The World Having a Peaceful Day
creative writing by students of Colonial Hills, Dellview, Ridgeview, Walzem, and Wilshire elementary schools North East Independent School District in partnership with the Writers in Communities Program of Gemini Ink literary arts and ideas Spring 2005 Š2005 Gemini Ink
The World Having a Peaceful Day
poems, thoughts, and stories by students from Colonial Hills, Dellview, Ridgeview, Walzem, and Wilshire elementary schools in partnership with the Writers in Communities Program of Gemini Ink literary arts and ideas Spring 2005 “Today I am as happy as a drawing by Michelangelo, As happy as the world having a peaceful day.” —from “Today I Am Happy” by Ebony Rose, 5th grade, Wilshire Elementary ©2005 Gemini Ink
foreword Did you know that hail tastes like frozen marshmallows falling from the sky? That love smells like chocolate chip cookies? That the TAKS test makes your brain feel like melted crayons, and that curiosity tastes like fresh fruit? In the spring of 2005, seven poets and writers from Gemini Ink’s Writers in Communities program met weekly after school with students from five elementary schools in the North East Independent School District. Their mission: to explore the power and possibility of words. Together, they looked at the world around them and made some amazing discoveries, which they share with us in this anthology. In these pages, we are made aware of the richness of sounds around us: the roar of a cheetah, the boom of a roller coaster, the comforting softness of a mother’s lullaby. We are reminded of the mischievous joys of jumping on a hotel bed during vacation or breaking into the chicken dance at a restaurant. We learn the vocabulary of skateboarding, and we discover what the Three Bears really thought about Goldilocks’ infamous intrusion into their home. In these pages, birds and flowers converse with each other; and tennis shoes, tires, and toothbrushes talk. In these pages, the small, surprising enchantments of everyday life are delightfully chronicled through creative writing. Also living in these pages, as our title conveys, is the larger magic of universal dreams and profound aspirations. A student working with a WIC Writer-in-Residence once told me, “Writing poetry makes me pay attention.” Let us all, in turn, pay close attention to these young voices, for they have much to say. Bett Butler Director, Writers in Communities Gemini Ink Students’ work has been edited as lightly as possible in order to most closely honor the original voices.
acknowledgments It takes a village to create an anthology. Along with all our imaginative young writers, the following people made this book possible:
NEISD Staff Community Education Director: Becky Stoughton 21st Century Grant Coordinator: Patti Boren 21st Century Site Programmers:Yami Camacho, Colonial Hills Elementary Beverly Mitchell, Dellview Elementary Karen Shofner, Ridgeview Elementary Levy James, Walzem Elementary Marti Nonemaker, Wilshire Elementary
Gemini Ink Staff Executive Director: Rosemary Catacalos Writers in Communities Director: Bett Butler Writers-in-Residence: Jesse Cardona, Xelena González, Diana López, Beverly Monestier, D. Ellis Phelps, Lisa Poneck, Michele Stanush
WIC Funders/Partners Bexar County Women’s Bar Foundation Brackenridge Foundation Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas Girl Scouts of the San Antonio Area Methodist Healthcare Ministries North East Independent School District San Antonio Express-News Tesoro Petroleum
Layout & Design Bett Butler
Cover Patch of Trees watercolor by D. Ellis Phelps d-zinerzetc.com
Chapter 1 Colonial Hills Elementary Writers-in-Residence: D. Ellis Phelps & Lisa Poneck
Chapter 1: Colonial Hills
Welcome to the Ice Cream Store Untitled
It’s a nice and hot day. I’m walking down the street with my best friend. We are right by the ice cream store, so we go in. I can smell chocolate and strawberry everywhere. I can see lots of people eating ice cream. I also see different colored tongues!
Bones white as steel grey as a stone A wild saber tooth slams steel Mean as a warrior. Jordon Constancia 3rd Grade
Ebony Willis 3rd Grade
Good Summer One summer I went to Washington D.C. It was a great day. I’ve never been there since. We went to the beach and buried each other in the sand. After that we ate at a restaurant. Then we went to a hotel and we Jumped on the bed. That is a good summer! Isaac Schaefer 3rd Grade
Bad Boy A bad boy went to a Haunted house on Halloween. He Heard people screaming and Heard thunder. The Kid in the house is Giving out Poisonous, bumpy, jumping Candy! Xavier Rios 3rd Grade
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Chapter 1: Colonial Hills
Three, Two, One! I was in the SBC center. San Antonio Spurs vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. The score was 50-30. Spurs in the lead by 20. Five seconds on the clock. David Robinson made a three-pointer! Now the score was 53-30. “Go Robinson!” the crowd cheered Loud as a tornado going by. Three, two, one… The game was over! Justin Deleon 3rd Grade
Razor Sharp Teeth Dragon breathes fire Flies from the mountain Searching for anything like meat When he finds it He will burn it Eat it With razor sharp teeth.
Wolf I howl at the moon and Usually I’m gray, Black or brown. I live On rocks and I have good Senses. Briona Corbeil 3rd Grade
My name is Jayme My color is green. I eat ice cream—lick, lick, lick. I want to be a doctor. I am like a pretty butterfly. I’m as shy as a rainbow. My niece has bad smells that smell as bad as spinach. I do not want a taste! Jayme Donovan 3rd Grade
Nicholas Jimenez 3rd Grade
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Chapter 1: Colonial Hills
Four Voices
Black Michael Swims in Corpus—splish-splash, splish-splash, splish-splash. An artist is who I want to be. I am like a tsunami or a title wave. When I smell buffalo wings, I race to the kitchen to taste their spicy taste. Michael Mata 3rd Grade
Sandy Beach Playing alone at the sandy beach with a pinkish, peach ball that floats in blue water as blue as Bluebonnets. The sun is smiling. Samantha Martinez 3rd Grade
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When I walk the earth shakes, the lake shakes, thump, thump, thump. They call me the King of Lizards. I walk on four round legs like the trunk of a tree that I might push down for food. If my trunk is up, it means good luck! I live on the mountains, in very tall trees, on the edge of a cliff or in the sky where I can fly like a jet a hundred miles per hour. If you come close, I’ll leave my nest. When you leave me in the bathroom, I whimper ‘cause I’m scared. I need a pad to go potty upon. I will kiss you with my licking tongue. Group Poem: Samantha Martinez, Erica Guillen, Nico Lozada, Jacob Deleon, Isaac Schaefer, & Richard Ndukwe 3rd Grade
Chapter 1: Colonial Hills
Shark, Lion, Monkey, Skunk Breaks Their Bones
I scare people Tord, tord, tord! I have sharp teeth. I am gray. I live in the water. I am a horrible animal.
