Dear Editor,

I hope that our readers have enjoyed the two poems recently published that were written by Lilly Tuttle. I know I did!

It occurred to me that most of you probably are wondering just who is Lilly Tuttle? Allow me a moment to introduce you!

Lilly just turned 15 (on Valentine’s Day no less!) and is a freshman in high school. Her first published poem, “The next checkered flag”, was inspired by her love of racing. Lilly followed in her big brother Cole’s footsteps, and started racing in go-karts at the tender age of 5. The deal was sealed when she charged to the front and won the first race she ever started! Lilly competed in her go-kart for several years, and in 2021 stepped into the Bandolero division at Colorado National Speedway.  She has competed in both the Bandit and Outlaw divisions, and has numerous wins and quick-times under her belt. Lilly’s bubbly, friendly nature and dogged determination made her a fan favorite at every race!

Her second published poem, “Ode to Mother”, was actually the first one she ever wrote. The raw emotion combined with a natural ability to paint a resonating picture in her readers’ minds amazed both her family and teachers, and the encouragement to continue on her new-found path was very strong.

We are extremely grateful that The Mountain-Ear has given her this opportunity to share her talent, and look forward to sending in many more to share with everyone.

I am so very proud of this amazing young lady and so proud and blessed to call her my granddaughter!

Thanks for reading!

Tami Archer

Gilpin County