We Don't Know Who We Are- Student Book of Poetry by Erudite

A Book of Poetry by Future Graduates WE DON'T KNOW WHO WE ARE

Los Angeles Leadership Academy High School

"Who Hurt You??" "Square up." "The Homie....." "I'm Disassociating, sorry" - C/O 2018 Los Angeles Leadership Academy HS

A Public Charter Funded Patriarchy & Capitalism

Black Lives Matter.

message from the

teacher

Take a moment. To remember the first time you felt ashamed, unwanted, disgraced, embarrassed, betrayed, or denied. How old were you? Where were you?

" this is a group of students I know will do better than their elders"

Now, imagine what your younger self would have needed to hear to not internalize the infinite trauma tied to that emotional experience. As a senior English teacher my job is observe and analyze the traumas of people through literature; only so that my students can recognize the traumas in their own lives. In education, we value the cerebral world. A world where problems and resolutions only exist in the pink matter behind eyes and between ears. But, with age, we know this is a gruesome lie. A lie that cannot be named or even taught to our students. It can only be experienced. So, as many poets, authors and artists have discovered; creating allows an individual to experience pain and even possibly the overcoming of that pain through art. While you read this book. Drop your endoctrinated cerebral impulse to judge. And see these published works of art as personal shared experiences. That you can learn from. And possibly even heal with.

Brittany Estrada M.A. Ed.

o t o h p f f a st

SHOUT OUT TO SOME O F THE LITE INFLUENCE RARY RS THIS SE MESTER

"without teachers,

life would have no class"

AP Lit. Class

loyal

Andrew Navarro

Compassionate Briana Vega

Candid

Sidney Martinez

free

Karla Esquivel

ious ConcWendy Rosales

brave

Ilene Perea

hful yout Debbie Guzman

tive Atten Tania Sanchez

Mindful

Nicole Mendoza

s s a l C . t i L P A

Sage

Keen

Erudite

Subtle

Musing

Bright

Matia Stoker

Ricardo Bourdet-Pesquera

authentic

Joceline Lopez Oxte

Eric Duran

Benny Diep

Secure

Andrea Ochoa

Nicolas Piloni

Waldo Garcia

Passionate

Prisila Isem

Maternal

Samantha Brady

Villanelle Don’t let your brain take seize You are already the ideal height, six feet Now you must hurry before it sees Do not grab those utensils with a light squeeze Just do not be sure someone above will save you a seat Don’t let your brain take seize Please you must hurry, do not tease Get rid of all layers, including your meat Now you must hurry before it sees The one thing you must not do is freeze This is the only way to retreat Don’t let your brain take seize Count with me 1,2,3 as I fall onto my knees Don’t worry I found a new amit Now you must hurry before it sees I am then suddenly awaken by a light breeze My mind then apologises to my brain for the harsh mete Don't let your brain take seize Now you must hurry before it sees.

HEROIC COUPLET

I CAN'T STAND BEING WITH YOU ANYMORE

ALL YOU HAVE DID WAS TO CONSTANTLY

BORE

ANNOY AND NAG WAS ALL YOU EVER

KNOWN

I WAS SOMEONE YOU NEVER

OVERGROWN

NOW I KNOW WE WILL NEVER BE AS ONE

NOW I LEARNED YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A

RUNT

I'LL LEAVE THE KIDS AND ESPECIALLY YOU

EVERYTHING YOU SAID WAS NEVER

DEEMED TRUE

WITH BOTH MY FEET WALKING OUT THE

FRONT DOOR

SOMEBODY ELSE WILL SEE ME AS MUCH

I SCREAM FAREWELL AT YOU WHILE I WALK

OUT

BUT ALL YOU HAVE EVER KNOWN WAS TO

SHOUT

Free Verse Slowly my tree of life wilts away Each leaf is a piece of my sanity Now there’s nothing you can say It seems I have given up on humanity My arm looks like a barcode My eyes look like black holes I’m emotionally unstable But even more chemically unstable Drink, swallow and breathe Every pill represents a dream Once I use to be so happy Now my brain is all wacky Goodbye to the reader and the voices in my head Now I may rest on my death bed Forgive me and forget my sins But please know I ended everything with a grin

Sonnet My head aches of pain that I need to tell I laugh during day and cry while in shade The loud church bell screams as I sighed farewell I plead not to nag me till I’m remade Don't want to disappoint everybody I can’t be a star there’s a void within The dark angel takes my student body While my pure light fades and I always sin But death does not frighten me anymore He tried once and will never try again He is no longer my predator now I no longer fear you or any man

Triolet Everything I take makes it worst I must lie with a quirky smirk Now I have sudden laughing burst Everything I take makes it worst My life's currently unrehearsed My life's currently unrehearsed Everything I take makes it worst I must lie with a quirky smirk

My Zine

By Ricardo B.

The old ball and chain Before we were filled with such a freedom It felt like we had our own great kingdom But now it seems that I have been chained Ever since the day we chose to be wed And now those feelings, and all of my bliss Is gone, has disappeared, became just this Through rose-colored glasses we fell in love I only thought of you, none else above Our nights used to be so wild and crazy But now our romance has grown so lazy We were young, but foolish and full of life Now our hearts are filled with nothing but strife

Heroic Couplet

Tarot Death WE’RE THE SAME YOU AND ME DECEIVING TO THOSE WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND US THEY PERCEIVE US AS BAD AND HORRIBLE YET TO THOSE WHO KNOW US WE’RE SOMETHING GREAT, POSITIVE, WELL SOMETHING THEY NEED, WANT, DESIRE Free verse

childhood fun WHEN ALL THE WORK IS SET AND DONE AND NOTHING ELSE REQUIRES MIND THAT IS WHEN WE CAN HAVE OUR FUN AND THOUGH YOU WANT TO BE IN THE SUN YOU CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T UNTIL YOU TAKE CARE OF WHAT MAY BIND WHEN ALL THE WORK IS SET AND DONE AS MUCH AS YOU WOULD LOVE TO RUN THERE IS STILL SOMETHING YOU MUST FIND THAT IS WHEN WE CAN HAVE OUR FUN BEFORE YOU CAN BE NUMBER ONE YOU MUST COMPLETE A TASK OF A CERTAIN KIND WHEN ALL THE WORK IS SET AND DONE MAKE SURE THAT THE WORK IS LEFT IS NONE AND THAT YOU HAVE YET TO TURN BLIND THAT IS WHEN WE CAN HAVE OUR FUN AT FIRST IT SEEMED LIKE A TON BUT WORK IS SOMETHING THAT NO LONGER WIND WHEN ALL THE WORK IS SET AND DONE THAT IS WHEN WE CAN HAVE OUR FUN