Dragon in a cave With red smoke Waits on walls For hibernating animals to Approach He circles around Flies down Grabs them by the ribs With super sharp, shiny Claws and breaks their Bones so they can be still
I am the king of the cats I have hair on my face. I eat bananas I swing in a tree. I’m brown. I am black and white. I stink like trash Erica Guillen 3rd Grade
Jacob Deleon 3rd Grade
Cheetah I run as fast as every land animal. I make a roar. I have black spots all around me. I live in the grassy plains of Africa. Nico Lozada 3rd Grade
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Chapter 1: Colonial Hills
Two Animals Horse I can take people places. I have four legs and a furry tail. I run very fast and Wear horseshoes. I make this sound: Clickity clack, clickity clack. Christian Cruz 3rd Grade
Octopus
I chase white mice I make a meow, meow, meow I look gray and black with a curly, black tail I live in a nice and cozy house I know how to hunt birds, and lizards Meow, meow, meow! I chase puffy cats. I howl and bark at night. I look brown with ears that are floppy. I live in a dog house. I know how to swim and run. Bark, bark, bark! Adrianna Ramon 3rd Grade
I live in the water Hide myself so I can eat fish and sharks I throw out dark stuff and have Eight legs
A Fish Life I wish, I wish, I wish I was a fish Upon a dish in a buffet upon a wish I lay in a church I can pray When I’m fried, I do not sway.
Richard Ndukwe 3rd Grade
Dominic Jimenez 3rd Grade
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Chapter 2 Dellview Elementary Writers-in-Residence: D. Ellis Phelps & Diana L贸pez
Chapter 2: Dellview
Soccer Game
Drop!
Kick a goal. Wish! Goalie tries to catch the ball. No. It’s a goal! Everyone cheers For me!
Hot sunny day Way up high on the Rattler Screaming at the top of your Lungs when you Drop Bump, bump, bump, bump Bump, bump, bump, bump, bump, BOOM! You see the whole park from here. You smell burning wood when the Wooden tracks go side to side. Destiny Robles 3rd Grade
Tyler Scheel 3rd Grade
Two Cat Stories
Gold Is dropping
Ttttttt! Everyone is running To get some. Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Everyone is happy. Whoooohooo! Austin Fazekas 3rd Grade
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A yellow cat hates a rat. The rat hates the cat. One day, the cat and the rat Made up. Ten days later, the Rat ate the cat. When I see a ribbon I play. I have a tail as long as a baseball bat. I can live in the dark, dangerous alley. I know how to have fun. Shannon Bemis 3rd Grade
Chapter 2: Dellview
My Day At the Beach At the beach I am making sand castles. Big waves go in the water. Seagulls fly in the blue sky. Watch out! I hear. And Wow! Wind is blowing. My hand feels smushy in the sand, Also my feet. Jackie Perez 3rd Grade
Bat
Purple Morgan Bounces the ball Hoopy, hoop, hoop! Seeing people smile Makes me smile. A dancer is who I want to be. The smell of cherries Makes me sneeze. The taste of doughnuts Makes me sweet. Morgan Mackey 3rd Grade
I sleep in a deep, dark spooky cave. I go eeeekk! eeeekk! I am as black as a black hole with red eyes like a glow stick or an airplane at night and I have wings. I sleep during the day and at night I look for my prey. Charles Brown 3rd Grade
Snake I show my scales. I sound like a rattle snake, Shake, shake, shake. The sun reflects off my body. I live on land and I know when my prey is near. Jacob Aguilar 3rd Grade
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Chapter 2: Dellview
Two-Headed Giraffe I’m a two headed giraffe. Part rock star, Part cyborg with a figure-eight shaped head. I play music so loud the whole school disco dances. I live in a stone and diamond mansion that reaches to the moon and plays disco music. I know how to play my guitar so loud everyone can hear me. Mikey Kennedy 3rd Grade
Platypus I live in a place called Tasmania. My enemies become confused with Two other animals that I am not. I swim around the pond looking for fish. I look like a duck and a beaver mixed together or like a potato salad. My bill is as flat as a piece of black paper. I mostly live in water, But sometimes I come out For fresh air. Flip, flop, flip, flop! Steven Ochoa 3rd Grade
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Chapter 2: Dellview
Worm A worm Like spaghetti Moving like a wave Fishes for a Jellyfish Or a Shark. Caught it! Reel it. Take it off the Hook carefully. Hook another worm. Eddie Martinez 3rd Grade
Untitled Tree like a whirlwind Swings in the street Scares the hairy baby Crying for food. Manolo Gamez 3rd Grade
Red Joe Shoots the basketball Orange as an orange Swish, swish, swish. A point-guard is who I want to be. I am like a see-saw. I can never decide. I’m as loud as an airplane. The sweet taste of pickles Makes me happy!
Monster Jam Loud sounds Sounds like a lot of bricks breaking I see them running over cars And jumping ramps And trucks racing around The track. Joey Garcia 3rd Grade
Joe Fuentes 3rd Grade
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Chapter 2: Dellview
Untitled Soccer Black net sits at the end waits for a ball. Thinks, “Who will kick the ball?” Little girl shoots passed little boy and We enjoyed it. She makes it! “Yes! We won!” the sun smiles for the little girl.
Witch baby Green as a lizard Fingers pop Turns people into frogs! Angel Mendiola 3rd grade
Splash I do a cannonball in the pool. It feels cool. I splash in the pool. I summersault and cartwheel Until I’m dizzy. Then at 5:30, We wait for another day.
