Rising Loaves Anthology 2019 0.Pdf

Cover Art by: Magory Collado

"Lawrence Student Writing Workshop: The Rising Loaves” is hosted by the Lawrence History Center, developed in collaboration with Andover Bread Loaf, and funded in part by the Catherine McCarthy Trust, the Essex County Community Foundation Greater Lawrence Summer Fund, W. Dean and Sy Eastman, the Pringle Foundation, the Stearns and Russell Trusts, Rogers Family Foundation, Andover Bread Loaf, and the Lawrence Public School lunch program.

A Letter from the Program Directors …….………………...…….………………..3

Student and Writing Leader Work

Brianna Anderson ………………………………….……....……..………..……5 Jhandaries Ayala ………………………………….……....…………...…...……5 Sheila Barry ………………………………….……....……………..……………6 Angelique Ceballos Cardona ………………………………….…….………..…6 Magory Collado ………………………………….……....………………………7 Kelley De Leon ………………………………….……....……….………………8 Michael De Leon ………………………………….……....………..……………9 Isabella Delgado ………………………………….……....…………..………...10 Jennifer Escalante ………………………………….……....………..…………10 Julien Felipe ………………………………….……....………………………….11 Angell Flores …………………………………………………….………..…..…11 Anelyn Gomez ………………………………….……...... …….………………12 Karen Gonzalez ………………………………….………....…….……..………12 Katarina Guerrero ………………………………….……...... ………..………12 Mary Guerrero ………………………………………………..….……..………13 Lee Krishnan ………………………………….……....…………….……..……13 Breison Lopez ………………………………….……....……………….………14 Edin Macario ………………………………….……....………………..….……14 Manuel Maurico ………………………………….……....…………..…………15 Mekhi Mendoza ………………………………….……....…………..…………15 Jennifer Merida ………………………………….……....……………………...15 Daniel Enrique Monterroso ………………………………………………….…16 Leah Mora ………………………………………….………...…………………16 Wilfred Ortega ………………………………………………...…..……………17 Jadiel Ovalles …………………………………..….……....……………………17 Ninushka Rivera ……………………………….…….….…....…………………17 Odlanyer I. Rivera ………………………………….…….....………..…………18 Reynaldo Rivera …………………………….…….…….....……………………18 Williams Rivera …………………………………….……....………………...…19 Isaac Rafael Rodriguez ………………………….………....……………...……19 Keyla Rodriguez ………………………………..….……....……………………19 Yoelsy Anai Rodriguez …………………………………....……………………20 Danna Alejandra Rojas …………………………………....……...….…………21 Jackie Schierembergg …………………………….……....……………………21 Dominic Tejada ………………………………….……....………………………21 Erna Telemaque ………………………………….……....………..……………21 Brando Vicente ………………………………….……....……………………...22 Juliet White ………………………………….……....…………………..…...…22

Dear Families and Friends of Rising Loaves,

We are happy to invite you into our world at the Lawrence History Center, home to our city’s historical archives. Our theme this year was “Our Stories.” We wrote our personal stories and learned about the stories of people who have come before us such as Eartha Dengler who founded the Lawrence History Center. Over the past three weeks our writers and leaders shared their stories through poetry, music, drama, art, games, and historical research. This anthology gives the reader a glimpse of the incredible work our writers have done.

There were many people who helped us with our work. Kathy Flynn and Amita Kiley introduced us to the historical archives and guest poets, Harlym 125, Quess, Anthony Morales, and Eliot Sykes inspired us. Educators, Lou Bernieri, Richard Gorham and Julia Perlowski ran writing and drama workshops. Our writers had the opportunity to visit the Addison Gallery, the Essex Art Center, Elevated Thought, and the Farmer’s Market. Music Educator, Alan Nuñez, helped us compose our anthem, which you will see in this anthology.

Happy Reading!

