Rising Voices: Online Program 5/21/15

BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

BHS Rising Voices A Literacy Night Performance by the No Name Poetry Club Unofficial No Name Club Members: Jamison Aimsback, Charnelle BearMedicine, ShawnTyana BullShoe, William Connelly, Bobbi Flamond, Tiffany Hill, Jase Lahr, Sean Lewis, Zane Matt, Angelica Montoya, Cyan Old Chief, Charles Pree, Angelita Rojas-Lopez, Dylan Running Crane, Harley RunningWolf, Zeus Rutherford, JoVonne Wagner, Shane Wells Unofficial No Name Club Sponsors: Amy Andreas, Katherine Bell, Jessica Stamler

This collection of students has worked hard to individually find and develop their voice as writers and poets. It’s not easy to put your thoughts, feelings, and emotions on paper. It’s especially not easy to stand in front of your peers, or a collection of strangers, and bare your soul. These students have done both and have grown as writers and storytellers as a result of their brave efforts. Thank you for attending their performance!

We, the club sponsors, would like to thank Matthew Johnson and Gyasi Ross, who have whole-heartedly supported and encouraged the students throughout this process. Matthew helped connect us with Gyasi and Gyasi graciously has given his time, thoughts, feedback, and encouragement to a collection of students who greatly admire his work, personal philosophy, and accomplishments! This is what giving back to your community looks like! We’d also like to thank Frank Waln for traveling so far to provide additional support, encouragement, and some performance magic for these students.

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Head to Toe by Jamison Aimsback My body is not just a system of bones and fat, it is much more than that.

From head to toe I am a brain of knowledge.

I am a personality forged by experience and emotions, by trial and error, by words of the dead and living.

From head to toe, I am a voice.

A melody of vibrations and air.

An opinion carried from ear to ear. Opinions may vary so beware.

From head to toe, I am a beating heart, pumping hard, running from death, fleeing always until my final breath.

From head to toe, my heart is not alone.

My chest is shared like a gallon of milk, with lungs flapping, hard, like a stupid bird.

They share my chest like a misshapen couple, always moving to assure my survival.

From head to toe my hips are sexy, swinging left...then right, then up and down, until my fry bread butt slaps the ground.

From head to toe we reach the end.

The soles that carried me thousands of miles.

The burden of head all the way to ankles.

My toes have seen more of the Earth than my eyes.

They see the things my brain can’t contemplate.

They are the holder of all.

From head to toe, they work in sync.

From head toe, they will help me grow.

From head to toe, this is to let you all know, who I am, from head to toe.

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

The Empty Room by Shane Wells When you look in here, then you’ll see, a plain old room thats empty.

There’s nothing there, nothing you can find, You can’t see it because you're not looking with your mind.

Only I can see it, the things stored in this room, but other people can see it, well, if I let you.

Once you go in there, you can’t come back, Unless you truly understand these things, then you’ll be trapped.

This plain old empty room, is not what it may seem, In fact it holds something special, some very special things.

It hides the things I can’t handle and locks them away, All those things are stored there, until I want to unlock them one day.

No ordinary person can unlock it, only me.

Well you could too, that’s only if you have the key.

Not any regular key will work, you see.

It has to be a special key, one that’s linked to your memories.

All of you have the key. You always had it, But not all of you have the ability, the ability to use it.

If you're my friend you probably can, if I hate you then you’ll be locked out.

If I love you then you can do it, then you can see what I’m all about I won’t let anyone in, only the closest to my heart.

This task won’t be easy. In fact, it will be hard.

If you do truly unlock it, then you’ll see.

All things about me, you’ll see everything.

Only you can do this, if I believe in you still.

You may have the ability too, and I think you will.

So will you be the one who unlocks it soon, unlocks all the secrets to the empty room?

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Untitled by JoVonne Wagner There is a lot of bad in the world And I mean a lot of bad There’s too much frowns And not enough smiles There’s too much questions And not enough answers There’s too much judgment And not enough acceptance There is too much negativity Where there should be positivity There is too much hate Where there should be love We look around and we are surrounded surrounded by sad sad things We are forced to grow up in a world where being yourself Isn't really being yourself Where we wear armor and we build up walls and we shield ourselves from others around us Our biggest fear while growing up is being noticed There is no mask for this reality But this doesn't mean we have to stop trying That we keep our armor on And our walls up And shut everyone out There is also a lot of good in this world There is hope where there is smiles There is kindness where there is acceptance And there is guidance where there is answers So don't be afraid the next time you are lost Or alone Or defeated Because the sun always comes out Even when you are in the darkest of dark places Because wherever there is hate There has to be love 4

BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Ways of the Plains by Sean Lewis Where I come from, a nationed kingdom Lords of the Plains, enemies fear the name All warriors - we'll take the long way out Never tap out. Lay the smack down.

Smash it to the floor, then come back for more.

