“Horizon” by Jill Bai

I wrote the first draft of this poem when I was in 6th grade. At that time I was very obsessed with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and loved the horizon scenes and themes of hope. I wanted to write a poem that illustrates the maelstrom fight abstractly in the third POTC film, and the horizon scene on the shore after that. The poem wasn't entirely finished at that time, and I just finalized it for this literary event, calling it "Horizon". I feel like the imagery of a horizon has many layers of meaning, from its beauty and how far it stretches to the symbolism it might hold of more complex messages. I wanted this poem to act like a story of the war on the ship and the aftermath, and convey the message of hope through that.

Horizon

When the thunderstorm transpire,

And the night skies cover daylight.

When all that’s left are blank abyss,

Dismay and panic ignite.

Swords crossed, boat flips.

Smashing bit by bit.

Lightning strikes our ship,

Burning like a whip.

Darkness fades to a world of stars.

For the magic in us still blooms,

Reach for hope, it’s not that far.

Don’t shut yourself in the gloom.

Don’t fear up and down,

Shadows may confine.

Wipe that intense frown,

And the sun will shine.

It will shine on the pleasant lea,

And twinkle on the blinking stars.

It will sparkle on noiseless lakes,

And kindle the path that leads far.

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Bloom! - Spring 2022