Edited by Susan Amsterdam
Contest Judge, Laura Boss
Cover design and layout by Ashley Kesling
A cooperative project between The Poetry Center Passaic County Community College and The Theater and Poetry Project: A Language Arts Enrichment Partnership At Passaic County Community College
©Poetry Center, 2013
Passaic County Community College One College Boulevard Paterson, New Jersey 07505-1179
2013 Paterson Student Poetry Contest is made possible, in part, by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; and Passaic County Community College.
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This 2013 Paterson Student Poetry Contest Anthology is the result of a co-operative project between the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, the Theater and Poetry Project: A Language Arts Enrichment Partnership at Passaic County Community College and the Paterson Public Schools. The poems in this book are the winners of the 2013 Poetry Contest for Paterson Students, first through twelfth grades. We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Donnie W. Evans, State Distict Superintendent; Mr. Dennis Vroegindewey, Director, Instructional Technology & Library Media Services of the Paterson Public Schools, as well as Dr. Steven Rose, President of Passaic County Community College, whose continuous support makes projects like this anthology possible. We would like to thank the principals and teachers who encouraged their students to participate in the Contest. We also need to express our thanks to the Passaic County Community College, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State and the Paterson Schools for their support of the many poetry and writing workshops that inspired the enthusiasm and guided the talent of the students in expressing themselves through poetry.
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FIRST PRIZE
Name Poem School Grade Teacher Page
Isaac Medina I Feel Afraid When… School 3 2 Mrs. Almaita 8
Brianne Correa Swimming Lessons School 27 3 Ms. Liguori 8
Samiha Ali Home Alone School 29 3 Ms. Propersi 8
Yamila Trujillo Kenia Renaissance One 4 Mrs. McCaffrey 8
Melina Guzman I Feel Afraid When… Norman S. Weir Mrs. Aquart/ 9 6 Mrs. Cox
Dezarae Espaillat The Funeral School 27 6 Mrs. Guarneri 9
Claudia Romani Christmas School 27 7 Mr. Gallo 10
Rose Mc Neill Through the Eyes of a Wall Flower School 21 8 Mr. Cecere 11
Chad Matthews 20 Children School of Information Mr. Walter 12 10 Technology @EHS
Betsy J. Herrera Colorless Rosa Parks H.S. 12 Ms. Goch 12
SECOND PRIZE
Chasery Ortiz Things I Fear From My Heart School 3 2 Mrs. Almaita 13
Leslie Ramos Memories School 27 3 Mrs. Rankin 13
Delilah Claudio I Remember My Grandma Renaissance One 4 Mrs. McCaffrey 13
Fares Khalaifah My Teacher’s A Sport CJR-9 4 Mrs. Fodi 13
Brianne Robles When I Was Younger Renaissance One 4 Mrs. McCaffrey 14
Nycialee Fernandez My Dreams School 27 5 Mrs. Kelly 14
Oscar Valdez Oh, Sandy Academy for the Gifted and 6 Mrs. Matthews 14 Talented at School 28
Nasir Young A Nightmare in Reality Rev. Dr. Frank Napier Jr. School 6 Mrs. Mosby 14
Carolina Areiza Life CJR-9 7 Mrs. Abayhan 15
Anika Jishan Christmas School 27 7 Mrs. Cordero 15
Maysa Sheikh Hunger CJR-9 7 Ms. Abayhan 16
Jamel Cuello Newborn School 8 8 Mr. Keonte 16
Daiana Ortiz Revolution Rosa Parks H.S. 9 Ms. Goch 16
J-nelle Collick Me, Myself in Time HARP Academy 10 Ms. Jean-Baptiste 16
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HONORABLE MENTION
Name Poem School Grade Teacher Page
Bakari Browne Ginger Renaissance One 1 Mrs. Lovell 17
Sarah Kincherlow - Who’s Watching Me Renaissance One 1 Mrs. Lovell 17 Warren
Nyamekye Mixson Elf on a Sled Renaissance One 1 Mrs. Lovell 17
Kayla Cleaves A Place for All Renaissance One 2 Ms. Bauch 17
Daniele Fontanella My Favorite Place Is… Renaissance One 2 Ms. Bauch 17
Rafael Rodriguez The Best Sport In Fall Renaissance One 2 Ms. Bauch 17
Don'tayvah Jones I Feel So Excited School 21 2 Ms. Papageorgiou 17
Jadalise Nunez Playtime School 24 2 Mrs. Molina 17
Yasmin Delgadillo I Feel Afraid When… School 3 2 Mrs. Almaita 18
Claudia Olivero I Feel Afraid When… School 3 2 Mrs. Almaita 18
Kamille Bryant Grow Flower Grow Renaissance One 3 Ms. Romer 18
Arifa Hussain Trees School 27 3 Mrs. McCarthy 18
Sashanti Rivera Alone School 27 3 Ms. Liguori 18
Monserratt Gomez Darkness in the Room School 29 3 Ms. Propersi 19
Fatima Hossain Lonely in My House School 29 3 Mr. Batista/Ms. 19 Propersi
Elijah Rosario The Darkness Is Everywhere School 29 3 Ms. Propersi 19
Nayely Torres Hurricane Sandy School 29 3 Mr. Batista/Ms. 19 Propersi
Paulina Sosa I Feel Afraid When… School 3 3 Mrs. 19 Velasquez/Mrs. Auletta
Elainie Alfonso I Am.. Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 4 Mrs. Gates 20 School 28
Jennifer Castro I’m Not Afraid Anymore Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 4 Mrs. Gates 20 School 28
Petra Najjar If I Were to Dream Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 4 Mrs. Gates 20 School 28
Ali Ammar What is Nature CJR-9 4 Mrs. Jackson 20
Jacqueline Merino My Autobiography CJR-9 4 20
Lizbeth Velasco I Get Scared CJR-9 4 Mrs. Fodi 21
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HONORABLE MENTION, continued
Name Poem School Grade Teacher Page
Lesrene Browne Snowflake Renaissance One 4 Mrs. McCaffrey 21
Aryana Cuavers Aunt Audrie Renaissance One 4 Mrs. McCaffrey 21
Franciso Hernandez My First Hurricane School 15 4 Ms. Hodges 21
Gabriella Matrille Oh My Pit-Bull, Oh My Pit- School 15 4 Ms. Hodges 21 bull
Ashley Perez My Birthday Always Gets School 15 4 Ms. Hodges 22 Ruined
Ciera Toodle-Reed Sweet Sounds of Me School 19 4 Ms. Ljumanoska 22
Chloe Holmes Where Did You Come From School 27 4 Mrs. Rankin 22
Arly Carrasco Passing A Test School 29 4 Ms. Pincus 22
Giovanny Garcia I Feel Afraid School 29 4 Ms. Pincus 22
Jasmine Jenkins I'm Afraid When.. School 3 4 Ms. J. Zangara 22
Demeyah Cleaves My Reflection Urban Leadership Academy 4 Ms. Bradshaw 22
Aabriah Chapman The Beat Urban Leadership Academy 4 Ms. Bradshaw 23
Emily Cruz The Super Storm Sandy Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 5 Mrs. Matthews 23 School 28
Raymond Fermin The Effects of Hurricane Sandy Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 5 Mrs. Matthews 23 School 28
Luis Joseph Mata I Was Lucky During Sandy Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 5 Mrs. Matthews School 28
Pedro Rodriguez Imaginary Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 5 Mrs. Gates 23 School 28
Katelyn Anais Rojas Sandy and My Dad Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 5 Mrs. Matthews 23 School 28
Omar Elbakly The Scary Noises CJR-9 5 Mrs. Fodi 24
Ai'jhan Frye Winter Months Renaissance One 5 Mrs. Pio 24
Juan Diego Blandino What Excites Me School 18 5 Mrs. Fusaro/Mrs. 24 Vasile
Natalie Marte Dead School 21 5 Ms. Simpson 24
Ashley Fernandez Sometimes School 27 5 Mrs. Kelly 25
Erick Velazquez I Feel Afraid When… School 3 5 Mr. Thomas 25
Franklin Hernandez Hurricane Sandy Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 6 Mrs. Matthews 25 School 28