Villanelle

Final Wish Now that I have finally achieved Death I’m glad that I am now in its embrace And now that I gave my last dying breath I hope you may still come to see my face I hope you’re not sad at my funeral My eyes so wide when I saw lovely doom I knew my days were but a numeral While I know you may be filled with much gloom My vessel once full is now just ashes Your sorrows like me thrown into the wind Don’t let emotions hurt you like lashes And know I tried my best to not have sinned Just Know that all this marks my humble end Please tell me that you will still be my friend

Shakespearean Sonnet

Teacher A leader, a teacher and friend All these you are and so much more Your Smile so real never pretend A leader, a teacher and friend Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always there to lend a hand Of all things you teach us our lore A leader, a teacher and friend All these you are and so much more

Triolet

>:( >:)

Marriage Is Ironic HEROWICK CUPPLET

Marriage is ironic, it is not fair. Bring two together, but girls are nowhere. Women should be loyal and have no life; Men have no shame when they do what they like. Marriage is ironic, it does not care. If it's about love, then why have a fare? Thousands of dollars spent on just one night. It sounds like someone has something to hide. Marriage is ironic, it does not please. Made only to serve someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. To trade property, including the wife. Kept in the family, to have rich life.

Schuck Fool TRAWLET

Feels like you don’t understand me Though in my shoes you were once taught College being necessary Feels like you don’t understand me Teaching what I don’t want to be Your dreams for me may be sought not Feels like you don’t understand me Though in my shoes you were once taught

Kill Something, Whatever That May Be SHAKESPEEERIYUN SUNNET AYE

How it feels to die, would you like to know? Many things you can try, but would you dare? It's not that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sad or abandoned hope. But life can show you that it is out there. Make love with a blender, that would suffice. Or take the safe route, with lead in your skull. Do be creative, maybe with a vice? Or swing from a rope, be traditional.

But to seek these answers, come a high cost. You only live once, what more can I say? Unsatisfactory? Your life is lost. So do be quite sure, when you choose the day. But if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to feel, without the risk, Take not your own life, but do take your pick.

We've Got It All Wrong PHREEVURCE

When one focuses wrongly Things are more apparent. However morals lie and demons thrive When only selfish success is an incentive. If everyone thought this way, Everything could be great today, Or not, it would leave us without an objective. Taken care of are sinners and thieves, But whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left to thrive are the many perceptive. With their hidden wings they are superior beings. They rise above unsuspected and undetected.

I said who ever played that song your momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hoe! VILLUNELL

Sounds sound so good on a rainy day In any form and in any storm Songs drain the mind in a depressing way

Harmonies are clouds and from two perspectives they stay One is a bright detail, fluffy and white, pleasant in its deform Sounds sound so good on a rainy day

From sunrise and sunrise again like a holiday It's nice to have a quick break like chloroform The latter is a dark loomer, in Soundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sound so good on a sullen gray rainy day Like a bottle, it can persuade one to all but conform But fine skies can be replaced Songs drain the mind in a with a creatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fantasy depressing way Their sorrows and weaknesses overperform It depends on who you are Songs drain the mind in a and how you decay depressing way On where you are and how you reform Sounds sound so good on a rainy day Songs drain the mind in a depressing way

Poetry is fun Art is cool Music is great Friends are dumb Cats contribute nothing to society and I love them

Nick's Poem Collection THE BEST FROM A HALF ITALIAN BOY

The Food That Treads Thee... Villanelle

Oh how solemn and tasty thy are So addictive, yet so vital in order to flourish Thy comes in so much variety, will I have time to explore thee by far? Polenta and Salami along with wine are of course my star But there is more than polenta and salami to cherish Oh how solemn and tasty thy are What shall I try next afar? Potentially to the Caribbean in skirmish Thy comes in so much variety, will I have time to explore thee by far? So many types of cheeses, it is like a scar That never wants to heal in nourish Oh how solemn and tasty thy are Too many varieties to choose from a jar Thy taste will of long forgotten by the next dish Thy comes in so much variety, will I have time to explore thee by far? Tis best to reconcile with what I have in par For I possess tis polenta and salami in concurrence Oh how solemn and tasty thy are Thy comes in so much variety, will I have time to explore thee by far?

Delusions of Technology Heroic Couplet

Oh what a fool I twas in my young age. Being lazy resulted in my cage. I have my computer to thank it for And my false sense of love which instills more Of the shame that skype has led me to come. How could I be such a fool that are none. Oh how petty the picture tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;was then. Tis a mistake to have made whence it been. For it was a male, an ugly one too. I have learned my lesson, a ton too. For I will never fall for a catfish. Neither if it tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;were to be a fatfish.

Thy Wordsmith Was't Born't Freestyle Poem

What the hell is this Pterodactyl thing? What if I just gave this bird a fling? Well let's be rational, what kind of string Can this being pull that can just make me cling? Imagination? Yeah that does not cling. Well, just maybe in my head it will swing. It means I am not easy to live with? Well, just maybe salami is my sith. Who can blame me? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just a freaky myth. On the contrary, I am therewith Whenever you need something at a pith Who knew on this day I was a wordsmith.

The Myth of Reincarnation Shakespearean Sonnet

Reincarnation is believed by some. The ability to become reborn. Somewhere within this planet Earth to come. Oh how petrifying to be forewarn. Who would I be if I were to be born again? Would I remember my previous life? Oh how troubling this is to think when I still have family that lives in blythe. The coping would not be bearable in my next life no matter what the choices. Unless I get the same family twin. Or one with no familiar voices. Reincarnation is very frightful I've yet to know whether tis is spiteful.

