Stark County District Library How Sweet It Is Student Poetry Book by Stark Library

How Sweet it is! Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................. 2 Notes of Appreciation .......................................... 3 Grades 2 - 3 Awards ................................................................... 5 Poetry ..................................................................... 6 Grades 4 - 5 Awards ................................................................... 29 Poetry ..................................................................... 30 Grades 6 - 7 Awards ................................................................... 53 Poetry ..................................................................... 54 Grades 8 - 9 Awards .................................................................... 71 Poetry ..................................................................... 72 Grade 10 - 12 Awards ................................................................... 88 Poetry ..................................................................... 89 Index of Entries ........................................................ 98

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 1

How Sweet it is!

Introduction Thirteen years ago, Aiesha Collins, a teen librarian, had a vision to create a poetry contest that would be open to all teens in Stark Count. That vision culminated in the first poetry contest at the Stark County District Library. Over the years, the contest was expanded to include all children in Grades 2-12. This year it was expanded even further, and entries were accepted from Adults. We hope you enjoy reading all the poetry entered into this, our

13th Annual Poetry Contest at the Stark County District Library

How Sweet it Is! 619 students from 53 schools participated in this year's contest. In addition to entries from Stark County Ohio, we received entries from places as far away as Tillamook, Washington and Washington, D.C. Arts Academy at Summit

Hartford Middle

Perry High

Belden Elementary

Hartville Elementary

Pfeiffer Intermediate

Benjamin Banneker Academic High

Homeschooled Students

Sauder Elementary

Bishop Heelen Catholic

Jackson High

St. Michael

Bolivar Elementary

Kankakee Valley Middle

St. Peter

Canton Country Day

Lake Cable Elementary

Sandy Valley Elementary

Canton Montessori

Lake Center Christian

Sandy Valley Middle

Canton South High

Lake Elementary

Schreiber Elementary

Chapel Hill

Lake High

Southwest High

Crenshaw Middle

Lehman Middle

Tillamook Junior High

East Canton Elementary

Malone University Primary School

Timken Senior

Edison Junior High

McGregor Elementary

Timken Senior/Early College

Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow

McKinley High

Tuslaw

Garfield Academy

North Canton Middle

Uniontown Elementary

Gateway Private

Northwest Elementary

Watson Elementary

Gibbs Elementary

Oakwood Middle

Whipple Heights Elementary

GlenOak High

Ohio Connections Academy

Worley Elementary

Glenwood Intermediate

Orchard Hill Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 2

How Sweet it is!

Notes of Appreciation The Stark County District Library’s Poetry Committee worked hard putting the contest and other poetry events together. We would like to thank the following committee members for all their work: Julia Shaheen, Main Library Ron Krumlauf, Main Library

Linda Smik, Main Library

Janey Davis, East Canton Branch

Ann Wetmore, Main Library

Becky Baldwin, Plain Community Branch

In addition to the committee members we would like to thank the following library employees who helped type the entries that appear in this booklet: Nicole Yoder, Main Library

Linda Smik, Main Library

Amy Baltzly, Main Library

Debbie Russo, Main Library

Special Thanks To Ron Krumlauf who has produced the great decorations for our poetry events over the years. This year was no exception! To the Stark County District Library’s Public Information Department Employees. Without the efforts of Linda Dahl, Karen Allen and Dominic Caruso we would not have the wonderful artwork for promotional posters and this booklet. To Fishers Foods, Giant Eagle on Raff Rd., and Heggy’s for providing refreshments for our Youth Poetry Café and Adult Open Mic Night.

Final Judging was done a committee of community volunteers. We would like to thank them for taking time out of their busy days, for reading the many poems and deciding the winners. We know it was not an easy task. Mike DeComo

Charita Goshay

Susan Joyce

Frank Motz

Tricia Ostertag

Sara Riggle

Chris Rood

Maria Smith

Carla Thompson-King

Vertigo X'ian Xavier

We would also like to thank all the teachers who taught their students about poetry and encouraged their students to participate in this year’s contest. Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 3

How Sweet it is!

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 4

How Sweet it is!

Grades 2 - 3 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Duncan Buckerfield

Fruits

Kobe Byler

Growing Plants

Luvasia Culver

Creatures

Maggie DeLap

The Season of Spring

Joshua Dylewski

The Long Thrilling Ride

Anna Grabowsky

Christmas Day

Hani Hasna

This Bird

Sarah Lauschke

The Cat in the Hat

Ty’esha Mack

Man’s Best Friend

Alyssa Mattis

Toasty Socks

Owen Murphy

Awesome Legos

Caroline Pastore

Books

Joy Patrick

Eli Whitney

Kevin Rohr

I Am

Miette Schloneger

Metamorphosis

Alex Zuckett

Dinosaurs

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 5

6 18

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

Trees

Earth

Trees are brown. They stick to the ground. They don't make a sound. When you meet tree you must go around. Trees provide air. That's why I care.

Please recycle and bicycle. Don't destroy the trees we planted; Don't take our Earth's water for granted. When done with a scrap page, Don't rip and throw out, Zip to the recycle center and shout, “HAPPY EARTH DAY!” Tyler Reindel

Will Hartman Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Sparks fly Sparks fly through the night in bed. I keeps moving and moving and moving around in your head. Remember sparks fly if you don’t. You should never close this page on me ever. Rinoa Chech Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Don’t Litter Do not litter. Litter is bitter. Throw away trash away. Start today. Don't throw litter in water. Tell that to your daughter. Don't even bother to litter. DON’T LITTER!!!!!!!!! Hope Miller Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Earth Take care of the earth. From the very first day of birth. Recycle paper, plastic, metal, and cans. It's important for every woman and man. Don't cut down trees. Cause it's important for you and me. Instead of a motorboat use a rowboat in the sea. Happy Earth Day! Kyle Stanich Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Trees

Fruits Watermelon, apple. All Yummy to eat. Limes so sour. Kiwis so sweet. Bananas the best. Mango ok! Peaches great! Cherries ole! Raspberry, apricot are so great. Pomegranate and Oranges from the Sunshine state! These fruits are all a wonderful treat. So come on everybody let's eat, eat, eat! Duncan Buckerfield

Trees are green. Trees aren't mean. Trees are tall. They never fall. They are green and brown. Sometimes round. When in the ground. Always around. Danielle Thomas

Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Earth Day

Metamorphosis A caterpillar is fuzzy, as fuzzy as can be, but the next stage is dull and not at all fun to see. Then it opens up, now this is quite amazing. How can a butterfly be so dazzling! The butterfly lays eggs upon a great leaf, and the caterpillar hatches as fuzzy as a sheep. Then the cycle starts all over, wasn't that a bliss; that is what we call a metamorphosis. Miette Schloneger Grade 3 – Ohio Virtual Academy

Cats Furry, soft Always cutie pies Purr, purr, purr Felines. Rose Gray Grade 2, Orchard Hill Elementary

Earth Day is a holiday that's pretty. With animals living safely in the city. I see a lot of flowers. I look at them for hours. I like to read about the Earth. I also see animals give birth HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!!!! Jordyn Salvatore Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Trees Trees are tall. They stand like a wall. Don't cut down trees. Guess what some people do around trees? They sneeze. Trees leaves are green. Guess who likes trees? That's me. Teagan McNemar Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 6

How Sweet it is! Earth Day

Trees

Spring is Here

Recycling helps our Earth. Earth has been here since our first day of birth. The Earth is the only world we've got. So let's not treat it like it's not. Turn off water while you're brushing your teeth. Why don't we make an Earth Day wreath? Helping to save the Earth is wise. I don't think a recycling center will recycle bow ties. Please don't cut down trees. In the rainforest, many animals live in trees' leaves. Happy Earth Day! Emma Reindel

Trees are tall. The leaves like to fall in fall. They grow back in spring. What a wonderful thing! I like to look at trees outside. Then I went inside.