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HONORABLE MENTION, continued
Name Poem School Grade Teacher Page
Christian J. Padilla Never Gone Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 6 Mrs. Matthews 25 School 28
Jefferson Paredes Hurricane Sandy Academy for the Gifted and Talented at 6 Mrs. Matthews 26 School 28
Ilirida Baftiri Nervous CJR-9 6 Mrs. Strumolo 26
Carlos Tavaras I Looked Him in The Eye Martin Luther King School 6 Mrs. Walter 26
Brandon Banks My First Time Norman S. Weir 6 Mrs. Aquart/ 26 Mrs.Cox
Yisel Madera I Feel Afraid Rev. Dr. Frank Napier Jr. School 6 Mrs. Lape 26
Laprasha Lloyd Let Me Out Rev. Dr. Frank Napier Jr. School 6 Mrs. Lape 27
Amanda Tavarez I See a Girl School 20 6 Mrs. Mearizo 27
Mia Herrera The Worst Day of My Life School 27 6 Mrs. Johnson 27
Stephanie Allan The One Who Ran Away CJR-9 7 Ms. Abayhan 27
Yasmin Yousef My Uncle's Death CJR-9 7 Mrs. Abayhan 28
Mariah Gonzalez My Little Brother Norman S. Weir 7 Mrs. Aquart/ 28 Mrs.Cox
Dymond Robinson Family Vacation Norman S. Weir 7 Mrs. Aquart/ 28 Mrs.Cox
Jayla McDuffie What has the World Come Norman S. Weir 8 Mrs. Aquart/ 28 To? Mrs.Cox
Kelsy Cohen Star of Gold School 20 8 Mrs. Dickson 28
Juliana Braka A Family That Once Was Rosa Parks H.S. 9 Ms. Goch 29
Miracle Duncan My Biggest Fear Rosa Parks H.S. 9 Ms. Goch 29
Dy'Keynia Gerard I Feel Sad When Rosa Parks H.S. 9 Ms. Goch 29
Romario Thompson 20 Kids School of Information Technology @ 10 Mr. Walter 29 EHS
Korinn Harris Cantantes Hyacintho Avis HARP Academy 10 Ms. Jean-Baptiste 30
Trenice Brockington Connecticut School Shooting School of Information Technology @ 10 Mr. Walter 31 EHS
Tiffany Diaz I am Afraid When… School of Government @ EHS 11 Mrs. Van Houten 31
Pamela Gonzalez A Mother's Love School of Government @ EHS 12 Mrs. Van Houten 32
Glen Montoya My Government School of Government @ EHS 12 Mrs. Van Houten 32
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I Feel Afraid When… !! Home Alone Isaac Medina – Grade 2 Samiha Ali - Grade 3 !! I feel afraid when my brother sneaks into my room. Home alone He shuts the lights off. I feel creeped out when he does !! The thunder bangs that because I hear a rumble He comes at me and he scares me. Fat wet raindrops sizzle as they hit the sidewalk I feel afraid when my brother acts like he is a zombie. ! Lightning flashes then… I know zombies aren’t real, but in the dark I am afraid! BOOM! BANG! I feel afraid when he comes at me. I try to get out of the It feels like someone is walking room, but I can’t find the door in the dark. STOMP! STOMP! STOMP! So, I try to find the light switch and try to get out of the The hallway shakes and so does my body. room and go to my bedroom and lock the door. I am afraid. I still feel afraid because my brother can use a penny to Lights flicker on and off open my door. Again So, I hide under my cushion and throw the cushion at And again. him if he comes in. Will it stop? I know that he will come in, so I run and go to my mom’s I am afraid! room that has a key and it can’t be opened with a penny. Loud thunder claps in my ears and flashes in my eyes. It makes me jump Kenia It makes the hair on my arms stand Yamila Trujillo – Grade 4 No wonder movies use thunder and lightning
for horror movies I remember when I was three. I feel horror right here My dog had surgery. My heart starts to beat I was weeping and weeping all day long. Dum…Dum…Dum For all the sorrows of my dog. It goes faster and faster! She didn’t survive. I start to breathe louder and quicker. I remember playing and jumping all Oh will I make it? Around the pool with Kenia. Will I survive? Drawing attention from all the members Will I faint? Of my family. Whether I like it or not, it will come!!! I remember when she first came home. Oh boy! Was I joyful?! I hugged her, squeezed her, kissed her head. Swimming Lessons I bathed her and even gave her medicine! Brianne Correa - Grade 3 I remember when I took her for walks, With my Dad beside me. I am a swimmer, She protected me from danger I swim like a fish in the blue Olympic pool And we played all day long. I learned my strokes, I remember her funeral. The Breaststroke, the Sidestroke, and the "Catch-up" She left me with her puppies. I learned my strokes in a breeze We all cried. No longer will I be scared when getting into a pool But I cried the most! No longer will I miss out on all the fun Even though I have lost her, I am enjoying my friends now at pool parties Now I She’s still in my heart. never have to wear a lifejacket Kenia. Now I am free like the tree leaves falling side by side
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I Feel Afraid When The Funeral
Melina Guzman – Grade 6 Dezarae Espaillat – Grade 6 I feel afraid when I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders wondering if the audience will love the song I We went to Massachusetts to see my great- will play on my violin. The anticipation also makes me grandfather’s funeral afraid. I wore a silky short dress and tears down my cheek We went inside …. Not hearing the pawing at my door in the morning, It was dark and gloomy and had tissues everywhere Not being able to pet his little head when I got back That dreadful day my aunts were crying so much home from school made me cry, being alone without his that their faces were puffed and swollen furry coat next to me was devastating. It was the loss of My Aunt Lali ran right to my great-grandfather’s my dog when he was stolen away from me. coffin She screamed in Spanish “Papa why, why did this Not being able to have the feeling of our young girls and have to happen to you?” boys being safe, fighting for their lives, in this case, to the “Papi I remember when I used to take care of you, war in Iraq and Afghanistan. This describes our brave and now you’re dead!” U.S. soldiers who never know when their lives will end at Her words made everyone cry certain point in the war. Burying him was the worst part To see my great-grandpa put into the ground was Lastly not having the two people who love me the most, heart breaking not knowing when a slow and painful day may come, Once he was resting, everybody got to plant a flower, filling my days of grief is not what I look forward to. The their tears fell into the soil day that I would lose my parents is that which I’m most The flower I picked was the one I thought he would afraid. enjoy the most An outstanding flower, the blue violet Feeling afraid of gunpowder everywhere in the building, His favorite color was blue…… putting every life at stake, the shooting in every room I picked it out for him killed many lives. This might be a procedure at my school We left that day without my great-grandpa but it wasn’t for the children in Newtown. Having fifty- We visited his grave for his birthday two eyes stare at me as I read, not knowing if they would My flowers had flourished and bloomed love my writing, figuring how this would sound. I’m I know that he was in peace afraid of getting picked on to read my writing in class.
That is when I feel afraid.
