Otters

by Alizon Lozada, 13

Did you know that otters hold hands while sleeping so they don’t drift away?
If you think about it, they’re really holding onto their family and loved ones.
Doesn’t that remind you of something? 
How you try and not lose touch with your distant loved ones,
Or how you try and not separate with your parents …
Although one otter can hold as tight as possible to the otter to not drift away,
If one otter lets go, many other otters will drift away, kinda like a ripple effect. 
Just like a family, if two family members fight, the whole familywill get in teams.
This “little fight” will soon cause all of them to separate. 
Just like otters, things get between them.
It can be other animals, branches, garbage, or even other evil otters.
You know, this reminds me of how family stick together.
Things get between them 
Even if they try so hard to not let go.
Just like I said, it can be the little things,
Like little fights,
Other people getting between them,
Or it can be a big things,
Like people separating families.
Once you guys are separated
it really makes you think how you shouldn’t take them for granted.
How those stupid little fights were worth nothing
And those memories you have with them you shouldn’t take for granted 
And those little memories like going out to eat, shopping, and watching movies with them
Can make you really regret those fights and letting others get between your family.

Red Bank, New Jersey

This piece won THIRD PLACE in our 2026 Voice & Verse Writing Contest, prose ages 12-14 category.

Judge’s Note: I picked this piece because the way it connects otters holding hands to family relationships feels thoughtful and easy to relate to. It also stands out for its honesty and emotion, showing a lot of maturity and creativity for someone their age.