Let the flowers bloom. Open the window in your room. The flowers smell so good. It seems like they should. In spring the leaves turn green. Its like a special scene. Megan Summers

Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

The Sea As the waves go the sea gets really quiet. People stop playing the quiet sea the fish start to go to sleep. The tide grows small in the sea. Do you like the sea? Is it a fun place to be? I like it so much. Do you like the sea? Avery Balcom Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Our Earth I love Our Earth. Ever since the first day of my birth. Our Earth is grand. We need to give a helping hand. If you recycle. You might get a bicycle. You can recycle cans. They can make aluminum fans. Happy Earth Day! Emily Putt Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Kellen Harkness Grade 2 - Lake Cable Elementary

Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

The Long Thrilling Ride

Bird

Waiting, waiting anticipating; We hear the wheels screech; for the lap bar we reach. Climbing, climbing the hill so tall; We reach the top and begin to fall. Screaming, screaming, hands up high, We zip around; we touch the sky. Looping, swooping, left and right, Down again, better hold on tight. Slowing, slowing, almost done. Let's do it again; that was so much fun. Joshua Dylewski Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

The Dog who Wanted to Go to the Jackson Bog There was a dog who wanted to go to the Jackson Bog. He really wanted to see a wart hog. But he did not know what animals were at the Jackson Bog. Then he followed a dog to Disney World. And fell into a dizzy world. From a fizzy can of soda. Rory Smith Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

This bird This bird Mostly swims in its life With internal beauty It remains peaceful The snow swan Hani Hasna

I see a bird fly high. It seems like it's touching the sky! It flies high to the sky and comes low to the ground. Oh my! Oh my! Kelsey J. Hill Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

My Baby Sister My baby sister is named Claire, she is very cute and sweet, when you are unhappy she can make you smile, but she cries some time too, well, she coos too, she is very beautiful, she has blue eyes you know, she is only 7 months, if you say she's very cute I agree Abby Williams Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

RIND Lemon Lemon Orange Lime. What do they have? They have a rind. Bumpy, bubbly rind they have. So when you eat them think again. Take off the rind and that's the end. Lily Fulmer Grade 2, Lake Cable Elementary

Grade 3, Lake Cable

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 7

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

Go Cart Go with the wind Over the moon Crash into trees A lot of speed Race like the wind The race ends at the moon. Lydia Humbert

graduate. Then I will go to dance school again. That is possible. Shyane Strader

Kasey

I Love Dachshunds!!!! Darling Adorable and loving Cute as a button Heavenly little kisses Short and very sweet Happy to see you Unbelievable loyal No one will ever love you more Darn good little diggers Soulful eyes that just make me

Kind, Loveable, Artistic, Cleaver Relative of Darrien Steele Lover of Skylanders, Spyro, and K`nex Who Feels Happy, Lucky, and Shy Who Needs Attention, Love, and Care Who Fears the Dark, Flashes of Light, and Spiders Who Gives Love, Friendship, and Kindness Who Would Like to See Waterfalls, Nature, and Heaven Resident of Ohio Crawford Kasey Crawford

melt! Mabel Jesse

Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Grade 3, Lake Cable Elementary

Dreams are Possible

I am Smart

Grade 3, Lake Cable Elementary

I like art I am smart I like candy tarts I shop with a cart I have a heart I go to a Mini Mart Derek Murphy

I Had a Dog Named Holly

I will dig for bones. And find the pieces and parts to them. I will work very hard at it. I will check them out too. I will follow the directions. I will study as many animals I can. I will study dinosaurs. It will be fun. I will go to school. And work hard. Karief Culler

Grade 3, Lake Cable Elementary

What is It? My mom won't let me have one can you guess what it is it wags it's tail and barks a lot I think I gave it away If you don't know what I think you will...it's a Puppy!!!!! Jasmine McCallla

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Sickness Stinks I feel kinda funny. I really feel funny. I hope I am not sick. Now that would just stink. I have to take these nasty meds. When I woke up (I felt great), But when I came down my mom took my temp and. . .she said You can not go to school. Now That Just Stinks! Rachel Milligan Grade 3, Lake Cable Elementary

Dreams are Possible My dream is to be the best dancer ever. Better than everybody. I will practice really hard to become a dancer. First I will go to college and

Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

I had a dog named Holly. She likes to run and be jolly. When she’s jolly, I call her “Holly”, And she runs in a jolly little way. “Holly come and play,” I say, but she just runs in a little jolly way. When she’s done being jolly, She goes to her house, and she goes to sleep in a jolly little way. Jolly dreams for Holly. Brianna Londeree Grade 2, St. Michael’s School

Dreams are Possible I want to be a writer. I am writing a poem now! My dream is coming true. Dreams ARE possible. I’m proving it now. So it’s a fact. Work towards it, and you can prove it too. Donathan Dillard Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

I Am Poem I am shy and outgoing. I wonder about school. I hear a school bell ringing. I see my grandpa. I want a paint ball gun. I am shy and outgoing. I pretend to sleep. I feel tired. I touch a wall. I worry about my older cousin. I cry about my aunt. I am shy and outgoing. I understand that I am good at writing. I say I believe in God. I dream of unicorns.

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 8

How Sweet it is! I try not to sleep in class. I hope to go to Florida. I am shy and outgoing. Ashley Midcap

but whatever you do don't eat it with meat! Allyson Woolbert

Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Shy and Quiet

GLAD

I am shy and quiet. I wonder why the sun is so hot. I hear my sister. I see my mom baking a cake. I want my own home. I am shy and quiet. Madison Gang

When people break stuff I get sad, There is a TV show called Mad, I love my Dad, I’m a lad, I’ve thrown out a box I have had, I’m glad! Kaleb Tonsky Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Easter Tic tac toe God loves you so Jesus prayed under a tree Ready to save you and me. He dided on a cross To save those who are lost He rose from the grave One the third day He’s now up in heaven living for eternity So accept his free gift he’s waiting for you and me. Kendra Harland Grade 2, Whipple Elementary

If Only I Had Some Sweets and Treats If only I had some sweets and treats to eat as I walk . If only I had some sweets and treats To make the boring time go . If only I had those sweets and treats To sell them at the fair. But why shall I sell my sweets and treats at the fair, because then they won't be there. But I love candy anyway it has my favorite smell. Everyone loves candy. It's so good and sweet,

Grade 3, Lake Cable Elementary

St. Patricks Day Gold rolled up into a bunch At the end of the rainbow while I ate lunch I see a little greenish guy With his pot held way up high Ouch!, he pinched me on my foot My green socks, to him, looked black as soot And I just realized who he was A Leprechaun! Mikenna Daugherty

Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Grade 2, Hartville Elementary

My Name is Heaven

Bluebird

My name is Heaven I use to be seven I have a friend name Keven My sister is eleven My Daddy’s name is Deven Heaven Brown

The loud chirping sound, From the beautiful Bluebird Calling to his friend. Maximus Krueger

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

I see myself being rich. I want a fancy mansion. I am shy and athletic. I pretend to be rich. I feel happy when I touch my baby brother. I touch a hundred dollar bill. I worry when my brother cries. I cry when someone dies. I am shy and athletic. I understand how to play kickball. I say good. I dream of money. I try to do my best in math. I hope to be rich. I am shy and athletic. Brandon Mateer

Character Biopoem Navea Wallace Funny, Loveable, Nice, Loyal Relative of Sonya Wallace Lover of Dresses, Dessert and Doughnuts Who feel Shy, Lazy and wild Who need Jesus, Water and family Who fears Steve, Clown and Pennies Who gives Shoes, Foods, Pennies Who would like to see New York, Beach, Santa Resident of Canton, Ohio Wallace Na’Vea Wallace Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

The Tiger The tiger’s teeth looked like a shark’s teeth. Its roar was as loud as big fireworks in the summer. All night it walk in the forest as quite as a mouse in the house at night. by Tysen Leib Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Grade 3, Homeshool

I Am Poem

Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Happiness Happiness is gold. It sound like music. It smells like cholate. It tastes like rootbeer. I look like voilet. Happiness feel like running through tall grass. Odin Kisner Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 9

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

morning and night morning Rainy frigid Painting working raking birds bushes bed stars Dancing playing sleeping beautiful dark Night Brandon Watson Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Lovable I am happy and athletic. I wonder why I am so lovable. I hear a bell. I see a big elephant. I want to be shy again. I am happy and athletic. I pretend to play Hide and Seek. I feel happy. I touch my house. I worry about the end of the world. I cry when my brother hits me. I am happy and athletic. I understand not to blurt. I say I love my mom. I dream of going to the water park. I try to play football. I hope to get an A on my spelling test. I am happy and athletic. Haylie Harbin Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

About Me: Adrin I am neat and creative. I wonder how school was made. I hear angels singing. I see chocolate ice cream. I want a PSP. I am neat and creative. I pretend I am a robot. I feel happy. I touch a fuzzy dog. I worry about the end of the world. I cry when my grandma died. I am neat and creative. I understand how to tie my shoes.

I say the Pledge. I dream of I am a football player. I try to be smart. I hope to take my pill every day. I am neat and creative. Adrin Hall Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Love being me I am happy and athletic. I wonder how they make movies. I hear video games. I see lightning storms. I want 1 million dollars. I am happy and athletic. I pretend I m in Call of Duty. I feel sad. I touch my T.V I worry about my family. I cry when I think about my grandma. I am happy and athletic. I understand how to add. I say I love my dad. I dream of a mansion. I try sports. I hope for a million dollars. I am happy and athletic. Jonathan Franklin Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Valentine’s Day blue, red candy rocks I love Valentines chocolate reese’s James White Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

The Cat in the Hat Cat and bat Playing tag. Bat was it. Bat found a hat, A moving hat! What’s in the hat? That cat! Sarah Lauschke

Winter and Summer aren’t the same Winter frigid cold freezing playing laying snow angel snowman sun beach swimming burning warming fun hot Summer Mason Reith Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Dreams are Possible My dream is to be a tattoo artist. I’m going to make it possible practicing drawing The things I have to accomplish are Elementary school, High school, and College. I will give the tattoos my client wants. Dreams are possible!! Nathaniel Conner Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

The Sun The sun is bright The sun can light. It goes away at night. Jack Bruckner Grade 2, St. Michael

Morning/Night Morning Long, slow Eating, shinning, sleeping Breakfast, mist, movies, monster Scarring, running, raining Dark, cold night Jaenelle Thompson Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Grade 2, St. Michael

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 10

How Sweet it is! Soft Whisper

Dinosaurs Were Real.

