Louder Than the Echo - By: Allegra Ricci

Nine years of training with sweat and grace,

The rhinestones on my uniform, the 8-count pace.

Fourteen hours every week I gave my all,

To the music, to my teammates, and the rise and fall.

The sport was more than just a hobby to me,

It was my happy place, my sanctuary.

Then came the day the music turned to screams,

A sudden shadow on our brightest dreams.

The biggest stage in 2025,

Forty thousand athletes told to run to stay alive.

I grabbed my mother’s hand, a desperate hold,

As the story of our safety started to unfold.

Nine of us huddled, petrified and small,

In an electrical closet, trembling against the wall.

Forty minutes of silence, with questions soaked in fear,

Would I survive, and what about my love of cheer?

Would the sparkle fade, would the joy depart?

Would fear take the place of the fire in my heart?

But the sun rose again on the very same floor,

As we walked hand-in-hand through that arena door.

Butterflies erupted and tears tickled our eyes,

When we saw our families struggle to hold back their cries.

Yet we stepped on the mat, ready to compete,

With the goal of performing with smiles and solid feet.

Through the echo of shots, we reclaimed the floor,

Stronger and braver than ever before.

The fear didn't break us, we refused to let it in,

Because on that day, we let love win.

Please give a detailed explanation about the meaning and main idea of this poem.

Last year, while at a cheerleading competition in Texas, there was a shooting. The fear and chaos was not something I had experienced. I was so afraid and I was especially afraid that the experience would change my love of my sport.

Please explain your writing and thought process regarding this poem.

I first wrote the poem as a journal entry. Then, I went through my thoughts and feelings and rewrote them in a poem format, trying to keep my personality and experience clear.

Why did you choose to write this poem?

It is a story of resilience and bravery, and I am proud of myself for overcoming such a terrifying situation.

Do you have any tips or anything to share with the youth writers who may be reading this?

Just keep writing for yourself.