Queridas Familias y Amigos de Rising Loaves,

Nos da gusto invitarles a nuestro mundo del Lawrence History Center, centro de los archivos históricos de nuestra ciudad. Nuestro tema este año fue “Nuestras Historias.” Nosotros escribimos nuestras propias historias y aprendimos de las

historias de la gente que vivieron en Lawrence antes, como Eartha Dengler quien fundó el Lawrence History Center. Durante los tres semanas de nuestro programa, nuestros escritores y lideres compartieron sus historias por medio de poesía, música, drama, arte, juegos y investigación de historia. Esta antología nos da una vista al trabajo increíble que hicieron los escritores.

Hubieron muchas personas que nos ayudaron con nuestro trabajo. Kathy Flynn y Amita Kiley nos presentaron los archivos históricos y los poetas: Harlym 125, Quess, Anthony Morales, y Eliot Sykes nos inspiraron. Educadores, Lou Bernieri, Richard Gorham and Julia Perlowski hicieron talleres de escritura y drama. Nuestros escritores tuvieron la oportunidad de visitar el Addison Gallery, Essex Art Center, Elevated Thought, y el Farmer’s Market. El educador de Música, Alan Nuñez, nos ayudó a componer nuestro himno, que esta en este antología.

¡Goze las palabras!

Program Co-Directors

Abuelita’s Red Nail Polish by Brianna Anderson [Writing Leader for the Tacoritos Writing Group]

It’s hard to not be reminded of you, Like mills, like Katerina’s shirt sleeves, like a stop sign, like apples, like red robins, like the aftermath of a paper cut, like bloodshot eyes, like the drippings of a broken heart, like home

And your potent smell, Like the aroma of a hissing pot of sancocho, filling the room with laughter, like you used to; intoxicating, like the way it felt when death wrapped its arms around you and embraced you, like when Eve entwined herself around that tree

Como farina, y platano frito, como el campo, y el rio, como yo sin ti, como abuelo sin ti, como mami sin ti, como no tiene aire para respirar

Like burnt tree, like a cornered me, like when there is no electricity, like all things needed-- not wanted, like scarred knees, like a cracked back, like the first snow fall-- purity, like Mary, Joseph, ‘Kaiden’, Adam, like the Messiah

Like all the good things in life being taken away all at once

I Used To by Jhandaries Ayala [Writing Group: Purple Panthers]

I used to be the lonely person I was but now the social girl. I used to be the girl who wondered what I looked like in your eyes. I used to be the girl who was afraid of changes. I used to think I had all the time in the world but now I see reality. I used to think the love of someone else was what I needed to love myself. I used to think I would never fit in. I used to think I had to be someone I wasn’t to find myself. I learn the reality a few years later and that reality was to love yourself first.

Lawrence Is… by Sheila Barry [Writing Leader]

A city with a rich history Bread and Roses Massive mills Generations of family Birthday shopping at American Toy Barry Bros. for winter jackets Vincent’s for shoes Hardy’s Bakery Christmas lights and music on Essex St. Morin’s Coffee shop and Bluebonnet bakery Cedar Crest every Saturday for lunch Café Azteca St. Patrick’s Day parades Holding our breath until we crossed the Duck Bridge H.K. Oliver School Bread Loaf Autumn colors changing on the Common El Taller Aluminum Christmas trees with a revolving color wheel Lawrence History Center My kids in room 110 Rocky Road to Dublin Robert’s Market banana tree Easter lilies and May processions Lawton’s by the sea Cherry and Webb, Sutherlands, McCartney’s, and Robinson’s Aunt Kit’s parlor Bishops French fries Tripoli pizza Lawrence is where my roots are Where I was first planted

Worth It by Angelique Ceballos Cardona [Writing Group: Word of Mouth]

I wanted to be cool. I wanted to be someone else.

I wanted to be included. why was I so different ? why do I always say the wrong thing ? I asked myself these questions, and even cried over some. My sweat and tears for toxic relationships. That weren’t Worth It.

Darkness by Magory Collado [Writing Group: Purple Panthers]

I woke up with a start. It had been the same reoccurring nightmare. The one i knew i would never escape. The memories are still fresh as day in my mind, like if it all just happened yesterday. But it has been 3 months, 3 months of constant paranoia, 3 months of constant fear, 3 months of running and running and running. I felt the chills as they ran races down my spine.

