Cameron Benton is a senior here at FHS. He wrote a spectacular four page poem based on the theme of a book he wants to write which talks about his own philosophy. This covers the three things he thinks are most important in life; spirit, nature, and art. Starting with spirit first, it covers anything spiritual, but that doesn’t specifically mean that he’s talking about the Christian God. Cameron states, however, that he does believe in a higher power. Next would be nature. He talks about how nature is God’s art and that we rule over nature. Then, lastly he talks about art. Cameron says that it comes from our minds and specifically refers to laws, social norms, and characters such as Jay Gatsby in his writing. English teacher Mrs. Allen says this about the poem; “Cameron Benton’s poem “Three” is thought provoking and an excellent first step for this young poet.” The poem is written as a tribute to Dante Alighieri, and uses the rhyme scheme Terza Rima: ABA BCB CDC

After high school, Cameron plans to go to South Western for the first two years and then go to Western for the other two. He would like to major in forensics and then after college he would like to pursue this as a career in the blood field. During this, he will be writing a book talking about the three most important things in life.

Three 

Cameron Benton 

For there are three that rule our society.

It is everywhere and everyone at once,

And following bad will damn and good will pity. 

I shall tell all who grow dunce; 

These are spirit, nature, and art. 

I shall teach said reader all three at once. 

Spirit is the highest and most important part,

For it gives the other two as gifts to all,

But that I just said is only the start. 

For why do we put trust in spirit plus all,

Why do we dream for what dreams may come,

And why does all affection make us stand tall? 

The spirit may appear as a man to some.

To others, he appears as pure light and love.

And to the worst, he does not exist or come. 

More see the spirit as two men and a dove.

Back then, twelve people up a mountain.

But to most now, only one is up above. 

I too, believe in the spirit, not on a mountain.

Not by any group, cult, or nutty men.

But on my own, not in a lake or fountain. 

And at that thought, what is true then?

The spirit sees all groups, but none 100% true.

And as such, with no harm done, all have been.

And from the spirit comes nature too. 

As the art of the spirit he created, 

It is thus our guide number two. 

From the very first tree that was planted,

To the first drop of water on the ground, 

To the last continent ever shifted. 

Plus animals, fruit, rivers, lakes, and sound. 

But there is one that rules all nature. 

That is us, and society we had found. 

At first, we all lived happy and mature. 

Until envy took over, and the first kill came,

And it spread to kin and all till the near future. 

From that act did it continue, but worse came.

Some ate their own kin, others deprived of all dignity.

For the latter I anger most, for love is not the same. 

Those disgusting ticks, who want to lose virginity,

Are never allowed to see the light. 

Because some of unwilling lose their sanity. 

And to those that break love so tight, 

Cold-hearted and only wanted, even dead.

They never shed tears, for their eyes are shut tight. 

But the worst against nature is feeling dead.

For all hope that is lost, your ultimate gift.

These are kin that cut their own thread. 

Poor souls, some were good and could have lift.

For attempted, fail or win, still counts.

But some encourage giving up said gift. 

Without love or nature, time never counts.

We would never feel skin or touch, 

And we would never see light atop mounts.

No language would speak, English or Dutch.

Nothing would exist or play a part. 

So for nature to live, love we all must clutch. 

The last of the three parts is art. 

The very gift given by nature itself. 

It allows us to create art and take part. 

From the man standing alone by himself, 

Looking at the green light for his love, 

To toons, sculptures, machines, and even self. 

We could create three funny men that shove,

Deviants that are giants, or could stretch. 

Plumbers, or a genie that can dance into a dove. 

Even a simple stickman on a sketch. 

Art makes our minds flow like wine. 

But it also applies to norms we out-stretch. 

Laws, rules, class, most see as fine, 

And both norm and imagination can make money.

But some want it for themselves, and cross the line. 

The people above others have all the milk and honey.

But some want more than necessary, and waste.

They turn to what we create for pleasures that turn bloody. 

Leaders and representatives want that taste.

They receive compensation for what they call “legal”.

They put their friends and kin high, with no talent aced. 

And in a time of hate in the land of the eagle,

That hate is dependent on who looks or acts.

All of these are committed, even if not illegal. 

So readers, take my words as lies or facts.

Even with grains of salt, or as inspirations.

Don’t be one that complains or overreacts.

For I have been given gifts as inspirations, 

From Walls, To Hemingway, and the Supreme Poet.

But more makes me spread my imaginations. 

From Deviants, to Indies, to Edgar the Poet,

To Pythons, sarcastic duos, owls and pigs. 

But all follow behind The One Poet. 

So there, these are in my mind, figs. 

But there’s also my children, a Barker of the House,

And an anime woman, with the figure of a pig’s. 

Let light glow in all that there’s a house, 

Let the spirit help us since our creation. 

Let nature give animals too, from a whale to a mouse. 

Let art of norms and all creation guide without hesitation.

For what we create will be all of ours, 

And let it shape our morality and imagination. 

Follow all three, and you will avoid the cold of Mars.

And you, me, others, and more will glow as bright as the stars.