GIOVANNI

SOUND OF PERSERVERANE villanelle

Poem

THE SOUND OF PERSEVERANCE DRUMS, THE THUNDER OF EVERY BEATING MOMENT TRITONE OF HARDSHIPS REGARDLESS OF THY APPEARANCE AS THE TIME SIGNATURE GOES BY, IT RUNS THE MUSIC MOVES AS ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FLOWEN THE SOUND OF PERSEVERANCE SHRIEKS OF PAIN, NO ONE WILL HEAR US MELANCHOLY LYRICS HAS NOT MUCH BEEN SPOKEN TRITONE OF HARDSHIPS REGARDLESS OF THY APPEARANCE THE PURSUIT OF MAJOR DREAMS, FEELS LIKE A WITCH HUNT MINOR THREATS ARE OUR VERY OPPONENT THE SOUND OF PERSEVERANCE OUR HARMONIOUS MELODIES WERE HERE ONCE THE SCALES ARE OUR VERY REMINISCENT TRITONE OF HARDSHIPS REGARDLESS OF THY APPEARANCE THEIR SCREAMS ARE THEIR VERY MUSIC AND THEY LIVE DAY BY DAY WHILE THEIR THROAT HURT THE SOUND OF PERSEVERANCE TRITONE OF HARDSHIPS REGARDLESS OF THY APPEARENCE

THE COLLEGE LIFE triolet

Why do we need to pay for higher education? Knowledge should not be a premium membership Should one sell their soul for graduation? Why do we need to pay for higher education? The prices of schools puts one through castration The circumstances we are put through make us want to leave Earth on a spaceship Why do we need to pay for higher education? Knowledge should not be a premium membership

IM NOT A SATANIST free

verse

I’M NOT A SATANIST MY MUSIC ISN’T ALL EVIL DON’T GET ME WRONG, BLACK METAL MUSICIANS ARE ARSONISTS AND THEY WILL BURN DOWN YOUR CHURCH FOR THE DEVIL I’M NOT A SATANIST MY MUSIC ISN’T ALL EVIL DON’T GET ME WRONG, LED ZEPPELIN’S JIMMY PAGE WAS AN OCCULTIST AND THE DARK ARTS HE PRACTICED WERE MEDIEVAL I’M NOT A SATANIST MY MUSIC ISN’T ALL EVIL DON’T GET ME WRONG, BLACK MAGIC BOOK? BLACK SABBATH’S GEEZER BUTLER DID OWN IT AND THEIR DARK INFLUENCE WASN’T FEEBLE I’M NOT A SATANIST MY MUSIC ISN’T ALL EVIL DON’T GET ME WRONG, I AM A RELIGIONIST AND I TRY TO ACT HOLY AND CIVIL …..JK

MARRIAGE IS A PRIVATE AFFAIRÂ heroic

couplet

MARRIAGE, SACRED BOND BETWEEN THE LOVEBIRDS LEGAL TIE, LOCK FASTENED WITH SHEETS AND WORDS HAPPY, THE ROMANCE BURNS LIKE A WILDFIRE HEARTBREAK, FORBIDDEN SIN IS YOUR SATIRE AFFAIR, DICTION REFERS TO GREAT INTIMACY IRONY, A LOW KEY ADULTERY

ISSA DEATH Shakesperean

Sonnet

What in the holy world did i just see? What in the holy world happened that night? Was it real or just a fantasy? Figures in black with nothing but their spite All of the people are scared while running, The night, dense and pitch black with hot, thick mist, The red flames are scorching and punishing, Devils, the eyes of fire, they move and twist Screams of agony are like a choir, Satan, sits there, with great awe and pleasure, Watching the flames go higher and higher All of the bodies butchered at great measure Why such evil haunts my nightly dreams? Even though how likely it all seems

Finding Within Joceline Lopez-Oxte

Table of Contents Page 1 "My Teacher"

Page 2 "May 16"

(Triolet)

(Free Verse)

Page 3 "Living the Moment" (Villanelle Poem)

Page 4 "Twisted Life"

Page 5 "Death"

(Heroic Couplet)

(Sonnet)

My Teacher Music has taught me everything Music taught me to be myself When I feel down I start to sing Music has taught me everything Music makes me dance in full swing It changes my emotions by itself Music has taught me everything Music taught me to be myself

MAY 16 Soft-spoken and self-composed Joy and happiness radiates from left and right Like sun that shines on everyone Cloth and color change as each mood sets Beneath the surface is not pretty Frustrated, self destructive, depressed, and manic attacks. Storm clouds are brewing In the end, will be truly successful

Living the Moment Everyday is a new opportunity, wishing to reach the light Acting too late to see yourself fade Always stopping due to your fright Waiting till it hit night, Waking up every morning with your choices made Everyday is a new opportunity, wishing to reach the light Trying to absorb everything in site Seeing the view with a different shade Always stopping due to your fright Pressured to make yourself perfect, to be in white Wanting and wanting, slowly making yourself swayed Everyday is a new opportunity, wishing to reach the light Fighting with all your might Knowing one day youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up decayed Always stopping due to your fright

Twisted Life She only married him for his money She will not only just be his honey Being the only one to cause his death Waiting for the day he will lie beneath Taking his riches, making it her own To spending it fully all on her own For each day pass, listening to him speak She will fall deep in live till she is weak Spending many happy days together He was killed by his very own brother Miserably gaining all his money Living life without her happy honey.

D E A T H

Your running and jumping so excited You smile, laugh, without a care in the world Reaching the top and feeling united Suddenly falling into the real world Coughing and coughing your world in a blur Chest tightening with pain and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t breath Darkness in your vision, speaking in slur So quickly it had come, your final breath Smiling and laughing are gone in a beat Lonely and sadness you are filled with hate Waiting to be covered by that white sheet Living in hate youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be gone by this rate

s ' y n n Be y r t e o P e n Zi

Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Their capital is the city of Reykjavik. Iceland is a popular destination for viewing the famous Northern Lights.(more on page 9)

BOOTS

Triolet

Oh miss, where did you get those boots Are they from Texas, lies won’t help Are they from the store, I will shoot. Oh miss, where did you get those boots It feels like you have giant hoots It feels like you aren’t even welp Oh miss, where did you get those boots Are they from Texas, lies won’t help.

Love Love Villanelle

Villanelle

Two strangers learned how to fall in love for the first time Forgetting about all their struggles They start a new day waking up to a chime Together they create their own rhyme While they comfort each other by cuddling Two strangers learned how to fall in love for the first time They realize that their love is in its prime They continue to multitask thus leading to them juggling They start a new day waking up to a chime Trying to make their love pure of crime Their love begins to bubble in troubles Two strangers learned how to fall in love for the first time Their love becomes that of slime It is now looking like a puzzle They start a new day waking up to a chime They confess their true feelings after going on a climb Thus leading their lives back into trouble Two strangers learned how to fall in love for the first time They start a new day waking up to a chime

Seven

Free Verse

What is the meaning of the number seven Some say it is just a number Others argue that there is a secret meaning behind it As a Virgo owned by Mercury I must be disciplined to reach thy goals Following thou plans to be completed Must follow through to no end To reach thyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandest goal.

