I am Finally a Piece of Wood by 826nyc

826NYC Books 372 Fifth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 I am Finally a Piece of Wood: Poetry by 826NYC Students at the Academy for Young Writers © 2022 by 826NYC and the authors. All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. First 826NYC edition June 2022 Manufactured in the United States of Brooklyn 978-1-948644-98-3 The writing in this book was produced in the 2021-2022 school year at 826NYC’s Young Writers Publish project at the Academy for Young Writers. The classes were run by Willie Filkowski with the support of Henya LaNoue and Deborah Barton. Designed by Hallye Webb Edited and proofread by Nikki Baldauf, Sammy Gibbons, Michelle Haska, Tiana Moe, Chloe Rapp, Rachel Spurrier, Robyn Smith, and Oana Whaples Printed by Bookmobile This program is supported by 826 National, the Amazon Literary Partnership, The Jane Friedman Anspach Family Foundation, Con Edison, The Find Your Light Foundation, The Hawkins Project, International Paper, The Rona Jaffe Foundation, The Kettering Family Foundation, The Minerva Foundation, The Resnick Family Foundation, The Yelp Foundation, and Youth, Inc. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. The program is also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support comes from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. 826NYC is grateful to the many individuals who support our work. To see our full list of supporters or make a donation, please visit https://826nyc.org/donate-us/.

826NYC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage the exploration of endless possibilities through the power of writing. Undefined by circumstance, our students build the skills to boldly write their own paths forward. We support new and exciting approaches to writing and inspire student engagement. And we foster generations of creative writers and thinkers, who together will define a better future.

I am Finally a Piece of Wood: Poetry by 826NYC Students at the Academy for Young Writers

Content Warning This book is intended for mature audiences, with some topics, themes, and language, that may not be suitable for young readers.

Table of Contents

Foreword ��i 7th Grade The Truth about Me �� 2 Janay Acosta Thoughts in my Head ��4 Darlene Areche Smiles for Everyone ��6 Kailah Baron Things to Have an Amazing Life ��8 Malachi Birthwright My Courage Starts with Me Letting Myself Be Seen and Know Me for Who I Really Am. �� 10 Alesha Brackin Trouble Sleeping ��12 D’zhané Braxton Master Scam Artist �� 14 Raymond Brenes Jr. Master Scam Artist �� 16 Jamel Brown The Deepness of Nicki Minaj �� 18 Eric Brown I Got Forced to Do This ��20 Elvis Carvajal Dreaming of California �� 22 Elianny De La Cruz

Balanced ��24 Jasiah M. Duff The Relaxing Feeling of Being Away From Reality ��26 Jeremy Frias Everything About Me ��28 Qualik Gist I Am Lazy and Crazy but Here ��30 Jayden Hernandez Flowers �� 32 Doriana M. Hood Crazy Life ��34 Teon Isaacs What Makes Me Me ��36 Nabiya Khalil The Man That I Am ��38 Kingston Kinsey Never Give Up �� 40 Chassity Mabry Just Your Aunt ��42 Zier Mabry Daniel the GOAT ��44 Daniel Mitchell Thomas Shadow Man ��46 Raisa Morales It’s Me ��48 Jack Ortiz

Feelings Hurt ��50 Rafeal Pabon Oooo — I Want This? �� 52 Tyana Pollock-Gathers Mrs. Random ��54 Dylan Poole Chaos �� 56 Serenity Powell Your Unknown Puzzle Messenger to the Moon ��58 Anthony Ramos Believe �� 60 Mia Rodriguez Choose Your Friends Wisely ��62 Leah Marie Thomas School Is Boring ��64 Nasir Vanderpool Determined To Make It ��66 Savion Williams Taking Care of Yourself ��68 Brianna Williams 8th Grade The Overflowing Sea of Unheard Dreams �� 72 Fareeda Abdul-Samed The Realities of the World �� 74 Annisa Babb

You and Me Are Not the Same �� 76 Amelia Blanco Someone I Want to Be �� 78 Sariya Brooks Flooded for the First Time �� 80 Shannon Caple The Taste of Chicken ��82 Amir Cato working towards my dreams ��84 Nadia Clarke The Reality of Getting Older ��86 Samia Coleman Do You Know the Meaning of Life? ��88 Janiah Coleman Life Can Be Great �� 90 Adam Collado Hidden ��92 Kailynn Colon This World is Something Else ��94 Le’Anna Copeland The Life of Me as an Eighth Grader ��96 Vanessa Covington All That ��98 Rosalin Cruz Day Before Now ��100 Psalms Davis

Shopping for Yeezys in the Bronx �� 102 Terrill Deese Why is Life a Well of Gifts? ��104 Saraine Dickerson Does the World See Me? ��106 Megan Dubose Me and My Bullshit ��108 Damani Grant I’ve Told You This Before and I Will Say It Again: You’re Better the Way You Are, Never Change That, Even When We Are Apart ��110 Sanaa Greaves What’s Real and What’s Fake? �� 112 Tyra Jackson Champagne Diary ��114 Jahmere Jackson No More Teenage Fever ��116 Jahmere Jackson A Bittersweet Life ��118 Stacy Jean Speaking Up �� 120 Jayda Johnson All About Jai-Khia ��122 Jai-Khia Kelly-Martin Without Dreaming, Without Meaning �� 124 Lailah Mackey

From the Streets of Brooklyn �� 126 Christopher Maizonet 3 POVs �� 128 Mikayla Martin Trouble �� 130 Gabbriel Martin A Different World ��132 Aniala Mejia Speak �� 134 Evan Mendoza Let It Out, but Don’t Let Go �� 136 Nanjee Milien My Tasty Pork Chop �� 138 Johan Molina Fake World ��140 Demetrius Moore deserved. �� 142 Elijah Ramos Don’t Believe the Fake �� 144 Magic Rhodes Don’t Quit �� 146 Clara Rivera This World Isn’t Right �� 148 Rhianna Rivers Something to Prove �� 150 Taleyah Robinson

Every Corny Means Something ��152 Elijah Ross Too Tough �� 154 Sky Sanchez My Shot ��156 Alex Satty The Realities of Feelings Behind Closed Doors �� 158 Olakorede Shodamola Intelligent and Supportive ��160 Jabari Textus School ��162 Zakayla Tyson What If �� 164 Zy’Airah Williams Brave & Kind �� 166 Tilon Yisrael Life Is a Wandering Adventure �� 168 Sarah Yisrael Author Bios �� 170 Acknowledgements �� 184

Foreword Dear Reader, What you’ll find collected in the pages that follow are self-portraits in the form of poems. With the students of the Academy for Young Writers, we read Gwendolyn Brooks’ iconic poem “We Real Cool” and Terrance Hayes’ tribute to that same poem, “The Golden Shovel.” In Hayes’ poem, he is credited with inventing a form now known also as “The Golden Shovel,” wherein he brilliantly uses the entirety of Brooks’ poem, one word at a time, as the last word of each line in his own poem. So if you scan down the right side of “The Golden Shovel” by Terrance Hayes and read only the last words as you go, it adds up to all of “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks. Taking Hayes’ “Golden Shovel” form as our inspiration, these students selected quotes, lyrics, mottos, and phrases that they felt defined them in some way (big or small). For those students who reproduced the quote, like Hayes, in its entirety, their poems are labeled after Nicki Minaj. For the students who took liberties with their source quote, but still have the original floating around in there somewhere, their poems are labeled inspired by Nicki Minaj. Poems without either label did, as the most inventive poets often do, their own thing. Our time together at AFYW was fast-paced, rambunctious, fun, funny, exciting, and extremely creative. These gifted young writers have given a lot of themselves in these self-portraits, and you’ll find their wonderful voices shining through as they explore how their selves and identities interact with school, society, history, pop culture, music, food, family, and friendship. It was a blast working with these students, and I’m excited for you to get to know them too. Willie Filkowski 826NYC Teaching Artist Spring 2022

7th Grade

The Truth about Me by Janay Acosta after Demi Lovato

I’m Janay and very shy also I’m very talkative when I’m comfortable with you. A something I hate is mess some of my hobbies are drawing and I love to play with Teddy – my fat, two-year-old, brown-black cat. Also I’m an abstract artist of arts and still am by this day. Some days I might feel broken but that won’t stop me from having a bad day but most days I’m happy and in a good mood also. Whenever I’m feeling down I lose all control of myself but my friends help me calm down. I’m finding my way to seeing my art in a museum. I also want to find my way to California but my family is staying but I will always come back.

Thoughts in my Head by Darlene Areche

I am a shy/overthinker person I wonder if I’ll ever find out who am I I hear the wind blowing in my ears that calms me down I see the empty dark streets I want to explore the secrets of the world I am a shy/overthinker person I pretend to be a good-hearted person I feel an angel guardian watching over me I touch the foggy car window with my index finger making images I worry about losing my family that cares for me I cry when I think about the trauma of my past I am shy/overthinker I understand the struggle my parents went through I say false statements to my parents that make them feel delighted, but it makes me feel guilty I dream that one day I get to accomplish things I’ve never done before I try to become the better person my parents want to see I hope I’ll find my purpose god’s plan for me on this earth I am a shy/overthinker person

Smiles for Everyone by Kailah Baron after Unknown

I would like to Be the person to have a reason to make someone smile once I do something good in a helpful way, like saving their pet dog from drowning. After that, when the person smiles they’ll tell me, “Thanks for helping me out today.”

Things to Have an Amazing Life by Malachi Birthwright after Helen Keller

One example to have an amazing life is to be friendly to others or is it to be a polite person. Either to be respectful to others and to help out people to have a fine and amazing day and a good and daring time of my life and to have a day and quest everyday or to have fun with friends or to support all the people I help and I support nothing that people tell me stuff that I can’t do at the time but I still go and no matter all and to help out all

My Courage Starts with Me Letting Myself Be Seen and Know Me for Who I Really Am. by Alesha Brackin after Nelson Mandela

I am kind – like when I help my friends when they don’t understand what they’re worth, and I have a lot of Courage but sometimes people think that I am mean and some say I am shy but my point is to never judge someone before you get to know them and do not make people let you feel like you’re a bad person. Sometimes their reason is because of the problems they face, but each day in your absence they might just be afraid of all your talent and your smartness, and it can bring a lot of fear to them, but it is up to you to make the right decisions. Let your triumph take over your fear from them because in reality they are the ones afraid of you and your victory, So you should just stand up for yourself and let them know that you are over it. Maybe you can help them overcome their fear of other people who have a talent that they can’t do, help them to understand that the more time wasted studying your talent, their talent will pass but it will be too late and they will miss it. So let’s help them find their talent. Maybe you can find another talent for yourself. I know that I am kind and special in my own way, because of my love and my actions towards others. I learned to never let people bring me down and never bring down others. I feel like a flower that brings beauty to the world. So that was my courage to stand up for myself and others.