Someone whispered in my ear The whisper, I barely heard Soft as the wind, Light as a feather, Drifting into my ear So kind and quiet, So peaceful and cool, Flowing into me So loving and nice, Floating to me Soft as the waves, So beautiful, Lifting to the sky To the sky, to the sky, The leaves floating against me So soothing and peaceful, Wind and all, rubbing against me Falling, falling, gently into a pile of Soft, colorful leaves, reaching to my ear Sophia Corey Grade 3, Canton Montessori School

I Love My Cat I love my cat but he can escape just like that! Sometimes, he acts like a rat when he plays with those gnats. Most people say “that cat is really fat,” but he’s furrier than a baseball bat. Maybe, it will change their mind if he wears a multicolored hat. Chloe Herncane Grade 2, Watson Elementary

Spring Spring is fun, Spring is here, Let’s enjoy the fun time of the year. The grass is green, so are the trees. The flowers are joyful, the bees are too.

Dinosaurs roamed around long before their bones were found. Many ate just one main course mostly meat and plants. Some of them ate both of them that quite a scene. Yes some ate plants when some ate meat but when the ice-age came along they all became extinct. then… Curtis Wyglendowski Grade 2, Malone University Primary School

Plants, Trees, Flowers… Flowers are beautiful plants. If you dig you may find ants. Daisies, tulips, daffodils and roses. Flowers need sun, air, rain or water from hoses. Trees give valuable life gifts Oxygen, wood, papers, shelter and a little lift The thing I think is the best trees make a shady place to rest. Plants produce food like tomatoes Strawberries, carrots, corn and potatoes. They come in different shapes and sizes some are tall some are small. Did you know plants can heal isn’t that the best of all? by Jaidan Hockman Grade 3, Malone University Primary School

The bikes are out. The kids are playing. Come on out and enjoy the fun spring! Don’t sit in and watch T.V., Come on out in the pool with me. Pack your jackets, pack your gloves. Come on out for some sun. Isha Vasil

Mom You Are My Favorite Person

Grade 2, Sauder Elementary

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Mom you are my favorite person. First, I was nervous to write this But I thought of you. Roses are red violets are blue When I look at them both I think of you. by Anijzah Foster

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 11

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

Godly Girl I am shy and helpful. I wonder how cheerful it is. I hear Justin Beaver singing. I see joyful people. I want quiet classmates. I am shy and helpful. I pretend to be a police officer. I feel like a police officer. I touch my stuffed animal. I worry about my family and God. I cry when my family leaves me behind. I am shy and helpful. I understand how people feel. I say God loves people in the world. I dream of God. I try my hardest to get Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on my tests. I hope to see God and angels. I am shy and helpful. Caitlyn Dennis Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Happy Maddie I am funny and happy. I wonder about the animals in the circus. I hear a bell. I see the school bell. I want an I-pod. I am funny and happy. I pretend to fly. I feel happy. I touch my fraction cards. I worry about my parents. I cry when my dad goes to work. I am funny and happy. I understand math. I say God is true. I dream about unicorns. I try to do my best in school. I hope to be good. I am funny and happy. Madison Foehenbach Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Sunny and Rainy

Bunny Eats the Pear

Sunny shiny bright tanning swimming running towel pool umbrella jacket raining splashing dripping cold grey rainy Keelan Dorsey

Bunny, bunny, you are so funny. Are you trying to eat my pear? I want your pear. OK, you can have it. Thank you. I love this pear. Martin Yohanna

Grade 3, McGregor

The Sea

If Thing One and Thing Two came to my house...

Oysters are silver Whales are blue Sharks are gray And goldfish are new. Swordfish are pointy Shrimp are small Clams are special And people are tall. Luca Di Sabato

Think one and Thing two would break all of the windows. Thing one and Think 1 would sit on a pillow. Think one and Think two would try to pull down the pants of bill. Thing one and Think two would try to roast a hotdog on the grill. Stephanie Dolph Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Snakes Huge Dangerous Scaly Scary Poisonous Slithery Nathan Chappie Grade 2, St. Michael

Dogs I love dogs Just so cute Big and fun The thing that bugs me is My mom is allergic to them. Michael Jasser Grade 2, St. Michael

Ice Cream Going to the ice cream shop Going to buy some ice cream Mushy and squishy Pink and strawberry too. Yummy in my tummy! Luke Rozmajzl

Grade 2, St. Michael

Lilly Loving Ideas Little Laughing Yakking Lilly Carson Grade 2, St. Michael

Rainbows Rainbows are colorful They look pretty Sometimes there are leprechauns. Gino Ross Grade 2, St. Michael

Strawberries I love strawberries. Juicy Red, Yummy. They make my tongue turn red. Kendall C. Compton Grade 2, St. Michael

Grade 2, St. Michael

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 12

How Sweet it is! Growing Plants

Water Water is cool Amazing water Terrific water Every one likes it Remember, I like it too! Cassia Comfort Grade 2, Homeschool

Dinosaurs Rock A long time ago Dinosaurs lived in the rocks. They would roar real big And chase away geese flocks The problem is they were big and lumbering, So they didn’t make great jocks!

In the spring flowers blooms so colorful and pretty too. The leaves grow and start to show. Apples grow on trees-did you know? The grass gets greener, the bugs get meaner! Get down on your knees and plant some seeds. My favorite is a sunflower see water and sun is what it needs. So many plants grow…oh no, it is time to mow! by Kobe Byler

I think dinosaurs rock even though they can’t talk.

Grade 3, Malone Univ. Primary School

Gavin Shamblen

I like green Everything is green Turtles are Green even a bean by Kevonne Wright

Grade 2, Malone Univ. Primary School

The Season of Spring Spring is in full bloom Caterpillars break through their cocoon Maple, Dogwood, Chestnut trees We will soon see your leaves Tulips and Daffodils spring from the ground Soon we will see flowers all around Gardens will soon be full of seeds Gardeners will have to pick the weeds Flowers give the world prettiness Plants give us food Trees gives the oxygen to help our mood All these things make up Spring Now I can go play on the swing Maggie DeLap Grade 3, Malone Univ. Primary School

Green

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Flowers Roses are red, Violets are blue I hope you know, I love you Flowers that smell so new Make me think of you. by Zoe Bove Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

My Home I like to play in my yard I like to ride my bike My dog is the best quard He’s really nice to like. by Chase Bibey Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Mom and Dad lets Roses are blue vio are red everything I do I think of you I love you. You love me Mom and Dad by Derrick Stewart Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Blue I like you blue When I go to bed I think of you Blue is my favorite color I think of blue for you by Justyn Gaylor Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Big Mr. Tiger The tiger’s teeth looked like big sharp needles! I was as big as really big box! Its roar was as loud as a really loud scream! Its eyes were shiny like big silvery buttons all night. by Riley Wolfe Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Our Wonderful Plants On day three God said. “Let there be plants.” For the plants he said. “Let there be bees, butterflies , and ants. The colors are beautiful and bright. They shine in the sunlight. They make the air clean. So we can exercise and stay lean. Plants are wonderful things. Do they know what joy they bring? by Kaitlyn Hale Grade 3, Malone Univ. Primary School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 13

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

The Tiger

Spiders

Tiger

The tiger’s teeth looked like glass that’s broken. It’s eye’s were shiny, like two chrystals. All night, it walked in the forest, as quiet as a snake slithering in a cloud. Thomas Cassetty

Spiders They are creepy And crawly Black and red And gray And GROSS! Kennedy Oser

The tiger’s teeth looked like icicles. Its roar was as loud as a jack hammer. It was as big as a baby rhino. Kobi Laclair

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The Tiger

The Tiger The tiger’s teeth looked like a shiny sword. It was as big as a motorcycle. Its roar was as loud as my Dad snoring. Tyler Knisely Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The Tiger Poem The tiger’s teeth looked like a white pocket knife. It was as big as a baby elephant. It’s eyes were shiny like a big diamond. Sierra Delahanty Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Untitled

The Tiger Poem

The tiger’s teeth looked like an arrow tip. It was as big as my Dad. Its roar was as loud as big fire works in the summer. Nick Teeple Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The tiger’s teeth looked like the top of a fork. All night, it walked in the forest, as quiet as a dog in the clouds trying to get a treat. All day, it slept in a tree, snoring like my Grandma and my Grandpa. Isabella Cursio

Tigers in the Jungle

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The tiger’s teeth looked like short swards. It was as big as a baby elephant. Its roar was as loud as thunder. Max Burris

The Tiger famly

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The Tiger The tiger’s teeth looked like two tips of a mountin. It was as big as a baby zeebra. It’s roar was as loud as ten lions roaring. Joey Crossland Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

It was as loud a thousand elepants. All day it slept in a tree snoring like an elephant stomping. It was as loud as baby elepants. Derck Harlock Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Tiger’s Forest The tiger’s teeth looked like big needles. It was as big as an elephant. Its roar was as loud as a dinosaurs roar. Austin Cochran