Amanda Zapata 3rd Grade
Samantha Guerra 3rd Grade
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Four Wings A beautiful, bright animal is landing on a big, bright green and red flower. It is making a quiet sound. It is small and has antennaes and two big eyes and four wings. And I think it is going home in a big garden and I know it is beautiful! Samantha Esparza 3rd Grade
Chapter 2: Dellview
Cyclops Ant The bad Cyclops ant lived in the crack on the grey, rough, bumpy, hard sidewalk’s back. He went to school to find some food, found Lianna and bit her arm, caused big harm, it’s true. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Scratch! Scratch! Scratch! Screech, “I itch!” said Lianna. The magic water helped her arm and the ant never did any more biting harm. Group Poem 3rd Grade
Peacock
She Imagines Her parents aren’t home. They work. She wants to play soccer. So… She imagines she’s the best. She kicks the ball (a black and white sphere as special as a diamond). She scores at every game. Yes! We won!
I show off my colorful, feathery eyes. My voice squeaks like a baby cries— Wah! Wah! Wah! My blue is like the ocean. My green is like a grasshopper’s back. I spread my tail feathers Like a Chinese fan. I call the rainforest home. I know how to act “all that!” My attitude rules. Group Poem 3rd Grade
Cristal Aguilar 3rd Grade
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Chapter 2: Dellview
My Favorite Colors Colors
Colors Black Gray, white Marker, stapler, purse Sounds like Shamu Tastes like black crayon Loves red and blue Black
Black White and gray Looks like TV, sharpies, and pupils Sounds like screaming Tastes like brownies Loves gray and brown Black Maroon Dark red and brown Looks like Aggies Sounds like birds Tastes like cookies Loves red and scarlet Maroon
Gray Jacket, tape, table feet Sounds like pencils Tastes like dirt Loves black and white Gray. Krystal Pantoja 4th Grade
India Walker 4th Grade
Blue Light blue, navy blue Sky, ocean, dolphins Sounds like rushing waves Tastes like water Loves light blue and white Blue Red Pink, violet-red Tongue, heart, apple Sounds like fire Tastes like hot Cheetos Loves pink and scarlet Red Purple Violet, purple mountain majesty Violet flower, grapes, black light Sounds like grapes being squashed Tastes like sweet grapes Loves scarlet and blue-purple Purple Alexandria Turrubiate 4th Grade
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Chapter 2: Dellview
What am I? I was born in a factory. My skin is made of silver and gold. My favorite food is batteries. I wear leather. My job is to tell time. I sleep in a box. My best friend is a clock. What am I? I am a wristwatch. Jose Morales 4th Grade
Preposition Poem Frog through log Log through fog Rocks over sand Sand over land Dog behind log Hat behind bat Crow outside snow Pet outside net
Zoo Animals A is for alligators that are very dangerous B is for baboons that have sharp fangs C is for crocodile that is cold-blooded D is for donkey that has four legs E is for elephant that has a long nose F is for flamingo that stands on one leg G is for gorilla that is muscular H is for hippopotamus that is heavy I is for insect that has six legs J is for jaguar that’s like a leopard K is for kangaroo that jumps L is for leopard like a cat M is for monkey that hangs from a branch Brannon Montanez 4th Grade
Yerania Garza 4th Grade
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Chapter 2: Dellview
What am I? I was born in the U.S.A. I’m made of plastic. My favorite food is toothpaste. I wear a brush. My job is brushing teeth. What am I? A toothbrush! Nicole Trevino 5th Grade
The Three Little Bears I’m Little Bear going on a walk with Momma Bear and Father Bear. As we come back from taking a walk, we are about to eat, but our food is gone and my chair is broken, and a little girl is in my bed sleeping. I feel mad because some little girl is sleeping in my bed. She wakes up and starts to scream, and it hurts my ears. She runs out of my bed and out of my house. Mark Mangel 5th Grade
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Papa Bear’s Story I walked in the door and I saw that my porridge was eaten up. Then I went to the chairs and saw that somebody had sat on mine. Then I got mad, so I needed to lie down. But when I looked at my bed, I saw that somebody had slept there. I got so mad, steamy mad, so I broke the bed and ran off to call the police. The police didn’t believe me because I was just a bear. I went home, and I looked at my bed again. It was perfect. I looked at my porridge, and it was full. I got so happy again. I went to Fiesta Texas to celebrate. I got on all the rides. I got exhausted, so then I went home and went fast asleep. Veronica Nieto 5th Grade
Chapter 2: Dellview
What am I? I was born is a car shop. My skin is made of rubber. My favorite food is air. My job is to roll. I sleep outside. My best friend is a car.
Kisses and Sleeps The shell kisses the sand. The rock kisses the ground. The stick kisses the leaves. The necklace kisses the neck. The cap kisses the head. The phone kisses the ear. The clock kisses the wall.
What am I? I am a tire. Amanda De la Cruz 5th Grade
The shell sleeps on the beach. The rocks sleep on the ground. The stick sleeps outside. The necklace sleeps on your neck. The cap sleeps on your head. The cell phone sleeps in your pocket.
My Name My name is Alaska. My mom named me that because she always wanted to go there. I like my name because I’m the only one that has it. Dawn is my middle name. Shane would be my name if I could change it.
By Priscilla Salazar 5th Grade
Alaska McLemore 5th Grade
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Chapter 2: Dellview
Preposition Poem Think before you drink Seek before you peek Twirl before you swirl Frog below the log Cat below the hat Lean below and clean Steer behind the deer Play behind the hay Land behind the sand
The Jazz Man I see a guy playing a guitar. He looks like he is going to play jazz. It looks like he is in a studio. I smell smoke because some people are smoking. I smell humidity. I smell cologne in the air because a lot of people wear cologne. I can feel the fan blowing on me. The jazzman can feel the strings on the guitar. The workmen can feel the boxes they are carrying. I can feel the wire under my feet. I hear a man playing a guitar. It sounds like jazz. I can hear clapping. I hear cheering with the clapping. I hear the fan next to the man playing the guitar. Trinidad Perez 5th Grade
Josie Salazar 5th Grade
What am I? I was born in a factory. My skin is made of rubber. My favorite food is feet. My job is to walk with people. I sleep in the closet. My best friend is a sandal. What am I? I am a tennis shoe. Danielle Salas 4th Grade
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Chapter 3 Ridgeview Elementary Writers-in-Residence: Xelena Gonzรกlez & D. Ellis Phelps
Chapter 3: Ridgeview
Mom When I am scared, My mom says, “Don’t be afraid.” When I am tired, She would rock me Back and forth, Back and forth and Sing to me. “I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living, My baby you’ll be.” And she would carry me To my room. And open the window. And put me to bed.