I shivered. I looked over to see the window was open. The moonlight shining brightly, coruscating the sun’s light and making it it’s own. Reminding me of my past self, who I was 3 months ago. She’s long gone, tucked away in the deepest corner of my mind. I snapped out of my daydreams and shut the window immediately. I can’t afford to look at the moonlight when they are still out there.

“ they won’t rest until there is a gravestone at Saint Monica Cemetery with your name on it” I whispered to myself.

“ Emerson?” i heard a voice that was a soft as a feather whisper. If I wasn’t paying attention I probably would have missed it.

“ what are u doing? “ she asked again. I recognized the voice as lily. My roommate at the Philips Orphanage. Where i was currently staying. This has been my 5th orphanage. I had to flee the others because they were catching on to me. “ I had a bad dream, u should go back to sleep lil’s” I said softly, after wishing me goodnight, she fell asleep.

I was dreading the day when they would start to wonder too much. When they would get too curious as to why I don’t have a birth certificate, or why i just suddenly showed up at their doorstep, or when they found out that the real Emerson was dead and that it isn’t my real name. Then i would have to run, and never be heard of again. This has been my life since it happened, and I already know the drill.

I reached for my worn out, army green bag and pulled out the one thing i knew was a must to have. It was irreplaceable. I reached for the secret pocket and pulled out my gun in case of emergencies.

It was a p2-v2. I had gotten it for my birthday. Right before it happened. It was the last thing he gave me. I can still hear his voice....

————-flashback————-

“ take it and run, run as fast as u possibly can and never, never look back” he whispered urgently as we hid.

“ no! I won’t leave u!” I said, tears running down my pale face.

“ you have to go Elysian” he said “ Now! “

————End of flashback———-

With that scenario fresh in my mind, I fell into a not-so peaceful sleep.

A Sarcastic Poem by Kelley DeLeon Lopez [Writing Group: Writers of the Century]

The Questions I ask

Can I go now? Why do I have to write? Do I have to wake up? Can you not finish that? Can you stop talking to me? Is it possible to reach the sky? Can this day end? Can I go to sleep now? Can I have a chip? What time is it? Can you share that cookie? We’re friends right? CAN I GO HOME NOW? I’m hungry… Do I look tired?

CAN YOU GO AWAY? Can you not? What is life…? I AM SO TIRED!!! AAAAA=Sound of Boredom UUUGGGHHH!! Ima Stop NOW… BYE!

I Am the One By Michael DeLeon [Writing Group: Word of Mouth]

I am the one who never cleans my room I am the one who walks to school slowly because I hate it I am the one who eats all the cookies I am the one who wakes up early to watch tv

Words Fail by Isabella Delgado [Writing Group: Word of Mouth]

“watch it twig!” “Get out of the way dimwit!” Words we all say but don’t mean. “Get out of the-oh geez I’m so sorry!” you always wonder what they’ll think of you next. “I’m sorry” is a daily bases of the words they use everyday. if we bump into people, Hurt someone on accident, Or even when you forgot them. But sometimes “I’m sorry” isn’t always enough, like giving pity. Words fail when you try to explain a situation. People accuse you for a situation that you didn’t know. Only messed up people will do those things right? why does words fail? why is it hard to find words to describe a situation? will it hurt to describe my history with certain words? will it hurt to find words to help cure a family?

Mi Guatemala by Jennifer Escalante [Writing Leader: Writers of the Century]

Mi bella Guatemala, te extraño Te he abandonado por varios años Tus bellas montañas, tu olor a naturaleza Tu auténtica comida, siguen plasmados en mi corazón Me han dicho que has cambiado, Que tus calles están pavimentadas, que tus tiendas se parecen mucho a las de aquí Pero también me han dichos que hay inseguridad, que hay miedo, que hay violencia Dime porque? Dime como alguien bella como tu pudo convertirse en tinieblas Dime porque hay temor de salir a jugar Dime porque los niños ya no pueden gozar su niñez Por favor dime, que si no me dices en que puedo ayudar No creo querer regresar Aunque me muera de tristeza, y mi hijo nunca te conozca No puedo arriesgar seguir perdiendo a esos que amo

Dime que hago para que vuelvas a ser Esa Guatemala bella y querida! Dime

Top Three Questions of Life by Julien Felipe [Writing Group: Tacoritos]

1. Could a unicorn just be a disfigured rhino? 2. How many grains of sand are there in the Sahara Desert?? 3. How many people are going to show up to the Area 51 raid???????