Ball is Life

Shakespea rean Sonnet

My threes are just easy for me to dish They go in no matter what the problem Everyone tells me they are wet swish swish Unfortunately, layups do not treat Me with as much respect as I would like No worries, layups donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even compete Of course, it is my goal to have it strike Oh how my teammates tease me with their skill All so taller than me, but with less fire No one can compete with the shrill of grill So let them show off, cause I am the spire There is not too much to say about my wet Threes, except for the fact they are a threat.

Lunch

Heroic Couplet

Wow this school lunch is just so awfully Made and it tastes worse than looks lawfully Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we just cook our own food at the farm? Eating something edible has no harm. We made them dank pumpkin seeds that one day Why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we have such a similar nay I would rather eat the dirt that looks like Chocolate to be digested in shrike Or maybe the actual food that stems From the same dirt I wish to eat that gems All in all, I want change for this school lunch Just something edible to eat would scrunch

ITS WHAT YOU SEE ON THE LONG RUNÂ AP LITERATURE P.4

BY: BRIANA VEGA

Table of Contents Tap, the Whistle Blows Where the Wave Has Fallen Beneath the skin Irreplaceable Please Don't

TAP, THE WHISTLE BLOWS FREE VERSE

Tap tap, the flow within the music goes. Movement, like worms dancing between the skin. Desire goes higher then the sky glows In the mind of her passion life begins. Dancing and singing the spirits outgrow. But when left alone, she shuts down below Isolating like a hidden blue soul Despite the two sides, the Aerialist wins

WHERE THE

WAVE HAS FALLEN

VILLANELLE

The curse of an evil dome Let there be light without a broken spoon When the waves have fallen you have brought me home Whom once was doubted of the central gloam With a fight in the start of June The curse of an evil dome With everything that has been thrown, she only sees the shadow of the moon. When the waves have fallen you have brought me home It’s been felt like an endless roam, but with the leftover strength she has reached for a balloon The curse of an evil dome Now I have set to come home Then rose like a sparkle bloom When the waves have fallen you have brought me home You have helped me with the downfall of my skydome and I thank you for this tune The curse of an evil dome When the waves have fallen you have brought me home

BENEATH THE SKIN -Sonnet Skin to hair to bone soak beneath the bridge You will burn, suffer, chances it’ll hurt There’s no point to be in such doleful ditch, Why not take the choice to fall he whispered. Satan whom am I will welcome you here There are plenty of you here, take the choice. To cut, to hang, to drown, don’t be in fear Active voices in your head are full joy To betray Christ will fill you with despair. Think about the layers you will witness, Don’t worry of the guilt beneath this air You whom will make the choice, pick the fittest Judas has led you to choose suicide don’t be guided by the wrong, live then fly.

Irreplaceable COUPLET

Here, I promise to love and care and trust In all of time, where some then flew past dust No return of him, came about, until Found with a tramp, what a burn out youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve filled with the false tone in his words, he implored the promise to change, this has come to bored. Irreplaceable Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve become and grew I no longer have this link to pursue.

Please Don't -Triolet Class has come to a start, please don’t. An ant’s crawl is more intriguing. Are you astute? You make me groan. Class has come to a start, please don’t This lecture serves as empty bone Can't be compared, get off the throne Class has come to a start, please don’t an ant’s crawl is more intriguing

T r u e N a t u r e Waldo Garcia

Table of Contents

Balance Page 3

Broken Promises Page 4

He Is Page 5

I Am Strong Page 6

Her Page 7

Balance In this life full of good and evil My lifeâ&#x20AC;Ś I will balance To not fall in darkness Or reach excessive success The libra a sign of justice, balance, and harmony Makes me who I amount to be With ups and downs In this insane life I will face challenges Yet, none will pin me down Yes, I might struggle Yes, I might think about giving up Yes, I might one day be down But, I will rise up But, I will fight harder But, I will always find a way to keep myself balanced

Free Verse

Broken Promises He had promised her, “You’ll be mine always!” One day he lied and went back to old ways He continued to be sad in marriage, Her once loving heart opened a tearage The love for which her heart wants slowly fades, Therefore her marriage will be in the shades. He wondered one day why she was upset? She replied, “You’re no longer an asset.” The oath that once was, is now torn in half, All she had left to do was have a laugh. He then after realized her value, But she was long gone in look for values.

Heroic Couplet

He Is He’s the best teacher you have met? No, he’s very full of regret He has lacked in many talents He’s the best teacher you have met? He dreams to be a combatant, But he is not given respect He’s the best teacher you have met? No, he’s very full of regret

Triolet

I Am Strong I have fallen down to the cracks of the eternal flame My life hangs without stability I feel the darkness within me and have no one to blame My life grabs onto the strength within my last name My desire to succeed acts as a utility I have fallen down to the cracks of the eternal flame I am in the balance between good and evil, but my life I will reclaim Knowing I can stand up gives me tranquility I feel the darkness within me and have no one to blame This comeback will leave me in the hall of fame With my strength and dedication regaining my life will be a possibility I have fallen down to the cracks of the eternal flame My life is not a computer game I will not play with it because it is my responsibility I feel the darkness within me and have no one to blame This new target is my aim Never again will I fall to vulnerability I have fallen down to the cracks of the eternal flame I feel the darkness within me and have no one to blame

Villanelle

Her Oh, this young maiden full of love and charm She is the prettiest of this big town I just wish she can hold me by the arm But regrettably, she can’t come downtown I shall search for a road to travel by One may ask, “Why would he do that for her?” And I will respond, “She is like the sky, And the bright light I will always prefer!” Baby, the name by which I call this girl Will never be lost in my train of thoughts Because her nickname will in my head swirl Therefore, this alias is wrapped in knots

Shakespearean Sonnet

I have handwritten you just because I hope I can win your heart and applause

Unexplainable. A collection ofÂ poems

Andrea Ochoa

unappreciated.

The teachers of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society, Are the ones less appreciated. And although some may be in a state of dubiety They are the ones who should be celebrated. For they teach our children the things they must know, And guide them as if they were their own They help the minds of our childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; grow And this is something we all know.

Triolet

The Promise. As they promise I do, look into their eyes. For what they say are lies, love does not exist. Soon a couple months pass and you’ll see Trouble in paradise. Don’t be fooled. Words are deceiving, actions tell the truth. Pardon if I’m being rude, but I warned you Love does not exist and the promise of Forever is all but a myth and then There’s the highs and the… there’s no lows For I promise they’ll be the first to go. But the choice is yours, I just hope you know Love is but a sham, it does not exist.