Swimming
Me
I love to swim Swish, swish, swish. I could drown But that is impossible Because I know how to Swim. It is fun to swim Swish, swish, swish, Swish, swish, splash! Feet peddle. Arms swing up and down. Head gets wet. Nose, water goes in. Eyes burn. Cold body. Wrap a towel around.
Purple Kayla dances Zip, zap, zoo! Super star.
Dezmeray Hernandez 3rd Grade
Samantha Perez 3rd Grade
Kayla Maradiaga 3rd Grade
Polar Bear I roll in the snow I grab fish with my sharp claw. I’m white and furry that’s all. I live in the cold. I live in the bottom of the globe. Everything is bright Where I live And white. Magaly Oliva 3rd Grade
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Chapter 3: Ridgeview
Mom My mom is pretty She is very witty My mom is a good cook She reads a good book. Her favorite color is orange and yellow. She has black eyes that twinkle like sapphires. Mommy! Mommy! I love my mom!!! Ingrid DeOca 3rd Grade
I’m Following This Green Line Green makes me think of Spring. Turquoise makes me think of paint. Purple colors in Spring, pretty. Orange feels warm, cozy. Blue feels cold, burr. Pink is like pretty roses. Red-orange feels like Fiesta spirit. Yellow is like a banana peel. Yuk! Lauren Rios 3rd Grade
At the Carnival I hear rides and People shouting Ahhhhhhh! And I smell popcorn, and hot dogs. People riding. Night makes the light shine bright. Sh! Sh! Sh! I see circles of colors. And I hear a roller coaster. People say “Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhh!” Lianna Cervantes 3rd Grade
Purple Octopus I stick to rocks. The sway of eight legs, Swish, swish, swish I am purple with two eyes. I live under the sea with other Creatures that creep and swim in the Blue under the sea. Monica Puente 3rd Grade
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Chapter 3 Ridgeview
My Fish
Alligator I creep down low— da-dum-da-dum-da-dum scare everything that lives my jagged, sharp-as-shark teeth eat meat SNAP! I know how to hide in the misty, muddy, mossy swamp (blending, waiting for prey, almost invisible) and only show my yellow, big eyes on the side I’m a mean, green, eating machine. My back is scaly, bumpy, and jade-green black. My tail wags like an angry Stegosaurus or slaps the ground like a person falling dead. I do not speak; I do not roar. My silence terrifies as I search for prey.
My fish swims in his Fish bowl Swush, swush. He pretends he’s Under the sea. He sees a shark. He disappears. He finds a place to hide. Then he comes out of Nowhere. David Mota 3rd Grade
Group Poem 3rd Grade
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Yamilet is girly pink. Acting is NOT her thing. NOT. NOT. NOT. Her brown hair Like silk Looks good in a pony tail. As fast as a cheetah She runs. That’s her! Yamilet Corona 3rd Grade
Untitled if you dance in class the teacher says 5,6,7,8 if you dance at home you might break a vase i did the chicken-dance once at a restaurant but i fell in the food Group Poem 3rd Grade
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Untitled
Chapter 3 Ridgeview
A Great Day Nature Oh, the flowers are blooming. The sun is shining. The garden is growing, and the wind is flowing. The flowers are saying, “Water me just water me!” The sun is saying, “Why can I not have shade? I am burning hot over here!” The garden is saying, “Look how beautiful I am.” Oh the wind is saying, “Look at me. I am flying.” Brianna Sierra 4th Grade
I have a dog named Princess, and I’m in New York taking a picture of my canine in front of the Statue of Liberty. I call the taxi for a ride to get something to eat. Then I go home and take a nap. While I am napping, all of a sudden my canine starts jumping and licking me. “Hey stop that,” I say. When I wake up, I see that he has peed on me. I changed into another shirt. While I’m changing, someone knocks at the door. I say, “Just a minute.” I open the door, and it is my best friend. “Hey Brittany, I haven’t seen you in ages!” “Me either,” Brittany says. “Come on in and have a seat.” “Oh that’s okay,” Brittany says. “Why don’t we go to that restaurant down the street.” “Okay,” I say back. We ride in my hummer limo to the restaurant. My dog stays home. We eat and talk and laugh. I eat a diet plate and she eats a steak. We both have Dr. Pepper. Then we went home and had a great time. Courtney Adelsperger 5th Grade
Red flower and yellow flower and purple flower and birds and grass and sunflower. I imagine that the flower and bird are talking. Jessica Mazza 5th Grade
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Chapter 3: Ridgeview
Sounds
Safari Adventure One day I was on a safari adventure, and I came upon packs of lions. One of the lions was looking at me and saying inside his mind, “He looks delicious to eat.” He started to charge at the truck, so I told my partner to start the truck. The truck wouldn’t work. He stepped on the pedal as hard as he could, but it still wouldn’t work. I told everybody to climb up a tree so the lion wouldn’t eat them, but I stayed behind. The lion ate me instead. Adrian Velazco 5th Grade
rap someone rhyming with different beat. Felice Carrizales 4th Grade
Remind Me Black loud rock floating in my ears Mad a lion roaring so loud the planets can hear it Rock tells in music what I can’t say in words Grandma the smell of beans roasting in the oven Hail tastes like frozen marshmallows falling from the sky
Outdoors Birds humming Trees moving Butterflies flying Plants moving Squirrels in the trees Gilbert Perales 4th Grade
Angie Riojas 5th Grade
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rock vibration beneath my feet.
