Fourth Grader Natalia Shields Selected for Statewide Publication

Natalia Shields is in fourth grade but that doesn’t make her any less capable of expressing deep thoughts. Her wining poem, “Heart of the Rose,” was selected to be published in the Connecticut Student Writers Magazine and is about a young girls sadness after the passing of her mother.  

Wary of the what the answer might be, I had to ask Natalia what her inspiration was.  

“My mom inspired me to write it, she’s still alive today but she really inspired me to write it,” she said. “She’s like the world to me almost.”  

Phew.  

Shields said it was just a topic she was interested in writing about although she prefers write mythology and folktales.  She said she was “really excited” upon hearing the poem was selected to be published in the statewide magazine and this is her first award.

Here's "Heart of a Rose" by Natalia Shields

Beating hearts, your heart is useless if you
don’t have feelings.”
The last words from y mother before her time
line stopped forever.
Thump, thump, my heart beats for her, for her
memories.
Mom-less, that’s what I am.
I show no courage to hold back my tears.
Lost in life’s labyrinth, I can not face it.
My spirit is dying down to a pitch-black world.
No on to comfort me when I’m sad.
My puzzle is missing a piece
That piece is my mom, Rose Carter Johnson  

I love you Mom
I love you

Natalia and five other students from Ledyard, and the other recipients around the state were honored at a banquet dinner at UConn on May 14. Wally Lamb, bestselling author of "This Much I Know is True" and "She's Come Undone" will be the guest speaker.

The other Ledyard students were Rachel Solomon, Ally Tran, Ian Kamperschroer, Jessica Juoni, and Connor Doran.