Well, the world (or at least a chapter of the literary world) recently took note of a local 13-year-old who put pen to paper to create a poem about hummingbirds.
Charlotte Norman, a teen from rural Maple Ridge, received honourable mention for a poem aptly called “Hummingbird,” that has earned her international accolades through an organization known as Cricket.
She wrote the poem in late August, when she discovered the Cricket League writing contest.
Cricket magazine has delighted generations of readers ages nine to 14 with contemporary stories and classic literature from the world’s best writers, paired with breathtaking illustrations. Its editors curate each issue with the highest-quality fiction, non-fiction, and poetry spanning culture, history, science, and the arts.
For her contribution, which was included in the recent “Feathered Favourites” edition, Charlotte received recognition and an official certificate, plus top entries were published in the magazine and at cricketmagkids.com/contests.
“I was shocked and overjoyed to find out that I had won honourable mention. It was a big moment for me to see my writing go somewhere,” Charlotte shared with The News, noting this is the first time she’s entered any type of writing contest.
“The [Cricket] prompt asked for a poem about your favourite bird, and I knew right away that hummingbirds were the perfect choice. They are my favourite bird because they are small, but mighty. They are interesting, delicate, and beautiful,” she explained.
It took her two days to research hummingbirds and write the poem.
“It took me another few to edit it repeatedly before I sent it in. I chose to write a haiku because they are traditionally nature related, which I found fitting,” Charlotte elaborated.
It’s no surprise to anyone who knows Charlotte that her favourite subject is English, because of her love of literature.
Writing is not her only hobby, others that top the list include reading and playing rock and country music on her guitar – which she took up at the age of nine.
“I have been reading everything I could get my hands on since I was four,” she said, noting that’s the same age she took up writing stories. It wasn’t until Grade 3, however, that she discovered poetry.
Most of her poems since then have been for school assignments, but lately she began writing some for her own enjoyment, including “Hummingbird.”
With three younger siblings, she noted none of them share her love of writing. But her mom does, Charlotte said, explaining that she used to write poems, too.
Charlotte has also penned the first drafts of a few novels, as well as many other children’s books through the years.
“I have been trying for over a year to find a literary agent to help me publish the children’s book I wrote. So far, I have had no luck, though it has been and will continue to be a wonderful opportunity to learn about the writing and publishing world,” she said.
As for the future, this aspiring wordsmith sees much more writing ahead.
“Going forward I’m planning to enter just about every free writing contest I can find… It means so much to me to be recognized and celebrated for my achievements.”
••••••••••••••••
Hummingbird
Wings that flap so fast,
Are almost invisible.
But not this bright bird.
.
His tiny feathers,
Shine more than any other.
Beautiful always.
.
Unable to walk.
They perch or take to the skies.
They must feel so free.
.
Drinks the sweet nectar.
The smallest in the whole world.
Greatness is tiny.
.
No one but they can,
Flap 80 times per second.
It’s hard work to fly.
.
Dainty and graceful,
Yet strong and fast for their size.
Small can be gorgeous.
.
With a mouth that size.
How can they make so much sound?
They want to be heard.
.
They zip so high up.
Do they forget and look down?
Do they hit the clouds?