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My Dream
Chapter 3: Ridgeview
The dream I had was I was kissing a boy, and then I was kissing a snake. He spit in my mouth, and I was poisoned. A man heard me scream, and he came and stabbed and killed. The man I was kissing was the one who killed the snake. He had to take me to the hospital to see if I was going to live and get the poison out of me. The doctor told me and the man that I was going to live. A couple of months later the man and I got married. When I woke up I felt tall, but I was still a child. Erika Velazco 4th Grade
Me Poem Cynthia A sister, a swimmer, and a dancer. Who loves Fiesta Texas, dancing, and playing. Who fears death, spiders, and bees. Who needs attention, attitude, and music. Who feels loving, lonely, and happy. Bryan
The Escape
Cynthia Bryan 5th Grade
Black feels like darkness falling over. The girl is going to get eaten by a snake, and she is scared. The snake came from China, and it was very hungry. The girl tried to run to the door, but the more she ran, the farther the door went. She kept running until she didn’t see any light anymore. She kept on running, and then she ran into a spider web. There was no spider on it...or so she thought. Out of nowhere the spider ran down her face. Then she tripped into a dark hole. She found a match in her pocket. She felt a pinch... Daniel Cano 5th Grade
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Chapter 4 Walzem Elementary Writers-in-Residence: Beverly Monestier & Michele Stanush
Chapter 4: Walzem
Mexico My Rapping Battle If I were a rapper I would have a rapping class. We would rap against other people. We would have a great time rapping. I would have my uncle to help me. Then we would go against other teams and win. We would go celebrate and have fun. Chatanique Brown 3rd Grade
In Mexico there are markets. Also, in the market they sell meat tacos, and you can put cilantro and onion on them. They also make pork rinds and sell different colored chiles, like green and red, yellow. They also sell slippers, posters, and toy animals. In Mexico there are also stores and restaurants like McDonald’s and H.E.B. In Mexico they set off fireworks when it’s your birthday and also when it’s a festival day. In Mexico you can rent a huge balloon to jump on, but that’s only for parties. In Mexico when it’s your birthday they sing “Las Mañanitas” in Spanish. Michael Díaz 3rd Grade
God My superhero is better than any superhero. He is a person that can save anybody, He can even save the whole world at once.
Superhero is Sub-Zero
April Aguirre 3rd Grade
He is cool because he freezes the bad guys and kicks their butts when they’re not moving. And when he gets ready to fight, he’s like a ninja. Justin Perez 3rd Grade
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Chapter 4: Walzem
Curiosity Curiosity sounds like a mystery that can’t be solved. Curiosity smells like a BBQ that you just can’t find. When I think of curiosity, I think of the color orange. Curiosity looks like you don’t know what is going to come next. Curiosity feels like you just want to know. Curiosity tastes like fresh fruit. Brianna Williams 3rd Grade
If I were a queen I would rule the world. If I were a president I would make good choices. If I were rich I would buy everything.
The Stuff of Summer I like summer a lot because it’s the time to have a lot of fun. It’s also the time to enjoy good ice cream. My favorite kind of ice cream is vanilla and strawberry. Summer is the time to get out of school. Also you could go to other countries. But the best thing for me about summer is to have fun! Miguel Fernandez 3rd Grade
I’m a Queen
If I were mayor I would be nice. If I were god I would let people live forever. If my friend were pretty I would make her popular. Janet Reyna 3rd Grade
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Chapter 4: Walzem
Love
Easter
I feel love because of Valentines. Love feels happy. Love tastes like chocolate. Love looks like a buffet and looks like a whole new world. Love smells like chocolate chip cookies. Love sounds like my mom giving me kisses. Love’s color is yellow because it is so bright. Love’s thoughtfulness reminds me of jumping in the pink and red roses.
I eat Easter eggs and Easter bunnies and mow the grass and mow the grass more.
Bianca Cortinas 3rd Grade
Robert Sanchez 3rd Grade
Blue and Red Rose Red Rose has a best friend named Blue Rose, and they talk a lot and they play paddy cake. Mirian Hernandez 3rd Grade
Mars of Death
I would like to go to Mars because Mars is a far place in space, and it would be real cool to go there. I learned that is has a big red storm and it is the 2nd planet that is hot. Plus, you can’t land on it, and you can fall inside and die in fire. I can’t wait to see how big it will be in 1,000,000 years, and I know it will grow a ring in 5,000 years. Mars in the best place in the galaxy. Prem Patel 3rd Grade
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Chapter 4 Walzem
Saturn I want to visit Saturn because Saturn has beautiful rings. Saturn has all kinds of colors. Saturn has interesting things.
Ladybugs Ladybugs everywhere Ladybugs on the wall Ladybugs everywhere Everywhere in fall.
Ashley Garcia 3rd Grade
Paul Wilson 3rd Grade
Nighttime At nighttime everybody will be sleeping. Not one person is peeping. You can’t even hear the cat creeping.
Stars
Mishernik Whitley 3rd Grade
Stars come out so bright. You see the moon. You see planets, too. The sky is really beautiful.
Super Hero My super hero is Jet Lee, because he’s got good moves. Every night I dream about my superhero trying to get me away from the bad guys. He is even cool.
Quanise Massey 3rd Grade
Joe Nguyen 3rd Grade
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The Flashlight (that Joe Made) Wins! There has been an electrical storm. My dog Jewel, the little one, is whining and barking. Wshhhhhhhh-- go the leaves. When I look outside, the trees are bending. There has been a blackout! Then, suddenly, my flashlight comes on. It looks like an angel from above, shedding light in my room. DARK: Aren’t you scared? JOE: No! DARK: Why aren’t you scared? JOE: Because I have my flashlight. DARK: You have put me out this time. But I’ll get you. JOE: No, you won’t, as long as I have my trusty flashlight. My flashlight will eliminate you, Dark Lord! DARK: NO!!!!!
Shyness
Joe Sandoval 5th Grade
Shyness sounds like it’s scared. Shyness smells like weeping. Shyness color is cold-blue. Shyness looks like the wind blowing away all your braveness. Shyness feels like a chewed up leaf. Shyness tastes like bitter melted on your tongue. Shyness is like when you just get to somewhere new. Tanya Thongkam 3rd Grade
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Skateboarding Facts by Kyle a.k.a. “Element”
Sad
—“Switch” means you go through the “goofy” mode. —“Goofy” means that you switch positions. —“Kick-flip” and “J-flip” are flip tricks —If you bring the left foot like this, and you bring your right foot up with a pop, you would have officially done an “ollie.”
It sounds like when you’re ill. It smells like throw-up. Its color is black. It looks like you’re mad. Feels like it hurts people. Tastes like blood in your skin. It is like someone was stabbing you. You are scared and afraid. It opens to a sad world in Pluto. It is not fun to be sad, but if you are in the world on Pluto, you will be sad.