Trouble Sleeping by D’Zhané Braxton after Gillian Flynn

I like to nap, it’s nice to feel the warmth. I love to sleep Laying in my bed with my rainbow blanket, with my cats, in the dark. Although, Sleeping is hard to do with all of this noise Cats constantly meowing left and right Pots & Pans being clunked together Constant footsteps People outside Hearing my neighbors arguing But I try to ignore I can pretend I’m ignoring But in reality, I am not It’s very annoying to hear all these noises Not able to drown it out with clear waves of water No noise is alike I have three pets, and they’re all cats But they only come to me if I ignore. After all of the noises have come to the end Like a quill running out of ink My eyes close and I start to drift away The purring of my cats coming to an end I am finally a piece of wood Logged in between the earth bottom rows Sprouting out Leaves and Trunks If you ignore, you won’t see the bigger things It’s very hard to ignore. But it’s even harder to persevere. Isn’t it?

Master Scam Artist by Raymond Brenes Jr.

I am chill and goofy I wonder about the future in 2055 I hear a dog’s nail scratching I see Santa and the reindeers I want to be financially stable for the rest of my life I am really funny sometimes I pretend to be sick to not go to school I feel very nice and kind I touch a big cloud of cotton candy I worry that aliens will come get me I cry for my candy I am an author I understand all of my emotions I say I wanna quit and don’t I dream I never quit I try to stay focused on becoming an author I hope that I stay on track to become the best author I could be I am happy and believe in myself

Master Scam Artist by Jamel Brown

i’m going to be a fantastic friend to Jamel just how he is to me and The way he treats me is enjoyable so i’m going to treat him the same way he treats me so we can be bestfriends because i don’t wanna be like other people because they’re despicable and i wanna change like pleasurable people because there gonna be something in life and to see an older age and not die young from gang violence so that’s why me and my sisters and brother are going to move and is going to be good so we can get away from the gangsta violence and shootings at the corner store also the people that likes to fight because i don’t like to get into stuff i’m just a kid that wants to play basketball from the team in LA because i live in Brooklyn but i wanna move to LA to complete my dreams

The Deepness of Nicki Minaj by Eric Brown after Nicki Minaj

sometimes when i’m hungry I shout MOM I’M SO GODDAMN HUNGRY. i hope she fishes out her phone to send me money so I can order my LUXURIOUS medium pepperoni pizza, also to my haters if you don’t like me then you don’t have to, but just know you didn’t get anything to affect me nor hurt me, not my fault you couldn’t think that you could phase me, by spam calling me at 2am to 4am just to annoy me and get me to get a reaction from your stupidity truly sorry that you got nothing out of me <3

I Got Forced to Do This by Elvis Carvajal after Polo G

I Like to smile When I’m in public, with my friends when I’m having a good time but when I start being Alone people say that my eyes start to shine but in my Small brown eyes They will get no chance to see when I’m sad and my eyes get teary

Dreaming of California by Elianny De La Cruz inspired by The Neighborhood

I wake up every morning in my room with nothing on my mind But my room is always cold so I get up and get ready because I have school so I Stand In my mirror wondering if one day I can go to California with my family and with my cousins so we can all have fun my hair in the wind the sun in my face my toes in the sand and making TikToks with them the smell of the hotel rooms the fluffy sheets and the new sheets of the beds the sleeves of my sweater and what I tell everyone else Let’s have an adventure :)

Balanced

by Jasiah M. Duff inspired by Henry Avery from Uncharted 4 good and evil will always be balanced. There Is good people in this world but there must be bad people in the world. This is Because people will always be good or bad for example, in war soldiers fight but a soldier is not a murderer. The reason why war happens somewhere, will always be at the beginning, Another example is when a good person is being bullied by a bad person but it’s because of the good person that the bad person is bullying him so this means any good person could be a bad person in disguise it’s only a matter of time until they show their true colors. So pretty much a good person can be a bad person in disguise. A bad person could be just a bad person but What if they are a good person? for example max baer, max baer was a boxer in the movie “cinderella man” he killed a boxer but in reality he was sorry and decided continuing the boxer’s children life by helping them with their life. this means people aren’t bad unto the end. what if bad people are bad people? for example hitler the person who started/end was a horrible person who killed 6 million jewish people because he wanted them to go extinct

The Relaxing Feeling of Being Away From Reality by Jeremy Frias

I am Chill and Cool, I wonder why the world is so chaotic, I hear the rain outside, I see a dark room with a bright TV, I want to get a break from everything and just relax and chill in my room no sound only the sounds I make, I am Chill and Cool, I pretend to be in a silent room where you can’t hear anything in the outside, I feel a sense of unfairness, I touch my warm chair, I worry about school and personal problems, I cry about mental problems sometimes but it can’t stop me because, I am Chill and Cool, I understand that we need school but, I say sometimes school can damage your mental health, I dream of Summer and Christmas, I try to not get angry or worried, I hope I get to feel the coldness of winter, I am Chill and Cool.

Everything About Me by Qualik Gist

I am funny to some people. I wonder if I am ever going to go to Tokyo. I hear God calling my name. I want to go home now. I am a good child. I pretend that I’m in Tokyo. I feel my phone all the time. I touch my remote. I worry if 9/11 is going to happen again. I cry when there’s a family funeral I am proud of myself. I understand if a girl likes me. I say to myself New York is Zoo York. I dream of driving a car. I try to be a better person. I hope I pass the 7th grade. I am a good babysitter.

I Am Lazy and Crazy but Here by Jayden Hernandez

I am lazy and crazy I wonder about what ima be like in the future I hear a dog’s barking I want money for my family I am lazy and crazy I pretend to not hear people I feel cold air I touch glass I worry about my shoes I cry about my food I am lazy and crazy I understand english I say have a nice day I dream about darkness I try to be nice I hope for my future to be good I am lazy and crazy

Flowers

by Doriana M. Hood inspired by Bruno Mars When I was younger I thought I should be a princess, then a police officer then a scientist but then I realized I don’t need to figure out my profession or who I am at such a young age, I can take time to stop and smell flowers I love making bracelets and sewing, the beads, the thread the elastic especially the patterns and the way they come together or wrap around my wrist and slide onto my hand I love my hamster I could spend hours with her and not be tired her name is Talia. I always try to do well in one chance. I am very passionate about classical ballet the dance is very beautiful and I love to practice it. I love sports, all sports I will do any and I believe I adapt to them pretty well and pick up quick when it comes to sports.

Crazy Life

by Teon Isaacs after Only the Family Now randomly I sneak down the hallway and up the stairs, crouching like two brothers, causing a scene like as if you were on a roller coaster or fighting a tiger, We was acting like a fool like we was not in school Snoop To see if the teacher is coming off of the printer with the work, The Teacher was coming back and s he was not playing, she called home like if The phone was a Wire

What Makes Me Me by Nabiya Khalil

Our words define us My words define me I like k-pop, mukbangs those are my words I am an Aries, south Asian and a sweet yogurt person my friends are Tyana, d’zhané, mia, and Janay those are my friends and my words that I speak my words define me.

The Man That I Am by Kingston Kinsey

I walk in to the future with money in my hands don’t understand how women cheat for the jan know how to treat a woman with respect and privacy what are you going to be when you grow up you shouldn’t eat unhealthy because you’ll throw up want to be the person who helps old women carry their bags from your head hips to my feet me myself and I take these steps into a man So wake up into reality and be selfish about yourself you have to stop caring about others and hating your body, skin, and face gonna have to replace the old ways with positive ways have to be yourself not make others happy to be a strong black man and respect your mothers give your family some cash so they’re good me I love my family I love my friends somethin’ I love is money ‘Cause I can spend it all on somethin’ I want all of my family to be good hate walking in the dark making my way walking to the park all I want is to be successful these woman might cheat for a pencil assumptions is what I don’t do

Never Give Up by Chassity Mabry after Jesse Jackson

If i had to choose what part of history i’m connected to it would be segregation because if you take a close look it tells the story of our ancestors and how we fall and get back up and look ahead and don’t look behind and we stride forwards knowing what people have done to us and we run from the pain and slowly but faster it’s beginning to change and we should Never forget what happened to black african americans and how they were tortured and forced to give up their life and sanity because people believed that a skin color defines you but to those up there that were torched brutally for no reason, there are people here that will never give up on fighting to african americans, and fight the people that believe we should surrender, ourselves to what they believe and we will continue to rise as we fight against those that are evil and do nothing but bring us down instead of bring us up and one day the day will come when little white girls and little black girls can come together against those who believe in all the wrong things that have happened to black african americans and all odds shall be fixed.

Just Your Aunt by Zier Mabry after Bruno Mars

some people think that i am travis scott and that Is crazy because i look nothing like him but it is still to this day baffling me because the people that tell me this is the same people that look like they are famous also but in my building there are people that look like they sell crack but your your mom eyes? are so beautiful Or is it your aunt’s eyes because i can’t seem to figure out which one it is but i know for sure that i look better than your dad but it would be hard to tell because he is dead these days u really can’t trust nobody because everyone is dancing Who cares about the cost of those shoes? i am the one Who cares about what u do and what u say because she cares and i do too i wanna spend the rest of my life with u baby love u with all my heart and I sometimes think if u really love me and I wanna have your kids and wanna grow old with u and marry and promise to never to hurt you

Daniel the GOAT by Daniel Mitchell Thomas after YEAT

Ridin’ with Daniel, A chill person to hang a ‘round. I’m from the best part of Brooklyn, East Flatbush. Block parties in the summer—caribbean music, jerk chicken with my family. My community shaped me. the GOATs, that’s from East Flatbush. yeah, my hood was filled with African American slaves in 1801. we’re nothing like our history. To stay in a good friend club, don’t control your close friends.

