By Ariel Cheng, IV Form

The William Otis Smith Prize for English Verse: “Vignette”

Editor’s Note: The William Otis Smith Prize for English Verse is given in memory of a member of the Class of 1907 and is awarded to one student, who, in the judgment of the English Department, has submitted the outstanding verse during the past year. 

Vignette

Sand
washing you down (washing
you out) wearing you
like a necklace. I try to lace
rope, a net, a knot
your fingers, twisted. Twisting.

Laughing. A broken fan, cards everywhere,
soap opera murmuring.
In a room with peeling walls
we were honest.