—“That was so radical, dude,” means “cool.” —“That was so vertical” means you fell. It’s an adrenaline rush. You have to act fast and do it perfect. Kyle Virga 5th Grade
Mariana Aramburo 3rd Grade
Mommy My mom is a hero because whenever I fall and get hurt she helps me get up. And when it’s bad, my mom takes me to the hospital. Then we’re done, and after that, I go home and go to bed. Jordan Gorman 3rd Grade
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Chapter 4: Walzem
A Little (Imaginary) Interview With a Big (Imaginary) Quarterback Jason Gonzalez: Reporter for Sports, New York Times 49ers vs. Patriots, Super Bowl San Francisco, California. I see the Bay bridge under my plane while I land. A whole bunch of Super Bowl fans pack the city. I meet my tour guide and he takes me to the newspaper place, and I begin my story. I can look out the window and see the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is not really golden, but it has a gate, and it’s a bridge. The day is nice and sunny. A good day for the Super Bowl. So far, neither team has lost a game yet. It’s going to be a good one today. I’m about to interview 49’ers Quarterback Ricardo Alfredo Gonzalez. He comes in—running away from a big group of fans. He walks like he owns the world. He looks like he’s kind of Mexican and El Salvadorian. He has black hair and big hands for the football. He’s been working part-time as a lawyer. I found out that he has a son named after me. His wife has cancer and his mom just died. So he really needs to win. “So,” I ask, “what do you do to get all the pressure off you before the big game?” “Well, Jason, I usually go eat a carne guisada taco to make me think of how good the taco is.” “Good strategy, Ricardo. Thanks for your time. I think that’s a wrap.” Jason Gonzalez 5th Grade
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Chapter 4: Walzem
Thinking of Chilly
His bark sounded squeaky. His claws kept clacking on the ground. Chilly, my dog, would slip in the kitchen because of the tile floor. I would get a string and tie a bone at the end, and Chilly would slip trying to chase it. His ears would be pulled back, and his tail would be wagging. When I went to bed, I would put Chilly by my feet, under the covers I would curl up like a snail. And in the middle of the night, he would be on my face. And dog hair cannot be on my face or else I throw up. That is why I had to give him away. ‌I was at a Spurs game wearing a black, white, gray sports jersey, I cried a lot and I slammed my door. feeling very happy. Dawna Caballero I would sit right next to the Spurs players 4th Grade and talk to them and get autographs. Also I would be in the half-time show playing against Tony Parker and I would win. I would get to be on TV. I would win prizes from players.
I Wish...
Aaron Albiar 5th Grade
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Chapter 4 Walzem
Thinking of Blue I can smell flea medicine. I can hear him tearing up the kitchen floor. I really wish he was still here with me, in my hands. He was a tough chewer, but still my friend. My dog Blue, I had to give him up. He was my favorite dog. In the inside of me, I was bursting out with tears. If it was weather in my head and stomach, it would have been a terrible flood. Outside of me I was pretending I was okay, but I really wasn’t. If it was weather, it would be sunny, but partly cloudy. Did Blue die? How old is he now? Is he happy right now? Does he have a friend? Is he a father? Did they change his name? Cheyenne Williams 4th Grade
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Chapter 4: Walzem
Making Enchiladas My mom goes back and forth, like somebody doing a race to the counter to the stove. She rolls the enchiladas carefully as she is doing the beans and rice. My mom makes the enchiladas with love because my grandma made them super-good for my aunts and uncles. They are the color of red brick, and sometimes they look like an orange sunflower. I feel hungry when they are still cooking—and I feel stress because I AM SO HUNGRY!!!! I eat with my mom and dad. I can see the steam coming out of the enchiladas on the plate. I can hear the bubbling. They smell like cheese and beans—like a cheesy and beany enchilada. The enchiladas taste so good that I am in hog heaven. Ashley Bargas 4th Grade
The TAKS Test The TAKS test made my brain feel like: —a blender making lots of noise —melted crayons —a stampede of mad jungle animals. —a full auditorium. Group Poem 4th Grade
After the TAKS Test I’m exhausted, tired, and my brain hurts. I’m worried. If I were an animal, I’d be a sloth. I would move slow. Michael Madrigal 4th Grade
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Chapter 4: Walzem
My Great-Grandmother’s Funeral I think God took my great-grandma because it was time for her to go. I wonder how she felt—if she knew she was going to die. When I went to my great-grandma’s funeral, I was frozen. I did not know what to do. I felt scared because my great-grandma had let go of me. Everyone was quiet. It made me feel like no one knew what to do. My great-grandma was one of those people who cared about everyone and God. She always hugged me when I would visit her. She made me feel so great about myself until she got lifted up to the stars. When my great-grandma’s funeral was over, we went to her house and she had kind of separated things of hers for us. I got her jewelry box with all her jewelry and inside the box there were necklaces and her favorite pins. There was a necklace with a green clover. She also left me a necklace with my birthstone on it. A couple of months later, my house burned down and the jewelry box burned too. I was sad. I cried and tried to open the box. The firefighters could not even open the box. I was always sitting in the dark by myself-—terrified. I wish my great-grandma was still here to tell her, “Take me with you to the stars, and up with God,” but I can’t. She has left me forever. Most of the times I feel like she is always by me. I will always remember my great-grandmother! Know I feel torn apart because she left me. But she knows I love her forever and ever. Lauren Moreno 4th Grade
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Chapter 4: Walzem
Larry: The Reporter Guy
(Screen Treatment)
Characters: Larry (dad); Michelle (mom); Crystal (sister); David (brother); Pan (baby sister); Chris (co-worker) Lead Song: Larry the reporter guy cha, cha, cha cha cha cha cha cha. Larry the reporter guy cha cha cha cha cha cha cha cha cha err EPISODE ONE: It all started in the morning when daylight savings came. So Larry woke up an hour late and missed the juiciest story of the day. Larry hopped up and got out of bed, took a shower, and dressed—but really couldn’t stay awake. So he went to get some coffee, but he was all out. “Michelle, where is the coffee?” shouted Larry. Michelle quickly jumped out of bed. “What happened?” asked Michelle. “The coffee, Michele!” “The kids found it.” The kids brought the coffee to Larry; he took one more look at the clock, and he had to leave. On the way to work, Larry ran over a rabbit, nearly killing the rabbit. But instead, he shattered its ankle. Larry stopped to help the poor critter out, but then he remembered that he was already late for work. Larry had no time, so he chunked the rabbit into his blue SUV. Then he got on the road again and about three minutes later, he ran over a deer. This time Larry broke the deer’s left antler off. Larry stuffed the deer into the SUV, and got back on the road again. Larry was so furious he started to go 100 miles per hour in a school zone. A cop turned his siren on and chased Larry down Newport Street. When the cop caught Larry, the cop said: “Do you know how fast you were going?” “Yes, I know. I woke up late, my kids took my coffee, I ran over two animals and stuck them in my SUV.” “So that explains the U.F.O.—Unidentified Freaky Object—in your trunk.” The cop gave him a ticket. Then Larry took off. Ten minutes later, Larry’s trunk popped open and the animals burst out of the SUV. Two minutes later, an 18-wheeler came by and ran over the animals and fell over and nuclear waste spilled all over the city….To be continued…. Amanda Wilson and Joshua Thomas 4th Grade
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Chapter 5 Wilshire Elementary Writers-in-Residence: Jesse Cardona & Michele Stanush
Chapter 5: Wilshire
Today I Am Happy
Numbers 1 is one black cat playing with purple yarn. 2 is two cows sitting in a big red barn. 3 is three snowballs in a snowball fight. 4 is four purple bananas dancing in a blue basket. 5 is five whales eating Krispy Cremes. 6 is six ladybugs dancing to a rap and jazz remix. 7 is seven frogs ribitting and dancing to a slow jam. 8 is eight houses moving from hill to hill. 9 is nine rubber bands slinging from place to place. 10 is ten teachers yelling, “Stop, Stop!� at the kids.