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Christmas Claudia Romani – Grade 7
I heard the snow knocking on my window with its freezing hands I watched as blankets of snow slithered down from high above The warming melody of the Christmas carols And jingle bells filled the neighborhood Children bundled up with coats, scarves, gloves and hats As they ran out and jumped on the milky white snow Snowmen and snow angels covered the ground The children’s laughter made me warm inside Everyone was eagerly waiting for Christmas to come I stared at the Christmas tree that stood before me Round, colorful ornaments swam around the floor My hands covered them As my brother and I placed them on the tree We twirled the snake like lights around it I tiptoed on my feet And sat the shining star on the top The room was covered with candles, lights, and ornaments I organized the three kings surrounding the baby Jesus on his crib of hay Smiles filled the room as more families and friends came over to visit The presents under the tree mocked me Making me yearn to rip them And take hold of a gift The fragrance of the oven swayed around the room Pulling all of us like a piece of cloth to the kitchen table We settled down admiring the enormous plates of food I snapped the wing of the golden brown chicken And relished the juiciness and crunchiness of it The smooth potatoes melted my lips with its sweet spicy sauce I devoured the fresh salad with its strips of lettuce, onions, peas, and tomatoes There was that bitter smell of wine that crawled down my throat When the food diminished we ass sat near Jesus And thanked him for the great life he gave us And for letting us celebrate and treasure Christmas as a family
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Through the Eyes of a Wallflower Rose Mc Neill – Grade 8
Dear Populars,
The “in crowd”, the cool kids, the homecoming court. I am not one of them For I am ranked with geeks, AV Nerds and the Glee club. Whenever I walk by, all conversation ceases And I turn into the center of your attention as insults fly from every corner. You think that you are invisible, but I can see you Ignorance pumps through your veins. You are the children of scorn and hatred and you spit your words like daggers at my soul, Deteriorating my self esteem. Your voices scream at me and you laugh and laugh, But I have yet to realize what is so funny. You act as if you are so carefree, but I see what no one else does I know that Miss. Head Cheerleader paid her “friends” to like her. And that Quarterback Johnson really struggles to read Yet somehow, you manage to put your flaws behind you and feel obligated to point out others’. Though, on the surface, you may all seem malicious, I know to look deeper Every glossy eye, facial flinch, and turned head is caught in my vision. Sometimes I am convinced that some of you can feel our pain. But there is no way that you will truly ever understand it. And though you know that it is wrong, following the masses feels so right. And it hurts you to watch but you just brush it off. For you live in constant fear that if you protest, you will no longer be a ‘them’ but an ‘us’. That the people you congregate with and consider friends or even brothers will turn on you. Once upon a time I was a ‘them’. The people who I cared for, liked and loved, dropped me quickly, like I was hot to the touch They erased every secret, sleep over, and shoulder lent And immediately I went From a respectable cheer leader, to an unknown face In the troubled waters of high school. Though it hurts, I will continue to let your words eat away at me So that I will feel the pain that others felt at my expense. I will finally understand And I will refuse to break. -Sincerely, a Wallflower P.S. For once in my life, I stopped and looked at what was happening around me. I noticed that though they hide it, my fellow Wallflowers feel pain. They feel so passionately, that I no longer could stand to see them hurting. I sacrificed my popularity to stand for something worth fighting for. Something worth giving up my social status. I gave in to their pain, And became one of them, out of guilt and a subtle curiosity. Now I too am a Wallflower. Though I am verbally abused daily by you, it is not such a significant sacrifice, Considering what I’ve gained. Finally, I’ve stopped following the masses and made a change. I stopped caring for one minute about what my friends would think to do the right thing. Will! you ever be able to say the same? 11!
20 Children Colorless Chad Matthews – Grade 10 Betsy Herrera – Grade 12
20 children will not Be trying to get a glimpse of Santa Claus this Christmas. I am afraid that the world will lose its color, 20 children will not For when the well of emotions can’t be held back Be able to sneak out of bed to stay up late. anymore And my vision becomes bleak from sadness. 20 children will not Why should I hold so much inside? Have their first kiss. Should I open my mouth Innocent lives that will always be And pollute the world Remembered and will always be With the darkness that festers in the back of my mind? Kept dearly in our hearts. Or should I be polite and list them down neatly on paper To make them prettier for the eyes? 20 children will not I’ve decided to keep my lips sealed and watch with watery Go to the prom. eyes As the world becomes a dull shade of grey. 20 children will not The concerned soul might ask, when did this start? Know what it feels like to graduate. I don’t know, but I’ve been afraid for so long, For fear has shaken me to my very core. 20 children will not When I noticed the sky wasn’t so blue anymore, Know what it feels like to be accepted to college. Grass not so green, oceans dark Innocent lives that will always be And sunsets possessed no luster, Remembered and will always be For grey crept, silently, dangerously Kept dearly in our hearts. Swallowing my world whole, Prayers, for the children and staff at I am afraid that the world will never return to its Sandy Hook Elementary that lost their lives beautiful colors.
20 children will not Know how they touched the world
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Things I Fear From My Heart I Remember My Grandma Chasery Ortiz – Grade 2 Delilah Claudio – Grade 4
I feel afraid when my brother gets me mad I remember my Grandma. Because he makes me feel like I want to strike him like a Who was as sweet as sugar. cobra! Who had so much affection. I don’t like to be mad, I like to be happy Her heart filled with love.
I feel afraid when people repeat what they say I remember my Grandma. I don’t like when they repeat what they say She wouldn’t hurt a soul Because I can’t keep what they say in my head Her heart was as big as the world. She made rainy days less dreary. I feel afraid when people grab me and they fight over me. It feels like they are trying to break my arms. I remember my Grandma. I feel afraid because I don’t want my arms to break away Who had to go. from me. But I don’t mean home. I mean to heaven.
I remember my Grandma. Memories It’s like she blew out like a candle. Leslie Ramos – Grade 3 She’s happy in the light. I remember my Grandma What! Where is she? Who was full of affection…… She was here a second ago and now she is gone! Why did she leave me? What did I do? I am miserable without her! I feel like no one without her! She took a part of my heart! My Teacher’s A Sport I feel guilty for whatever I did! Fares Khalaifah – Grade 4 Why did she runaway? WHY???? Our teacher’s a baseball fanatic. I just can’t believe my Chanel ran away from me! It’s all that she thinks about. She was just 5 years old, She listens to games on her headphones, She looked like the puppy I got yesterday and frets when her team is behind. I used to step on her tail by accident I never really meant to She jumps up and down when they’re winning. I am sorry I hurt her She screams when they strike out. I remember the first day I got her We know we’re supposed to be reading, She woke me up by licking my face but watching her is pretty funny. It’s hard not to think about her She meant everything to me Our principal walked in on Friday, My sister said everything happens for a reason, even and she was too angry to speak. when it hurts Our substitute started on Monday. Life is too short to live it crying every day Our teacher’s been benched for a week! We have to move on If you don’t, one day you will regret what you did The best part or your life are the wonderful memories you have Not all the things you are sorry for ! 13!
When I Was Younger My Dreams Brianne Robles – Grade 4 Nycialee Fernandez – Grade 5
I remember when I was younger. My dreams are frightening When I danced around the house I dream about what will happen in life My brother and I used to dance and laugh. What will happen to my siblings? My Dad would tell me to act like a frog. In my dreams…….. We would leap around the backyard. I worry about what I will do with my sister I used to act like a “Back Yard Again” character! She has special needs I dream about my parents dying I remember when I was younger. What will I do with my sister……. I used to jump up and down on the bed. How will I take care of her? My Dad would throw me up in the air. I dream of being in car accidents We used to have fun and laugh. Of drunk drivers smashing into me I was always laughing! I dream of the end of the world and how we might die I dream about getting killed by a storm….. I remember when I was younger. I dream about terrorists BLOWING us up When I came home from school, When I wake up my dreams are gone My Dad would be waiting at the door. I see the bright sun When I came home, I know that I will be okay I would run into my father’s arms. I know I have to stay strong He would pick me up! I know that I have to help make my world I remember when I was younger. A Beautiful Place dream They are good memories! ! A Nightmare In Reality Oh, Sandy Nasir Young – Grade 6 Oscar Valdez – Grade 6 I feel afraid when… I’m alone in the world Oh, Sandy! People call me names like idiot is what everybody calls me Sandy, you turned off my power, The boy in the back of the classroom So I couldn’t watch my favorite show that doesn’t raise his hand for any reason or answer any question Afraid if he does something will go wrong Sandy, you turned off my refrigerator, It seems like I’m dead as a flesh eating zombie So I couldn’t eat my chocolate fudge ice cream Everything in my vision, is alive but I seem to be the only one dead Sandy, you made my water really cold, I feel afraid when the night sky awakens So I had to go my aunt’s house to take a shower To me the night sky is when all evil things come together as one Finally it’s time for sleep Sandy, you made me miss almost two weeks of I get afraid as a scary nightmare wakes me up with fear school, The light smiles at me with a mouth as big as a crocodile So now my class and I are behind Another day in the cruel world Madness again begins Sandy, you ruined the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore, All I ever feel is pain and evil So now I can’t go to Seaside Not only physically but mentally All I ever asked for is peace and normal behavior Oh, Sandy, you might have not harmed me as much, I’m afraid everyone will be like this forever But you harmed lots of other people In some ways you feel like it’s not so bad The day ends, CLICK! The lights turn off Oh,! Sandy! 14!
