The Presidential Debate

Freedom Cento

AZMERI AKTER • 12TH GRADE

WRITTEN DURING A YOUNG WRITERS PUBLISH PROJECT AT ACADEMY FOR YOUNG WRITERS

My dear love If you don't come The day will get Smaller and smaller. There will be no happiness. The time will run faster As if I’m walking behind the fastest horse. The sun may not shine as always. There will be no green grass.

The wind will blow cold. It will feel like a sharp knife cutting through my skin. And the night will be dark Without moonlight and stars.

For there will be No summer here If you don't come.

Overcoming

MAXINE BABB • 11TH GRADE

WRITTEN DURING A YOUNG WRITERS PUBLISH PROJECT AT HIGH SCHOOL OF FASHION INDUSTRIES

Stomach’s an earthquake Brain’s a grenade Anxiety at its finest Palms feel like waterfalls Body still like a rock Anxiety at its finest Heart’s a knife And my knuckles are tense from squeezing my hand Anxiety at its finest I take a deep breath My lungs are open I won’t let you beat me I refocus my mind And conquer my fears I won’t let you consume me I give myself positive affirmations And hope for the best I am myself again.

Letter to the President

ANGELABASKERVILLE • AGE 9

WRITTEN DURING WRITE AFTER SCHOOL

I want Joe Biden to know that it’s hard for some children to live in a busy city like New York. I want him to know that it’s hard for some foster children because sometimes they don’t get picked. I want the racism to stop.