Self-Imagination by Jalen Nougues In the Garden of Eden Stands a creature Majestic In every way shape and form Its head high and proud I want to be a unicorn I want My horn to shine In the light Like a greasy Face on a sunny Day. I want to Soar through the Sky without A care in the world. I want To be magical So I can escape I’m tired of being teased Of my shape I just want to stand out I’m just tryna be Legendary
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 1
Potential by Dylan Brown I was that dull paper that was turned from rain to shine I am him The one you used to laugh at The one that was weak Him I shredded I am him The one that was torn The one that was reborn The one that was scorned Him I ripped apart I am the oneThe potential carrier The one with a heart like a man The one that has been restored, rebirthed, and resurrected From the depths of dull town I was that piece Of dull persona But I have turned a new leaf Started a new beginning And the glossy coat was plastered On my dull exterior And I shine I shine I shine From dusk to dawn I shine Potential in the mist Of the glossy blank sheet Even when the black flower Is plastered on its face It shines It shines It shines.
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 2
When I Grow Up by Wassa Bagayoko Mom, a dark feeling comes over me when I have to say That your successful doctor dreams for me, Will have to wait for another day I know it’s true that I Played with a stethoscope. When I was small. But is it really a job that outshines them all? I know what you’re going to say: Becoming a doctor is a privilege that I shouldn’t push away. But I need something that’s more of my speed Being a doctor seems too normal for me. I want to be something more Than a person who helps the sick. I want my future self to be like a Queen to a swarm of bees. Inspiring people Through my intellect and Work ethic. So Mommy, I may not have my mind set. (I have a lot of time. College isn’t here yet,) But there’s one thing I know for sure I Don’t want to be a Doctor Anymore.
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 3
Family Burger by Tyrese Cocking I called. You zoomed until you were in the kitchen. You were ready to throw down. You threw on a dirty apron. You rummaged through the refrigerator. You cleaned the pan like a pro. You whipped out your spatula When I took a whiff of the air I smelled juicy,tender,greasy burgers I nearly launched off the couch I darted to the kitchen with intent I heard the sizzle I heard the crackle of the fire I saw the steam rise. You made a feast? Was it hard for you? Didn’t the grease pop at you? Didn’t you want to rest? Didn’t want to lay on the couch? But you never gave up I take a huge bite My face is smothered with ketchup My mind fills with joy It’s like a party in my mouth All of the spices and condiments Mixing to form this burger Then I hear a smacking sound There is no danger No one is hurt It’s my mouth trying to contain the flavor The burger tasted like a chunk of heaven I take a huge breath When I look up from the table All I can do is smile and say “Thank God she is my sister.” Sincerely, Tyrese
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 4
Change by Mame Thiam A friend is someone who gives you good advice. A friend tells you things she thinks you shouldn’t do. Since I am a friend I have something to say. When you are around other people you change. You act different and talk different. You walk different and even look different. As friend to friend I think you should be who you are. Not a girl who follow others Or change when people want you to, but someone who wouldn’t change to be cool Be who you are because no one could do a better job at that but YOU.
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 5
The Authors by Mariah Bell I run away from the problem. I put down the paper and pen. Because we always seem to argue. I tend to blame everything on you And convince myself that I’m right. But I just make myself mad. I walk and glance at the signs on the road. Stop signs Warning signs Bad signs That I hammered down myself. But now instead of bearing my message Of anger They all seem to say: “A child is here!” And I close my eyes and just ignore them all. ‘Cause I got a place to be: The library. Isn’t that where I left you after the anger Became too much to handle. Before I get there Let me tell you, I love you. Or maybe, I’ll just write it in a book That you can read whenever you’re confused. And trust me, You will be. People pretend. They make movies About how brothers and sisters
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 6
Are supposed to be. But I’ve got a non-fiction book About the truest relationship I know. I’ve got a non-fiction book That we made ourselves Because we’re the authors Of our own story. And we’re the authors of all the stories to come. I grab the book closer to me And rub its old cover. I feel the smooth leather of a story One that’s a billion years old. Or maybe 12 or 4. Isn’t that how old our story is? I reach the library Of you Full of empty books That we have years to write in. Because we’re the authors. You and Me. And a thought appears in my head: Instead of skipping All these chapters, How about I teach you How to be a great author. And what do know, Maybe you’ll teach me something too. I mean, We are the authors.
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 7
If I Said Goodbye by Adia C. Lara-Thein You walked in with your family On my sisters birthday, thanksgiving night. We exchanged hugs Then I noticed, Your beard wasn’t fully shaved, And you had two small braids in the front While the rest was straight You were a jokester so I figured you were just being goofy. You were talking to my sister Laughing and joking around You guys were like two peas in a pod. I realized, It must’ve hurt her the most. Your family was, is our family. You are, were our brother. But sometimes I think, About how it would be different If I said goodbye. I promised myself I would, Then cursed the night The next day Because I lost my chance When I drifted off to sleep. In a way, I might have said goodbye… But then what’s this empty feeling? I could pretend you were just being goofy, Or I could cut to reality And face the fact that You’re gone And I couldn’t say goodbye.
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 8
Zombies by Mario Marrero
The The The The The The
never ending roar of zombies sound of wooden boards being broken down deafening sound of the guns shooting short song of the mystery box playing excitement of reaching a new round cheering of saving one another
The darkness surrounding us The slope of the bed The constant bugging of my little sister The rushing to get to more batteries before I die The bragging of who got more kills Why, this is only some of the things you can do playing Zombies But this is what I do with my Dad
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 9
My Broken Puzzle by Joel Mentor I pull apart, the puzzle pieces That used to be our family. Now like the puzzle Our, family is broken. Some pieces of the puzzle Like you Are double-sided. Some pieces are open With holes in their body. But, the most, important piece of all Is the one with a point and an open space. For anyone to fit into. All of the pieces are different. In all their many ways. Mom and Dad, I heard the news About how our family used to work. How, before the puzzle, worked. Right? What happened? What turned you on each other? I always wondered. What ripped the puzzle In two? What was wrong? Did the puzzle not look pretty enough, for your eyes. Or was it just you two? Your puzzle pieces not merging Into one Every time you came close, But you never became one piece A puzzle piece.
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 10
That could join us Into a family. What was the problem? Hmm‌ You guys never got around To answering That question Now I sit, Alone. I’ve been trying to make this puzzle. But, how would you Put a puzzle together With two missing pieces? Sincerely, A son, with a broken heart
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 11
Best Friend by Ami Tall
Dear Mommy, I love you dearly And I will always remember you No matter where I am Or where you are. I just wanted to let you know that you are very special to me. “Take me with you. I’ll be good.” That’s I what say anytime you go out. I don’t want to stay here and be bored, I want to be spending Time with my best friend // who is you. When you go out I cry like a stream in the country. When you come back I smell your new perfume that I gave you for Mother’s day. You like to dress nice. I’m almost your height. You get lot of pretty things and your hair is always nice. I love the way you take the time to care for us. You’re food tastes great and you buy us pretty clothing What can I do to help? I don’t want hurt you but you keep on taking things in the wrong way. I’m the next Tall family girl (Other than my older sister) I’m learning things from you Once again you are my best friend I will love you forever. Love, Ami Tall
2012 Grade Seven Poetry 12