Ann Castaldi

Austin, Texas, USA

Ann is a Westlake High School student. She is the only child of the family and has been expressing her thoughts and feelings into poetry since her early age. Her first poem was published in a local newspaper, the Austin American Statesman, when she was in the second grade. She is also a member of the United States Figure Skating Association. She realizes that only poetry can bring all of her favorite things together in front of her, and the language of poetry always presents the best image of the reality and brightens a dream in the twilight world.

Wildlife And Fisheries

When money and partisan politics dominate both political parties.
It is time to consider wildlife and fisheries.
The national resources are here for everyone.
Regardless of race, origin, gender, or profession under the sun.

A Poem For Ilia Kulik

Youth, artistry, strength and fascination
Rosy cheeks glowing with compassion
Skating with magnificent speed and grace
Filling the rink with such confidence on your face
You pacified me with your iron will
When you skated, my heart stood still
What is it about you that I so greatly admire?
So ardently unique, you burn like fire
Flashes of passion and greatness shine through your eyes
You are divine, the only one I idolize
Style and sophistication pour from your soul
You are a diamond amongst a world of coal
Talent and determination won you the gold
Now the future is up to you to unfold
An aura of self-confidence punctuates your style
You take my breath away with your priceless smile
And make skating so worthwhile :)

Estuaries—The Liquid Lands

Our coastal bays and coastal wetlands, our estuaries.
They form a system of liquid lands with the highest productivities.
What is land today may tomorrow become open water.
The magic is in the wetlands, the stream flow, and the tidal waves all together.
The freshwater streams delivers nutrients and deposits sediments in the lower bay.
Where the salt water sneaks up with the tidal waves and washes them away.
This dynamic interplay of heterogeneous environments offer something for everyone.
Our estuaries support the national economy through wildlife production, fisheries, or recreational fun.