My Soul By Angell Flores [Writing Leader for the Purple Panthers Writing Group]

My soul is expansion My soul fills the page My soul speaks out and starts to rage! So much that I wanted to keep in but now I’m speaking and I will not give in until peace Pay Everyone Awesome Cheer Excitedly Then come back to center The center of earth which is actually your body which loves to converse with blood rushing through It’s a river, it’s outside, and without My soul is just starting and removing all doubt I declare, I declare I am a vessel of life, a vessel of wisdom, I need nor a teacher, nor a wife These are just added things which my heart really wants but context rings true

Love by Anelyn Gomez [Writing Group: Word of Mouth]

love is a lifestyle, not everyone will choose to live

You by Karen Gonzalez [Writing Group: Purple Panthers]

Karen Gonzalez you’re the beginning and end. You’re beautiful, you’re capable of so many things, you’re strong, independent, you are you.

You are who you want to be, be you Karen, always you.

I know, I know you’re not the same as you used to be but that’s okay, we all have our moments. There are some moments of happiness, of sadness but you got to be strong. Just because you can’t do it does not mean it needs to end.

You got to keep on trying. Don’t give up. You’re blessed with people, friends, and you should be grateful for that. Love yourself, find yourself, be who you want to be - not how other people want you to be. Love you.

Dear: KAREN GONZALEZ

Dear Mexico By Katarina Guerrero [Writing Leader]

I want to make you my home. You were my father’s home. I want to be surrounded by your love. Te quiero. Villa de las flores is where you allowed me to enjoy the good and the bad times with my family. Going once a year was never enough time for me. To be surrounded by my Abuelita’s flowers. And to hear my dad laugh with his brothers. I promised myself that I am coming to make you my home.

Eres mi corazón de pollo. I get a feeling as though you were supposed to be my home all this time. The border is separating us but that won’t stop me. Six hour plane ride but so close to my heart. I want to be close so I can smell my Tia’s cooking. Never needing to measure seasoning because you taught her. You have taught me so much love. Showing me what it means to come together as a family. You having the special sound of people selling tamales or pan dulce. I hear the sound of the bells on the horses coming down my Abuelita’s streets. I only hear these sounds when I am with you. You are so special to me. You made me a Guerrero. I need to hold you close to me. Wrap you in my rebozó and carry you like my child on my back.

Why I Write By Mary Guerrero [Program Co-Director]

I write to feel alive I write to understand the world around me I write when I’m confused I write to see the future I write to make sense of the past I write about what is deep inside of me I write what is not but should be

Dear India by Lee Krishnan [Program Co-Director]

Dear India,

You are ancient and spiritual you saw the world begin. Travellers across the centuries sought comfort in your arms. You welcomed them, your children from all over the world. They came to visit and they stayed and like a family they shared, they fought but in the end they loved.

But today, you’ve changed. You are not welcoming any more. You are cold, and harsh, you dislike change. You hate difference. You scorn what you do not know. You are threatened by honesty. There’s no love only fear. No love, only hatred. Their voices are silenced.

India I weep tears for you every night.

I am afraid of where we are headed. We try, a few of us do, to restore sanity, to bring back what was lost, but it’s an uphill task and the road is long and hard. But we will not stop trying.