Today I am as happy As a hammer hitting a nail, As happy as a box with 1,000 Snickers. Today I am as happy As an old man riding a bike, As happy as a truck delivering crayons. Today I am as happy As chalk writing on a chalkboard. Today I am as happy as a paper clip. Marquisha Nellum 5th Grade
Xandria Pollard 5th Grade
My Life as a Chalk As a chalk, I write all day, But after school I never stay. The kids give me a fright, So I party all night.
The sleep of a chocolate cake in the oven. The sleep of a wrench in a tool box. The sleep of a ball in a toy box. The sleep of a Duncan jersey in a locker. The sleep of a spark in the fireplace.
Stormy Villanueva 5th Grade
The World Having a Peaceful Day
Strange Sleep
Joseph Campa 5th Grade
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I Am Surprised I am Surprised by hurricanes Pleased by TV Amazed by animals Puzzled by Silly Putty Thankful for my mother Angered by rats Bored by bugs Scared by metal scraping against metal
My Life as a Necklace I am bling bling And when you go to the cash register All you hear is cha-ching And whenever people wear me I like to look clean And gleam like a beautiful stream Angela Rios 5th Grade
Josh Villagran 5th Grade
Last Night
Today I Am Happy Today I am as happy as bubbles flowing in the air, As happy as purple balloons at a child’s birthday party. Today I am as happy as a cloud soaring through the sky, As happy as a bracelet on a little girl’s wrist. Today I am as happy as a drawing by Michelangelo, As happy as the world having a peaceful day.
Last night the sunset made my eyes go blind. Last night I saw the clouds cover the moon. Last night a strong breeze nearly knocked me over. Kassie Morales 5th Grade
Ebony Rose 5th Grade
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Today I Am Happy
Strange Sleep
Today I am as happy as a box full of balloons, As happy as a fishing pole with a fish at the end. Today I am as happy as a horse that has just won a race, As happy as a beautiful bluebonnet. Today I am as happy as a playground with bunches of children.
The sleep of a taco in a restaurant The sleep of a rock in the front yard The sleep of a chalkboard in a classroom The sleep of a pencil in a desk The sleep of paper at Office Depot
Kirstin Hartshorn West 5th Grade
Carlos Hernandez 5th Grade
I Have Once I Was Once I was a kid, Now I am a preteen. Once I was a potato, Now I am a chip. Once I was a tree, Now I am paper. Once I was milk, Now I am yogurt.
The Mall The mall is the bomb! Its clothes say, “Wear me!” The pants say, “Wear me! I love you!” The malls say, “Come in, please!” I love the mall! Jacklyn Miller 3rd Grade
Allison Trujillo 3rd Grade
Gabriela Lopez 5th Grade
The World Having a Peaceful Day
I have a dog named Chiquita. She is a Chihuahua. I have one doll. It is a Polly Pocket. I have a PlayStation 2. It’s better than the old one. I have 13 stuffed animals. I have 10 dollars for my allowance. I have a pink purse. I like pink a little bit.
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I Have I have a God and so do you. I go to many churches. I have parents, Cindy and Jimmy. My parents take care of me. I have a sister. She talks in helium. I have a home. It keeps me warm. I have a hamster. His name is Ham Ham. He bit me once. I have a classroom. I learn there. I have Mr. C. He helps me write. I have learned to work fractions. Now I can cut a piece of pie in equal parts. I have a papier-mâché jar. I made it when I was seven. I’m hiding it in my room for my mom For Mother’s Day. I have a family. I’m lucky to have one. Elena Caballero 3rd Grade
Suppose I Were an Elephant I’d be sad For sure, But I wouldn’t be afraid Of mice. I’d be braveee! Diana Castañeda 3rd Grade
My Poem My poem Will be a juice burner. It will turn off lights. My poem is bling bling. It will fly high in the sky. It will explore Pluto. My poem will be smooth. Mark A. Medellin 3rd Grade
Last Night Last night You were in a dream I dreamed you were singing Into a microphone Impressing the crowd And I was singing with you Sarea C. Alexander 3rd Grade
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Chapter 5: Wilshire
The Teacher Has Laryngitis Miss Michele’s voice sounds scratchy and gentle, like the feathers of a robin; croaky, as croaky as the frog in the moonlight; like Mickey Mouse is in her throat, and she ate him; like a Mars rock, broken up into pieces; like Puss-in-Boots; like a toad is in her throat and speaks for her; like there’s a brain and some liver in her throat; nasty, icky—like a truck on gravel and I think you have something in there that you don’t want to tell us.
