FIRST-PLACE POEM 2014

Jacqueline Jules is awarded first place for her poem “To Be A Gold Droplet Floating.” Jacqueline Jules is the author of the poetry chapbooks, Field Trip to the Museum, published by Finishing Line Press, and Stronger Than Cleopatra, forthcoming from ELJ Publications. Her poetry has appeared in numerous publications including Christian Science Monitor, Soundings Review, America, St. Anthony Messenger, Inkwell, Third Wednesday, Little Patuxent Review, The Innisfree Poetry Journal, Potomac Review,  Imitation Fruit, Calyx, Connecticut River Review, and Pirene's Fountain. She is also the author of two dozen books for young readers including the Zapato Power series, No English, Sarah Laughs, and Never Say a Mean Word Again. Visit her online at www.jacquelinejules.com.

To Be A Gold Droplet Floating
                   by Jacqueline Jules

While sometimes
prayer dissolves me
like sugar in water...
to become a sweeter substance,
I am just as satisfied
with suspension
in this oil and vinegar world—
to be a gold droplet floating
in a dark, mysterious sea
certain
I can withstand
a hard shaking
and not be absorbed
by bitter circumstances.