The Utah Valley University English Department sponsors an annual high school writing contest. Over the next few months, In the Classroom will highlight the contest winners in poetry, personal essay and short story.

Katherine Fredrickson attends Jordan High School. She is the first place winner in poetry. Congratulations Katherine.

Your Scent

Your scent brings me back to simpler times

When the trees seemed taller, and my family stronger,

My mother younger, and I, clueless

It’s musky, intriguing. Hold me a little longer.

When the trees seemed taller, and my family stronger,

It was just a scent, now it’s all memories

It’s musky, intriguing. Hold me a little longer

Hold me a little tighter, to bring me back to simpler times

It was just a scent, now it’s all memories

Maybe this is why I hold you so dearly

Hold me a little tighter, to bring me back to simpler times

It brings me such comfort when you’re here with me

Maybe this is why I hold you so dearly

Vanilla, sweet, enticing and dark

It brings me such comfort when you’re here with me

Reminds me of breakfast and movies every other weekend

Vanilla, sweet, enticing and dark

Your scent reminds me of my childhood

Reminds me of breakfast and movies every other weekend

Stories and laughter before bed

Your scent reminds me of my childhood

Carefree, gentle, and patient

Stories and laughter before bed

Love me, hold me, and take me back

Carefree, gentle, and patient

Your scent brings me back to simpler times

Love me, hold me, and take me back

My mother younger, and I, clueless.