Heroic Couplet

the love of a mother. You may think that it’s not important but, Trust when I say it is everything. This loneliness is all in my gut, It is nothing but a painful sting. The love of my mother is all I need. A mother and daughter relationship A talk with my mother, yes indeed All that I want is at my fingertips, If I could just get the words to come out. I’m tired of crying and begging, Oh me, oh my, mother please dont shout. And yes there are things I’m not telling, A mother and daughter relationship Is all, but never at my fingertips.

Shakespearian Sonnet

love that blinds. How does it feel to be truly loved? It’s a question I’ve asked a couple of times. Is it something that can be easily disposed of? Is it the feeling of being shoved? But if I’m not mistaken, those are the actions of crimes. How does it feel to be truly loved? How about this, what do you tell someone you’ve claimed to love? Is it the play of words that fools minds? Is it something that can be easily disposed of? If it's not the way you’re shoved, Or the way their tongues tole with our minds, How does it feel to be truly loved? Is it the uncomfortable touching that makes you feel loved? The actions that, once again you should’ve reported as a crime, oh so many times Is it something that can easily be disposed of? I feel the need to know what it’s like to be loved And so I'll continue to ask a thousand times, How does it feel to be truly loved? Is it something that can be easily disposed of?

Villanelle

birth symbol. An image to symbolize my birth, It is my sign for better or for worse. Not everything about my sign is true, For what truly defines me, you’ll have no clue. A bird that soars the skies, And an eye that reads the mind. A person that’s purely heart based, But have no doubt that she’ll hesitate. She’s been hurt many times before, And while that pain is in her core, It is what navigates her while she soars. I’ll tell you what you fail to see, But please don’t get mad at me. I’ll tell you the truth because I know what it’s like to feel blue. But if you choose not to listen, well that’s on you. When you come back and tell me I was right, I won’t rub it in your face because that would be a mistake. Instead I’ll help you pick up the pieces, And try my best to make you whole again. And though I know you won’t be the same, I just hope you know that you’re not to blame. There’s things that must be learned, And sometimes those lessons hurt. So now you see, that the pain in her core was what helped her soar. And the eye in her mind, Never left her blind.

Free Verse

DECEMBER 2017

Inner Thoughts

BY DEBIE GUZMANÂ

They Call His Name

Marriage Gone Wrong

Watering the Flowers

STNETNOC FO ELBAT

The Day of Materialized Fantasy

Self-love is a Gem in a Lode

THEY CALL HIS NAME Shakespeare's Sonnet

The day has come, the outside is blurry They call his name so he can start his day They hear no answer, but they don’t worry Everyone supposed he’s just been delayed The minutes go by, the hours fly They call again, but they are left unsaid When his mom checks on him they hear her cry They all hurry and see him lying dead All the mistreatment had gotten to him All the name calling had left him depressed Everyone noticed he had gotten dim But no one helped him, they wouldn’t have guessed That their care or help could have saved his life Now they will only see him in the afterlife

PAGE 03

MARRIAGE GONE WRONG MARRIAGE GONE WRONG HEROIC COUPLET Finding their soulmate the couples have won The day they had wed, everyone had fun Till death do you apart the Priest declares But after a year the couple despairs The fighting has grown, the bond becomes worse They believe that their marriage is a curse Till death do you apart take it to heart But the couple rushed for they feared theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll part By the end what they had feared had started They had begun their marriage light hearted But they both sadly ended halfhearted Till death do you apart, it has thwarted

PAGE 04

WATERING THE FLOWERS

TRIOLET In our humankind teachers are power Expanding to the children their knowledge Watering and protecting our flowers

In our humankind teachers are power Monday through Friday paid by the hour Teaching us and guiding us to college

In our humankind teachers are power Expanding to the children their knowledge

PAGEÂ 05

The Day of Materialized Fantasy

For some you are a hidden message for others you are just an image It varies from perspective You might look like a hat or a bell But looking at you right, you kind of look like an upside down world Where people live in harmony and equality Where there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anymore dark days And everyone smiles all day Yes, a world I would love to be part of You are not a hat or a bell You are my Materialized Fantasy FREE VERSE

PAGE 06

Self love is a gem in a lode It takes time and effort to obtain it But when you have it you feel bold It feels like you have just unlocked morse code Better yet, you feel sunlit Self love is a gem in a lode But looking for it feels like walking on an infinite road Sometimes it makes you want to quit But when you have it you feel bold Although not having it makes you want to explode You are constantly feeling like a misfit Self love is a gem in a lode You even feel self-conscious in your own abode You feel like you can easily lose it But when you have it you feel bold

Self-love is a Gem in a

I've been looking for it, for a while now, but it hasn't been an access road But I have hope I'll make it Self love is a gem in a lode But when you have it you feel bold PAGE 07

Lode VILLANELLE POEM

VOLUME 1 ILENE PEREA-SANCHEZ LA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY HS

Strive for Change or Die

ES €2.50 IT €3.00 FR €6.00 GB €3.00 USA $6.99

CONT ENTS

PAGE 1 FREE-VERSE POEM

"CHANT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT"

PAGE 2 TRIOLET

"MY MOM TAUGHT ME WELL, SO SHE IS MY HERO"

PAGE 3

SHAKESPEARIAN SONNET

"IMMIGRATION IS BEAUTIFUL

PAGE 4

HERIOC COUPLET

"DO NOT GET MARRIED!"

PAGE 5 VILLANELLE POEM

"HIDE YOUR EMOTIONS, UNLESS IF YOU ARE HAPPY"

CHANT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT FREE-VERSE POEMÂ

PAGE ONE | JOURNEY

She disguised herself under the hat The hat makes her appear timid and quiet Underneath that hat, she is vivacious She chant as loud and harmonious as the french horn She moves people with her activism like the bike hours moving people out of the way She is not the girl she resembles under the hat

MY MOM TAUGHT ME WELL, SO SHE IS MY HERO TRIOLET

Mom taught me everything I know For that, I owe her gratitude Her hope for my future makes me glow Mom taught me everything I know Her lessons guide my scholarly flow Without her, I would be subdued Mom taught me everything I know For that, I owe her gratitude

PAGE TWO | JOURNEY

IMMIGRATION IS BEAUTIFUL Shakespearian Sonnet

A proud daughter of immigrant parents That crossed the border just like butterflies They risked their lives for their kids’ achievements I stand with immigrant communities Separating families needs to STOP ICE can not have this much corrupt power Their hard work makes this nation develop Deportations are never the answer Immigrants deserve to stay here always They get the jobs Americans don’t want So they do not steal your jobs by the way Do not judge them by the negative slant