Shadow Man by Raisa Morales inspired by Cavetown

Everyone has bad days, and it Is Ok. I will face it Until I make it one day. This is what I tell myself when I’m not okay. I might be sad Or I might be not, The shadow guy likes to play with my emotions a lot. I see him at night when love is out of my sight. He tells me not to fright, things will be alright. He says things how it is His words were often cliche, He says that you’re what you display. People say that the shadow man used to be afraid one day. So he ran far away. It turned him into a depressing mournful outcast. And that’s what he displayed. Others would fright him. For they thought that he would unbalance their pathway. He visited me when I felt like being lost at sea, with rough waters sinking me deeper and deeper into a state of sorrow. Sleeping until tomorrow I tried to avoid the misery I was suffering. When running From your fears, they will always continue to appear. Smile Through The pain, my little one don’t you fright, let joy run through your veins Find happiness through your sorrow and do what it contains. Find your troubles, dear. Tell me what is making you tear. These words sounded warm and loving to my lonely and empty brain. How can this mysterious sinister man help ease my pain? He helped me maintain the weak, pallid body that was too much for me to contain It’s been long since shadow man came, but he will always remain stored inside my brain because because in the midst of my sorrow shadow man gave me life again

It’s Me

by Jack Ortiz after Albert Einstein I help people who are weak I help people when they have trouble with something I don’t go for revenge I am strong I help people who need it I forgive people who did the wrong thing I am intelligent I wish to one day help people with my intelligence I ignore people who say negative things about me

Feelings Hurt by Rafeal Pabon after Euphoria

i don’t like everybody mostly people who gets mad at their friends and hurts their feelings and makes them feel hurt some rude people need to get their feelings hurt

Oooo — I Want This? by Tyana Pollock-Gathers inspired by Levi Ackerman

If only I had money to get the things I please, the empty pit that can’t be satisfied only thrive when my pockets are filled, but the thing is I wonder if it’s me who wants this hoodie, we’re in a world where cash is key for fancy desires. They allowed myself to get the things I was desperate for, once my savior was gone. What else to do—? The community turns its shoulder on those who are low on bills and move to the next, is this what it comes to? Half the people on earth even me need money to get by, to get food, entertainment, a house or more. However I believe cash can turn a person to the sin of greed, we all know such a sin will cause some people to dig grave for gold or pull others back for their own success to be pulled up, to be unfair and selfish, I won’t allow myself to regret the things I buy, because they make me happy. If the time does come. It is if I go too far off the deep end, if my choice is money over sanity. I’ve truly gone mad and need help coming back to reality. We sometimes fall into greed, and try leaving it in the past to make us feel better, but it never disappears. If you ask me, the mistakes we make are life lessons being made.

Mrs. Random by Dylan Poole after A Boogie

That person people think I am in their heads isn’t really me, that’s the person they want me to be jungles have many cool animals but no one just lets them be made the finals but I couldn’t clutch that three me me me is who I should always be go ahead and win that race harder you work, the more progress you make that person is the reason why I will always be me jungles have tall trees turned on my thinking cap so I can be the best that I could be me don’t like people who won’t be their own person to my inside thoughts I go to make a better version a person who is positive will always get positivity back monsters are fake but sometimes people act like that

Chaos

by Serenity Powell after Cavetown I’m Serenity and I’m all about it—music, poetry, hot cheetos cause I know what’s best. I am a patient person, always caring for others even though they don’t care for me. No escape for this hurtful world—to decide who I am—I am me. I was just a kid. But now I am older and I know what I want to fight for. I grew up in a house full of sharpeners, always walking on nails, with everybody. Although I have room to express how I feel to my parents, I still feel as if I don’t belong. But I don’t care, at least I think I don’t. After all, all you need to do is be you.

Your Unknown Puzzle Messenger to the Moon by Anthony Ramos after Steve Lacy

coming to my home is very different appealing it my first language is spanish the journey starts i am someone who is hidden with feelings with a blow of rose comes from a single person can make multiple laugh with a single instead of looking and not being an encouraging sound life can be miserable and can bring you to your low only if. i don’t eat cake nor do i eat candy therefore there’s. i like dolphins but i’m not a touchy something be cool nice be a gentlemen no matter the cost in i am that a big cave all black with raining sound my family is from mexico but i was born in north carolina then i am a very straight person when it’s people see me as a encouraging, disbelief worth a single light bulb can be looking for a adventure to be continuing

Believe

by Mia Rodriguez after Naruto Uzumaki Life can be easy but sometimes hard Some people work Hard and try their best and are Confident in what they do and some people find it worthless All you have to do is try for the best and those People can hate if you’re smart but that Makes you smarter and don’t Think that you can’t believe In yourself, I trust people who only believe in themselves

Choose Your Friends Wisely by Leah Marie Thomas after Albert Einstein

i wanna talk to you again but if you ever do that again i will cut you off because i can’t deal with fake people i wanna healthy friendship with you and i know you wanna live a happy life with a healthy friendship just like me, but if we get along i will be happy. but sometimes that doesn’t work in life but life can be a tie when it wants to be, you won’t get along with everyone but a tiny difference in yourself will make a difference if you’re too hard on others, but if your goal is to not focus on other people or to pay attention to other people’s actions. some people don’t understand other people or they don’t understand their own self. that’s why you have to choose your friends wisely ‘cause people do things.

School Is Boring by Nasir Vanderpool after Bruce Lee

We would watch TV late and not go to sleep. The next morning we got to school sleep in class till the noon. More work then try to take a break. We would watch TV late and not go to sleep. Value your life before it was gone. Things happiness is at home with open arms less. People stay up then sleep I think the world as a series can be dark and full of laughter because I did a backflip and people laughed when I go home I have a Chinese buffet with fried chicken fried rice and shrimp with ice cream cake. Less learned today. Whites died in the slave days. We should be mad about the trauma. Value the past because we know. Treat ourselves with eating and sleeping and learning because you might not gain anything in the future.

Determined To Make It by Savion Williams

I am funny and determined I wonder if people think the same about me as a person. I hear my friends laughing at a joke I made I see the memories of me and my friend who moved. I want to play basketball and possibly make it to the NBA one day. I am funny and determined I pretend to be LeBron James when I play basketball I feel the basketball that I play with outside. I touch the basketball net when I jump I worry I will not make it to the NBA and my dream is crushed I cry that my team doesn’t win the NBA finals (Milwaukee Bucks) I am funny and determined I understand that I can chase my dreams I say I’m a good shooter in basketball I dream that I make it to the NBA I try to be the best player I can be I hope that I get drafted to the NBA and am at least the top five pick I am funny and determined

Taking Care of Yourself by Brianna Williams

i hate it when u hurt me. but i love it when u care for me but it’s sad when i start thinking u really love me u love taking every ounce of love out of me and every little bit of care i had for u. now all u do is think of yourself. u love to lie to me and make me feel unwanted just so u can think of yourself i hate it when u get mad at me for asking u things. when i feel like we are back to how we were before so in love i tend to start falling in love again and u just hurt me again. u make me feel like i’m stuck at the bottom of a well feeling as if i’m getting rocks thrown at me in every direction. i’m starting to get better at thinking of myself i’m better at taking care of me and not u.

8th Grade

The Overflowing Sea of Unheard Dreams by Fareeda Abdul-Samed inspired by Lois Lowry

We’re the people who choose who we want to be. Everyone says, “We’re the only ones to make our dreams a reality.” They are the ones that say no be what they see, they go from sun to the doom of my growing dreams ones, ones, ones, we are the ones that get to choose my parents tell me but the constant fear of no always haunts me they ask me why I read all time? I say that’s what I like But in reality I like to drown in lines of the character’s emotions or the fun times Like to drown the thoughts out of my mind Ignore the chaos on the outside who am I?, who am I?, I ask myself all the time will I become legendary? or a forgotten memory? work a boring job at an office filled with papers? Or be a free bird who just roams around and wonders? Flowin with the current, with the freedom of discovery, just going where the world decides to take me Or be a robot filling what my family sees of me fill in the blank spaces in my mind with the dreams that I want but will always hide Maybe in an alternate universe I am free, flying over sea with the midnight breeze But you know what? We can achieve our dreams I can achieve what feels like is beyond my reach It’s still not clear what path is set ahead of me but whatever it is I hope for something that’s right for me I hope it’s something I can look back on at an old age when my story’s told and say, “Yes, that girl was me” Different 72

The Realities of the World by Annisa Babb inspired by Kendrick Lamar

I wake up from sweating from overworking everyday feeling exhausted of getting forced against my will from building things I’d never get credit for. Try to understand how delicious the sugar cookies from Wendy’s are. Try to understand when people are smacking in my ear, the only thing I need is to escape is my own home. My mother my father and my brother are the people who make me feel like I’m home when I’m home. The realities that my life isn’t ideal maybe if you just try to, you’ll escape this world we live in.

You and Me Are Not the Same by Amelia Blanco inspired by Nicki Minaj

My house is very quiet and chill until I don’t remember to show respect. I catch an attitude with my mom and she yells NO ME HABLES ASI and she might chase me into the kitchen with a chancla. I know I need to go as far as I can and to accomplish the things I want in life and don’t keep irrelevant boys that don’t want you. Focus on yourself and becoming a beautiful powerful woman and don’t take negative energy from people. I depend on my mom for everything—my house, my life. I depend on myself for being me. For succeeding and not letting anybody do anything to stop me. You mind your business. I’ll make TikToks for myself and do my thing.

Someone I Want to Be by Sariya Brooks after Cavetown

The mind loves to think. It loves to plant visions in my head, visions such as flying to the moon, touching the sky, like I’ll never fully be able to try and actually excel, to actually push myself to be a person I wanna be, a person who helps all and never frowns. Or someone everyone adores and no one has to worry about. It’s easy to wanna be something else but when it comes down to it you can’t. Perhaps trying to be something you wanna be deep down is hard, because who I actually am is something I love to ignore and paint a better picture over it, a better figure. A person that lies in my thoughts and in my head just so my own people along with myself could get out of my head, with all their judgment. I wanna be able to create something I’m proud of. A vision of myself that my mind leaves in my head. Someone that everyone sees but me. Versions of me that I hope come to light. Someone always happy and light-hearted. The lines of fiction and real always being parallel.

Flooded for the First Time by Shannon Caple after J. Cole

When there was her and I Laying down in an abandoned drainpipe, then the water came It seemed like we were in a rush, moving fast It was something that left us in fear, and we had a great disliking There was no help, cops, or 9-1-1 It’s just we, me, and her in This pipe stuck in pitch black, but the hope we were praying for seemed bright white. In the dark, with water running to our chests we share one last kiss, and drift into unconsciousness, dreaming of a large joyous and never lonely neighborhood

The Taste of Chicken by Amir Cato after Dolly Parton

i smell the chicken and wonder why it smells that way i taste the chicken and i feel good but when i see a bone and find out it cut me and i wonder if i take it out will it hurt? what would you do? what do you want? i got baked chicken, i got fried chicken, i got honey chicken and a rainbow of fries—fries that are dyed, if you want dark red fries like a red ICEE, you can have them i can take you out to eat some chicken but i can’t pay because i have to fly up and get the chicken in the sky with my friend and use the cold chicken that was in the rain

working towards my dreams by Nadia Clarke inspired by Nicki Minaj

my home is loud and fun, don’t think we’re ever quiet. i worry about my cousins yelling so loud and getting on my nerves about me teaching these two stubborn little boys how to write a heading, and me laying in bed thinking about me making it to college studying four years and wondering if i would make it to be a certified ER nurse and me visualizing me finally putting on my blue scrubs, tying the laces of my white sneakers and walking through the doors of the hospital, seeing the children’s happy smiles and lending a helping hand to those who are scared and trying to push through, me working hard, studying enormous books, i wear my blue scrubs and white shoes but always remember that i’m on fire. working with children to stay healthy, i work with a team to get things figured out. what i love about my life is how i work hard to accomplish things that i desire and things that i love, it’s writing, listening to music, chilling and my goal is to strive in life but also, to achieve my empire.

