Baila is in grade 8 at the LubavitchDay School. She is on the Highland Gymnastic Team. She spent 3 weeks last summer on Teva Tours camping and climbing out west. She studies violin and enjoys making bookmarks and jewelry. Baila won a prize for poetry in last year’s Keren Or contest.
POETRY- 2008
Grades 7 - 9
First Place - Baila Elkin
Third Place - Immanuel Bier
Grades 10 - 12
First Place - Lillian Garber
Poetry, Grades 7 - 9: First Place
The Melody -
Baila Elkin
Spin for me a melody,
wrap it 'round me, little one,
of things I can no longer see,
such as the moon, or setting sun.
Laced with tigers of the wild,
embroidered with the stars of night,
wrap it 'round me, little child,
for I have lost my sight.
Weave for me a melody,
wrap it 'round me, one so dear,
of waves a-crashing in the sea,
and other things for me to hear.
With thread made of the cardinal's call,
and a child's joyous laugh-galore,
wrap it 'round me, one so small,
for I can hear no more.
What's that, what are you asking me?
come closer, now I understand,
how can I feel your melody
with my gnarled, wizened hand?
With roughness time has dealt with me,
and left my hands so chapped and red,
but I can feel your melody,
I'll do it with my heart, instead.