Life Christmas Carolina Areiza – Grade 7 Anika Jishan – Grade 7
Everyday same routine, it gets boring “Whoosh-whoosh,” goes the cold briskly wind At times, I feel like a stranger in my own life Across my face gently as a feather’s stroke When I’m at the dinner table, I just look around and The feeling of Christmas is so unique think to myself, “who are these people?” It’s frosty, biting, magical, and much more You can say I’ve experienced a lot Just think about it! I have only seen the things that would scar people for The feeling of you receiving and giving gifts a lifetime Don’t you feel eager to open up your gifts to see what you got? I’ve seen cocaine bring out the demons inside Isn’t the feeling of you huddling near a fire and drinking hot That moment of fear no longer exists chocolate so tranquil? I’ve learned to switch off my feelings, I feel nothing. All these feelings of Christmas are so astonishing Sometimes I just zone out and think of absolutely Let’s not forget about the brilliant sounds there are too! nothing The bells that ring reminding everyone how important this day is I’ve learned to just press play and mute everything The sweet music that fills the whole town out And don’t you love the time when the carolers sing? I don’t cry over death It makes everything so magical I know that at some point in time, they had to go Don’t you also love the smells of Christmas too? You can send me to a therapist The smell of the fresh baked cookies that just came out of the But it’s no use oven going up your nose! I have lost trust in everything and everyone The smell of hot cocoa wants you to drink it all day long Even the devil was once an angel .Sometimes when I The smell of Christmas trees all around smile I wonder if people believe it Seriously what can be more fascinating than these smells? I wonder if they actually believe it The tastes of all Christmas things are so delightful too! I’m not trying to say I have a bad life, I’m just saying Like the marshmallows that melt into your mouth! that everything is not as peachy as it seems Or the chocolate cookies that trickle in your mouth! When you zoom into a picture, you can’t tell exactly Or the minty flavor of the candy canes that are breathtaking! what it is At the same times all the sights of Christmas are stunning too! But when you zoom out , just enough you can tell The white fluffy delicate snowflakes that fall from the white what it is heavenly clouds make the world glisten That’s how life is, you may not understand the It’s so beautiful to see all the houses decorated with multicolored picture but that’s ok. lights In school, you learn the lesson And with many decorations liken snowmen, reindeers, and Santa Then you take the test in life Claus! First, you take the test It’s amusing to see the Christmas trees peak from the windows of Then you learn the lesson houses Sometimes the world becomes heavy Decorated with numerous ornaments and lights that make the Maybe because I’m underneath it whole tree bright like stars in the night sky Some people try to fight the storm Even, the bright colored stockings that are in front of the fireplace Truth is you just have to control it are so appealing to look at They look like the ray of sunshine that pops up every morning on a summer day It’s magical to see all the children laughing and enjoying this time of year It’s heartwarming to see children unwrapping their presents There are just so many pleasant things to look at it seems to never end!
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Hunger Newborn Me, Myself In Time Maysa Sheik – Grade 7 Jamel Cuello – Grade 8 J-nelle Collick– Grade 10
Throwing away tons of food, Right now we’re strangers As I sit and think in my mind Where people are searching and Months before we meet All I see is a big peace sign hopeless for food. You will come to this world It’s about a girl I use to know, The agonizing pain, praying to God. And live with me. And still know today Children in tears and many in fear It’s based on what people Selfishness and ignorance Right now you’re in the dark Say about her everyday You cry for an iphone while others cry But you are my light Like, she’s musky, ugly, and a disgrace for a piece of bread. Once you enter this world It also talks about her race Why does one man’s belly overflow, You will be everyone’s light. But that’s not the case and another die of hunger? It’s the fact, she was tormented Right now you’re in her belly All of her life But you’re also in my heart By guys, girls You will call me daddy and call her The whole wide world mommy Al least it felt like that, because You are our child. It seemed no one cared About everything she shared So she would try to hide From everything, everyone, even life She tried to be someone different Revolution So everyone could accept her Daiana Ortiz– Grade 9 But the only one who couldn’t Was her, herself What if I was stuck in a time where nothing rhymed Then she realized deep down Everyone on their own She was a phony and a fake Everything alone But if she turned back now Nothing matched There would be no escape Patterns gone No where to run or hide Togetherness lacked But to face her fears Words were too long And she’s too small What if I was stuck in a time where nothing rhymed? And too scared Music would not thrive She’s one girl It would die! Trapped in a big world People wouldn’t move to the music All alone, trying to find herself Or groove the way we do In a big pile of lies The world would be blue But when you see her Or perhaps black and white Just look into her eyes Everything dull And you will seek, what you find Not a patch of light The true beauty that lies inside What if I was stuck in a time where nothing rhymed? Trying to come out, because she’s I would not be me Tired of pretending And you would not be you I can’t tell you anymore And everyone would sing nothing but the blues Because who she is, is me And I write how I feel in my poetry.
And when I tell everyone who I am They will all disappear So will I but no one seems to care. ! 16!
Ginger Who’s Watching Me! Elf On A Sled Bakari Browne – Grade 1 Sarah Kincherlow-Warren – Grade 1 Nyamekye Mixson – Grade 1
Once there was an elf Once there was an elf One day there was an elf. Who sat on a shelf. Who sat on a shelf. Her name was Christmas Eve. His name is Ginger. She sees a Christmas tree. She sat on a sled and He likes people. Her name is Silver. It was red. He likes cookies. She looks at me! She fell so far, He likes to spin on his head. She sits and sits. She hit her head. The elf is happy And then her head was red! At what she sees… She went to the doctor ME! And then she said, Yippee! I’m better!
The Best Sport In Fall A Place for All My Favorite Place Is… Rafael Rodriguez – Grade 2 Kayla Cleaves – Grade 2 Daniele Fontanella – Grade 2
On the couch I lay down Shopping for clothes in the mall The beach is my favorite place Waiting for a big touchdown. Or getting a new dress for the ball. to have a race.
When the team lost possession Whether you’re big or small I like the sand between my toes The coach has to make a sticky The mall is a place for all. But not so much on my nose. confession. You can grab some food to eat Collecting shells is always so He sent out the defense Watch a movie in a comfy seat. much fun So they can get back on offense. In the sun. You can go with Mom or Dad They got the ball before it hit the wall Spending their money is not bad! Packing up in August is always After fourth and goal they did not fall. a bummer Buy a shirt or some shoes Because it is the end of Finally, finally I said Hurray Pick an ipad if you choose summer. After the most exciting play.
It’s time to celebrate When my Auntie makes the call So please don’t be late! I’m always ready to visit the mall.
I Feel So Excited Playtime Don’tayvah Jones – Grade 2 Jadalise Nunez – Grade 2
I feel so excited I can’t even hide it Playtime, my favorite time of the day. When I create my Even if I tried it my smile shows it all own world, my imagination runs wild in every way. I I’m standing 6 ft tall how about I take a trip to the mall become a princess, explorer, and even a pirate! Where I To show it off my smile is bright like the lights in my sight have mountains to climb, oceans to cross and castles to I can’t hide how excited I am because I’m free! I’m free! rule! Everything that surrounds me is so cool! It’s still I’m standing tall in the mall like a tree early in the day. I’ll be back later, because now it’s time In the mall I tell them all yelling “I’m so excited” for school. I can’t even hide it even if I tried it. .