PAGE THREE | JOURNEY

Ultimately, we are all immigrants So we must resist and unite to chant

PLEASE, DO NOT GET MARRIED! HEROIC COUPLET

He pledged to be faithful to her till death but had an affair with beautiful Beth He broke the vows that he once establish and could not make his sexual fling vanish His wife learns of this unforbidden love She makes plans to kill Beth with a rough shovel

PAGE FOUR | JOURNEY

Beth is gone and she has him all for her Once more, his untrustworthiness confers As he continues to cheat on his wife, She asks for a divorce to start new life Marriage brought her resentment and distrust She wishes not to be betray by lust

Please, put a fake smile on your face Do not show a sign of dejection That’s what society expects from my grace When I suffer from disgrace And I am filled with rejection Please, put a fake smile on your face As a student with a high gpa trace I need to be a model of perfection That’s what society expects from my grace I want to cry in everyplace But I must hide any sort of disaffection Please, put a fake smile on your face I need to scream in front of the human race But I can not display an act of objection That’s what society expects from my grace I can not help but feel out of place My happiness is like an injection Please, put a fake smile on your face That’s what society expects from my grace PAGE FIVE | JOURNEY

HIDE YOUR EMOTIONS,UNLESS IF YOU ARE HAPPY

VILLANELLE POEM

1 eussI

SH ymedacA pihsredaeL selegnA soL

We are one!

Sidney Martinez

Table of Content Forever Heroic Couplet Page 1

Slipping Away Shakesperean Sonnet Page 2

Mamá Triolet Page 3

Mask

Free Verse Poem Page 4

Why? Villanelle Page 5

Forever Heroic Couplet

The old wrinkly man married the young girl. Until the wife noticed the husband hurl, He believed that they would last forever. She swore she would go with him wherever, But as time went by, the husband noticed The wife's mood was changing at the moment. The wife waited for the old man to die, To take his money and live her own life. Till sickness and in death was all a lie. She poisoned him and left him with goodbye, To run into the arms of another. Strangely, they both turned into pigeons.Â

Page 1

Slipping away

Shakesperean Sonnet

As time passes by, we start to be sad, But as life goes on, we become blinded. The people around us start to be mad To live life fully, makes us excited. When the hands go down, anxiousness creeps up for the thought of leaving has never crossed, by hiding the truth, keeping it locked up falsely pray to move on at any cost, desperation becomes our only friend loved ones start to be apart of the past until we realize we are alone. The mirror reflects a person unknown. Why are the humans so greedy for time? Because they all want to have time to rhyme.

Page 2

MAMÁ Triolet

My Mom is my only teacher, She teaches me to love myself. When angry, she says to think and breathe, My Mom is my only teacher. As she stays up with me at night Telling me it will be okay. My mom is my only teacher, She teaches me to love myself. Page 3

~ Mask ~ Free Verse Poem

The young maiden is complete when her friends are around. When feeling lonely, her sarcasm hides her true emotions, forgetting that her happiness comes first. She neglects her problems to enlighten the mood of her peers. However, there is an ultimate point where she has to face herself. Page 4

Why can’t I live happily? The days go by and everything is black and white So I Envy those who have joy in their feet, while I drag mine lazily How can these people not see my agony Can’t they share their light? Why can’t I live happily? Lonely I am now, but once lived in Harmony Now I am not as bright So I Envy those who have joy in their feet, while I drag mine lazily

Why? Villanelle Poem

My smile was genuine and real, now it’s done forcefully, I try to fight it with all my might, Why can’t I live happily? Bringing laughter to the world and love fearlessly Was once beautiful, but now it’s nowhere in sight So I Envy those who have joy in their feet, while I drag mine lazily I know I can escape and dance with the others cheerfully As I reach the light little by little, it catches up to me, the Night, Why can’t I live happily? So I Envy those who have joy in their feet, while I drag mine lazily Page 5

PECULIAR Tania Lizbeth Sanchez

POETRY

The Thought of that Night The thought of that night makes me feel like I'm not breathing I still feel your huge rugged hands touching me A pain that'll never heal, it's as if I'm still bleeding Years have passed, and help is what I'm seeking I cry and I plea, but no one seems to hear me The thought of that night makes me feel like I'm not breathing You claimed it was my fault, simply because I was "teasing" But no matter what I had to say, you still got beastly A pain that'll never heal, it's as if I'm still bleeding Till this day, I continue to believe that I was misleading That it was my error for acting nicely The thought of that night makes me feel like I'm not breathing I taunt myself everyday, it's an internal beating For allowing a monster to harm me, then letting him flea A pain that'll never heal, it's as if I'm still bleeding There’s nights where I can’t sleep because I’m up weeping Yet I live with a bright smile, making it seem like life’s not crappy The thought of that night makes me feel like I’m not breathing A pain that’ll never heal, it’s as if I’m still bleeding

Villanelle

All the pain I went through, it was so dread Sometimes I even wished that I could be dead. I used to stay up all night, thinking and crying Only hoping that you would keep trying The years went by, and now I’m happy at last But here and then I still think I moved on too fast. My heart used to ache, like as if you had broken a bone I wouldn’t give up, I wouldn’t put down my phone. I think about it now and smile so happy To know that life just isn’t so crappy. Like a beautiful flower, I rose and grew Now here’s some words inspired by Tupac Shakur Try to plant something in concrete, you know what I mean? And if it grow, don’t be so mean. On it’s beautiful petals, it had scratches and marks But that doesn’t really mean, that it doesn’t spark. A woman is beautiful inside and out Regardless of her past, just watch her sprout. With damaged roots and ridged petals She’s as beautiful as a flower, planted near pebbles.

Like A Flower She Grew FREE VERSE

TWO SETS OF PARENTS God gave us two sets of parents, Whom we can honor and learn from. I swear, they are like cool presents. God gave us two sets of parents, Who care for the adolescents Our necessity, our right thumb. God gave us two sets of parents, Whom we can honor and learn from.

