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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China is Left Behind

I can’t stop myself
From looking out there.
Like something is
Controlling my eyes,
Pulling my head towards
The airplane window
Again and again
Seeing America
Below us.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Please go back to your seats and
Fasten your safety belts.
Thank you.

Tears suddenly
Race out of my eyes like a lake across my face.
I can’t stand it!
China is now
A long way left behind.

Mom!
I want to
Go back now!
I cry.

Alisa Zou
Alisa Zou, 12
Concord, MA