Stone Soup

Where young artists paint the world with words

The international magazine of stories, poems, and art by young writers and artists. Published continuously since 1973.

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When I Was Five

When I was five, I got out of school.
It was the first day and
I had already made friends.
But none of us knew
what was happening.
I heard a lot of talk about
crash mess fall tall.
Why was everyone talking
about mess fall hit hurt
and tears. Fear.
My mom took me home.
The streets were empty.
I heard fire trucks and police cars.
Then my mom told me.
The two towers were missing.
I was five. It was September 11.
Suddenly, I felt unsure.

When I Was Five Ashok Kaul
Ashok Kaul, 11
New York, New York