Sincerely, Your daughter Lee

The Blues by Breison Lopez [Writing Group: Purple Panthers]

The blues is going to school waking up early eating the same breakfast! Went to Dunkin’s with $20 That’s the blues Doing chores That’s the blues Going to sleep early That’s the blues Listening to people that are smarter than me That’s the blues

The Blues by Edin Macario [Writing Group: Tacoritos]

When I drop my ice-cream, that’s the blues When someone eats your food, that’s the blues When your wifi drops, that’s the blues When the lights go out and it is night, that’s the blues When you need to go to the bathroom really bad and somebody is there, that’s the blues When you go someplace fun and realize it’s closed, that’s the blues

In My Happy City by Manuel Maurico [Writing Group: Purple Panthers]

I see those people that just relax and then working and then making carne asada. I always hear that music and then just the Bachata and the history by sad music by people dying in mills.

Then, it all changes with just a big spin. The music makes all those bad memories turn around.

I am happy with that so if you can come to Lawrence: be happy.

Visions by Mekhi Mendoza [Writing Leader for the Word of Mouth Writing Group]

To those known and unknown Send me visions I am the flower in bloom Invoking spirit of roots Breakthrough My roots and concrete Beneath my feet Awaken my soul to your greatest feat I know I speak to another in my own seat Send me visions I ask you To feel complete Breaking cycles of trauma At least I’m trying To be Just be I rest for you while you’re testing me

If I Had by Jennifer Merida

If I had all the money in the world I will build a house for the homeless people for them to sleep and eat inside. It will have food, bed, water, clothes, and shoes.

Infinity Wars By Daniel Monterroso [Writing Group: Infinity Six]

Infinity Gauntlet:In Marvel's the Avengers Thanos just got the Infinity Gauntlet. Power: One week before infinity wars began. Thanos Just got it from Morag

Space: Thanos Knew Loki had the Tesseract from Asgard they destroyed it with Ragnarok. Reality: Thanos went to the collector and stole it and killed him.

Soul: In Vomir red skull and now he is the stone keeper Thanos killed Gamora to get the soul stone.

Time: Thanos went for Doctor Strange had the time stone Thanos almost killed Iron man. Forcing Doctor Strange to give it to him.

Mind: In wakanda Vision has the mind stone. Thanos came and the Avengers failed Vision was killed by Thanos.

The Story of La Llorona By Leah Mora [Writing Group: Infinity Six]

Maria was a beautiful poor woman. Then she met a rich man. Soon after they fell in love and got married. They had 2 sons, but soon after her husband started coming home late. They barely saw each other. Her husband dedicated his life to alcohol.

One night he left Maria and never came back. A few years passed Maria just raised them by herself. One day, Maria saw her husband with another young beautiful woman. He talked to his kids but ignored Maria. Maria got so angry she drowned her kids in the river. After a few minutes she regret what she did. She looked inside the river and almost drowned herself.

At night she wore a white gown. She wouldn’t eat so she appeared taller. God told her she cannot enter the gates of Heaven until she finds her children to replace them. And then drowns them. She walks through the woods sobbing. That’s when she was no longer known as Maria but as La Llorona. Many adults still believe in La Llorona.

SO NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILDREN ALONE IN THE WOODS!!!

Yo Sueño con un Mundo by Wilfred Ortega [Writing Group: Writers of the Century]

Yo sueño con un mundo Que sea tranquilo Feliz Romantico, como el amor Bueno como DIOS Amoroso como el amor de los padres Alegre Lleno de Futbol! GOL!!!

You by Jadiel Ovalles [Writing Group: Purple Panthers]

You are kind You are brave You are not nothing You are something

You are a person You aren’t just a person You are amazing, magnificent, honorable You are you and only you could be yourself We’re all You’re different from me and I’m different from you We are all nice, brave, and further beloved

I Live in a City… by Ninushka Rivera [Writing Group: Writers of the Century]

I live in a city where there’s a story behind it I live in a city where there’s people that are Latin, White, Black, French, English, Italian, and much more! I live in a city where there is shelter I live in a city where people love each other I live in a city where teachers speak one or two languages, or more

I live in a city where we are welcomed and loved I live in a city where I write a lot of poetry, essays, and drawings I live in a city where I love and I don’t I live in a city where I have 3 brothers that are annoying I live in a city where I love my teachers I live in a city where I get help from people that love me I live in a city where the houses are old I live in a city where people buy ice cream I live in a city where there are a lot of clothing stores I live in a city where people are amazing I live in a city where people aren’t the same.