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The tiger’s teeth looked like sharp icicles. It eyes were shiny, like a brand new car. All night, it walked in the forest, as quiet as a baby bunny in the grass. by Esther Kotyk Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The Tiger The tiger had big teeth looked like big white knives. It was as big as a baby elephant. All day it slept in a tree, snoring like my dad. Olivia Carr Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Tiger poem The tiger is big as 3 desks. Its roar was as loud as a lion’s roar. Its eyes were shiny like jewels. by Jacob Lushes Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Mr. Tiger The tigers teeth looked like a scoop of snow. It was as big as the school flag. Its roar was as loud as a crying bad baby. by Madison Didyk Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 14

How Sweet it is! The Tiger The tiger’s teeth looked like a shiny sword. It was as big as a motorcycle. Its roar was as loud as my Dad snoring. by Tyler Knisely Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The Tiger The tiger’s teeth looked like big sharp pointers. Its eyes are as clean as a brand new car. Its roar is loud as a lightning. by Joshua Ciolli Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The Tiger The tiger’s teeth looked like sharp glass broken. Its eyes were shiny like the big sun. by Lexee Urdiales Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The tiger The tiger’s teeth looked like glass that is broken. Its eyes were shiny, like my mom’s ring. It was as big as a baby elephant. by Camden Weaver Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

What Tigers Look Like The tiger’s teeth looked like broken glass. Its eyes were shiny, like one golden gem. Its roar was as loud as five kids yelling. by Elizabeth Ballway Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

By Jack Lammlein

The tiger

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

It was as big as a tree. The tiger’s teeth looked like big knives. All day he is snoring like my dog. by Robert Schrembeck

Ice Cream

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The Tiger’s Bed The tiger’s teeth looked like scissors. It was as big as a baby horse. Its roar was as loud as fireworks. by Hunter Batchik Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Dynomite Damien Determined a nice boy make stuff independent excillent nice Damien Herron Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Frogs I have a frog and he likes to jog back and forth on a log. And sometimes likes to play with his friend, Bog! By Adam Burkett Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Whales, whales Whales, whales Don’t sit in pails If they did, I would want to be a male. If I was one, I would sail away In a different pail. By Tony Stepic Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Frogs Frogs Green, slimy Jumping, chirping, swimming Eating crickets and digging Peepers

Ice Cream Yummy, good Licking, biting, falling Really good in summer Icey By Logan Brady Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The Library People are writing with ink And they don’t stink People are reading there books And I like their looks People are thinking and when they read their books Their hands are linking People are not drinking People are checking out books And some people brought their books nooks People are walking And quietly talking A lot of people tall No one is playing ball The librarys not a mall I met someone named Paul Don’t call! People are sweet They do not play with their feet No one says to turn off the heat No one has a treat And everyone blinks Into their books they sink. by Skylar Miller Grade 3, Northwest Elementary

The Tiger The tiger’s teeth looked like an elephant’s tusks. It was as big as a baby elephant. Its roar was as loud as a big fireworks in the summer. by Nathan Popio Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 15

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

Candy Store

Killer Whales

Before Christmas I wish.

Candy store, candy store Walk in the door To a candy store. Tootsie roll on my tongue Yum, yum, yum Chewy gum! A sweet treat For me to eat. Pixie stick Lollypop Lick, lick, lick! Canned candy I don’t care! Hey there Is a candy store Over there? Lean Salomone

Bodies of black and white are killer whales They don’t react or eat female or males They travel in pods They have blow holes I wish I could catch one with my FISHING POLE. by Creed Patterson

Rivers are long Toods;and fishs swim along by Robert Jefferson

I wish for Christmas I wish for a cat with a Christmas hat. I wish for a mat. I wish for some peas. I wish for a tree. I wish for a pool. I wish people won’t be so cruel. I wish for a song. I wish for something long. I wish for something strong like my dad! Charity Everett

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Roses

I wish for a lot of things.

Roses are red violets are blue when I think of flowers I think of you! By Autumn Reed

I wish for Jesus Christ . I wish for Christmas. I wish for eggnog. I wish for cookies. I wish for lots of toys. I wish for green and red. I wish for Santa’s toy. I wish for a monkey. By Mykohl Martin

Grade 2, St. Michael

I am I am from Apples to Apples and football from Axe and Jif I am from trees and squirrels with fluffy tails I’m from buying ornaments From “Go to bed” And “Evan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I’m from Uniontown Elementary School and I like recess I’m from Quaker Steak and ribs Blue eyes and white skin From fishing with dad I am from Ohio and I am unique! By Evan Larimore Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Eli Whitney Work, work in the hot, hot sun. Picking cotton is no fun. Clothes of cotton made by hand, Spread four percent across the land; 'Til Eli made a great machine That in no time made the cotton clean! By Joy Patrick

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Rivers

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Flowers FLOWERS, FLOWERS they will grow When I put them in a vas with a bow tied with lae. by Ainka Harris Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Dreams are Possible My dream is possible. My dream is to be a football player. First, I have to practice real hard. Next, I have to exercise a lot. Then, I have to practice my speed. Finally, I have to play football a lot. Now you know my dream. By Arlen Fisher Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

The Vest I have a vest, it is the best It is full of fur and it is blue Do you have a clue? by Jadyn McClure-Bailous

Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

I Like To… I like to pat I like rats I like to play with cats I like to rap I like to pat cook I like to make dats I like to bat. By James Petterson Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Lions the Lions are bets FAST Lions are THEY WILL LAST by Romondo Morris Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Grade 2, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 16

How Sweet it is! Dreams are Possible

I Love You I love you mommy You love me to I share my love You share yours to What will I do without you I love you. Charlize Travis Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Eggroll Eggroll is my kitten He loves to play with yarn He also likes my mitten Eggroll loves me a lot Gracie Perry Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

My dream is to become a drummer. I have to practice, I have to read notes also. I know I can make my dream possible if I believe . I know because all dreams can become possible. I will reach my dream for the assessment. If I make it my dream came true. By Noah Sumpter Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

Dreams are Possible My dream is to be a rapper I want to sing songs. I need to work hard in school and go to college. If I want to be a rapper I got to practice and practice and then I will be on TV. Steve Taylor Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

My stool This little stool is mine I use it all the time. To reach the things I couldn’t and lots of things I shouldn’t. Francis Campbell Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

I Love My Family I love my family and they love me. Why I love Joseph? Because he takes care and plays with me when I have no one to play with. Why I love Rebekah? Because she thinks of me when I don't think of her. Why I love Jacob? Because he says funny things. Why I love Daniel? Because he tickles me. Why I love Mom? Because she meets my every need. Why I love Dad? Because he gives me some wants. That's why I love my family. Nathaniel Schueller Grade 3, Whipple Heights Elementary

My Name is Heaven My name is Heaven I wish I was eleven I have a friend named Deaven I love being Heaven It’s cool to be Heaven Would you like to be seven I do not have a brother named Cleaven Heaven Collins Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Fish Fish can swim fast they and are small big to! by Matthew Nicholas Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

I am Very Very Sweet I am very very sweet I go to my cousin’s meet They have a heat I see their feet They get beat I sit down in a seat. Aliya Sybole

I am I am from Wii and soccer from Oreo’s and Smucker’s. I am from flowers and trees popping up. I’m from vacations every year. From “Go to your room” and “Stop it!” I’m from Uniontown Elementary School and I love recess. I’m from Taco Bell and pizza Righties and crazy brothers. From fishing with grandpa. I am from Ohio and I am unique! Michael Giganti Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

What some Tigers look like The tiger’s teeth looked like glass was broken. Its eyes were shiny like a goldin ring. All day it slept in a tree snoring like a bear in the forest at night sleeping. by Angelina Griffith Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 17

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

Swimming Pool I like my swimming pool It looks very very cool It is little and blue It is in my back yard too. by Justin Tyler Porter Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Colors My favorite colors are black and blue. Oh yes, it is very true. Oh yes, yes I do. But it’s not very new. Rhya Eaves Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

I Wear Red I wear red. And I have a bed. I have a head and I put stuff in my shed. Robert Smith Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Learn to write music That is how my dream can be possible. Joshua Porter Grade 3, Arts Academy at Summit

I Like to Draw I like to draw I have no flaw I heard a bird caw A tiger has a claw Xander Brumbaugh Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Describing a Hamster Hamsters can be playful Sometimes sleep all day. Furry Cute Soft Cuddly Loud when they roll on their wheel! by Riley Thole

I am a Girl

Grade 2, St. Michael

I am a girl I like to twirl I like to twist Makayla Brooks

Dinosaurs

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

I am Very Nice I am very nice I hate mice I like dice I eat rice I like ice Joe Dalton

Dinosaurs here Dinosaurs there Dinosaurs TALL Dinosaurs small. Dinosaurs eat meat or beets. by Alex Zuckett Grade 2, Malone Univ. Primary School

McDonald’s

Grade 2, Arts Academy at Summit

Dreams are Possible My dream is to be an artist. First I need to practice my art Learn to carve things Go to school, high school, college Learn everything there is to know Study other art Master all the types of art Learn 3-D Learn from artist all over the world Look for famous art Learn from famous artist

McDonald’s Double burger Choosing, picking, loving I love the fries McD’s By Jaden Ek Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Frogs Green Frogs slime Gross to girls Hopping all over stuff Toad By Eddy Keen Jr.