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I Feel Afraid When… I Feel Afraid When… Yasmin Delgadillo – Grade 2 Claudio Olivero – Grade 2
I feel afraid when me and my sister are alone in the house. I feel afraid when I go to a new school. I feel like someone is going to pop out of the living room. I feel afraid when I see new friends. I feel afraid when the doorbell rings. I feel afraid when I see my new teacher. I feel afraid, Ding! Dong! I feel afraid when I see new people. Ahhh!!! Who’s there? Someone just turned the TV on. I feel afraid when I go to a new school because I ask, Mommy!, Mommy! Who’s there? What do the new kids think? Will the new kids say I feel afraid when I think someone is tapping me on my back, something about me? and I look back and the person disappeared. That is why I am afraid of the new kids. Someone got a cup and they threw it on the floor. Hey! If you’re getting stuff can you make me a drink? I feel afraid of the new teacher because I ask, That is the only way for me to find out if you are real or fake! Who will she look like? How does she talk? If I don’t get a drink, Will she say something about me too? Then I am not afraid. I feel afraid to see the new people. Will they be nice or bad? I feel afraid when I go to a new school. Grow Flower Grow Kamille Bryant – Grade 3
Grow flower grow. Trees Grow as high as the night sky if you can. Arifa Hussain – Grade 3 Reach high and be brave. Stretch out your leaves. Trees, oh trees their beautiful sway I don’t know if you can? There are so many kinds; cherry, oak, and pine Please try. They grow day by day If you can’t, I will throw a little water on you to help you We can climb them and play in so many ways reach higher than the sky. Their trunks are great for scratching backs That’s what I try to do; reach higher than the sky. Their leaves we use for hide and seek If you can, you will grow into a beautiful flower, just like me. Their beautiful branches can cover us when we need to rest
Sometimes I feel like they talk to me when I have a problem Alone I feel like they are the only ones that ask, “What happened?” Sashanti Rivera – Grade 3 When I feel sad I just climb up and sit on my favorite tree Trees help me ….. I am alone in my room I imagine that they are saying…. I am sad “Hi, what’s wrong? You look very upset.” I feel like my heart is dying inside of me Trees encourage me and make me happy I have tried to play but it still didn’t help Trees are my friends I went to the kitchen and tried to eat Please make them yours too But I was alone, always alone I don’t know what to do! It’s getting late I should try to sleep Maybe if I get my body up and go to the living room and watch tv I won’t be so alone Click ‘’ oh! Look at that my favorite show Now I am not alone, until tomorrow ! 18!
Darkness in the Room Lonely in My House The Darkness is Everywhere Monserratt Gomez – Grade 3 Fatima Hossain – Grade 3 Elijah Rosario – Grade 3
Darkness in the room Lonely in my house The darkness is everywhere I feel scared in my room sleeping all alone Sometimes I am lonely in my house There is darkness everywhere I look There are monsters Especially at night. It’s cold They want me I say hello Darkness in the bathroom I am scared Is anybody home In the kitchen Dolls, dolls with red eyes walking I get scared It’s following me everywhere! They are on my bed next to me Please don’t leave me I don’t want to be How can I escape? The mirror is red alone again There’s no way out Someone is in back of me They don’t listen It is as dark as night I turn to see-but no one is there Do they care? As dark as the clouds Am I dreaming I hear noises It is as dark as a crow I want to cry…help, help, help I can’t find my mom And I am alone Toys are walking…STOMP, STOMP! Or my dad Afraid Red footprints everywhere I am stranded On the floor, on the covers. Alone in the house I am scared Again. I hear the door opening I say: Who’s there?” Nothing, nothing talks back But I hear noises at night When I am alone.
I Feel Afraid When… Hurricane Sandy Paulina Sosa – Grade 3 Nayely Torres – Grade 3
I feel afraid when… Hurricane Sandy I feel afraid when I am afraid of the dark I watch a scary movie in the dark. The sky is blue then it is gray There is darkness all around! Now it is red…I am terrified I feel afraid when My house is dark The lights go out and I walk around. There are no lights inside and no lights outside I feel like someone is watching me! I am frightened I feel afraid when Nothing to do but listen I hear footsteps and I can’t see who’s making them! I listen and I hear the wind I feel afraid when It is screaming I go to bed after the lightning and thunder starts! And I am scared! I feel afraid when I hear screaming or barking in the middle of the night! Then I hear my mom’s voice and I feel safe. .
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I Am… If I Were to Dream Elainie Alfonso – Grade 4 Petra Najjar – Grade 4
I am the girl who loves gymnastics and dance If I were to dream I would dream a big dream I like learning new moves and steps in gymnastics If I were to dream I would dream of peace and justice I hear being in the dance class is hard work on Earth I see professional dance teachers on television If I were to dream I would follow that twinkling light in I like having fun when I practice with my friends my heart I am the girl who loves gymnastics and dancing That light that says follow me That light that says follow me. Follow me into that
mystical land you have been waiting to enter your I pretend I’m asleep at time whole life I feel proud when I get good grades at school That light in my heart is saying tomorrow is close to I worried about my career in life what it has been waiting for. I feel sad when I can’t get something I want I like to share with my family I am the girl who loves school and my family My Autobiography Jaqueline Merino – Grade 4 I understand I am not perfect I say I love my parents every night Jaqueline Merino I dream about being on a television show Kind, responsible, helpful I try to work hard in gymnastics and school Sister of Jocelyn Merino I hope to make Principal’s list the second marking period Who loves her mom, dad, and sister I am the girl who loves is dedicated and determined Who feels sad about her parents separation . Who needs money for high school, books, and clothes Who gives shoes for needy, books to the library, and toys to father English I’m Not Afraid Anymore Who fears heights, tigers, and bears Jennifer Castro – Grade 4 Who’d like to see Justin Bieber Who dreams of singing with Christina Aguilera When you have something that can never be A student of Mrs. Fodi replaced Jaqueline Merino Would you take advantage or let it be free to itself to be unique and Different I wouldn’t when it’s right there and it slips What Is Nature? away and you would never Ali Ammar – Grade 4 See it again when it’s just like you only had it for a short time and you blew it and saw Nature is something that takes care of you! How it knew you weren’t being yourself acting to Nature is something that never leaves you! impress someone or just to get noticed we all had It’s like a snail, stuck to the ground Something that we all had and we had a limited Nature brings your smile back on chances to have it and to take Nature is the time of your life, Advantage when you had someone that you really Nature is peace and quiet loved or needed and they needed to go on business Things will change in nature We all have to understand that life is not a game it’s Deserts become forest just a way to express our selves Rivers become lakes And always feel good about yourself you maybe tell Lakes become oceans people mean things Trees will grow taller, Like you’re a bully and when you’re hurting others Animals will grow wilder you are actually hurting yourself That’s what nature is. ! 20!
I Get Scared Snowflake Lizbeth Velasco – Grade 4 Lesrene Browne– Grade 4
I get scared really easy, like when people that are sneezy, Snowflake, snowflake falling to the ground have the urge to sneeze on my face. Snowflake, snowflake does not make a sound I wonder how it would be to sneeze in space. Stuck to my window, cold as ice Melting away, it was rather nice to watch a snowflake cold as ice! Or when people scream at me, or even when I get stung by a bee, The snowflakes are sticking on the frigid ground or even when I get locked out without my key. Leap into my boots and jacket without a sound Like a falling snowflake is bound I am afraid of the dark, Revolving ‘round a crystal flake I have nightmares about getting bitten by a It’s beautiful for goodness sake shark, Like the icing on a Christmas cake Get crushed by a large car, Snowflake, Snowflake falling to the ground! or maybe a shooting star, that comes from far. Oh My Pit-bull, Oh My Pit-bull This is my poem for you, Gabriella Matrille – Grade 4 I hope you enjoyed this as much as other people said they do. Oh my pit-bull, why did you run away? I’ll see you later, and I miss you so. I hope I’ll write to you again soon! I miss the noises you made while you ate. I miss listening to you drink water. I miss feeding you. Aunt Audrie I loved it when you barked each time you saw me. Aryana Cuavers – Grade 4 You were so cozy and cuddly. I used to be happy when you were around. Aunt Audrie, You were playful. Why did you go? You were my responsibility. I miss you Aunt Audrie, You were so yappy. I remember when you sang, Oh my pit-bull, why did you run away? I remember when you left us. I miss you. My First Hurricane That’s all I can say. Francisco Hernandez – Grade 4 I miss the way you smiled, I miss your jokes. My First Hurricane But especially, It was my first hurricane. I miss your hugs. It smelled like doom, death, and hate. Why did you leave? I was scared but I didn’t care. I want to know. I said “mom it’s going to be all right.” What happened to you? Then all stopped. You were sick. I went back home. Why didn’t you tell me? It was done. I miss you. I miss you. Why did you go? You will always be with me Everywhere! I go. 21!