Troilet

WHAT IS IT THAT COMES RIGHT AFTER DEATH? COULD IT BE THAT WE END UP IN HEAVEN? OR WOULD IT FEEL LIKE WERE GASPING FOR BREATH? WILL WE BE UP THERE WITH THE GREAT SEVEN? OR WOULD IT BE SOME KIND OF REBIRTH? ARE WE GOING TO BE SURROUNDED BY FIRE IN HELL? OR ARE WE GOING TO BE AN ELEMENT OF THE EARTH? IT’S THOUGHTS LIKE THESE THAT MAKE ME WANT TO SCREAM AND YELL BUT THERE IS ONLY ENOUGH I CAN DO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST! AND NEVER SPEND A DAY FEELING BLUE YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THE PURIST HOWEVER, YOU DON’T WANT TO BE THE WORST IF NOT, YOU’LL SPEND EVERY MINUTE AFTER DEATH, IN A CURSE.

CURIOUS DEATH

SHAKESPEAREAN

“Until death do us part, my lovely wife!” Said as he spread jam with a butter knife “Oh! What have I done with my life?!” she thought, Except she smiled and ate an apricot “What must I do? I need some sort of plan! I cannot live forever with this man!” She thought and thought until he fell asleep. Then hearing a voice say, “You’re in too deep!” “Who’s there? Please help, this man is way too much! I think I did this in such hurried rush!” “My pretty love, until death do you part! It is my advice, a knife to the heart.” “Of course! Until death do us both part! Death is the answer! Why I am so smart!” So she then got up, and looked for a knife.

UNTIL

DEATH DO US PART

Heroic Couplet

Disconnected

By: Karla Esquivel

- TABLE OF CONTENTS Heroic Couplet Troilet Shakespearan Sonnet Free Verse Villanelle

astringent Let me bring you breakfast in bed, my love 17 Nove 0 2 , 9 r e b m e t p e S mbe know You and I both r 11, 2 017 that I am below and you are above; I will abide in anything you say Because I know that I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turn away. Heroic Couplet

Hungry I have a deep craving for death, Cold death would be a better sleep. ions with a burning rage t a c Greed fills me i f i t New No It engulfs me like a python. I have a deep crave for death Greed fills me with a burning rage It engulfs me like a python. I have a deep craving for death, Cold death would be a better sleep.Â

Troilet

You always stack up books with twisted words, Learn this, learn that, write down what’s on the boards! Fill my head with facts but not with knowledge. Of the real world that’s way beyond college You replace my sleep with endless studying My anxiety rises everyday. Oh, let me breathe, I am suffocating! Oh please, my will to live has gone astray. I learned the hard way life is not easy. I have overcome my difficulties Ah, my future will be nice and breezy I know what the greatest miracle is; I may not know how to put it in words, But I know that I will soar like the birds.

Shakespearan Sonnet

Time The scene sets, A roar of applause fill the theater. Everyone comes to center stage to bow but, She has missed her cue to go on stage; What a waste!Â All those times spent in rehearsal, waste.

Free Verse

Off

Abnormal Alarm rings like the cry of a child A new day, a bittersweet tragedy. Sweet honey has long been exiled. Will you ever stop being reviled? Hide, hide you must not show your sexuality! Alarm rings like a cry of a child They tell you to be mild, Speak with formality. Sweet honey has long been exiled. Do what you are required, There is no room for incapacity. Alarms ring like a cry of a child. You will be happy, is what they advertise, Because you are an abnormality. Sweet honey has long been exiled. Do not fall for it for they have lied! Now you must live in agony, Alarms ring like the cry of a child. Sweet honey has long been exiled.

Villanelle

Thanks for reading

Zoetic Zine By Z

Life, Death, & Love YOU'RE INVITED TO ANI TAKE YOU TO BE MY PARTNER FOR LIFE LAWFULLY BOUND, UNTIL CUT BY A KNIFE TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH, I SWORE TO YOU LITTLE I KNOW, SAME WASN’T FOR YOU TOO COLD COLD, CRUEL NIGHTS SPENT IN BLISTERING FEAR MATTER OF TIME, FOR DEATH TO LOOM NEAR

YOU ARE MY MOONLIGHT, AND I’M YOUR SUNLIGHT IN A WORLD WHERE IT’S BUT ONLY DARK NIGHT YOU SAVE ME FROM THE DARKNESS THAT'S CALLING WHEN IT CONSUMES ME AND I AM FALLING THOUGH I SHALL SAY THIS NOW MORE THAN EVER FOR THIS I NOW KNOW IT IS FOREVER

Heroic Couplet S

The Enigmatic EducatorÂ What a rad teacher I may laugh I know she's more than just a queen It's good she is a pro at math What a rad teacher I may laugh I know her heart not full of wrath And though sometimes in path so mean What a rad teacher I may laugh I know she's more than just a queen

Triolet

Death I write this now for I lay dead. You must have slightly lost your breath, When all the blood went to your head. For then you first heard of my death; Layed down there completely in black, While I sleeped forever at last. Just like glass theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re about to crack. Nervously thinking of the past Of things maybe only I know. But now they shall take time to reap, As they falsely put on a show. Even as the lies can go so deep, Yet now putting down to question. At the bare time of the mention. Shakespearian Sonnet

The Empress

Ihey look down at her. To her looks and her curves. To the hopes that she dreams. They believe that she can crumble and fumble In disbelief of they're bloody words. She screams enraged and energized. Look down all you want, but I shall not from my throne! For I am the sun that blinds and shines, above and will never be gone . Free Verse

Dancer in the Night The snow falls in a dark cold night One might believe it seems so sad Lonely is the night in my sight Contrary it is like a spotlight A girl in pink dances really glad The snow falls in a dark cold night One with cold and melodic bite Enough to make her greatly mad Lonely is the night in my sight For it was time to taker her flight Though snow would only make it bad The snow falls in a dark cold night But fought against with all her might In turn it made it not so rad Lonely is the night in my sight As the snow covers it in white She goes inside and lastly adds The snow falls in a dark cold night Lonely is the night in my sight.

Villanelle

her and the sun

nicole mendoza los angeles leadership academy high school

IRONY IN MARRIAGE Marriage, devote your life to another, Yet can't keep in contact with his mother. In sickness and in health, she promised love, Yet their happiness ended with no dove. Marriage must hold trust and faith in between, Yet part their ways and go to bed, they weep. Fighting, screaming, yelling, the neighbor's hear. But when they see them next, he cheers, "My dear." How must it feel to be living a lie? Can't even look each other in the eye. Marriage: I guess it may not be for you. But to some, there may not be much to do.

HEROIC COUPLET

MY JULY.