The Reality of Getting Older by Samia Coleman after Jhené Aiko

As a child hearing how “bright” the world is supposed to be isn’t always the case. As you get older, you grow from relying on your guardian, you see the truth. Growing up, you get more responsibility you don’t get babied anymore, it ain’t easy. You have to become mature enough to see the pretty in things. Everything isn’t just peaches and cream. But on the bright side, when getting older you can experience freedom comin. Being free isn’t always about hanging out with friends, going shopping, freedom is about maturity, figuring out the fact that you can be free without your guardian on your neck all the time, you see that your growth is increasing, you’re finally seeing the pretty in things. The tone of happiness doesn’t come from every mouth. Seeing everyone try to bring you down, you know you hate that feeling, you want to change the fact that everyone isn’t happy for you, you realize the untold truth you’re just now finding out everything your guardian didn’t share with you . . . is this really the feeling? The reality isn’t fitting, you want to share your happiness. You want everyone to be happy cuz when everyone is happy, it makes you happy. You want everyone to succeed, everyone ain’t built to go down the wrong path they never know who’s watching their next move, you don’t want to be talkin about your success in front of everybody. Don’t be too loud. Everybody won’t be there to show their support and you know it’s hurting you. You know that it isn’t a joyful memory. You know that there are many more people to share your happiness with. Trust me there’s plenty.

Do You Know the Meaning of Life? by Janiah Coleman inspired by DPR Ian

I see myself as scared, hurt, hopeless, weak, afraid, and overpowered. I feel like the world is against me. On the outside I’m happy, noisy, strong, outgoing, and energetic. My family sees me as a disrespectful cute little girl with a kind heart at the end, that does what she’s supposed to do. I’ll see myself not giving up and doing what I should do for myself and myself only. From the ghetto towards hell people dying left to right but I still have to live right? Do you know the meaning of life? I love myself to the fullest and do stuff I enjoy to keep myself loving every part of me every day. In my life I don’t know what will be my next chapter but I still seek out looking forward to the next day. Future me, I wonder, what will I become, I wonder what will be the new chapter of my life. I try to work hard in school, like memorizing verbs in Spanish. Yo estoy bien!!!! Me, you, we’re human. We all do stuff in life that makes us crazy but also shapes who we are, like getting the shopping list wrong but you learn your mistake and know what to do next time. My friends help me shape who I am as a person to make me stronger and not weaker than I already am. I tend to give up at studying or cleaning, while my friends will help me. I look at the moon when I get the chance to, just wishin I see a bright shining star, a star that is brighter than a sun to fill me up inside, to light up my life, to make me believe in something, to have a lifetime goal like dancing. I wonder what people think of me while I just don’t give a damn and move on. People tend to make me kiss their ass and actually deal with their bullshit, but me I just walk away and move on. 88

I am my own person, sometimes I say I don’t need anyone when I actually do. I risk stuff I don’t need to be risking but at the end it’s really worth it for the people I love, my friends and my family, that have my whole heart. I could be weak, a mess, horrible, and a complete asshole, but I’m grateful for the people who are by my side to help me through it. “I’m okay,” is a phrase people use to hide themselves from reality and not seek help when they’re actually not fine. I’m fine. I will always be fine ‘cause now I know the meaning of life.

Life Can Be Great by Adam Collado inspired by Albert Einstein

Life can be great. It is what you make of it. For me it’s like a roller coaster. Riding it up and down. It has a lot of ups and downs. I’m on a bicycle on a hill. I must focus to stay steady. I have to keep going. And maintain my balance. Sometimes you don’t see me. Sometimes you must see me. But I have to keep on going. I have to always stay moving.

Hidden

by Kailynn Colon after Drake When I turn 21 ima pop the champagne right next to me is some positive poetry I don’t know how I will deal with these people, it’s like it’s only me and there are the people being loud in school I deal with, the things I achieve in math so effortless I go with the beautiful flows I need to act like a certain type of girl that I’m not supposedly I don’t know what to do but I have to do something But should I say it out loud or do something else? I ain’t controlling me is something in my mind that’s controlling me ima see who sees me for me

This World is Something Else by Le’Anna Copeland inspired by Tupac Shakur

I am a girl that doesn’t like to open up, I hate to even talk to people, I like to stick to myself. I think about the future, hoping to be the first in my family to finish school, doing hair, designing clothes, maybe even buildings & houses. I don’t see myself not being successful. I’m from loud music when my mom cleans or is getting ready and screaming, arguing and fighting I see stuff I shouldn’t see. A second chance is something no one should get...That’s something I had to learn. People wonder why they are always getting done dirty and it’s because they let people do the same things over and over. You let them take over you and that’s not cool. Everybody in this world is something else. It’s hard to find someone that is faithful. I feel like it really is. I swear. I understand that no one is your friend though. Thanks to my mom, should have listened to her. I hate that the world is like this. Filled with racist and disrespectful people.

The Life of Me as an Eighth Grader by Vanessa Covington

I’m a kind, thoughtful person, I adore my loved ones, keeping them happy is my goal my neighborhood is quiet and luckily goes without shootings because I guess they have common sense, the quiet helps me keep a routine so I can focus, attempting not to be late for any of my classes since I am an eighth grader now, plan plan, PLAN, seems to be like all I ever do now, I feel like it is just becoming too much, just want to be in my head, I feel this is a set up, I wish my wishes came true, WISH!

All That

by Rosalin Cruz after A Boogie wit da Hoodie I know you see me yeah, you and I I’m smart and you know I love you my sister don’t let me see I might be smart but you are being me I may love you all I love you and all but you in I need your I know you see me in your notifications I need you everyday and You may be all that but I I want you to focus on me but you need I love you I need you to I want you to so you can focus

Day Before Now by Psalms Davis inspired by Nicki Minaj

I will finally figure out myself. Soon they will see me as the person you want me to put out. As a black young girl they will see me as a Nasty, distasteful person They will never know my fucking life Is it because who you perceive me as? Is it because you despise that you know I could have power over you? When I start to rise history will shine. They will never know my fucking life. Start having more sense in what you do to not show your mischievous moves. Miss the way we could ascend so high and never had to hear a peep from you.

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Shopping for Yeezys in the Bronx by Terrill Deese after Rod Wave

In the Bronx all you see on the news is death I am from New York where you gotta be valid to make your life easy because if you’re not valid your life is hard

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Why is Life a Well of Gifts? by Saraine Dickerson

“I love me, didn’t ever predict life to be true choose me to have a life too. The race is long. That makes me very stressed, but I hope I make it to life but I’m losing but I take the lead again. ‘The well–’ I said. ‘I made it!!’ A few minutes after birth they dressed up the baby—Me! Life, welcome to life! The living has me stressed early, must be because I’m young and have to learn but the gods make me do it all over again well . . . then again and again it’s just over-repeated. Dressed dead, life passed but I wonder why life chose me . . . why was I the one and why was it a well?”

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Does the World See Me? by Megan Dubose after Tupac Shakur

I think the world sees me as me, a regular human being walking down the street but what if the world doesn’t see me at all? Maybe I’m invisible and I can’t be seen. What if it only sees you and your beautiful face or maybe it can’t but what if it can? Maybe the world only sees the mistakes I make and the trouble I cause, like the time I bullied someone because I was once bullied but how come it doesn’t see my outcome and how I get through my pain and problems? Or how I overcome my negative thoughts? Or what if the world does see me, as a shining star in the night, that shines brighter than any other star? I want to make the world a better place but there’s no time for that. The time bomb of the world is ticking faster than I can blink. The world is in a crisis where I feel I cannot escape negativity but I hope things will get brighter in the world but we never know, maybe it will by the end of the day.

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Me and My Bullshit by Damani Grant after J. Cole

I see myself as either a hot mess or totally organized, you never know which Damani you’ll get. I don’t play with little kids, they do too much. The crowds in the hallway are cluttered and loud. To me, it’s a game I need to get where I’m going or else you’ll get the mean sassy funny loud and short version of me. You never know who I will let see the real side of me. To me life is a game I don’t play with people that waste my time. Let that not be you!

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I’ve Told You This Before and I Will Say It Again: You’re Better the Way You Are, Never Change That, Even When We Are Apart by Sanaa Greaves inspired by Meghan Markle

I look out for you But it’s just no use because you don’t do the same do you? I don’t have a problem with who you are even if your ancestors are who they were. It’s just what they have done that you don’t need to pay for. People tell me I’m just enough and maybe they are too but they don’t see it that way Maybe I am just who I am and I can’t change that for no one Maybe as in another lifetime but that’s not what I would do Who I am to you and maybe that’s how you see me and maybe I don’t see myself like you do. Maybe you are just the person everyone needs and maybe keep being yourself because they love you how you are. Just know that I won’t let nobody put you down even though I can’t fight your battles for you. Know that you have to be you and not care who likes and doesn’t like you. That is the truth and you don’t change because you might change the wrong way and nobody wants that for anybody and this goes for everyone and anyone. I look out for you But it’s just no use because you don’t do the same do you? I don’t have a problem with who you are even if your ancestors are who they were. It’s just what they have done that you don’t need to pay for. People tell me I’m just enough and maybe they are too but they don’t see it that way. 110

What’s Real and What’s Fake? by Tyra Jackson after Taylor Swift

I am afraid Could life be real? Could the afterlife be real? Show me. I wish someone could show me what’s real and what’s fake. You never know what’s under us around us over us or seven years away from us. Incredible beast could be real. Thinking about this makes my mind shake. Things inside movies that we thought weren’t real could be real. Magic could be real, or potions that make your eyes turn teal. Madness could be coming and we will never know. Heaven could be real, hell can be real, the thought of staring into nothingness eternally makes my skin cold as snow. Sin also could be real. Which makes me think, could life be real?

