Earlier this year we told you about the Young Romantics creative writing prize, organised by the Keats Shelley Memorial Association. Young people aged 16-18 were asked to write poems and short stories on the theme of Lost Angels. And a new 16-18 year old category was introduced in an essay writing competition.

So, firstly congratulations to Daniella Cugini for her first prize-winning poem: “Presence”. Daniella is also a Guardian children’s books site member (site nickname Sunsetskyfire) as well as the winner of Foyle young poets, so definitely one to watch!

Congratulations also to poetry second prize winner, Esme Partridge with “For My Future Lover”, and short-story winner Parth Vaghani with “Leaving Home” (read the story). And lastly a massive well done to Stephen Horvath for his essay “How did Revolutions in Politics Affect the Poetic Revolution in Lyrical Ballads?” which won him the 16-18 category essay prize.

Do look out for more details and how to enter next year (oh, and the adult prize winners) on the Keats-Shelley prize page.

Now sit back and enjoy Daniella Cugini’s prize-winning poem:

Presence

darker, I say. night knits the moon’s eye shut.

quiet, I say. the birds swallow their songs.

apples fall at my touch. the moths unfurl

and soar into the flame. it’s good, I say.

it’s healthy. stop it now. a child poised

at the edge of the lake. each star collapsed

into evening. go back, I say. go back

to the beginning. the trees rewreathe themselves

in amber. amber succumbs to green, as calm

to fever. returning is a slow affair.

each berry regathered, back to before

the birth of Christ. bring her here, I say.

the earth draws back, and there she is. petal cleaves

to bone. bring her back, I say, louder.

she blinks twice. her hands open to accept

the rain. I turn away, for now she can hear

me breathing. they seal her in. back home

I wear flowers in my hair, faintly slick

with oil. die for me, I say, and they listen.

The judging panel of the Young Romantics/Keats-Shelley prize consisted of Carol Ann Duffy, Professor Simon Bainbridge, Kate Clanchy, Matthew Sweeney and Professor Sharon Ruston. The 16-18 year category was introduced for the first time this year and long may it continue!

If you are a Guardian children’s books site member, don’t forget to send your stories and poem to childrens.books@theguardian.com - and if you aren’t a member then come on in, the water’s fine! (here’s how)

• This article was amended on 28 April 2015 to correct the spelling of Stephen Horvath’s name.