I Dream…. By Odlanyer Rivera [Writing Group: Word of Mouth]

I dream of a world of that there is no violence and a world of people can be free to do anything they want and treat each other the same why they do to you. I dream of a place we’re supply can be free so that people can waste there money on thing they need to keep them healthy and safe.

I Wonder by Reynoldo Rivera [Writing Group: Writers of the Century]

I wonder if there is more out there I wonder why the world is so big I wonder if we are the only ones in the universe I wonder if there can be such a big change that can affect the whole world I wonder what will be next for us humans I wonder if there can be a change in those people that cause problems and affect other people and places.

To My Homeland By Williams Rivera [Writing Group: Tacoritos]

Dear P.R.,

I miss being there when me and my siblings were holding bunny’s and the beautiful beach with a tree in the middle and fish swimming around it and I was afraid because I don’t like touching the fish because when they bite you it feels weird and when I was a baby I would go to the cafeteria where the lunch ladies cook food and my dad made pizza.

Slaves by Isaac Rafael Rodriguez [Writing Group: Purple Panthers]

Why did they enslave people years ago when they were slaves? Why? They had a lot of slaves. How many slaves worked on the mill? How many people took advantage of the slaves? Barely paid. Not much. No place to live. No family. People abused.

Phenomenal You by Keyla Rodriguez [Program Co-Director]

Phenomenal human you are, Phenomenal human you shall always be. Made of magic, And gold star dust that line the skies, You are the fuel that lights the sun.

The sky is not the limit, It never was and never will be. Remember that all you will ever need in the world, Is within you. Within me. Within all of us.

You are the drive, Determination, Love, Kindness, Achievements & failures, Words, Creativity, Strength, Honesty, And time. You are time; it is infinite, Without end. You are time.

The infinite amount of power you hold, Within your mind, body and soul, Is the magic that will set the world on fire. The world will not forget you.

Journey across town, Across the country, Across the globe, And never stop asking questions, Never stop learning. Never stop being the wonderful human you are, And continue to be.

The world will not forget you. You are a phenomenal human, Phenomenal human you are.

I See By Yoelsy Lopez Rodriguez [Writing Group: Infinity Six]

It is not a stick What is it then? A stick Then I see a Sky With glitter And my brain exploded with happiness. I saw a pool of lava. I jump in it the good thing was that I was a cat and have nine lives.

I Used To Be by Danna Alejandra Rojas [Writing Group: Tacoritos]

I used to be Crazy, but now I’m Wild I used to be Smart, but now I’m Smarter I used to be Shy, but now I’m Loud I used to be Annoying, but now I’m Helpful I used to be a listener, but now I’m a Speaker

To Infinity Six By Jackie Schierembergg [Writing Leader for the Infinity Six Writing Group]

You are capable. You can be whoever you want to be I know you may not like to write but your words are powerful. I write for you because my pencil carves paths for your young minds to explore. One day you’ll pave your own

Sorry, Not Sorry by Dominic Tejada [Writing Group: Writers of the Century]

Mom, Everything you leave in the fridge, freezer or on the table, You’re just asking me to eat it Forgive yourself, and be more cautious next time.

My Soul By Erna Telemaque [Writing Group: Purple Panthers]

My soul is something deep inside of me. It is what I try to understand. My soul is my part of my inner self. Parts of it include things I love. My soul is my family, my life. Sometimes, the struggles do what it really wants.

Sandal by Brando Vicente [Writing Group: Tacoritos]

Oreo’s chocolate and round if I could I’d eat the whole box, try to reach for one, see a shadow, oh wait it’s just my mom with a sandal in her hand

I Used To Be… by Juliet White [Writing Group: Tacoritos]

I used to be a child but now I’m a teen I used to be innocent but now I’m guilty I used to not know things that now I know I used to wish to be small forever but now I wish to be “big” I used to know what I want but now it’s a big jumble I used to be different but now I’ve changed.