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Champagne Diary by Jahmere Jackson after Drake

On the inside, I’m calm and I overthink a lot, I worry about a lot of things but on the outside, I’m always Goofy, chill, and always play around no matter the circumstance, so I censor what I think to save myself from myself because I am insane and this is ‘cause My family sees me as a troublemaker and distant because no one comes and checks on me asks how I’m doing because no matter the circumstance I feel someone will use it against me, I don’t care about what people think about me because they don’t know what I think and even if I start reporting what I think to people they might turn on me, I don’t wanna let no one know how I feel for the sake of me

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No More Teenage Fever by Jahmere Jackson after Drake

On the inside, I’m calm and Your heart is broken because You’re Always pushing people away but you need to stop ‘cause I’m here for you, you just can’t blame men because you can’t find the one that will love you for you and don’t care what you do we could’ve been together but there’s no longer a we ‘cause you keep cheating we could have been but there’s no more helping you we could have had two children, one dog, three-story house we would’ve been in upstate New York ‘cause you hate the city and I know that but now just look at where we are struggling to get through life, but at this point there is no we because what do you want to do what us we cannot be because what now you are

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A Bittersweet Life by Stacy Jean after R.H. Sin

On the inside, I’m calm and On the outside I am quiet but a lot of people would say I have a big heart that bleeds with self-doubt and is filled with love for my family and friends and with some bruises caused by mental scars But I try to stay strong for a bunch of my friends, my ancestors, my soul and my family including my brother who keeps a smile on my face, that’s what’s most important to me. They’ve done so much for me and have been here for me for years, even when my big heart is aching

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Speaking Up by Jayda Johnson

people don’t know how I really feel so I’m gonna speak up whether I’m doing something that’s private and have the rights to not tell nobody my business right I’m still here standing if I have a partner or I’m lonely please listen Close you might be a good person until you show your true colors. behind your eyes I can see the angry tears. I’m shocked . . . but just listen to the good person inside of you. try not to let your anger take over. my feelings matter too so listen to my voice

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All About Jai-Khia by Jai-Khia Kelly-Martin

i am tall and funny i wonder if 9th grade will be hard i hear a dog barking i see a unicorn i want new airpods i am tall and funny i pretend to be famous i feel an angels wings i touch clouds i worry that 9th grade will be worse than 8th i cry about my grandma who passed away i pretend to be famous i understand that i have to stop doubting myself i say i’m going to be successful in life i dream that i’ll be famous i try to do good in school i hope i pass all my classes i understand that i have to stop doubting myself

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Without Dreaming, Without Meaning by Lailah Mackey after Wale

I live my life how can one live theirs without dreaming what is a life without dreaming do you know what a life without dreaming is? a life without dreaming is as boring as the letter A what is life without without a meaning life without dreaming is a life without meaning

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From the Streets of Brooklyn by Christopher Maizonet after Oprah Winfrey

I am a regular kid from Brooklyn, New York. You might think but I saw things I can’t define without sounding brutal. People tell me, “You’re gonna get hurt,” but I keep doing things that risk my life. I keep listening to the negativity. I don’t care until the issue gets real. I try not to let it get to me. I find other solutions to fights I created. Because of me I risk people around me my friends and family. I express myself when I write because I can go deeper. In this cold-hearted world keep your eyes open because your life can end like a movie script.

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3 POVs

by Mikayla Martin inspired by Nicki Minaj look at her, dishonest, uncivil, rude, angry, true look at mines’ “Only if they knew how I feel working on less 4 hours sleep, I feel drained, I have no confidence, they embarrassed me with every task they give me I can’t say no, my mother, my brother, my sister, their lives depend on it you drew it in your book of lies, maybe if you wrote it’s true, the world has no sympathy, you need to go far, far, far away you need to leave there is no room for your imperfections” look at that hair those lips that skin, there can’t be room for error, no space in the world for a person like me. Like me? Jealousy? I know they wanna look like me, but since when have they ever wanted to look like me? getting all those surgeries to look like me you a slave now work know who bought you? Me. I bought you to work are you Free? I don’t think so, great, you know your place have a great day! no no no no

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Trouble

by Gabbriel Martin after Drake I see myself as the GOAT but still trouble to feel like a goat The goats were treated better than our ancestors finding trouble to understand why we have to be treated like this I myself feel like just learning about it don’t feel realistic but feeling it does A slave had a baby on her back but they wouldn’t let her in because she was black Why can’t they just leave us alone A metal shackle A cat of nine tails A indoor mom A hard working father A young working kid A cotton picker A disobedient slave A sex slave A savage I’m a black girl in a disgusting world Where the color of your skin determines the way you are Where you can’t be yourself Where everything has to be about color, gender and more You see one black person kill All black people kill You see one ugly dark skin All dark skins are ugly Imagine getting sold off like an animal like a goat or a cow Imagine having to lift up 400 pounds of burials EVERY DAY, EVERY HOUR, EVERY SECOND

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A Different World by Aniala Mejia

I’m a person who thinks about the future where things could go good or could be bad. You may wonder who I am but to be honest I don’t know I chill and hear silence with a mind full of thoughts on what I will become I stay to myself I’m just me where I learn not to care what people have to say. I dream about a place where things are different Just an outspoken girl Who for centuries wouldn’t make it to this stage. I see thick hair brown skin with people who couldn’t bear but to stare. Come to a place where you need to have a lot of hope from East New York, Brooklyn, a place where history is forgotten, different minds in this different world but I’m just a different girl in a different world

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Speak

by Evan Mendoza I see a kid. He who is lonely and musty tries to be friends as others ask, “Who are you?” They question him and hurry away after no response from the stinky young man, He cannot speak the lonely man is death and has a broken leg so he can’t walk without his cane he uses his mind to read mouths to speak with others, as he feels his dignity fading.

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Let It Out, but Don’t Let Go by Nanjee Milien inspired by Nicki Minaj

I am someone that dances my emotions away but imma always forgive that I won’t be able to forget them, dancing is like my getaway but I really want to GET AWAY imma keep going even when I want my emotions dead but there is always gonna be a reason why the tissue’s wet tears FOR MY MOTHER AND HER SUNSHINE SMILE tears FOR PRIDE IN MY CONTEMPORARY DANCE, tears FOR THE PEOPLE IN HAITI THAT ARE GOING THROUGH IT but imma keep working hard and wrap my issues in a tissue

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My Tasty Pork Chop by Johan Molina inspired by Steven U.

what if i was an adult that was able to do whatever he wants like buying every tasty pork chop a pork chop that has a good aroma that i can smell from a mile away and i want it and hope it was the perfect one so i wouldn’t need to buy anything else we would have bought them all and wouldn’t have anymore left and have other things like hotdogs

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Fake World

by Demetrius Moore inspired by Sleepy Hollow People ask me why I look mad or sad all the time it’s just that in this world loyalty is something that’s hard to find in life but who is someone you got by your side some people need more in their life for all the shit to deal with you need to have fun in life you need to see who is by your side but you gotta know who is right by your side or else you’re gonna see what you need to see. Love people throw that shit around a lot of lying in your face it’s like a punch in the face, I didn’t want to see it but it was needed don’t you know that the world is fake think about how you gotta see the world is fake nobody by your side, you need to find out who knows what loyalty is or else you gonna see what that shit feels like that don’t make it any different but shit everybody knows how that feels I mean it happens to everyone don’t lie and say no just because you don’t want it to happen any more.

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deserved. by Elijah Ramos after me

I hate the way you make me care for you, you are a liar, a good one. fooled us all. I should not have trusted you with my time. I truly believed you, all your lies. but you got caught and now you are alone I will not come back, I won’t believe you until I get an apology. for all the time and energy I put in being there for your lies. all of your lies. the mental problems, the traumas, all lies. and you refuse to own up to your mistakes. I bet your family doesn’t know your true self, I hate you and I won’t stop ‘til my brain forgets you. I hate you, I dislike you, I don’t want to see you. all these lies you fed to all of us. no wonder what you tasted, weird. That all makes me sick. you made us put all our energy into you, I’m tired from all of it. and your repayment is lies and betrayal. I hope your new friends discover the true you, so you can enjoy what you deserve, loneliness.

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Don’t Believe the Fake by Magic Rhodes

Some of our real friends are fake they try to fit in and then you stop talking to them and they ask, “Why don’t you talk to me?” And I say, “How you going to switch on me?” I was always there for you, but make your choices. I’m just going to be to myself and make money sometimes have to move on, but I couldn’t stop thinking about my ex-friend even though he switched but I could tell he wasn’t a real one. I used to tell ‘em watch who you hang around with cause I still care I really don’t want him to get hurt but life has ups and downs, you know

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Don’t Quit by Clara Rivera after Banksy

you came into this world When you was born, you’re amazing just in your own form, You are beautiful intelligent and black, don’t let it Get to you because let me tell you, you don’t crack, Tired of being tired and trying to find peace, Learn how to reach your goal and pray and think, To be that beautiful thick hair, full lips, brown eyes knowing everyone wants your pride just sit back and Rest cause I know that battle ain’t hard to strive, Not the end, just the beginning, growing up and living, just make sure you’re not Quitting.

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This World Isn’t Right by Rhianna Rivers after Malala Yousafzai

I know what we can do and learn. We Learned about how people built over others, we Cannot Believe all the history they tell us is true and Succeed. Think of the students like me, around Livonia Ave, hanging with friends, joking. When Some may cry thinking about their history, Others may think that’s not their problem. Half Of this world that is made from people forced, worked ‘til they were gone. Of This once shiny monument gives credit to those who were here before. Us Being here to witness this to honor ones here years ago. This is what we’re Holding This world in our hands, don’t think Back

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Something to Prove by Taleyah Robinson after Drake

working like I’m the boss of my city to always prove to the future generation that I’m going to reach for my dreams to control it, that’s why we work hard like climbing a tree I had never climbed before but I have something to prove.

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Every Corny Means Something by Elijah Ross after Maya Angelou

you should try to be yourself even if people tell you that you’re a different person than everybody else it doesn’t matter who you are, you’re still bright like a shining shooting star and always value in trying to avoid listening to what people want you to be people think you have to be normal to be you you should take time to have will and to never say never and to know how amazing you can be as if how much creativity and how amazing you don’t realize you are and can try to be

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Too Tough

by Sky Sanchez after Dr. Robert Schuller an ugly girl tried to pop on me by coming up to my face but i’m tough i help my mother take the stroller up stairs most of the times for me life has never been as stressful as my last year in 7th grade the girl thought she can scare me but i am too tough but i know my limit of respect with people work hard and continue to do what i gotta do

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My Shot

by Alex Satty inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda I am the way I am it is funny how you think I’m listening but I’m not try ax throwing I’m walking away this life is my one shot I am the way I am nothing can get in the way of a star I am like a diamond I might be hard-headed but not in a good way I’m the rough

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The Realities of Feelings Behind Closed Doors by Olakorede Shodamola

I want You to stop. Could you care about my feelings for once . . . ? Just to Have a first timer Anyone wouldn’t want you You know it and yet you’re so blunt about it I just Want to have this moment for once . . . Why can’t you embrace it . . . ? Would you even try to . . . ? You finally let it out I Want to be avenged for the damage you left for me to deal with To be the one for you To Be the only one for you With them they don’t give a shit, They talk shit too Me? You ask, I refuse to listen to them I’m stronger than what they say, So I don’t listen to them Nothing could stop me from getting there, So why . . . ? I’m . . . Special in my own way . . . Right . . . ? I can Be whatever I want right . . . ? With my own feelings right . . . ? Whoever tries to stop me . . . Really don’t give a shit Do You really care . . . ? I really want to let go . . .