Cardinal water. The beginning of heat, burning emotions. Yet I cannot seem to control the flow. As Shakespeare, "Water cools not love." In a sense, I guess this is true. Cannot contain these feelings, I fall every day, I care too much. In a sense, I guess this is true. Independent, but I love to be needed. Gentleness, yet protectiveness. In a sense, I guess this is true. Pragmatic, yet insensitive. In a sense, I guess this is true. Is this who I am? I guess that's up to you.

FREE VERSE

you When I am hurt, you're there to support me. From young to old, I won't forget you so. So confident and pushing boundaries. When I am hurt, you're there to support me. Despite the arguing and the crying, You stood so strong, accepting all the blows. When I am hurt, you're there to support me. From young to old, I won't forget you so.

TRIOLET

VILLANELLE

The waves crashing, I am free. Life may get hard, but I must power through. The sky, clear and blue, a sense of serenity. Three in the morning, my eyes burning. A few lines more, just two. The waves crashing, I am free. I’m stressing, this again, it overcomes me. Walking home, time to think, just me and you. The sky, clear and blue, a sense of serenity. I’m lost and scared, don’t you see? My eyes spot, different colors, different hues. The waves crashing, I am free. My happy place seems so far away, that’s where I need to be. Get away, that’s what I need to do. The sky, clear and blue, a sense of serenity. They say, “You’re just a kid.” Yet, I still plea. This isn’t healthy. But despite all my storm clouds and tendencies, it’s true. The waves crashing, I am free. The sky, clear and blue, a sense of serenity.

FREEDOM

Her muse sits quietly, staring at her. A loving breath, the sun shines brightly through. The smell of books apparent, vision blurred. Still content as the dust around her flew. A long lifetime, but only seventeen. Experiences fill her heart with joy. To be or not to be, she reads between, The lines, she cries, she tries still to enjoy. When life gets hard, she perseveres with strength, Encountering fear and sadness with grace. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll constantly try to go to great lengths, To put a smile on her best friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face. Like hoodies in the winter, she feels warm. But do not underestimate the storm.

HURRICANE SHAKESPEAREAN SONNET

DECEMBER 2017

UNLEASH POEMS

WENDY ROSALES

"MAMA MARTHA"

LOVE YOU

SHAKESPEAREAN SONNET So many days go by where I miss you I can still remember the day you died, I remember thinking it wasn’t true. All I did was cry and thought they had lied They woke me up and told me to get ready Instantly I assumed something was wrong My dad told me you were finally free But I couldn’t understand it all year long After you had left I became depressed When you died, something in me died as well Every year you were here, we had been blessed I only wish we could’ve said farewell But now I know you’ll always be with me One day you’ll again be the one I see.

"JUNE SECOND"

GEMINI BABY

FREE VERSE

I am a human maze I can create or solve problems for days I can be super dependable Or very dreadful I am a human maze And I can create or solve problems for days I am a Gemini baby And I can be very mouthy.Â

"WHAT DID I DO?"

I THEE WED

HEROIC COUPLET

Four years ago you told me I was it That I was the one you would never quit You said “we have a bond like no one else” That whenever you see me, your heart melts. Tears streaming down my face and my cheeks red For that was the day we said “ I thee wed”. Loved you more than ever, more than my life Thought you knew that when you became my wife I guess I’m not “it” for you anymore You left me for him and walked out the door So many times I asked, “What did I do?” But now I know I deserve more than you.

"ONE DAY"

FUTURE

TRIOLET I’ll become a music teacher and I’ll be a great one, one day. A teacher who can really play I’ll become a music teacher Soothing sound coming from my kids and they will be playing with joy. I’ll become a music teacher and I’ll be a great one, one day.

"I KNOW IT'S OVER"

ALWAYS

VILLANELLEÂ I don't love you anymore In just a flash, everything went black I don't feel the way you feel anymore Everyday feels like a heartbreaking war So can you just cut me some slack? I don't love you anymore Maybe it's best if we seperate and explore Get both of our lives on track I don't feel the way you feel anymore You can try and try, but I 'll just ignore You can try and try, but you'll never get me back I don't love you anymore I'm afraid of losing you but I want more Whenever I think of you, I get a flashback I don't feel the way you feel anymore You'll always be someone that I adore Just know this isn't a piece of cake I don't love you anymore I don't feel the way you feel anymore...

Unexplainable. A collection ofÂ poems

Andrea Ochoa

unappreciated.

Triolet

Heroic Couplet

Shakespearian Sonnet

Villanelle

Free Verse

thoughts.

Prisila Isem

i Together for life we swore each other I meant it, but you wanted another As sly and sneaky as you tried to be There isn't a thing you can hide from me But never did I think you'd break my heart Now all I seem to do is fall apart Ignored calls and eating dinner alone Endless nights crying to friends on the phone Didn't want to believe you'd do such a thing Now it's time to take off the wedding ring The memories are beginning to fade But I won't forget that I was betrayed

Heroic Couplet

ii Two fishes chasing one another Never realizing that they could have each other If for once, they’d just stop swimming It’s as if they’re so set on each other Nothing else matters

Free Verse

iii You make a joke about wanting to die And I tell you that I want to die too But that is nothing except for a lie Dying is something I don't want to do I really just want to feel alive Yet the thought of dying won't leave my head Without these thoughts I'd be able to thrive But depression says I'm better off dead So I've decided to laugh at dying I know wanting to die isn't funny But I'd rather be laughing than crying An attempt at making my life sunny Passive suicidal ideation Really is an earthly damnation

Shakespearean Sonnet

iv He says that I have potential That I can really do more But he is not influential He says that I have potential Education is essential And now my blood is on the floor He says that I have potential That I can really do moreÂ

Triolet

v The memories don’t ever seem to cease For a second they’re gone, but they come back I want him to get out of my mind, please So, my medication she decides to increase but the chemicals can’t seem to pick up the slack The memories don’t ever seem to cease He left me with a puzzle missing one piece He knew one day he’d make me crack I want him to get out of my mind, please What he did disrupts my peace and strength is something I lack The memories don’t ever seem to cease Poetry is suppose to be my release but now each poem seems to be a flashback I want him to get out of my mind, please I’m in need of new chemicals, but the dose of the current, medication is something she must first decrease I’m hoping the new pills put my mind on track The memories don’t ever seem to cease I want him to get out of my mind, please

Villanelle

HOLD FAST TO DREAMS, FOR IF DREAMS DIE, LIFE IS A BROKEN-WINGED BIRD THAT CANNOT FLY. LANGSTON HUGES

LOS ANGELES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY HS CLASS OF 2018 FALL POETRY PUBLICATION MS. ESTRADA AP LITERATURE COURSE