My Birthday Always Gets Ruined Sweet Sounds of Me Passing A Test Ashley Perez – Grade 4 Ciera Toodle-Reed – Grade 4 Arly Carrasco – Grade 4
Every birthday I have gets ruined The way I talk is all so sweet, I feel excited It’s all because of the kids Much of how you feel for the candy you eat. I just passed a test. They’re the problem why my birthday The way I speak is brownies on a plate, When I pass test, gets ruined Also nice like your parents on a date. I feel like I got my certificate The kids start running around The way I talk is all divine, To be a children’s doctor. throwing the chocolates And sweet and sassy my voice is mine. “Dr.Carrasco we have an When there is juice they always spill it The way I talk is nice, sweet, and cool, emergency in room 104!” When my mom makes cookies they My voice is a beautiful tool. Then we got to go home, don’t eat them My voice is a blooming sun, But the day is not over for me. So my sisters and I have to eat them all My voice is a game that’s fun. I got an A+, so more Every present I get is always clothes My voice is a sound that wakes, emergencies. It always makes me mad Louder and with more spirit than quakes. Have a good day Dr.Carrasco That’s how my birthday gets ruined. The way I talk is all of me, and you too, nurse Donna. With all the dreams carried by the sea.
Where Did You Come From I Feel Afraid I’m Afraid When… Chloe Holmes – Grade 4 Giovanny Garcia – Grade 4 Jasmine Jenkins – Grade 4
Hurricane sandy how did they pick that I feel afraid when “I’m afraid when…” name? I stay alone at my house I get afraid when the NJASK is How did so much power get to her? At midnight my parents go to work. coming up. She wreaked so many lives I stay in my bed hearing noises. I get afraid because my hands start Poor people who didn’t have homes, could I get up to check what it is. to become sweaty and shaky. be suffering from diseases It was a little mouse; he was black with I have no idea what to do. How did the wind knock everything down? green eyes. Then when I get home sometimes I Did we call her? Is she mad? He started running and got into a tiny begin to cry because I don’t want to She acted like a tornado ripping everything hole. fail. apart I ran to chase it but I heard a bird That’s what I’m afraid of and what Power was out for weeks and weeks singing. happens to me. She might have thought it was fun to ruin I got shocked things He started flying and got out of the What world was she from? window. My Reflection Did she have friends? He flew straight to the moon. Demeyah Cleaves – Grade 4 Did she have a family? The moon was so dark and black. Didn’t she know that she would ruin jobs? I thought the light went off When I look in the mirror Didn’t she know that people need money? I see a bright girl Our food was ruined because we didn’t have When I look out the window power I see her playing with my friends What made her start? And what made her When I look back end? She is still sitting there If she came back I would give her a piece of When I turn around my mind I don’t see her any more All this time It was just my reflection
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The Beat The Super Storm Sandy Aabriah Chapman – Grade 4 Emily Cruz – Grade 5
My beat During Sandy nothing pretty much happened to me, Tip Top, Hip Hop In other places houses were taken down by the sea, I hear it all the way down the street The roaring waves were pounding on the shore, Hip Hop, Up Down, Underground In Seaside Heights there was a rollercoaster in the middle of the sea Everyone screams My friend lost power and she lived a few houses away from me, Big boogie woogie! I was so scared because the wind knocked down a tree near my house, While I try to get it out of my head My mom tried to help my cousin calm down Then I hear another tune, But he was screaming his lungs out Boom Boom, Vroom Vroom! During Sandy nothing pretty much happened to me The whole world sings it while I cry and scream But it turns out it was all Just a dream! Imaginary Pedro Rodríguez – Grade 5
The Effects of Hurricane Sandy I live a life of being bullied and teased, Raymond Fermin – Grade 5 Like a good life to never be released. What happens to the love I wish to share! The power went out because of Sandy No one likes me. My food has gone bad because of Sandy No one even cares. I have no entertainment because of Sandy I was crying in that dark, dark room, I have no lights because of Sandy That day I felt a life of doom! I have no school because of Sandy Until a light shining off my face I’m writing this poem because of Sandy That light that showed me peace and grace. Like a being yet in my mind, A friend at last! Sandy and My Dad Oh Dear! Oh My! Katelyn Anais Rojas – Grade 5 Amazing he was with his expressive blue eyes and wavy hair, My heart was warmed which is quite rare, I’m sure I was scared through the terrible storm. A heart as lukewarm as hibernated bear. I’m sure that my power was gone. Yet I looked closely seeing he wasn't real, I felt the butterflies in my stomach, as I thought All to my least appeal. of my father. Until someone walked, that faithful day, walked through that door, We weren’t next to each other to stay calm. A real friend for each day to love more and more! He was there, while I was here. In two separate places with no communication whatsoever. I Was Lucky During Sandy Luis Joseph Mata – Grade 5 My dad, although with his bad jokes, always found a loophole to my happiness. I was lucky during Sandy He always cheered me up. I didn’t lose any power The living room seemed dark, dim in the Most of my family lost power sunlight. I was sad for them My aunt with her phone on Facebook, Some of them came over to my house my brother on his DS. It was a bit crowded; like five groups of four Me missing my dad. It was like a hotel on my floor I’m sure I was scared through this terrible storm. Even though you, Sandy, took their power I’m sure that my power was gone. They were still happy at my home.
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The Scary Noises Winter Months Omar Elbakly – Grade 5 Ai’jhan Frye – Grade 5
I feel afraid when I hear weird noises down the basement, “Brrr!” I say, it is so cold and the worst thing is that my parents always leave me It was as cold as the North Pole on Christmas! home alone on Saturday nights, “So cold, so cold,” that’s what I said. and that’s the time the noises become really scary. I have to go home to the heat and the bed. One night, when the moon was full, “So cold, so cold,’ I say, “ Brrr,Brrr,” so, so cold. my cousin was at my house, The clacking of my teeth, clacking so fast. and just when my parents left the house, It is so cold, so cold. the noises became the scariest they could possibly be! It is as cold as ice -cold, cold. The worst part was my cousin telling me that we have to I need some mittens and gloves. go see So cold, so cold, it is so cold. what is making the noise. There are white snowballs all over Of course I said, “NO!”, but And kids playing around moms and grandmothers he kept calling me a chicken (and I do not like it when In the house I’m drinking hot tea, coffee, and hot cocoa. people call me chicken), Kids playing on sleds, flying down on this snowy, icy so we went down to the basement and I saw… morning. People shuffling and freezing to death “Awww!” A ghost! The snow is great. “Wow!” I say while trying to get some My cousin and I ran upstairs, heat. The cold wind blasting past, as fast as a NASCAR driver and the ghost kept chasing us. on last lap. I opened the door and pulled my cousin outside, but I wished I never did that because What Excites Me when we got outside, we saw scary vampires. Juan Diego Blandino – Grade 5 The vampires took my cousin and flew away, so I said, “That’s it!” The thing that excites me I remembered what my grandpa used to tell me, is the feeling you get on Christmas morning If I’m brave I could take any monster down. when you see that there are many presents under your So I went to my friend’s house and got his water guns and big, shiny tree a ghost catching machine. and you don’t know what is under the wrapping. I went in my house, Just waiting and pointed the machine at the ghost and caught it! for your present to be Revealed!
I searched everywhere for more of those evil vampires Dead until I had found them. Natalie Marte – Grade 5 I went carefully inside. I didn’t want them to know I was here. I feel like a Barbie Doll. WOW! That had been thrown to the side. There were lots of vampires, To be forgotten. so I took my water gun and started aiming, I feel like paper. but there were too many of them! That had been cut up and thrown out. One of them came from behind and took the water gun, I feel dead inside. but I was able to fight them all off, I’m invisible to people. and chased all the vampires away! They walk straight through me. My cousin and I ran home, and I asked my mom, Like if I’m not even there. “Can we move?” I talk. She said yes because she heard all those noises too! And talk. I was so glad! But no one listens. ! 24! I definitely feel dead inside.
