.

From sit down and be quiet and don’t climb that tree.

I’m from Jesus loves me, the Lord is my Sheppard,

and if you’re happy and you know it say Amen.

 

I’m from “Faller’s” Branch and East Carters Valley, Mom’s apple cobbler and butter sandwiches.

From the old, made-up ghost stories told on Saturday evenings, the stinging smell of tobacco in the barn, the worn and dusty boots on the front porch, and the silent legacies set in stone.

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