Babies Babies Cute, smooth Hugging, kissing, loving Babies are so adorable Toddlers By Maria Hisey Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

In Space Space, space What a beautiful place I like space See the astronaut face! Benny Carlson Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Friends Jenna is my friend I’m in the same grade as her We play together Stephanie Grow Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Donut I went to Dunkin Donuts. I got a chocolate one. A sweet, sprinkly donut. Half of it glazed With chocolate icing. Yummy and delicious! by Reece Rothermel Grade 2, St. Michael

Look at That Look at that Look at that it is vary Fat! It look’s like a big fat bat! Were was it at it is so fat! It is Lumpy! It is Bumpy! It is Jumpy! It dose everything You can even amagin but… to bad it is a toy Kylie Ann Leach Grade 2, Bolivar Elementary

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 18

How Sweet it is! I am

November

by Jae’Len McLaughlin

I am from Blurt and football From Crest and Oreo’s I am from flowers And ponds waving waters I’m from presents piled high From “Be quiet” And “That’s junk food”. I’m from Uniontown Elementary School And I love tag. I’m from Wasabi And big juicy watermelon Brown eyes and big heads From swimming in the lake with Uncle Seth I am from Ohio and I am unique! By Bri Hunt

Grade 2, Malone University Primary School

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Green and Leafy

I am

Cotton plants make plants, While fruity trees making tea, the trees so green, it makes a pretty scene, flowers blooming left and right, the trees please the leaves, tulips orange, white, red, and yellow, all nice and mellow, willow trees sag to the ground, these living things are all around.

I am from Uno and football From Oxy Clean and Dial I am from trees and birds chirping in the spring air I’m from my dad calling me monkey From “Clean your room!” And “Get over here before I count to three! One… two…” I’m from Uniontown Elementary School And we’re learning about plants. I’m from Pizza Hut and lots of chicken. Brown eyes and a screaming baby. From reading comics at my grandma’s house I am from Ohio and I am unique! By Kevin Rohr

In November the turkeys surrender They are cooked and become very tender. The leaves begin to fall Some are yellow and small. We give thanks on Thanksgiving We’re happy to be living. by Clay Glass Grade 3, Malone University Primary School

The Dinosaur Poem Some dinosaurs were herbivores. Some dinosaurs ate meat. But when the Ice Age came along They all became extinct!

by Anne Stephens Grade 3, Malone University Primary School

I am I am from Uno and Basketball from Dawn and Downy. I am from flowers and squirrels and fluffy tails. I’m from trips to Cedar Point. From “Go to bed” and “Go outside”. I’m from Uniontown Elementary School Jenna, Laney, Amber and Kennedy are my friends. I’m from Wasabi and macaroni and cheese. Glasses and hazel eyes From going to Macaroni Grill with my Grandma I am from Ohio and I am unique! By Emily Goodwin Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Butterflies Butterflies are pretty. They flutter and they’re light. They are also very colorful. But be careful You could get them mixed up With moths. Ella Salvino Grade 2, St. Michael

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 19

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

The Pie

Grade 2, St. Michael

I’m from Swenson’s And sweet pickles Blue eyes and blond hair. From fishing with grandpa I am from Ohio and I am unique! Jenna Peresta

Gummy Bears

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Gummy Bears Chewy colors Chewing, buying, tasting I like gummy bears Candy By Amber Sawyer

Ted with his Head

A pie is Yummy and Crummy, OH My THERE IS A FLY!! by Elizabeth Soehnlen

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

I slept in a bed with my old friend Ted. He has a big head and it pushed me off the bed and I hit my brother, Ned. By Luke Kerscher

Waterfall Haiku

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Pounding waterfalls Water rushing everywhere Goodbye waterfall By Scotty Reynolds

I am

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Fun Sports Fun, Active Playing, respecting, running I can play anything Awesome Marisa Riggs Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Ice-cream Ice cream is yummy Ice-cream! Ice-cream is the best Ice-cream is tastey Ice-cream! Karlie Tharpe

I am from Monopoly and football from Tide and Jif. I am from weeds and wet grass. I’m from awesome cookouts. From “What the ??” And “You!” I’m from Uniontown Elementary School and I love recess. I’m from Burger King and cheeseburgers Right hands and hazel eyes. From Grandma’s cookies. I am from Ohio and I am unique! Anderson Neidert Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

I am

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

I am I am from Clue and basketball From Downy and Crest I am from flowers and trees that grow tall I’m from trips to the beach From “Serenity Now!” And “Go to your room.” I’m from Uniontown Elementary School And my best friend is Steph.

I am from Uno and soccer From Tide and Crest I am from flowers and trees that I like to climb I’m from trips to Cedar Point From “Peace and Quiet” And “Hurry up” I’m from Uniontown Elementary School And I love recess I’m from CiCi’s Pizza And Macaroni Pizza Blond hair and Brown eyes

From baking cookies with grandma I am from Ohio and I am unique! By Abby Palenshus Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Happiness Happiness is sounds like blue It sounds like a parade. It smells like cinnaman. It tastes like cinnaman toast. It looks like the stars. Happiness feels like cotton Balls. By Clay Cooper, III Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Imaginations of Blue Happy is bright blue. It sounds like Christmas bells. It smells like cookies and milk. It tastes like a milk shake. It looks like the moon. Happiness feels like a kiss from mom. By Aubry Beard Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I am Cody Poem I am funny and helpful. I wonder if my cat will have babies. I hear people talking. I see rain puddles. I want a brother. I am funny and helpful. I pretend to run a race. I feel lazy. I touch my cat. I worry about my tests. I cry when my dad is not around. I am I am funny and helpful. I understand that my grandma is in the hospital. I say my teacher is nice. I dream about cats. I try to behave. I hope to be alive in 50 years. I am funny and helpful. By Cody Dieckman Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 20

How Sweet it is! Katie

My dog is a girl. My dog barks at the door-bell. Katie is her name. By James Whytsell

I am loving and helpful. I wonder if I am bossy sometimes. I hear blue birds chirping. I see leaves blowing in the wind. I want a cellphone. I am loving and helpful. I understand that I have to take care of my things. I say you should treat others how you want to be treated. I dream about being rich. I try to do my best in school. I hope no one will try to change me. I am loving and helpful. By Alexis Dolph

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Inside My head I am helpful and joyful. I wonder what grass is made of. I hear my dog barking. I see rain pouring down. I want 1,000,000,000 dollars. I am helpful and joyful. I understand that there are a lot of people in the world. I say I love my dog. I dream that I will have a hamster. I try to get A+’s in everything. I hope to move to Hawaii I am helpful and joyful. By Haylie Graybill Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

About My Life: Brooklyn I am busy and helpful. I wonder how you get chicken pox. I hear my sister crying. I see my shadow. I want a new bed set. I am busy and helpful. I pretend to fly. I feel the breeze. I touch the clouds. I worry that it will rain on me. I cry when my mom gets sick. I am busy and helpful. I understand that I should take my bath every day. I say I love my family. I dram about getting a DSIXL I try to go to fourth grade. I hope get a million dollars. I am busy and helpful. By Brooklyn Bennett Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I say I love everyone in my house I dream that I will see my grandma and grandpa. I try to get all A’s on my report card. I hope to get money next time I see my grandma. I am funny and honest. By Maniis Armstead Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Mom and Dad mom beautiful sweet tanning cleaning caring T.V. purses football fair swimming cleaning helpig nice tough dad by Brenden LeRay

Creatures

Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Shark and fish shark teeth big eating chomping biting ocean sharktank fishtank freshwater swimming nibling scampering small colorful Fish by Luvasia Culver

I am courageous and respectful

Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

I am Poem I am funny and honest. I wonder about lifting weights. I hear a chicken bawking. I see an 8 layer salsa dip. I want the doctor dreadful toy with fake bugs that are really gummy candy. I am funny and honest. I pretend that I am a professional NBA all star player I feel a dipladocuses’s fossil I touch an albertosauruses tooth. I worry about getting bullied. I cry when get in a fight and get hurt. I am funny and honest. I understand that kids should be on their best behavior everywhere.