Sometimes I Feel Afraid When… Ashley Fernandez – Grade 5 Erick Velazquez – Grade 5
Sometimes don’t you feel like an empty box on a shelf I feel afraid when… Catching dust like extra space not being used I feel afraid when Sometimes don’t you feel like a person without a soul? I will die. A person without blood to keep it alive But everyone is afraid when that happens. Sometimes don’t you feel like a school without its I feel afraid when students Without students ready to learn I’m hurt. Something is missing from this story….. I get bruises, bumps, but they’re not huge, humongous. It’s life or a single soul to keep me company They’re just little ones. I am so alone my heart is aching because of sadness and Something in the air reminds me that I feel afraid. loneliness please help Like the time when they robbed my dad’s house Please help ME!! And I lost everything. I am trapped in my own body I feel the need to scream when I am afraid. Everywhere is locked Like when my mom said I was moving to New York I am trapped like a deer when it is spotted by a lion City. There’s no chance to escape I thought of losing my friends, what it would be like I can see my heart aching with sadness and loneliness To be the last opportunity as a student at School #3, I am scared and hurt Losing my friends – what matters to me I am scared and hurt And if I can’t have my friends, I am trapped inside my own body The last thing I would like is to just say goodbye. I am so desperate for a friend I need help!! Hurricane Sandy I know what I feel Franklin Hernandez – Grade 6 I FEEL LONELY! I remember when I was a little lucky Never Gone “Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh” Christian Padilla – Grade 6 The sound of Sandy’s furious winds It caused the trees to fall on top of each other One day, waking up, learning something that stayed in my heart… I remember when my uncles visited me That my grandfather went to sleep and died that They played loud music on their phones night. Tapping their shoes While the pain subsides, I say goodbye One of them fell while dancing with joy When the strike of his love comes on me, I cry myself to sleep. I remember when I lost power “Zap, zap” One night, alone, I looked up into the sky. The electricity turned off Once dawn strikes, I see lights. I was watching my very startled mother when she was in In days’ time, I feel like a line. the basement Going straight and straight, never to end. Never to see my Grandfather waving at me. I remember when I said, “Why did you do this, Sandy, why?” I’m told, “In time, he will come,” but I still feel glum. Terrifying my mother, she looked like she saw a spider I pray and pray for all to stay Making me miss the games on my computer, and forcing That my grandfather comes and my pain numbs me to use candles. One night, I see his sight, and it comforts me in light. Now, I know that when someone is gone, they’re “never! gone”. 25! !
Hurricane Sandy My First Time Jefferson Paredes – Grade 6 Brandon Banks – Grade 6
I remember that Sandy destroyed homes, My first time doing new things and going new places was amazing And it flooded streets. for me. My first time going to school was fun for me because I got Sandy caused trees to fall with its powerful wind. to learn and make new friends there. My first time at my school I Sandy Roared and called out, was very shy and I didn’t have friends the first day of school. It As if a hungry bear attacking its prey. also was weird. My first time going to bring your child to work day I made a new friend named Peter. The first time I go to places Sandy destroyed everything in its path, with its that I never been before I’m shy if I do not have a friend or powerful water. somebody that I know at the place. Sandy washed away the Jersey Shore, As if the beach was a pile of sand. At my basketball games for my first season the other players would not pass me the ball because it was my first time on the After the water and wind destroyed the shore, basketball team and also for football that happened. There was a silence. Finally the signs of relief came. Another reason why it is good to remember the first time you pass The Hurricane had come to its end. into the next grade because sometimes you will not have the same At last, its wind and water had stopped. teachers than the other grades except in middle school until you The terrible Hurricane Sandy had ended. get into high school because in middle school you will have the same teachers.
Nervous When you have said your first words for the first time it will be Illirida Baftiri – Grade 6 something that you will remember because it was the first words that you have said. There is always a first time for everything or My heart, it’s beating faster. something new. My mind is scrambled with thoughts. Although I know what I have to do, I cannot concentrate. Fear crosses my face; I Feel Afraid my legs feeling weaker. Yisel Madera – Grade 6 Nothing matters, it’s as if everything walked out, I feel afraid living where I live including my soul. When morning turns to night All eyes on me, You’ll hear the sounds of glass bottles breaking I must put on a brave face, into tiny little pieces and show the world who I am. The sound of music from 4:00pm to 3:00am When you walk out you can tell that there’s going to be trouble I Looked Him in the Eye With the loudest people outside by your door Carlos Tavaras – Grade 6 People say that there’s no place like sweet home I say, I looked him in the eye ”My home is not sweet because I looked him in the eye while he destroyed I’M AFRAID”. my house Piece by piece. I shivered in fear as I looked him in the eye. I wanted to hit But I was scared of the gun The killing metal shot me As! I looked him in the eye. 26!
The One Who Ran Away Let Me Out I See a Girl Stephanie Allan – Grade 7 Laprasha Lloyd – Grade 6 Amanda Tavarez – Grade 6
As she enters the door knowing what will happen Stuck like an animal I see a girl, she thinks about what they will fight about this time. In a cage at the zoo Only 12 years old. Will it be that she thought he cheated Trapped like a baby She is just a girl, on her or will it be that they will fight about who Inside of a cradle With no feelings. will pay the bills for the apartment this time. A wedged book mark I could see a girl, that her heart She thought it would be an ordinary fight in a book is going to explode. with her husband again about the same thing. Or a foot in a shoe She is going to collapse. But today was different. She is full of tears. She sees a note on the refrigerator door Trapped like a seed in soil She is smiling on the outside, and she starts reading. A wallet in a purse But in the inside she has a As she gets closer to the end of the note Trash in a dumpster bucket full of broken hearts. a tear of sadness commences to pour Paper between scissors Her days are never enough and down her cheek. She is always going to be a Her husband left her. Jammed like a ring on a finger lonely little girl with a lonely He was tired of the fighting, crying, and screaming. Jam between bread little broken heart He couldn’t take it any more with the nonstop fighting. Notes in a notebook I see a girl He made a decision to just leave and have a life without any A fish on a hook Her heart is full of pain and fights. she can’t control it He wanted to start his new life without her in Italy. Stuck like a seat inside of a car She can’t stop the tears, they That broke her heart even though all the fighting tired her Like milk in a jug fall like rain she was still in love with the guy A pencil in a sharpener Her heart is going to be lonely she met that was funny, smart, handsome, and loving. An hour hand in a clock for the rest of her life
The only thing that was wrong was their communication. She dropped the note and broke down into tears. Stuck like definitions in a She saw that in the back of the note dictionary was the time of his flight and which airline he was Like lead in a pencil traveling from. A title on the front of a book As soon as she saw that important information that could save their relationship from ending, The Worst Day of My Life she went to her car and off she went to the airport. Mia Herrera – Grade 6 He was waiting for his 5:00 PM flight to Italy and she had only ten minutes so catch up to him. I woke up and my mom told me the worst thing I could ever hear She just couldn’t let him go without trying to fix their She told me my uncle wanted to kill himself problems That day I felt horrible I couldn’t concentrate and kept crying, or without saying goodbye. My heart was breaking She made it into the airport. As she ran, she searched for him. He was the one who would stay with me She looked at the TV for the schedule of the flights. The one who would spend time with me when I was sick She didn’t make it in time for her love. That day my whole world came tumbling down, The flight left. Everyone told me it would be alright She cried and cried. Even now when I know he’s safe I still have fears Worst part is he left without a goodbye. I am afraid of waking up one day and hearing that my uncle is dead The only thing she can do is wait for her love to come back. I still worry about him even though he’s in a hospital She waited I want to blame everything on his ex-girlfriend who caused all this ….waited But that’s not going to ease my stress ….waited Sometimes I wonder why she had to break up with him and waited. She ripped his heart to shreds ! 27!