Find a path out. Attend your own vows.

Go hunting or go hungry.

We're all made to die someday.

Don't be afraid of the grave.

Just conquer! War party now!

Bringers of death, is what it's about.

For all the hate you brought to the land, your head will hang on the Hellgate.

Our way of life, once called a game.

Shot fine iron off that wretched train.

On your horses brothers.

Time to go out. Go scout.

Bring back honor stories. Tell our young about it.

In and out.

Win your own fight. Bring back your own supply.

This is no easy life, always getting in fights, defending the people your rights.

From all night battle stations, to here we go again.

I feel the sun's light.

These are the ways of the plains.

My family RidesAtTheDoor, to the enemies’ camp tonight.

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Hope by Tiffany Hill I live in a world where giving up is no option.

But it seems so easy to just drop everything and leave.

To be free.

To be done with everything.

Everyday I see my parents struggling faces, overdue bills, a whole lot of pills, stressing over money.

It seems like nowadays nothing’s ever funny…

I turn on the world news and there’s nothing but bad, with ISIS and all, with terrorist groups and epidemics and all, with the government threatening to furlough Homeland Security, where my dad works.

How’s he gonna support a family if he doesn’t get paid?

Sounds like the government needs to get laid!

I’m only 17 and I’m stressing about everything.

As if school ain’t enough.

I worry about my grades and my future.

And I worry about my parents and money and life.

Oh great, another zit on my face.

It’s like, I ain’t got time for friends or boyfriends or parties and having fun.

I’m too busy stressing over who I’ll become.

I pray for the generations younger than me.

Those 12 year olds whose relationship statuses say complicated whose lives are corrupted by the media, whose childhoods have been washed away by screens.

But I really do believe that this isn’t the end.

The world hasn’t gone to complete rot.

There’s still good.

There’s still happiness.

There’s still music…

Oh, how I love the sweet poetry that flows through my ears.

There’s still hope.

That’s why I strive to be the best that I can be.

I want to be the change I want to see in the world.

Because giving up, is no option.

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Untitled by Charles Pree I sit here with writer’s block, as I look at the clock and it mocks me.

I’m probably off topic ‘cause my train of thought lost me.

Is this a rap or a poem?

I don’t really know whatever rows their boats I’ll just show them.

Depressed and stressed Sleep deprived But I still smile I think I need a vacay to get away for a couple of days It’s been awhile The sound of my alarm clock Is like a gunshot going through my brain Just brings more pain as I wake up for the day especially when I’ve been on the struggle for too long It seems like it’s just me who wants to move on My brothers, sisters, and my mom Just doing our best to get by while my dad is gone It won’t be too long, I could do it I know I’m strong I’m a king, not a pawn This ink upon my page resembles venom in my veins But I’m as calm as a summer’s dawn when deep inside my adrenaline’s caged.

When life’s hard, I try to take charge.

School is the fuel, I need to go far.

I wanna be a role model.

I’m gonna be on of the greats.

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Every night I dream, that when I leave, the world will know my name.

As I look at the world around me Try not to take it for granted Cause us humans are constantly killing our planet I ain’t sayin’ I’m perfect ‘Cause I’m doing it too What I’m saying is I could change And if I could, so could you

A Message Bestowed by Zane Matt Life’s too short to keep yourself down, so just go out acting like a clown.

At times it may seem rough, but you’ve just got to push on through the different bull$#*% and stuff.

The people you meet may act nice and happy, but in all reality they just want to treat you crappy.

Be careful who you meet.

Some people may promise a dream but deliver a nightmare, but don’t let looks deceive you for a scare.

They may push you around but no need to fear, just keep your hopes up high and your head down low.

Promise me you won’t shed a tear for anyone who doesn’t deserve it, hold them back and just give them a show.

For you are you and no one can change that, and if they try to, just straight up give them a smack, just for me.

Be brave, be kind, be something different, be stunning, be cunning, get out of your shell and comfort zone, live life to the fullest, and most importantly, Be yourself!!

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Bits and Pieces by Angelita Rojas-Lopez I am from where the sun touches the plains, when the black sky is painted with white specks.

I am from where the wild flowers make a blissful smell, and paint the plains with wondrous color.

I am from where the mountains touch the sky and where the animals roam freely.

Where the rivers run wildly, making a path in the deciduous and conifer forest.

I am from an odd and hysterical family, where the laughs never end and the love never dries.

I am from a warm house that smells like fresh flowers.

I was made from soft hearts and broken dreams.

Where I can stand almost anything.

With the strength, wisdom, and love given to me the day I was born.

I am from many bits and pieces of fading memories That one day will be the quilt of who I am and where I’m from.

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Butterfly Angst by Zeus Rutherford A butterfly is who I am I crawl, I sit, I fly I do this until I die I help pollinate I express beauty Then I die, because I'm a butterfly What is the purpose of life?