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Intelligent and Supportive by Jabari Textus after Michael Jordan

I’m a good person that never leaves someone stuck in kinetic energy, testable scientific questions, and force. always say always. never leave someone to struggle because there are limits to help people like me without fears, but there are sometimes people who don’t like to help people often but there are always people that are just some illusions

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School

by Zakayla Tyson inspired by Drake when my alarm woke me up i went to get my jeans and shirt because it was what i was gonna wear that day. i’m writing this on my computer but when you see it, it won’t be like your poem. i put my words on the side so they can line up with each other and so you guys can get what the song lyric is saying. everyone gets their traits from being around people or maybe just because of the way they act all day long. when i got to school all the kids were there on time

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What If

by Zy’Airah Williams after Muni Long I am a sensitive person who acts like a Baby What If I had a million dollars and I had a mansion and a purple Jeep and unlimited time I would make a machine I maybe if I make a machine then I can get rich and I would and maybe I would hop on top of the millionaire chart, and then I can hop inside a mansion my I spend my time being a good virgo, I’m a cleaning machine I got an A- in math And like a perfect virgo I can rearrange my room all the time. If you cross the goat you’ll be history

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Brave & Kind by Tilon Yisrael

I am Tilon Yisrael I am polite and kind I wonder about my future in high school I hear a baby cry I see Disney I want to do it all over again I am polite and kind I pretend I am a king I feel an angel’s wings I touch a winter cloud I worry about violence I cry for my gram I am brave and kind I understand your love for me I say children are our future I dream for a quiet day I try to do my best I hope the success of my children I am brave and kind.

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Life Is a Wandering Adventure by Sarah Yisrael inspired by Weathers

Hi, I’m Sarah and I can tell you that all the people that know me say that I’m very hardworking, like when I am reading about the history of East New York. I take stuff serious, like if someone hurt someone else I would ask why they did it. Also, I’m from Brooklyn, New York, and my community gave me the feeling of happiness by making amusement parks. My family gave me the feeling of confidence by telling me I’m perfect the way I am. Also, I’m connected to the part of history of the Africans being robbed of their royalty and their lives were cut short. A good person is someone that makes people feel happy—like my friends. Another thing about me is that I am a person who has split personalities on the inside but I keep it all to myself, but sometimes I let it out especially when I’m home, but in school I’m hardworking and serious and when I’m home I’m adventurous all the time.

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Author Bios 7th Grade Hi my name is JANAY ACOSTA, I’m very shy but when I get to know you, I will start to get comfortable enough to show the real me. I love talking to my friends. They are like my blankets. My hobbies are drawing. I love to draw whenever I’m bored, or in my free time. In the future, I wanna be an artist and sell my art, and I want my art to be in museums one day. I love to listen to music 24/7. My favorite color is light purple. I love cats. I think cats are better than dogs. Dogs are cute but I like cats better than dogs. I hate school but I have to go to school to get my education. I hate doing chores. They annoy me. This is all I have to say. Bye. :) Hi, my name is DARLENE ARECHE, and I’m an overthinker/shy. If I’m mad, don’t ask me stuff or talk to me; I hate counselors because they ask a lot of questions that are personal to me. I don’t have favorites because I’ll end up liking something else. I love Jesus and my family even though we get into fights. A lot of the time, I won’t believe in myself because ever since I was little, people made me think I was stupid so I never tried. And ofc I have good stuff about me: I play piano, and I love to help my parents because they work so hard to raise me. I have a lot more about me, but this will be enough. Hello, my name is KAILAH BARON. I am a young writer who’s in middle school. I am from Brooklyn, New York. My favorite hobbies are to record Youtube videos, work together with people, spend time with family, and play video games. Hi, my name is MALACHI BIRTHWRIGHT and I love to do stuff like play basketball, play video games, and watch TV. The TV shows that I watch are: AOT, Naruto, Demon Slayer, and Tokyo Revengers. I eat a lot of foods like pizza, fries, ramen, spaghetti, burgers, and a lot of candy. And I also like to hang out with my friends like Zier, Raymond, Jamel, Teon, and Jayden. And I hope that we all stay friends. 170

Hi, my name is ALESHA BRACKIN. I think of myself as dark brown roses fresh from a garden. This rose might not always sound nice to you, but this rose means love, and it also means kindness. This rose wants to be a teacher who can help educate other kids on how to become someone special. It’s like my mom always says, “where you make your bed you have to lay in it,” and I want to lay in a bed of success not only for myself but for others as well. So who is Alesha Brackin, you may ask? Well, let’s just say she is a young woman who wants to become someone who inspires others. I’m D’ZHANÉ BRAXTON; I’m 13. I have three cats, Dakota, Boo, and Flash. Flash is an ugly name tho. One of my strong suits is drawing. I’ll say Naruto and Pokemon are overrated and trash. I admire myself, my art, and my cat Dakota. I’m in love with Kubz Scouts and Coryxkenshin, and the book All Tomorrows by C.M. Koseman. Hi, my name is RAYMOND BERENES JR., and sometimes I do things and I think back like, damn that was stupid, and I laugh it off. I have a lot of fun with my friends and fellow teachers when I’m in school, like Ms. B and Ms. La Noue; they are my favorite teachers. I have fun with everyone in my school. We all talk and I have a lot of people influencing me to be better everyday. I am a fellow AFYW student, just living my life. My name is JAMEL BROWN. What makes me, me, is that I play basketball and football. Also I like to go outside and go places I have never been before. Another thing that makes me, me, is my family because they give me advice and they defend me. Hey! I’m ERIC BROWN and what makes me, me, is that I’m a ghetto person and I feel that if I don’t talk in my ghetto voice I’m just not me. What inspires me is Nicki Minaj’s songs, and Her Self through her words. I’m ELVIS CARVAJAL. I’m a really cool guy, I’m funny and goofy. I get really distracted even when there’re no distractions. I can’t focus but I put all my effort into focusing enough to make this bio. AND I LOVE TACOS! 171

Hi, my name is ELIANNY DE LA CRUZ, and my favorite color is purple; also I am a shy/wild type of person and I’m antisocial most of the time when I’m at school. I am a fan of Billie Eilish, food, pools, running track, comedy movies, scary-but-not-so-scary movies, “The Walking Dead,” baby cats, tacos, chicken, and drawing; also, I’m not trying to talk too much about it, but y’all get it so far, so thank you for listening. Byee. Hi, I’m JEREMY FRIAS and what makes me, me, is my unique personality and knowledge because I know my way around people. I watch my back from people who are toxic and just wanna stop me from doing things, so I don’t care what other people say about me. I go on with my life. If I ever get the chance to help my family, I will help them because they support me. I also want to become someone great, known by the world. I like playing VR a lot with my friends since it’s a new type of gaming and it also makes me do this. Hi, my name is JAYDEN HERNANDEZ. What makes me me is my family members because they help me get out of bad situations and also give me advice. My uncles always tell me what’s good to do and what’s bad to do, so this is what makes me, me; it’s my family that makes me, me. I like to play games and also I like to play basketball and I like to eat a lot of food. I guess you could call me fat because I don’t share my food with no one. I am DORIANA HOOD and what makes me, me, is me, and the way I think, and how I handle myself. I’m really good at sports and debate; when I was younger my brother and I were in a tennis program, and we got really, really good and won trophies, but then we weren’t allowed to go anymore, and every year since kindergarten I’ve won a medal or some sort of 1st-place award. I am a vigorous reader and I’m reading two books at the moment. I like short stories and horror of all types: slasher, camp, psychological, cheap jumpscares—it doesn’t matter. And I love my hamster and I like my friends. I think virtues that are overrated are fidelity and generosity because one, don’t cheat, and two, it’s not that hard to be respectful, and a made-up award I would totally win is best hood wearer.

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My name is TEON ISAACS. I like to hear about drama and fights that happen in and out of school. What also makes me, me, is that I am short. I am very short. I am only 5’ and the second smallest person in my class. Another thing is that I am in a very athletic family, and most of my family played a sport. Hey, I’m NABIYA KHALIL. I am Aries, I love food, I hate when people eat with their mouth open like it’s so disgusting and I hate the sound of it, it’s so cringeworthy, but I love mukbangs and love those sounds idk it’s weird. I hate spiders, their 8-legs and fuzzy fur. I really REALLY!! hate when people speak over you like shut up and wait, they be so annoying sometimes. I love love LOVEEEE stray kids like omgggg they’re so hot and their songs so good and the best. I also like NCT and TXT (tomorrow x together). My favorite songs rn are red light, charmer, manic, make a wish, angel or devil, maze in the mirror, without you, and BOOM. They’re all great songs. Hey, I’m CHASSITY MABRY. What makes me, me, is: my name, I’m a very enthusiastic person, I get frustrated very easily, I HATE Thursdays, I’m all about getting my work finished on time, I love watching drama shows, I’m ride-or-die for my family, I have a nephew, I’m adopted by my aunt, I have a very communicative relationship with my family, I love watching animes, I’m a have-to-get-the-lastword-in person, I’m a very adventurous person, I like trying new foods and gadgets, I like cooking, very big clothes person, I’m a creative person, my favorite color is purple, I like running track, and my favorite YouTuber is CoryxKenshin. My name is JACK ORTIZ, I am a student at AFYW. I like to play video games and watch my favorite shows on Netflix. My favorite food is pizza and I love to play with my dog. I like to play any sort of video game. I’m TYANA POLLOCK-GATHERS and I love anime, candy, anything sweet, and drawing. I make my own comics and mangas that I hope to make a living off. My dream is to learn Japanese language and culture, then live there once I’m older. 173

Hi, I’m DYLAN POOLE and I’m a girl. What makes me, me, is my name and my family. What I like to do for fun is play video games and play outside. A sport I play is basketball and I run track. I hope you guys enjoyed this book. Hi!! I’m SERENITY POWELL, and what makes me, me, is my personality and my love for people. I like listening to music 24/7, specifically Tyler, The Creator and Mitski. I love pancakes from IHOP, my mom’s spaghetti, warm hugs from my girlfriend, and being in the dark. I’m a HUGE sleep addict and a clean freak. And I love my family. Hello people, my name is ANTHONY RAMOS and I’m not the smartest nor am I dumb, depends on the day. I’m also a 7th grader, I’m good at video games and meh at school but does it stop me from having fun? Nope. Also I don’t eat candy nor do I eat cake and I’m lazy and don’t like homework, Imma be honest school is lame. Hi, I’m MIA RODRIGUEZ and I can be nice depending on my mood. To be honest I may have good grades but I really don’t like school. I love eating chips but only if they’re spicy. I like rottweilers. I find them adorable. I used to have one so, yeah. My name is LEAH MARIE THOMAS, I hate people’s kids cause they be getting me tight. I hate school, I just like my friends . . . sometimes. Two things I like to do are sleep and eat, but I also like talking to my best friend; she is annoying but I love her and she is always there for me. My name is NASIR VANDERPOOL. I play games and I like to be myself. People might not like me. I don’t care what people think. I am myself and myself only. The Bronx is comfortable for me. My childhood was fun, I would play in the park, jump around and eat. School is boring; I hate it. My childhood is what makes me, me.