My Little Brother My Uncle’s Death What Has the World Come To? Mariah Gonzalez – Grade 7 Yasmin Yousef – Grade 7 Jayla McDuffie – Grade 8
I screamed just grow up! My uncle was a sweet man I am not afraid of Lions and Tigers and At my little brother, From the heart Bears, But like the little annoying boy he is. He was a kind man He tells my mother everything. He got sick But I am afraid of the sirens on Police He is so annoying, Came out of the hospital and Cars, Fire Trucks, and Ambulances Whining all the time couldn’t walk And he screams too loud Tears running down our faces I do not fear Ghosts, Darkness, and I can’t hear my thoughts in my mind. His fingers lost Animals He is so immature, however, I am Then he saw a white bird The one he really adores. Flying toward him But I do fear Deaths, Car Accidents, He looks up to me With tears in his eyes and Heart Attacks He likes my good qualities He knew he was going to die I try to set good examples for So he did and it was sad When kids my age or on the streets and My brother to know, if he follows my We got a phone call and heard really should be sleep, I am afraid Example his mind will grow! what happened We flew to Jordan to bury him I am afraid when I have to wake up and Family Vacation Since then, we don’t have a have to hear gunshots at 3 or 4 in the Dymond Robinson – Grade 7 smile on our faces. mornin’
The crisp air blasted in my face, as the I am now afraid to go to school, aren’t plane’s engine cooled. you? I began to feel my skin bake and turn the color of gold as the hot Dominican sun took its toll. I am afraid of the world, what has it Songs of welcome were joy to my ears. come to? “Click” went the stamp onto my passport. Now it was time to roll! Star of Gold Kelsy Cohen – Grade 8 As we passed through the city, I bought an
Empanada for five pesos. It shines from the sky as trees bring out its shadows. As my mouth took a It warms my mind and makes the world feel mellow. bite of the warm beef pastry it instantly warmed It wakes me up with its long arms; powerful bright rays of my soul. yellow. My heart was overjoyed and filled with happiness to be with my family on this magical It’s the sun. adventure. The mighty star of gold. We walked along the white sandy beach and As it awakens, I wake. splashed in the deep blue sea. Even though it’s old, it keeps me young. As I entered my suite it was decorated so lovely Its light makes me shine…oh yes, it is the sun! it was covered in rose petals and chocolates sat on top of my pillows. It gives me joy and hope, and brings out my smile. I began to feel as if I was living in a dream Its strength is no secret as it hugs the earth beneath us. As I laid back on the bed after the joys of the day It will never die, disappear or shrink. I screamed aloud “WOW” It helps me grow, grow, GROW…every time I think. I am really blessed to be on vacation with my As I open my eyes, it brings out the laughter from inside. Wonderful Family! It’s what makes me “me,” even if it’s so hard to find.
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A Family That Once Was I feel Sad When Juliana Braka – Grade 9 Dy’Keynia Gerard – Grade 9
When we were a family, When I underestimate myself We used to be together. I see myself as a speck of dust racing with the wind. Undivided and unified – I’m constantly losing the race Like a country, And floating without a destination Like a religion, I can’t seem to find myself at the finish line– We were I N S E P A R A B L E. My sadness becomes overwhelming, A family that loved, My doubts grow stronger That argued, I give up with the fear of losing That united, Accomplishing anything I work hard for is impossible That loved. In a fantasy I can conquer my goals We were a family, In reality that speck of dust is still floating And now Soon that speck of dust will stop floating, swiftly falling to the ground We are not. The thought of giving up takes over my mind Time has past, Knowing that I’m never going to win I ask “why not?” And the very things that made us close separated us. The belief that I’m good at something is unimaginable We no longer love together, Somewhere down the road of uncertainties the bad voices will stop Or dream together And stop doubting my every move Or argue together. And my insecurities will disappear into thin air.! Together, No more, As a family. My Biggest Fear ! Miracle Duncan – Grade 9
20 Kids Most children are afraid when they’re in trouble Romario Thompson – Grade 10 Knowing their parents will be upset Thinking of the punishment they will be succumbed to 20 kids who didn't have the chance to This is not my biggest worry live their dream My deepest fear is that I won’t succeed 20 kids who didn’t have a chance to see That I will leave this earth unfulfilled Christmas I dream of having an impact on the world 20 kids who didn’t have chance to have I dream of one day being a pivotal leader another birthday party To be the person read about in books 20 kids who didn't have a chance to Like Martin Luther King who dedicated his life to fight for graduate high school freedom 20 kids who didn't have a chance to Or Rosa Parks who had courage to stand up for what she believed have to fall in love I want to be the person who goes down in history 20 kids who didn’t have a chance that My dream is to feel achieved by the end of my time day … My worst nightmare and fear is not to be!
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Cantantes Hyacintho Avis Korinn Harris– Grade 10
She just wanted to open the window to feel the chill.
But instead found a memory that she would always hold near her heart. A young girl of only seven years peeked out beyond the curtain at the blooming sight.
There, a bright, silent blue jay landed suddenly amongst pink puffy blossoms, and stopped by her eye level.
Jeweled with patches of rich blue, the sun hit its wings and the dew that snuck between its feathers for comfort, shined and contrasted beautifully making the pure cerulean sparkle.
It was perhaps a gift from the azure sky, one that she'll gladly accept.
The blue jays feathered back held spots of white clouds and soft glistening blues and upon its wings were painted sapphires and snowy whites.
This dappled blue jay then quietly moved from branch to branch across from her. In the flowery blossom tree outside her window, it only hopped once and lightly perched itself on a willowed blossom limb.
All at once it only paused for a moment and surprisingly looked up at her from across.
Its head cocked to the side in confusion and curiosity as the pale-faced girl with the dark hair peered further from the window's ledge.
She stared intently, her gaze never faltering, unblinking; so the picture that was only in her visions' grasp wouldn't leave her.
She bit her lip to anticipate what it would do next.
It shivered as if clearing its throat, or preparing for a solo and held its head high. Ruffling its feathers, its black beak opened just a tad and its one-man orchestra performed.
Its song was beautiful and the little girl never wanted it to end.
Yet she still couldn't help but wonder how it could sing for hours at end without faltering, or forgetting a note of the complicated piece.
The pale, petite hand of the little girl lay gingerly under her chin, supporting it as she marveled leisurely with a far-away look.
I still get that same lost look anytime I think of it now.
I recall that memory like reading it in a book silently to myself.
I'll never forget that blue jay that sang a melody so sweet, I still get shivers at this moment, writing it now.
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Connecticut School Shooting Trenice Brockington– Grade 10
Six through seven Take the lives of innocent people? They ranged in age Give them their own celebrity status Eight were boys Of the plaque in the ground Twelve were girls With their name and date Invisible by tragedy For the start and finish of their lives? Visible by casualties Is this payback? Killed in a safe house Remorse? Who would have ever expected this? Or a sign that world is coming to an end? From the gun collector A joke? To the autistic son A dream? What was the dilemma? Or Russian roulette? Was it the stories that she told? Putting a life in the hands of heads or tales The compassion that she had? Taking their lives and your own Or the secret pain that you never shared? It stops now because remember Bang, Bang A gun doesn’t kill you The mother is dead The one who handles the gun kills you Bang, Bang Parents are confused ! Children, teachers, staff scattered around With no knowledge of what’s going on What’s going on? Bang, Bang Shot and killed I am Afraid When… Tiffany Diaz– Grade 11 First and last visit of your children’s life
Bang, Bang I am afraid of human nature, And now twenty six are dead And the cruelty that it brings. So what do you say now? I am afraid of mankind, Do you lay roses on their graves? and his abuse towards his women. Cremate the memories? I am afraid that one day, Bury the pain? He will hurt her really bad. Or pray for their souls? I am afraid that one day, But the main question is do you top it? I will come home and find her gone. Would you kill more? I am afraid that without her,
I won’t be able to push on. I am afraid that one day, It will be me… I will stand next to her-but not on Earth. The abuse must STOP! No child should see their mom cry. No one should hurt or kill a mother, because it will hurt and kill the child too.
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A Mother’s Love My Government Pamela Gonzalez– Grade 12 Glen Montoya– Grade 12
A mind-blowing numbness is felt, It leaves us for dead, by looking the other way when my love is at a loss. we hurt. My hopes and dreams are miles away, My government… is there any wonder why I seem lost? It starts wars for no reason, causing bloodshed when Irrational thought enter my mind, we fall. they slowly and wickedly consume my soul. My government… Why me, I ask myself? It ignores the homeless, by looking the other way Why me, if I have done nothing wrong? why they cry. Perhaps my mistake was loving her too much. My government… Perhaps I was wrong to want and need her in my life. It let’s its people starve and lose their homes, when it Because of her my innocence was lost, ignores the failing economy. and it can never again be found. My government… Is she worth all of my pain, I ask myself? It doesn’t care about me, when it sits back and lets Long ago she told me,” I don’t live on love”, poverty be. as she walked out of the door. In spite of it all, I won’t give in to government greed Today she has come back into my life with regret, and sin. and tells me that she does. Uncle Sam will never get me down, despite his ugly I am sorry mom, but now it is too late. and malicious frown. A mother, daughter relationship is just not our fate. I will hold strong and true. Your little girl has learned to live and love without you. And for my future, I will see it through. And that much is sad, but very true.
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