My Pool My pool It is so fun I like to swim in it It is fun to swim across it Water Alix Nash 3rd Grade
Class Poem 4th Grade
My Dream Volcano My dream place is in a forest with lava pits and trees. Lava falls and trees, trees, trees— All grown on a volcano. To be here makes me feel free. I can go wherever I want on the volcano. Thomas Henao 4th Grade
The World Having a Peaceful Day
Today I Am as Happy Today I am as happy as Darth Vader, As happy as money. Today I am as happy as the playground, As happy as a cartoon person. Today I am as happy as TV. Luis Castañeda 3rd Grade
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Some Thoughts from Craig: Future Movie Star (Maybe) Can I ask you a question? Do movie stars have a lot of bills to pay? They get a lot of money, but you never know. There could be high bills. If you live in a mansion, you still have to pay your light bill. Your water bill. If I were a movie star, I would keep things clean and in order. Because most movie stars, they put stuff on the ground. And they don’t pick it up. I’ve seen shows where that happens. I would either ride in a cool car, or a limo. I’d wear a necklace with a dollar sign on it, and a stripped shirt that’s buttoned up. Blue faded pants, white shoes that are Jordons. And a watch. A silver one. But I would help other people who wanted to be movie stars and couldn’t quite make it. I think being nice, and being patient, are the most important things in the world. And taking care of people you love—your family. If I won an Academy Award, I’d say: “I worked so hard to be this smart, and I’m proud that I won it. I thank my mother, my dad, and my two brothers because they taught me right. And I appreciate all their help for making me this way.” I would have one girlfriend. And she would follow her dreams. She wouldn’t be like most movie stars because they keep stuff on the floor. If she didn’t set a good example—because other people would want to be just like her—I would have to go find another girlfriend. Craig Calloway 4th Grade
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I Was Hyper Because… I woke up in a happy mood. If I was asked to get something, I would hop, skip, or run. I was very loud! Then I got upset, and I was quiet. My teeth were closed so tight my cheeks started to cramp. I was slouched down in my chair. My skip, run, and hop turned into a slow drag.
My Interview with a Singer This is a surprising story about a girl who loves to sing, and yet has a tiny voice. Even during the interview I could barely hear her. She said: “Sometimes I open my mouth to sing, but nothing comes out. I feel like the people don’t like the fact that they don’t hear my beautiful music. I try to sing the simplest song, but my voice cracks, I start to sweat, and my heart starts pounding. I hear my heart instead of my voice.” But even though this happens, she still sings. Like I said: she still sings and she said sometimes she feels this great voice inside and it just comes out—and when she is finished the crowd roars and claps with joy and happiness to hear such a wonderful voice and song. Her voice is as loud as a lion. As loud as an elephant. As loud as thunder. As joyful as a rabbit hopping. Yvette Muniz 4th Grade
Curious
But it didn’t stay like that for the rest of the day. My energy turned up at recess and I was hopping, skipping, and running just like before.
I feel curious because… In class, I didn’t know what we were doing. At reading time, I didn’t know what I was reading. At patrols, I didn’t know where I was going. Now, I don’t know what we’re doing, or why I’m writing this. My legs feel a little wobbly. As wobbly as a baby deer learning to walk.
Samantha Rose Wellington 4th Grade
Tun-Ju Tsai 4th Grade
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The New Hero Have you heard of the new hero, Super Girl? She has a safe house underground. She saved three people that got attacked by a gorilla that escaped from the zoo. The gorilla was big, black, and mean. The people that owned the zoo had to call the SWAT team. The gorilla escaped the zoo by using its arms to break the cage. As she was saving the people, Super Girl got a scratch on her left leg and it caused her a lot of pain. Super Girl said she was Super Scared. But she got over it. Marcus Hack 4th Grade
Tale of a Gecko I have been stuck inside a crack between two bricks at Wilshire Elementary all day. The sun has just gone down… Now I can get out and find some delicious bugs and reptiles that I can eat and I can—uhoh!—I’m about to be mashed potatoes. Scatter me! Scatter plat! I will be in animal heaven if you need me because I am dead, see. Call me when you need me. I will still be on his shoe, but in animal heaven. Danielle Gonzalez 4th Grade
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Another Rainy Day A Rainy Day I heard a drip, and I heard a drop. So I ran downstairs to see what it was. As I went outside, I felt water on my nose. So I thought to myself: “Oh, no. Why does it have to rain today?” As I walked into the house my head drooped into my shoulders. As I got to my room, I looked out the window. The sky was gray. Inside I asked: “Is it always supposed to rain on my good days?”
A raindrop fell on my nose! Splat! It felt as if I were in the shower. Splat, google, plop, swoop! The raindrops were blue. As blue as the sky. As blue as if I were sad. Alarik Yount 4th Grade
When I Grow Up…
I feel the safest in my mom’s arms. I feel like the sun is inside me.
I’m going to be a principal ‘cause I’d get to say: “No running in the halls!” “No playing with your food!” “I’m going to call your parents!” I would be 18 years old. Wear a work-shirt and work-pants. And I’d send bullies to the office for calling people names.
Selina Khan 4th Grade
But I’d have pizza parties for all of us.
Zh’chariah Everett 4th Grade
Safe
David Serna 4th Grade
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GEMINI INK is the only community-based center for literary arts and ideas in San Antonio and South Texas. During the past year, we served more than 4200 readers, writers, and literary performance-goers representing a diverse sampling of our community’s population. Four programs currently serve our mission: •Each spring and fall, the Autograph Series presents writers of national and international stature in a community-wide public program. Previous Autograph Series writers have included Annie Prouix, Margaret Atwood, Grace Paley, Tim O’Brien, and Phil Levine. •The University Without Walls (UWW) offers three semesters of workshops, classes, readings, and events led by recognized professional writers, as well as artists and scholars whose work relates to writing. •Dramatic Reader’ss Theater (DRT) features professional actors interpreting literary works in a reading format, often accompanied by original music. •Writers in Communities (WIC) sends professional writers with specialized teaching experience into a wide range of community settings to work alongside students of all ages, needs, interests and abilities. WIC writing workshops have been offered in schools, justice settings, neighborhood community centers, and healthcare facilities, among many other venues. While in residence, WIC writers help students create dynamic writing projects, often reflecting their own lives, that challenge, celebrate, inspire and enlighten. Most WIC residencies culminate in the publication of an anthology of participants’ work and a celebratory public reading.
For more information, visit www.geminiink.org; or call 210.734-WORD(9673). Toll-free: 877.734-WORD(9673).