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I am SAVION WILLIAMS. Home to me is Brooklyn, but I am originally from Barbados. I just be doing stuff lowkey. I usually get my strength to make jokes for my friends since they are a big part of my life (not K, someone else) and they give me self-esteem. I think that’s mostly what gives me strength. I think the NYPD is overrated, although there are nice cops, but not all of them, some of them don’t care and some of them do and some of them are rude as hell. Who I admire is Giannis Antetokounmpo, he’s a Greek basketball player and I was always inspired by him since I love basketball and I always will. I would win funniest African American 12 year old in AFYW because I’m pretty funny. What makes me, me, is my personality. My name is BRIANNA MAYLIN WILLIAMS and idrgaf about school but writing is amazing. I go to AFYW. Someone who annoys me is my best friend. She is getting me tight but I love her annoying self. I love to be on my phone and watch TikTok. My favorite food is mac and cheese and boneless wings from Applebees. I live in Canarsie, NY, but I’m from Rhode Island <3333.

8th Grade Hi, I’m AMELIA BLANCO. I am from Brooklyn, New York, and I love to go to the Dominican Republic in the summertime. I spend most of my time with my family on the weekend and make TikToks on my phone. Hello, my name is SARIYA BROOKS. This is all kinda new to me, but let’s just get straight into it, I LOVE writing. Like when I say love, I mean love. However, motivation can sometimes be a bi—. Music is something that helps with that, don’t ask me my favorite genre: I don’t have one. I currently go to the school “Academy For Young Writers’’ and let me tell ya, middle school isn’t worth anything. I’ve played piano, the guitar, the triangle (embarrassing, I know), and these drums people used back in the day, and other stuff I can’t remember off the top of my head. I hate being alone with my thoughts, being around people could be the best but also worst thing for me, so just be aware of that. I love ice cream, gummies, HARRY POTTERRRR!!! And anime. Preferably, the anime “Toilet-Bound-Hanako-Kun.’ 175

My name is SHANNON CAPLE and I like Star Wars because it’s the greatest thing to exist. I like my experience being a black person. Something that makes me, me, is insomnia. My name is AMIR CATO. I was born in America and raised in New York City, and I am an African American male. I like to make fictional characters based off the shows I watch. My favorite shows are “Naruto,” “Death Note,” “Aot moon knight” and anything that involves Marvel. I believe in God and also believe that grades don’t determine how smart you are. I dislike school because they only teach us one thing that is irrelevant to life and don’t teach us how to live. I also believe that school should teach us more about our history so it can inspire others about their ancestors and show them how lucky we are. Hi, my name is NADIA CLARKE and I like writing. I’m 14 years old and I’m from Brooklyn, New York. My goal is to get A’s in all my classes and be a nurse when I’m older. Hi my name is JANIAH COLEMAN, I’m really shy and nervous when it comes to things, but I’m also true to myself. I could be crazy, confident, and determined. I care about myself more than others. It makes me grow more as a person and makes me much more mature. I’m kind of a performer type of person. I love being shown out, I love being in the open, especially when coming to my dance, that’s really my inner peace. But then I like being chill and listening to music without caring anything about the world at all. My friends say I’m more than that, that I’m actually caring but also mysterious with a warm heart; that I could be really generous one day and really stupid the next. I love kpop, jpop, and Asian music, to be really honest and I love R & B. LIKE I LOVE BTS, SEVENTEEN, TXT, NCT, ENHYPEN, OMGGGGGGGGGGG AND P1 HARMONY, WE CAN’T FORGET CHRIS BROWN AND SZA, PLUS SUMMER WALKER. ANYWAYSSSSSSS I feel like I’m talking too much but that’s just my sense of humor, I get that too much but WHO CARES. At last, I mostly have to admire my family and friends. That helps me through everything and helps me become stronger everyday. And my cousin too, ’cause I look up to her the most and she shaped me to the person I am today. 176

My name is ADAM COLLADO. I am an 8th grader and an honor roll student at the Academy for Young Writers. My nationality is American and my ethnicity is Hispanic. My passion is playing sports, particularly basketball. I live in Brooklyn, New York. Hi, I’m KAILYNN COLON. What makes me, me, is my overprotectiveness, loudness, my hair, generosity, outspokenness, intelligence, and rebelliousness. This makes me, me, because I’m overprotective over the people I love because I don’t want them to get hurt in any way. My hair makes me, me, because no matter if I’m running late, my hair needs to look good and I don’t care about anything more than my hair until my hair looks decent then I will go on with my day. Generosity makes me, me, because I give back to the people I love, for example I will spoil my friends and family for no reason and I will show them that I unconditionally love them. The word outspokenness connects to me because when I see something wrong I will say something about it, I will not hesitate to say something. My intelligence makes me, me, because I know that no one can take it from me no matter what I do or they do. My rebelliousness makes me, me, because when I want to do something I am determined to do it, no matter what. Don’t get me wrong, I am very cautious with the law. I’m not the type of person to break the law, but I am the type of person to not always play by the rules. But with that being said, that’s what makes me Kailynn Ivelise Colon. Hey, I’m LE’ANNA COPELAND. I’m from East New York, I love to dance and lay down watching funny movies on Netflix and eating ice cream and laughing by myself. I see myself being a hairstylist in a couple more years. Hello, my name is VANESSA COVINGTON. I’m really into jewelry and hanging out with my friends. My favorite things to do are to go to my cousin’s house or my brother’s house. My friends are Janelyn, Laylah, Jessmaly, Damani, Annisa, Khristina, and Takara. Hi, my name is ROSALIN CRUZ. I want people to know me as a dolphin because I love swimming. I want people to go see me in the water. I am from the Dominican Republic and I’m Puerto Rican. I like swimming because it is fun being in the water. 177

Hey, I’m PSALMS DAVIS. I like to sleep and daydream about a boy who’s my man but not my man but is my man you know? I know he doesn’t like me but that doesn’t mean I can’t still like him. I LOVE to eat shrimp mi fung. It’s so good. I love to read when I have nothing to do. I remember one time I went three months without a phone and I read a 300-page book in a few days. I also love to watch “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” It’s such a good show and it’s the first show I’ve actually been interested in. I also LOVE to dance. It makes me happy when I have nothing else to do. Oh yeah and I’m from Brooklyn, New York, that’s it tbh. Hi I’m SANAA J. GREAVES, I would never have thought I could actually be an author but here we are. See, I wouldn’t say I’m the greatest author here because I am not and I have seen others’ work better than mine and that’s okay. Not everything can be perfect. I mean you gotta have some flaws. If there was “a nice girl till you know her” award I would definitely win that because Lord knows my family is all set on me being mean but my teachers and not all of them think I’m a nice person who is loved by everyone, which isn’t true nobody can be loved by everyone. However, I can be a likable person once you get to know me, I don’t think I’m THAT bad. Well, when I was a child I did cut off my sister’s hair but we don’t talk about that. Yeah, seems like I am the meanest out of my siblings. Who wouldn’t be when they got seven or more of them and all equally annoying when they want to be. I mean all they really do is just retaliate back when I do stuff to them. I’d rather write Fantasy because everybody deserves to escape reality every now and then. Oh, hello, my name is JAHMERE JACKSON and I’m almost 14 but I personally go by JaH even though nobody calls me that. I’m pretty dumb but people think I’m smart even though I’m really dumb, JaH sleeps, A LOT, and I like to eat oranges, I listen to Drake a lot as you see by my poems, and did I mention that I LOVE oranges. I’m from East New York but I hate it here because the weather sucks. Yes, the uppercase H was purposeful. I’m JAYDA JOHNSON. I like to take my mind off of things by listening to music and I want other people to know me as a caring person, but also a straight up person. 178

Hi, I’m LAILAH MACKEY and I don’t like bios, however I do like writing so I guess this is necessary; for a little background check I am 14 years old and from Brooklyn, New York. Writing is something I like but I have other interests like music, reading, food, sleeping, sleeping, comics, and did I mention sleeping? Hello, I am CHRISTOPHER MAIZONET. Home to me is Brooklyn, New York, the area that gives me freedom and lets me live without being bothered. I live in an area that people know me in, especially since I lived there for 13 years of my life. And if people don’t know you in your own home, is it really your home? Hi, my name is MIKAYLA MARTIN, if you care. Hey, I’m Gdotty—no I’m lying, I’m GABBY MARTIN, you maybe don’t know me but you do now. I’m a 14-year-old who loves to listen to Bryson Tiller, Drake, PartyNextDoor and more. I’m not really a writer, I’m just doing it for school but it’s kinda fun. Anyways I live in Brooklyn, NY, hit me up. Hi, I’m ANIALA MEJIA. I hate school occasionally. I have my on and off days. Food is my way to happiness, also R&B. EVAN MENDOZA is an 8th grade basketball lover. Most of his passion goes into his clothes and what he has on, on a daily basis. But the other half goes into cooking anything from breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. He is currently learning new dribble moves in basketball and new seasonings to add to his food. He learned from his dad who grew up in Brooklyn, New York, just like him, how to cook. He learned his skills in basketball from his uncle who is very strict and a hard worker who also told him ways to put my clothing pieces together—“DON’T EVER MIX BRANDS,” he said. His dad would tell him how long to cook certain things. As he grew a passion for many things, family helped most.

