The first poem was written by Jessica Tan –
El Camino Real
is perpendicular to these gates.
The City of Angels has room for a few more.
If we just get on and head south,
stay true sans pit stops,
we’ll be back in only eight hours.
On the corner of Ann and Baker,
sits an unassuming warehouse —
Chiparaki, or Little Water —
and it bears our names.
See Fabian firing up the Chiquita Banana,
ready to take us to Carnitas for falafels.
Cruise in the unkempt yellow truck,
turning our backs on the downtown skyline.
Wage war against the state historic park,
used encyclopedias our weapons of choice.
Call it a day before sundown,
raising toasts to Argentina in plastic cups.
Play sardines in James’ two-door Acura,
for another round in dodgy South Central.
Find ourselves by the streets of Little Tokyo,
marching bands in our heads the next morning.
But at least we’ll be here,
at least we’ll be home.
The second winning entry is written by an anonymous author –
Leave
Put down your pen
set off into light
You walk through the door
solid walls, blue skies, collide
brick to grass, grass to brick
your path there is no right
Cross a river
cross a road
you find a pen by your side.
The Cinnamon Roll 