Junior, Peyton Cole, had her poem titled “The Silence” written on November 30, and published to TeenInk on December 12, 2023. She started writing in grade school, and although new to poetry her favorite poet is Julia Reesor.

During an interview, she stated her grandfather passed away, and writing about her feelings was one thing that brought her comfort. He inspires her to keep writing along with teachers, family, and her boyfriend.

When asked what her favorite memory was with her grandfather she said, “I have countless memories with my grandfather that I will forever cherish. But, when I think of memories with him, I am brought to thinking about the many times he would take me to McDonalds or Taco Bell. It sounds silly, but all day while I was at school this was something he looked forward to all day and so did I…We sat and talked and talked and shared a lot of laughs.”

Her grandpa inspires her to keep writing, and she said she will write more poems about him. Peyton hopes to get more poems published and hopes to possibly write a poetry book.

To view the poem, go to

https://www.teenink.com/poetry/free_verse/article/1206479/The-Silence