I am courageous and respectful. I wonder if I am calm and energetic. I hear the wave swooshing in the ocean. I see my toes in the sand on the beach. I want my bed. I am courageous and respectful. I pretend I am an artist. I feel tired most of time. I touch my doll Molly. I worry about my brother and sister. I cry because my great grandpa died. I am courageous and respectful. I understand how to subtract. I say my manners. I dream about having my sister Katie coming home. I try to be fun with my family. I hope I make people happy. I am courageous and respectful. By Emma Gilger Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 21

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

All Aout Me: Trey I am shy and intelligent. I wonder what heaven looks like. I hear a horse galloping. I see intelligent people. I want a transformer. I am shy and intelligent. I pretend to be a pro football player. I feel happy all the time. I touch my money. I worry about my dog. I cry because my grandpa is in Heaven. I am helpful and joyful. I understand you should do your homework. I am shy and intelligent. I dream about getting a hot tub for my birthday. I try to build a robot. I hope my dog doesn’t die. I am shy and intelligent. By Trey Staats Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Sayvon’s I am Poem I am hard-working and athletic. I wonder how glasses are made. I hear the school bell. I see a chocolate chunk cookie. I want a black long sleeve. I am hard-working and athletic. I pretend to be a robot designer. I feel excited. I touch people when I hug. I worry about my brothers and sisters. I cry when I think of my grandpa. I am hard-working and athletic. I understand how to multiply. I say I love my brother. I dream about living in Hawaii. I try to get better in basketball. I hope for summer vacation. I am hard-working and athletic. By Sayvon Adams Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Lazy and smart poem I am lazy and smart. I wonder why people drool. I hear tapping I see a chocolate chunk cookie. I want a dirt bike. I am lazy and smart.

I pretend to play kickball. I feel funny. I touch a baseball. I worry if I am going to fourth grade. I cry when I think of my grandma. I am lazy and smart. I understand that skipping school is bad. I say I like chocolate chunk cookies I dream about being the smartest kid in the class. I try to my best on the spelling tests. I hope for a trillion dollars. I am lazy and smart. Iain Turick Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Go Cheetahs! Nice horse stupped cheetah horse lovable cute runing ridding galloping hay apples meat blackspotted rinning Jumpping hidding crazzy uglealy cheetah Kyle Dexter Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Facts about Me I am shy and quiet. I wonder when the world will end. I hear music. I see my teacher Mrs. Harp. I want a million dollars. I am shy and quiet. I pretend to be a movie star. I feel happy sometimes. I touch gummy bears. Yummy! I worry about my dad. I cry because I don’t get to see my dad. I am shy and quiet. I understand math. I say I love my dad. I try to do my best. I hope my dad comes back soon! I am shy and quiet. By Shakia Lucas Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 22

How Sweet it is! Fluffy

Feeling poem I am honest and happy. I wonder how shoes are made. I hear the cars. I see a rainbow in the sky. I want a red computer. I am honest and happy. I pretend to play school. I feel when there is no school. I touch my smooth cat. I worry about my dog. I cry when I have to do my chores. I am honest and happy. I understand that you should not play with litters. I say I believe in the Easter Bunny. I dream of little kittens. I try my best in school. I hope for a car and it will be red. I am honest and happy. By Diamond Benson Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Animals Cheetah Fast Scary Leaping Jumping Pouncing Savannah Carnivore Carrots hole Loving Cuddling Caring Soft Fluffy Rabbit By Lily Mejia

Man’s Best Friend

Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

There once was a dog named Tog Who lived in a big brown log And he loved to eat food And was in a good mood That nice dog named Tog. by Ty’esha Mack

Limerick

Grade 3, St. Michael

Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Blue-haired things If Thing One and Thing Two came to my house… Thing one and thing two destroy the house. Acting so crazy that he wore my blouse. With nothing to do. We just had no clue. Anything else our mom would have knew. We played a game but the fish would complain. Now the game is over now what a shame. Makaylin Joice Armstead

There once was a lucky person named O’Chucky Who lived in a house that was Lucky Who had a statue that was golden That was starting to get molden That rich, lucky person named O’Chucky. Abbey Ray

Two different cats

Grade 3, St. Michael

Cat/Tiger Cat black small scratching purring hiding trees Hairballs stripes mice biting running attacking big orange Tiger Dariun Chine Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Christmas Day Toy soldiers give fun and happiness to children around the world on an exciting Christmas Day. Anna Grabowsky Grade 3, St. Michael’s

Poem about Me I am artsy and shy. I wonder if I know my friends. I hear an imaginary sound that is lovely. I see my mommy and daddy hugging. I want a phone. I am artsy and shy. I pretend to be a princess with my dad. I feel sad because I miss my grandma I touch my eye. I worry about my family.

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 23

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

I cry when my right shoulder hurts. I am artsy and shy. I understand love. I say I am going to fourth grade. I dream I will be famous. I try to get A’s I hope to have a slumber party on my birthday. I am artsy and shy. By Lillian Adkins Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

All About Me I am helpful and funny. I wonder what heaven is like. I hear blue birds chirping. I see myself jumping in leaves during fall. I want an I pod touch. I am helpful and funny. I pretend I am an actress. I feel happy. I touch the sky. I worry about my mom while she is at work. I cry when I think of my great great grandma. I am helpful and funny. I understand that you need to treat others how you want to be treated. I say nice things to other people. I dream about being a model. I try to work hard. I hope to be a good person. I am helpful and funny. Kanei Dotson Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

The Silly Poem

I love mommy’s hugs. I gave my mom pink flowers. Kisses from my mom. By Hai’Leah R. Harper Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Cinnabun There once was a bun named Cinnaman. His friend Minnaman loaned him some Cinnaman. The he was fancy mansy! However he got antsy. That Cinnaman bun named Cinnaman. by Jac Compton Grade 3, St. Michael

Holidays Christmas valentine Christmas excited happy playing laughing opening tree present hearts cards hugging kissing Baking Red pink valentine by Robre’t Clark Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Funny poem with the letter F The flaky fox frightened the fairy farmer. He fought with the fuzzy fruit and fell on the flimsy flower. The fox frowned at the fast fish and flew away with the floor! By Cynizja Calhoun Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

The fancy fox frightened the fuzzy finger. He fought with the flaky furniture and fell on the flimsy fairy. The fox frowned at the fast frog and flew away with the ferret! By Annie Henline

Awesome Legos

Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Grade 3, St. Michael

The Very Bad Snail The slimy snail seized the silly slug. He snuggled with the smiling snake and sat with the shy squirrel. The snail sidled up to the short scarecrow and sailed away with the spider. By Aleah Leib Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

Unknown

Awesome Legos give fun building excitement to my friendly self on a storm Saturday. Owen Murphy

There once was lad named Chad Who made the clovers smell bad The clovers sat smelling up Matt Who always brought a spare hat That evil boy named Chad. Sean Domer Grade 3, St. Michael

The Love Poem Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 24

How Sweet it is! A Leprechaun Named Nate There once was a leprechaun named Nat Who loved to chat with his cat named Matt He liked to cook While reading his book But he saw a bat and sat. Charlie Belden Grade 3, St. Michael

The Bat Named “Cat” There once was a bat named Cat Who lived in a soft hat That went to the mall After the ball That crazy bat named cat. Anna Bridget Longbrake Grade 3, St. Michael

Limerick There once was a gub named Bubba the Hub Who kinda was a leprechaun-cuddle Bub He lived in a shrub and he ate blub When he ate cake He picked up a rake That tubby gub named Bubba the Hub. Barrett Scheatzle Grade 3, St. Michael

So his day was full of bad luck. by John Scarpitti Grade 3, St. Michael

Toasty Socks Toasty socks give warm feelings to cold feet on chilly, winter days. Alyssa Mattis Grade 3, St. Michael

Limerick There once was a shamrock named Gold Who had an old cold I said she had to go to bed She said I hurt my head That stick shamrock named Gold. Gabby Ricchetti Grade 3, St. Michael

Joe the Leprechaun There once was a leprechaun named Joe Who lived on a street named Doe One day he found some gold It was very, very cold Wow, that lucky leprechaun named Joe. by Logan Kieffer Grade 3, St. Michael

Gold There once was a pot of gold named Fold Who searched for gold on hold That found it in its sack Who had it for a snack That little pot of gold named Fold sold some gold. by Chiara Archer Grade 3, St. Michael

Wake up, Sleep all night Sleepy lazy tierd dreaming sleeping snoring blanket pillows coffee cereal boring gaming working active sunny awake By Joey Murray Grade 3, McGregor Elementary

My Limerick

Limerick There once was a fairy named Larry. Who was allergic to dairy. He was very lean. His favorite color was green. Oh that fairy named Larry. by Isabelle Olivieri Grade 3, St. Michael

Valentine for Granny Dear granny, here’s valentines I made it just for you This rosebud and this paper lace Are fasted tight with glue This little hart I painted These flowers I made blue And granny look here are the words Dear Granny, I love you Avery Bussey Grade 2, Whipple Elementary

There once was a prankster named Huck. Who picked up some much and threw it at a duck. The duck caused an alarm. And bit him on the arm. Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 25

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

My Puppy

Seashells

My puppy likes muffins, An he cuite as a buttin. My puppy is really fat, He likes to wear hats. He has a rubber ball, He is so cute, he loves them all. Delaney Watson

Shiny little shells laying all around in the sea and on the ground waiting to be found seashells all shapes and sizes some are smooth and some are very bumpy some are pretty some are ulgy but waiting to be found shaped like different things some are shaped like a ring that’s a different thing seashells never the same so we give them all a diffent name seashells in the sea and on the beach waiting to be found by Aleigh Welsh