I’m here for a brief period of time I wish to be a peacock Or something with a function To the world I’m supposed to be Maybe a tree?

Can I go where I’ll be free?

To live to eternity, like the great oaks I’ll stand tall Mahogany table dine with the throne A wooden mallet constructing divine object but no I'm still a butterfly An insect born to be What is the purpose of life?

Why can’t I be a precious metal?

Or a diamond Then I could be wanted for eternity It’s unique to have this ideology for a simple butterfly to sit here with thoughts incapable of actions Why do I have to be a simple butterfly?

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Two Worlds by Bobbi Flamond Sick of being held back Sick of being slept on Tired of all the bull$^%# Just got to be strong Really, I just got to push on I used to wear my heart on my sleeve ‘Till I smashed it and watched it bleed Lying in the dark, so no one can see my tears They fall so fast I am hurting inside where two worlds collided Now it’s all about survivin’ Don’t worry about me though, I’m gonna keep shinin’

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Liar Liar by William Connelly Liar liar set to fire hung from a granite spire left to rot and expire suffocated in a dryer.

He used to be dapper now he’s in the crapper that’s why you should never lie.

To die like a fly is a pity to try to escape and run to get away to miss the day just to pray.

They will find you and they will kill you.

Distrust is like a constant rust corroding away the good that's left.

So run run to the left quickly quickly into the night to escape and fight no more only to become some heathenistic lore.

The vore is worse than the war so I implore that you lock the door never wander out near the shore.

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Love is Not Blind by Charnelle BearMedicine I want to start by saying I don’t agree with the statement “Love is blind” Love is love and only people are blind It’s only up to you to let love in I’ll elaborate I know that a lot of people think it’s wrong for a young guy to be with an older woman, vice versa, a woman to be with a woman or a guy to be with a guy Naturally, as humans, we see something we don’t like and run to an obvious answer It’s rape!

It’s wrong!

Yet we ignore who is in love and what they have to say What if they thought it was right?

You know, sometimes being right takes risk Constant judgment of what's right and what’s wrong They’re at fault, according to the rest of society?

So, society’s going to ruin both lives?

One love?

Two hearts.

Ripped apart.

Secrets must be kept Love becomes hidden Everything becomes hush…

This so called reality comes back but love is a part of reality Love is love, people It really just depends on both persons to make that choice of commitment So, with all things aside.

Love is not blind

Ever think?

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Maybe love is too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words Maybe it’s one of those things humans may never ever comprehend or figure out And again When we humans don’t understand we run become scared We go to the nearest most rational answer But love is felt and doesn’t need or have an answer I have proof Go ahead and ask someone who has fallen in love what it’s like to fall in love Their response: They scurry in every example that comes to mind But if you pay attention They can’t pinpoint what it is to fall in love You must experience for yourself, in your ways No one in this world will fall in love the same way, if its true I hope you see my point I have one question though...

First of all don’t blame blindness Why must you let everything get in the way of love?

When in fact love is not blind but ineffable And that’s what we must come to an acceptance of who is in love…

Or maybe I’m just one of those hopeless romantics who fell for that one guy she can’t have Who knows?

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Nothing by Harley RunningWolf As I hold on for life, I find I’m being pulled down into a dark, black pit endless, cold, lonely, sad no way to get out lost forever never able to see the light of day every day I seek every day I wonder every day I’m lost even when I stop and stare I look for a wall but nothing, nothing but darkness nothing, nothing to hold on to but only the cold wet ground holding forever in the darkness of my mind.

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Ad Infinitum by Dylan RunningCrane Mountain Man harmonies makes me want to talk about InfinityWith anyone that will listen.

And so I take off my headphones and ask you Why God is so quiet.

And you tell me that maybe She feels like She was being too loud in the first place.

Then you set up some points about Communism and World War Two And Dan Brown’s Inferno And I try to make coherence Because I really really do think That everything is connected, Mostly.

Whatever.

I tried.

I tried to explain the intensity I feel within Infinity.

That there are so many different kinds of You in Infinity.

And to say that I love you beyond Infinity Is Almost Ridiculous.

But I just want to hold on to the idea that somewhere out there in the vast Infinite, The love I feel for whatever Is the only thing that matters, There.

Here.

Whatever.

I’ve forgotten articulation, I suppose.

I talk more with my hands than with my mouth And the words I do manage are probably Too loud.

I’m sorry I’m so vague.

I could explain it better through an essay.

But I’m very good at writing essays. and I’m very bad at connecting the dots.

It would end up so that you would have a very good idea Of what I’m Not trying to say.

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BHS Rising Voices

Thursday, May 21, 2015

I’m trying really hard to make art out of the scraps.

But I’m not trying to justify anything.

Questions are scary.

Asking why God is so quiet can cut off someones only rope to hold on to.

And I’m not trying to justify those questions.

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