I Believe in Nebraska by Kelsey Wullenwaber

When I think of Nebraska, I think of strolling down the street on my bike during summertime.
I'm always amazed of how stunning the sun is,
As it echoes off the rain puddles onto the avenue.
I think of the prominent stench of chlorine stuck in my hair and
The feeling of my damp bathing suit at Seward's hot spot,
The Seward Dowding Pool.

Nebraska's gorgeous summer makes me feel at home.
Friendly, content, and eager.

When I think of Nebraska, I think of sledding down a steep hill on the morning of a snow day.
I think of the brisk wind petting my face
And the snow men waving to me in my neighbor's yard.
I think of unfastening my wet coat and unwinding
To a full-size cup of rich hot chocolate.

Nebraska's frosty winter makes me feel at home.
Comfortable, pleasant, and cozy.

When I think of Nebraska, I think of my blooming purple violets planted in the back garden.
I think of the harmonious chorus of the
Singing cardinals, the buzzing bees,
And the humming crickets.
I think of marching out the door with only a light jacket
And Mama can't scold me because the weather s just right.

Nebraska's relaxing springtime makes me feel at home.
Stress-free, at ease, and peaceful.

When I think of Nebraska, I think of the yellow and orange shadows that surpass the entire city.
I think of diving head first into a pile of flakey leaves,
And then raking them back into one big pile so you can jump in again.
I think of the sitting on the porch with candy corn stuffed in my mouth and
The glowing pumpkins and that greet the young trick-or-treaters.

Nebraska's cheerful autumn makes me feel at home.
Free spirited, blissful, and happy.

Nebraska is my homeland.
My native soil.
I value everything the land has given me.
The gorgeous summers, the frosty winters,
The relaxing springtime and the cheerful autumn.

I vow to continue to spend my summers
Stinking of chlorine in my damp bathing suit.
If I did not spend endless hours basking in the sun and
Showing off my conspicuous tan lines, where would I be?

I promise to never stay home on a snow day
For the earth would disown me if I did not take advantage
Of its white fluffy skin.

I give my word to take care of the buzzing,
Singing and humming creatures of the earth.
I promise to even sing along to their sweet melodies.

I pledge to forever plop myself into a gigantic leaf piles,
And only rake them to plop myself into their hands again.
No matter how young or old I may be.

By appreciating and valuing these beautiful things
I'm giving back to Nebraska what Nebraska has given to me.