Grade 2, Whipple Elementary

I Made a Valentine I made a valentine so different and new The heart isn’t all red but red white and blue It’s real patriotic and real loving to I almost forgot I made it for you. Kaitlyn Belknap Grade 2, Whipple Elementary

Cute Cute Cuddling, sleeping Running, scared, playful Tricky playful hurtful beautiful Cats By Laney Hockwalt Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Cat Cat furry playful running playing jumping They are very cute kitten by Naomi Poling Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

The Beach The beach the beach it’s so long to get there it is fun and far but we all like it a lot we go to the beach for vaication and swim in the ocean and in the end we have to leave paridise but we all had a fun time it’s time to go home till next year we can do it again we might be even better than last year we will have even more fun this year. by Alya Kerstetter

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Riley Riley is so cute. She dose not like when we leave. But she still loves us. by Grace Snodgrass Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Sharks Sharks are in the ocean so blue, white and gray feesting on fish, sqwids and lots of stuff by Kyle Digman Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Bookmobile I like it so much Bookmobile is very fun I get to study by Sydney Back Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Math Money, change dividing, writing, adding math is very fun cool 2X4=8 4+8=12 10X8=80 by Cade Dellinger Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Dragons

Dragons dragons way up high sowr and sowr as if touching the sky. Fly and fly little dragons shoot and shoot little flames with all the sparks. Fly and fly before the nights catch you! by Trent Hobson Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 26

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

How Sweet it is! Reading

Books

Reding, reading, reading. Grab a book and take a look reading, reading, reading. Go to the book store get a book and take a look. I love reading everyday look at those pictures. Wow! I love this book! I love this book! I’ll read until I die. I love reading is cool. I have a whole shelf. I love it myself. I love to read Junie B. Jones, Weird but true, Geographic and more. by Avery Miller

I love books, they are so cool! We have them at home, we have them at school. If you want the most books, here’s where you goTo the Stark District Library, and lots more you’ll know. About people, and places, and animals too. Some books are old and some books are new. Borrow a bunch and bring them home. When you’re with a book you’re never alone! By Caroline Pastore

Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Grade 2, Hartville Elementary

Apple Pie Apple pie yummy yummy Apple pie in my tummy it is like apples by Emily Brost Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Apple apple red taste sweet good so good yummy by Jacob Henderson Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Rainbows I love rainbows Their colors are so bright And they are amazing and they are so cool. When the mix their colors they are so amazing Their colors are the best things in the sky They are super cool They are so colorful. by Payton Vandal Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Colors Colors are cool. They’re fun and awesome Purple is mine by Michael Gott Grade 2, Uniontown Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 27

Grade 2 - 3

How Sweet it is!

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 28

How Sweet it is!

Grades 4 - 5 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lexi Betz

Summer

Seana Byard

My Aunt

Leah Elliot

I Saw

Christa Freeman

The Country

Devin Gibson

Clock

Louis Janowicz

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Twas the Day Before Christmas

Ayah Khawaja

Majestic

Shannon Klemens

Color Me Blue

Talia Longberry

Color Me Purple

Victoria McCord

My Dog Sassy

Eilis McGee

Imagination

Sadie Owens

Music

Prashanth Ragunanthan

A Little Bit of What Happened Today

Oscar Rodriguez

Color Me Yellow

Sierrah Schnabel

The Untold Poem

Bradley Tonges

The Color of Sunset

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 29

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is!

Summer

Poetry Pattern Run and shout, school is out! it’s time to run and play! Slap on the sunscreen, and eat all the ice cream because summertime is here to stay! Go on a bike ride, or go play outside because summertime is here to stay! The flowers will bloom, the birds are singing a tune because summertime is here to stay! Sadly it’s now the end of summer. Oh what a bummer!

Lexi Betz Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

TOUCAN One night a toucan was awaken by a strange sound, he gets up and flies to the ground. When he gets on the ground nothing was there, the ground was totally bare.

My little puppy Rosie Is so cute so fun I love her little legs Her long back Her cute tongue

We wonders “what was that noise?” It was his friend Eloise.

I love my little puppy My little weiner dog I love her every day Untill each day is done Dominique Richards Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Spring Spring is here Flowers growing here and there Butterflies everywhere

Eloise was making pretty clothes, they were very nice and had ribbons and bows. The toucan flew right back to his nest and had a very nice rest.. Bria Robinson Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

BasketBall Make That Shot

Bees buzzing in the air Birds chirping on the pier Spring is finally here Madison Blake

Basketball is so fun when you get the ball and dunk it. Even when Harley Mason always always got the ball she did. When we would play basketball nothing Would stop us from playing. Even when I would be saying b-ball is kewl. By Domiona Nelson

Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 30

How Sweet it is! My Dogs I have two dogs in my house, And I love them way more than a mouse. One of them is a Sheltie, And his name is Joey. He’s very hairy, And is a beauty. He is playful and fun There’s nothing about him that you can ruin. Then there’s another. A weiner dog like no other. They try to destroy each other. It makes me say “Oh brother.” His name is Peanut, And he growls at men and sometimes me. All he likes to be is free. Audrey Graytok Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

baseball I have to confess That baseball is the best You use a bat It’s just like that You need a glove That’s is your love You use a ball You get from the mall Justin Nichols Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Football Football is my favorite sport. You play on a field not a court. Football is the best type of sport. Football is a sport of sort. Drew Myers Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Kittens & Mittens There once was a little kitten, He had very nice mittens. He played all through the dey, He couldn’t wait till tomorrow to play. Angela Bailey Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Spring Spring has Sprung. People smell daisy and roses. Rabbits ear a lot of carrots. I take pictures of Spring’s Views. New tadpoles swim in ponds. Gnats surround people in the Spring. Samuel Jeter Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Summer I love summer It will not be a bummer It is filled with joy You can hang out with girls and boys You can go out and swim With stuff that has fins You can go play Frisbee Just don’t get dizzie You can play with the dog Just don’t trip on a log I love summer It will not be a bummer Sara Miller Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Smelly You

Football You catch You run You score You miss You lose You win You get mad You get sad But you always win Jason Snellenberger Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Midnight path Sugar is sweet lemons are sour. Snow is white That shines out thru the night. The midnight path as dark as shadows as the midnight horse runs. Down the hill with Will. Down through the river of black and the stream of gold. To the land of Unicorns when the yellow sun shines and the green grass grows. The End!!!!!! Nicole Minor

Rose are red violets Are blue this poem Probably stinks but it’s Better than you, You heed To take a shower at Least every hour Because you smell like Baby powder. When you Walk on the dock Wearing your gym socks The fish jump up and Say “P—U.” That’s all I Have to say I think I”ll be on my way. Colt Hemphill

Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Bouncing Bunny Undeniably Cute Nibbling on grass Nice and soft fur You can have them as pets Megan M. Cooper

Softball Softball is the greatest Softball is the best. Softball is my life until I die! Harley Mason Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Color Me Yellow Cold, sweet, banana posicle Makes my mouth icy cold Dandelions. Stubborn! Grow where they want Sunbeams make the sky bright and cheerful Yellow chalk smoothly writing on the board French fries make my mouth water by Amelia Verbus Grade 5, St. Peter’s

BUNNY

Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 31

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is! It's hard to explain. You can search the internet. It will show you many kinds of music and it will give you lots of ideas. Isabella Deboer

BasketBall You shoot, You run, You steal, You miss, You make, You foul, You get mad, You get sad, You lose, You win, But the best Works as A team Colton VanVoorhis

Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Bob

Grade 5, East Canton Elementar

Lego Domain A long time ago in Pego I became a Lego! I became known as Wego the Wizard Lego. In my Lego domain everyone's name ends in ego like Sego, Tego and Vego. What will yours be? Mitchell Adkins Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Dog Dogs Rule Odd Good Boy Rebecca Burgardt

There once was a boy named Bob, He liked eating corn on the cob. He ate some corn, and then he got bored, and never ate corn on the cob. Jason Dionisio Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

A Girl Named Molly There once was a girl named Molly. Her mom never gave her a dolly. So she jumped off a boat and had a stroke and that was the end of Molly. MacKenzie Dunn Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Candy There are so many kinds of candy, not just one! Chewy, gooey, crunchy yum! All the kids yell I want some!

Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

The Burgler There once was a burglar named Bly who just wanted some fries so he took a tank and blew up a bank but still didn't get his fries. Garon Carpenter Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Music Music, Music. How fun it can be. Rap, Hip Hop, Jazz too. So many more. How fun is music?

