Clayton published, recognized for poem

Writers dream to be published, but do not accomplish the feat as early as eighth grade.

Short stories and poems written by students nationwide will be published in the “I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids” Anthology. Freshman Micah Clayton’s poem The Boy Who Loved to Paint was chosen to be included.

Houston non-profit literacy organization, READ3Zero, will honor Clayton as well as 58 other winners at a luncheon and book signing Nov. 1 in Houston.

Clayton entered her short story about Hitler’s inner turmoil and background during her seventh grade year while she attended Burnett Junior High School.

“We were doing a lot of research on Holocaust stories and Hiroshima,” Clayton said. “I really felt like this poem just came to me. I don’t feel like I wrote it myself.”

Clayton has also won the overall award of Editor’s Choice. This award is the poem or short story picked out of all the ones published as the best or most influential. Clayton has attended the luncheon four times due to four of her other pieces published with the same company in previous years.

“I’ve attended this luncheon and seen the Editor’s Choice Recipient go up on stage and read their short stories, but it will be special for me this year because I’ll be the one on the stage,” Clayton said. “I was told by my publisher that she’s been reading my poem to people. It’s so amazing to be recognized for my writing.”

The luncheon will include a book signing, individual recognition in the form of certificates of excellence and a presentation from the Editor’s Choice recipient.

“This year we will offer a majestic experience for our young authors at a luncheon specially created to commemorate their success,” Melissa Williams, children’s author and founder of READ3Zero, said. “For five years our foundation has helped young students become published authors, and we can’t wait to celebrate with the city of Houston, parents, literacy advocates, and more.”

Senior Marison Clayton is proud of her sister’s accomplishments and looks forward to her future accomplishments.

“My sister and I are huge fans of book to movie adaptations,” Marison said. “So personally I hope I’m standing on set in the far future helping her produce her own. Now that’s definitely dreaming big, but I figure since she is about to have her fourth work published, who knows.”

The Claytons take off for Houston the morning of Nov. 1 and are excited to see the youngest sibling in the family awarded for her achievement.

“I wasn’t going to miss school at first but when we learned she had won the award I figured I certainly couldn’t miss that,” Marison said. “Luckily my dad was able to get an extra plane ticket. I’m so proud to be her older sister and I can’t wait to see how far she will go in her writing.”

The Boy Who Loved to Paint

By Micah Clayton

Once upon a time there was a boy who loved to paint.

Once upon a time there was a boy who lead a carefree

and happy life despite having to deal with the fact that his

younger brother would never reach the age of seven.

Once upon a time there was a boy who had great plans for

the future, plans to be successful.

Once upon a time there was a boy

who had trouble controlling his temper.

Once upon a time there was a boy who loved to paint.

Once upon a time there was a boy who loved to paint.

A boy who excelled in his art and music classes;

but failed to show effort for the rest.

Once upon a time there was a boy

who fought with his father.

A boy who was broken when his father

had a heart attack and never breathed again.

Once upon a time there was a boy who loved to paint.

He pursued a career in art and was extremely talented.

One day he entered a professional art contest.

Once upon a time there was a boy who was told his work

was amateurish and didn’t express his feelings

And never told his sick mother.

Once upon a time there was a Jewish doctor

who tended to a woman with breast cancer.

However the treatment was too late

and his patient passed away.

The doctor did not charge the woman’s children

for the many home visits he had made.

Once upon a time there was a boy who vowed himself

forever grateful to the Jewish doctor.

Once upon a time there was a

homeless boy in a colorful city.

Once upon a time there was a boy

who made all the wrong decisions.

A boy who was elected chancellor of Germany.

A boy who controlled everyone’s’ minds.

Once upon a time there was a boy

who sought a master race.

And wanted to get rid of everyone that didn’t belong in it.

Once upon a time there was a boy

who believed Germany was a god

And he was Jesus Christ.

Once upon a time there was a boy

who made all the wrong decisions.

Once upon a time there was a boy

who caused the death of over eleven million people

Including himself.

Once upon a time there was a boy who loved to paint.