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What makes me, NANJEE MILIEN, is dance; it is so fun and makes me happy, like when I dance I feel like I’m in my own world and that all eyes are on ME; just imagine yourself dancing freely music blasting “MUSIC MAKES ME LOSE CONTROL LET’S GO,” the best song to dance to. Who I admire is my mom and Nicki Minaj, I say that because my mom is a hard working and an independent woman which deserves a lot, yeah, we might have our disagreements but that doesn’t change the fact that she works hard for me and my siblings; I admire Nicki Minaj a lot because she speaks the truth but not only makes me happy because of her vibe and the way she goes on with her life. I get my strength from my mom TBH because my mom is really strong and been through a lot but pushed through and got her to where she is at now and that strength she has impacts on me and makes me stronger. JOHAN MOLINA: I love to play video games. I usually play them every day, so I don’t get bored when I play video games. Sometimes I end up playing all night. My favorite game is probably Demon Slayer or Apex Legends. I also love watching anime. I watch over 60 anime shows and I am currently watching more than more that I did not even finish. I try to finish the ones I did not finish before I start a new one but can help not starting another one. Hi, I’m ELIJAH RAMOS. I am a young poet and author. I like things like cars and I like to eat apples. I also like to eat Doritos, the cheese one or the purple one. They are both good, but just like my poem pls. I’m CLARA RIVERA and I love writing but I hate thinking and struggling. I’m a very basic person. I don’t like doing too much or doing too little. I’m from New York where everyone hates each other but loves each other in a way, and I won’t say I love it but I don’t hate it.

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Hi, I’m RHIANNA RIVERS, I love to dance at random times. You will sometimes see a random outburst of dancing in me. The things I write about have some kind of history behind them and how I may or might feel about myself, this helps me think of moving forward. I live in NY, you know, the place where everyone thinks it’s amazing, well, believe me, it’s not. I come from loving but not so strict parents, friends that I’m always with. TALEYAH ROBINSON is a dancer. She is from a small place called New York City and she hates when people don’t treat her the same. Taleyah loves when people say her nicknames like tee, Taleelee, and Tdotty. She can be a little difficult when you tell her something and she does the opposite. Taleyah loves trying new things. When her mom tells her not to spend all of her money but does the opposite, and spends money on frog legs and different types of seafood. Hey, HEY! Ok now that I got your attention, Imma introduce myself; the name is ALEX SATTY but a lot of you know me as Jessmalee but oh well, I’m nonbinary, also latin soo that means that I am very loud, proud and crazy, just ask around they’ll tell you. I use the pronouns “they/them” and “he/him.” Most people don’t really like that but idgaf because “I am the way I am” said by the G.O.A.T., Eminem. I really love Eminem, the fact that he can use songwriting as a way to tell us his truth and how he feels about things, but enough about Eminem. Let me tell you more about myself, I am the oldest of four kids, I love Disney, Hamilton, In the Heights (both written by Lin Manuel Miranda), I like to sing and read wattpad, I don’t really like being in loud spaces, I don’t really like talking about my feelings. I have depression and anxiety but I don’t let that stop me from doing what I love. I was bullied at a very young age mainly about my weight so that meant that I had low self esteem but I found a really great friend group, who did not care about my weight, but unfortunately we had a fall out, but I am very glad that I met them because they taught me not to care about what people say to me and live life to the fullest, and I will always love them for that.

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I am OLAKOREDE SHODAMOLA aka Khristina, I love my name but I rely too much on my past that I am not that confident to be called by my name but Khristina, a part of my name too. I’m very blunt and plain-spoken. That’s just who I am and what makes me unique in my own way. I’m ZAKAYLA TYSON. If I could be anything, I would be a phone because they get a lot of attention, especially mine because I’m on my phone every second and I can’t live without it. Yo I’m SARAH YISRAEL and I’m kinda an adventurous person but also a very excited person and I love to draw, like low key you can say, you can’t draw, but art is all over the whole world and you say “you can’t draw,” liar. Things that make me, me, are people in my community because if I didn’t have people there for me I’d become very lonely and no one likes to be alone. Also a lot of people be asking me want you be if you were born a different person and I be like I would be an immortal cat because like I really love cats so I’d be one. No one likes dying so I’d be immortal. This person made me want to be an artist. An accomplishment that I think is interesting is making people feel comfortable. I would want them to know me as a person they can go to if something happened to them.

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Acknowledgements In our Young Writers Publish program, 826NYC develops creative writing projects with classes of students and teachers in schools throughout New York City. Seventh and eighth grade students from the Academy for Young Writers explored poetry this spring, diving deep into writing about themselves and their Brooklyn community, and exploring complex forms including the model provided by poet Terrance Hayes with “The Golden Shovel.” I am Finally a Piece of Wood is a compilation of the original work of these students. A huge thank you to the 826NYC teaching artist, Willie Filkowski, for creating classrooms where students were able to play with form and language, to create such utterly original and personal poetry. Your support, encouragement, and unbridled enthusiasm helped our young writers tap into their imaginations and memories to produce such moving work, and your care in helping them brainstorm, write, and revise throughout this project was invaluable. We are particularly grateful to Henya LaNoue and Deborah Barton for their support of this project. Thank you for inviting us into your classrooms and facilitating such a smooth collaboration. Your hard work and steadfast dedication to your students allows them to flourish as young writers and thinkers. At 826NYC we depend on the dedicated volunteer editing and design cohort that make our publications a reality. Thank you to Vanessa Friedman for overseeing the editing, proofreading, and design of this book. Thank you to Hallye Webb for designing such a beautiful book for our students. To copy editors and proofreaders Nikki Baldauf, Sammy Gibbons, Michelle Haska, Tiana Moe, Chloe Rapp, Rachel Spurrier, Robyn Smith, and Oana Whaples, for their careful attention to each of the student’s pieces, thank you. For their ongoing support of 826NYC’s school-based programs, huge thanks to 826 National, the Amazon Literary Partnership, The Jane Friedman Anspach Family Foundation, Con Edison, The Find Your Light Foundation, The Hawkins Project, International Paper, The Rona Jaffe Foundation, The Kettering Family Foundation, The Minerva Foundation, The Resnick Foundation, The Yelp Foundation, and Youth, Inc. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural 184

Affairs in partnership with the City Council. The program is also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support comes from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts. gov. 826NYC is grateful to the many individuals who support our work. To see our full list of supporters or make a donation, please visit https://826nyc.org/donate-us/. Thank you especially to the 826NYC staff for their behind-thescenes support of this project, from curriculum development and the book-making process to volunteer recruitment. Finally, thank you to the students at the Academy for Young Writers for taking risks with your writing and sharing your words with us. Writing can be a challenging and hopefully fun process, and your dedication to your craft and your vision shines through in these pieces. We are all excited to see what you’ll write in the future!

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About 826NYC 826NYC Location and Leadership 826NYC and The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. 372 Fifth Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215 718.499.9884 www.826nyc.org

Staff Joshua Mandelbaum, Executive Director Jesusdaniel Barba, Programs Coordinator Janna Cisterino, Development & Communications Manager Rico Denard, Store Associate Chris Eckert, Store & Operations Manager Vanessa Friedman, Publications Associate Julianna Lee Merino, Programs Coordinator Summer Medina, Volunteer & Programs Coordinator Stella Raffle-Wax, Store Associate Mandy Seiner, Volunteer & Programs Manager Naomi Solomon, Director of Education

Teaching Artists J’miah Baird David Ewalt Willie Filkowski Daniel Goulden Varud Gupta Daniel Jackson Jaydra Johnson

Board of Directors Michelle McGovern, President Ted Wolff, Vice President Ray Carpenter, Treasurer Kathryn Yontef, Secretary Michael Colagiovanni Jen D’Ambroise Liza Demby Jamal Edwards Amir Mokari Sheila Peluso Katie Schwab Danielle Sinay Andrew Sparkler Alyson Stone Maura Tierney Thom Unterburger Sam Valenti

826NYC Programs Write After School

Reading and writing go together like peanut butter and jelly. Write After School students work alongside 826NYC staff and volunteers to build their reading, writing, social-emotional skills and unleash their imagination as they play and learn about the power of language. Three times a year, students revise their creative writing for publications that are printed in English and Spanish and shared with families, volunteers, and community members at celebratory readings.

Write Away Workshops

Young writers come together in Write Away Workshops to explore a multitude of genres and subjects and to develop their voices. Groups write freely and participate in imaginative writing activities and lessons. Whether it’s a song, a piece of climate justice sci-fi, or a nature guide, young writers leave the workshop with a piece to be proud of, as well as a newfound understanding of the topic, and new friends.

Write All About It

In Write All About It, reporters from grades 5-8 learn how to conduct a great interview, how to write a classic news story, and more importantly, how to sniff out where the great untold stories of Brooklyn are hiding. We focus on hyper-local news to see how it connects to what’s going on across the country and around the world. Student work is published regularly in The 826NYC Post on 826NYC’s Medium page.

Young Writers Publish

Turn your classroom into a creative writing lab. During Young Writers Publish residencies, 826NYC teaching artists collaborate with educators on creative, impactful, curriculum-aligned projects that transform students into published authors. Residencies run from six weeks to a full year, depending on the project. Each Young Writers Publish culminates in a book, newspaper, zine, podcast, film, or performance featuring your students.

Write All About It

Write Together

826NYC hosts classes across New York City for Write Together: an interactive writing experience that encourages creative expression, explores the elements of storytelling, and strengthens writing skills. Elementary-aged classes collaborate on illustrated children’s books, middle schoolers choose their own adventure, and high schoolers learn the art of memoir writing during a fast- paced and whimsical 90 minute narrative program.

Teen Writers Collective

Teens are the next generation of literary leaders. That’s why we launched the Teen Writers’ Collective. The collective brings together young writers from around the city to explore the art of writing and literary citizenship. They are a community of passionate and creative peers, serve as 826NYC youth leaders, and inspire younger students and peers across the network.

Dungeons & Dragons & Writers

Dungeons & Dragons, the epic fantasy role-playing game where players craft characters to take on magical quests that can change with the roll of the dice, has a home at 826NYC. A band of adventurous authors in grades 5-8 play out an entirely original tale and chronicle their fantastical deeds in character point-of-view journals, histories, and scene writing. Sometimes the greatest gift is the friends we make — and make up — along the way.

Student Publications

Through our programs, our volunteers work with students to help them create stories, poems, and ’zines. Because we believe that the quality of students’ work is greatly enhanced when they are given the chance to share it with an authentic audience, we are committed to publishing student works. By encouraging their work and by guiding them through the process of publication, we make abundantly clear that their ideas are valued.

I am Finally a Piece of Wood is a collection of self-portrait poems by the students of the Academy for Young Writers. Each poem cycles through the sharp, creative, sensitive, and inventive thoughts and moods, schemes and dreams, and hopes and wishes, of the 7th- and 8th-grade mind. They dive into the fear of not being known, the joy of having best friends, the rewards of being in a family, the commotion of getting involved with drama, the exhaustion of blocking out the haters, the complexity of somehow being a part of history, and the delight of coming home to your hamster at the end of the day. I am Finally a Piece of Wood is a collection of young writers saying exactly who they are. Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit 826NYC, a nonprofit organization encouraging the exploration of endless possibilities through the power of writing.

I am Finally a Piece of Wood

Articles inside

Trouble Sleeping

My Courage Starts with Me Letting Myself Be Seen and Know Me for Who I Really Am

Smiles for Everyone