Fall Writing Frenzy Poetry Contest 2026

Many thanks to Kaitlyn Sanchez, Lydia Lukidis and all the fabulous prize donors! #FallWritingFrenzy

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Picture #9 Credit: Magnific via Kamran Aydinov

Here's my entry:

ETROG MAGIC (WC 200)

by Michelle S. Kennedy

My mother lays out lemons, and            

two boxes bearing bows...                     

There’s magic on this tablescape! 

(Hmmm. Really?!) I suppose...              

She hands me thick, white paper and      

then whispers, Here’s a clue...              

I’m positively puzzled!                           

I don’t know what to do.                        

Within my chair, I sit and stare               

so hard I start to squint.                        

Is power in those sour peels?                

I need another hint.                              

She slices up the yellow fruit.                

Then (SQUEEZE!) the juices flow...       

My mother gives me Q-tips, and            

then chuckles, Here you go!                  

Now take a cotton swab and dip            

its tip into some juice,                                                                             

and jot a secret message down             

which we will reproduce.                       

I ‘think’ my mother’s fooling me.             

She’s building up suspense.                  

But since she’s got me curious,             

I cast-off common sense!              

The citron scribble disappears.              

My paper’s dry and blank.                     

I’m told to place it in a box,                    

still thinking it’s a prank.                        

Then later, we exchange our “gifts”,       

unfold each faded sheet...                     

Now iron it, but not too hot—

the magic is complete.      

The acid from the etrog juice                 

makes disappearing ink.             

But when it’s heated, all’s revealed—     

the text shows up! (Wink, wink.)            

[Messages: “You’re the zest!”

                    “See? Etrog Magic! Happy Sukkot!”]