Candy here, candy there! Skittles, gumballs, and chocolate too! So much candy I just don't know what to do! I ate it all, the wrappers on the floor! Now I lay with a bellyache, and I don't want candy any more! McKenzie Ecrement Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Kassidy Kind Awesome Social Smart Incredible

Dancer Young Kassidy Harkness Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

April April is the time for showers. Power for the flowers. Right on top of my flower. Is it brighter or browner. Light up my tower pretty little flower. Michael Roher Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Sweets and Treats !!!!!!!! Sweets and Treats are yummy to eat. Sweets and Treats you just can't resist. When I get hungry for some sweets I fit chocolate in my pocket. When I get hungry for some treats I get some cheese balls to help me play soft ball. Sweets and Treats are the best things to eat!!!!!!! Kaylee Hill Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Majestic Let's take a moment feel the glory. . . All around us beauty. . . Just take a moment in simple pleasures. Don't miss a second. Open your eyes, clear skies. Open your heart the sun will rise. What makes a bouquet? Different flowers with different colors. Let's all hold hands and make a promise: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hug Mother Earth.â&#x20AC;? For peace is not just a word. Peace is Majestic. Ayah Khawaja Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 32

How Sweet it is! Yellow reminds me of happiness. Seeing the red makes me feel love. Enjoying the spectacular change of colors, Is something I'm very fond of. The color orange makes me feel comfort. Pink is like the feeling of a friend. I feel wonderful when I look at the sunset. . . A feeling I hope will never end. As the bright blue skies turn darker, Feelings of peace come over me. Watching the sun go down is so unique. It lives in my memory. Bradley Tonges Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

Silly Billy There once was a boy named Billy. Everyone thought he was silly. So he said a joke that made him choke Then he was very illy. Jacob Martzaklis Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

SPRING!!! THE FLOWERS BLOOMING, GRASS IS GROWING, THE PRETTY COLORS EVERYWHERE!!!

My Aunt

BEES ARE BUZZING, BUTTERFLIES FLUTTERING, THE SMELL OF SPRING IS IN THE AIR!!!

Aunt Rosey up in the sky nice and awesome tears come rolling down my cheek

THE SKY IS BLUE, IT'S PRETTY TOO, AND NO ONE'S IN DESPAIR!!!

Roses are a memory of you outstanding fun we had so much fun we loved energetic and brave yet these are just memories Seana Byard

WE'LL HAVE FUN, IN THE SUN, EVERYONE WILL BE HAPPY!!! Samantha Risaliti

Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary

Knowledge

Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

My Color Colors, colors, so many colors, it's hard to choose which one's mine, so I'll take them all out. Look about and find the right one for me. But there's purple, green, and blue. There's too many I don't know what to do. I guess all the colors are just right, but I have to find out which one's mine. I've got it, I've got it now, I know my color is a rainbow. Hanna Sausaman Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary

The Colors of Sunset One night while sitting on the deck, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful sunset. The colors blend like wonderful art, Each reminding me of something special in my heart.

If knowledge is found take the knowledge from the ground the knowledge is yours teach knowledgeless for hours and say the knowledge is ours. Share with all your might share day and night by James Chapman Grade 5, Glenwood Intermediate

Summer Summer is here. Summer is fun. Summer is now. Summer is almost done. The sun will rise, The sun will set, now it’s time to go to bed, School is in, now school’s out,

it all moves fast, but now it’s time, to have a blast! Desiree Hamilton Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 33

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is!

The Country

Spring

Kyrie Irving

Wheat waving in the air, Chickens clucking everywhere, Cows mooing in their stalls, Roosters singing their morning calls, Red barns dotting yellow fields, Birds fluffing their feather shields, Maple trees waving their leaves, Farmers rolling up their sleeves – “Cluck!” “Moo!” “Meow!” “Ruff!” The country is a good place, SURE ENOUGH! Christa Freeman

Spring Princess Rainbow I <3 spring Nature Good day! LaToria Clark

Kyrie Irving is the Cavaliers Point Guard, He’s a very good player because he works hard. He’s a very good player, in fact he’s a star, He’s the Cavs’ best player this season, by far. Soon he’ll be one of the best players in the NBA, He’ll be winning playoff games for the Cavs in May. Evan Akers

Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Volleyball

Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Very fun Over the net Let your hands and feet do the work Let the ball go over the net Everytime the other side will try to hit back You know what to do Bend your knees and get ready for the ball As you see the ball coming hit it over to the other side Let your team help you Last minute do your best. Jalyn Hoffner

The Untold Poem

Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary

The ink has all dried up, The paper is nothing but ashes. This ache of mine is untold. These words seem deep for a 10 year old, For it is truly night, Ten pm, if my time is right.

Toys

Grade 4, Homeschool

Spring Spring is nice outside Places with flowers everywhere Remember of spring break In my house I watch TV Not going outside when it rains Going to go outside when nice Anton Brown

For the one I loved, She is dead. She was my teacher. I started a poem for her, Until the idea faded away. She is in heaven now, And I never told my poem to her. This is the tragedy of… The Untold Poem. Sierrah Schnabel Grade 4, Whipple Heights Elementary

Toys toys are not just for boys. Toys toys bring me so much joy. Woody, Buzz, and Legos are my favorite toys. I like to ride my bike. I like to fly a kite. The main thing I like to build is my train. Connor Smith Grade 5, Lake Center Christian School

Bear Bear runs slow Bear’s super ugly Bear’s super dumb Bear’s black and fluffy like a big fat grown up cow. And all I got to say is he just a ugly dog. Wyatt Deutschman

Grade 5, Lake Center Christian School

Flower Flower, flower, it’s time to wake up! Stretch and yawn, take off the nightcap. Everything else has risen, it’s your turn. The morning sun is awaiting your arrival. Come on flower, make haste! Up you go that’s a good fellow. See, I knew you would like being out in the warm summer air. Melanie Will Grade 5, Lake Center Christian School

Teachers Teachers are as helpful as can be. They say words like honey on a bee. They never give up, they never back down. Teachers are fabulous. Teachers are kind, as kind as tall giraffes. They’re here for me and here for you. They try to have fun and they want to have fun. Teachers are fabulous.

Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 34

How Sweet it is! Teachers are useful as useful as a pencil. Their more than people Their special people Male or female their all the same Jenny Lyogry Grade 5, Lake Center Christian School

Teachers Teachers are friendly, teachers are kind, And they don’t want a child to be left behind. They know their mathematics and language arts, And smile down at you sweetly when you need a hand. They know science, social studies and reading galore! And assign you fun projects about Jupiter and mars, On the Redwood forest to the Chesapeake Bay, You’ll have an adventure in no time to say. Teachers are friendly, teachers are kind, And they want no child to be left behind. Olivia Miller Grade 5, Lake Center Christian School

“Kooky Baseball” The first timed hit I got bit, when I ran home, my ball broke a gnome, I made it to base, and the smashed a vase I saw the ball in the sky, so I caught the fly Baseball is fun that’s why I run. Colton Snyder Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

I DON’T KNOW WHY WE CAN’T FLY Gather my gear and pack the car Away we go on a trip that’s quite far We travel through each state I can hardly wait I play my games and read some more Listen to country, sleep, and snore I DON’T KNOW WHY WE CAN’T FLY We go through Georgia and stop for peaches Then it’s off to the beaches

At least, there, we won’t see any sharks I DON’T KNOW WHY WE CAN’T FLY Then, it’s off to Naples; Uncle Nick we will see I ride his Harley, play with the dogs, and swim in the gulf with glee To have lots of fun in the sun I had to pack my helmet, my riding gear, my boogie board, my goggles, my swim trunks, and my sandals With all this stuff, I know now why we can’t fly TO FLORIDA Bryce Schneider Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Pie I love pie I don’t know why maybe because it, fill up my tummy and tastes so yummy. I love it oh so much I eat it everyday for lunch. My favorite kind of pie is cherry NOT lemonrangberry! I love pie with all my heart when I am around it I can’t part. Dana Taylor Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Words Words are a steering wheel for our lives They teach us to have meaning Just as they do If we didn’t have a purpose What would we do? Words inspire They teach us to make our mark on the world And be noticed wherever we are If we didn’t have a place Where would we be? Words have impact They show us to be unique No one is precisely like you If we weren’t ourselves Who would we be? Listen to what words have to say Carly Rose Justice Grade 5, Lake Center Christian School

But, first we stop at Disney, Legoland, and the water parks Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 35

Grade 4 - 5 baseball He hits He runs He steals He peals He waits On third base It’s hit to the outfield It’s caught but wait He steals home Cody Vacco Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Fun Fun is like running. Running is like fun fun is like swimming and dancing you can sing. Those things are all fun. Fun activities are like beading drawing things like that. People think fun can only be like a sport but that is not the only thing that could be fun fun is like me I’m fun and so are you. Krista Sutton Grade 5, Schreiber Elementary

Glorious

How Sweet it is! And a hook, There’s a block, And a hawk, And a triple-o-seven, Hey, am I eleven? Brianna Roth Grade 5, Lake Center Christian School

Benchwarmer Beast I'm proud to be on the bench where at least I know I should be. I remember the time I thought coach told me to go in, but he pointed to the guy next to me, as I proudly stood up, I sat right back down. Coach remembered that I airballed the three. There ain't no doubt I love this bench God bless these cushioney seats. Ethan Kulich Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary

Halloween Night Haunted houses Approaching very slowly Lurking around to the front door Looking inside the crack Out goes the bat flying to the other room, the Witch's cauldron is bubbling with green icky stuff Eeekkk goes the pure white ghost Entering the room the bat came in but the witch spotted me Nooooo! The END of ME! Eve Nicholas

Candy Is So Sweet Candy is really awesome It is best if it is sweet I will always like some It is my favorite thing to eat My favorite candy is a Snickers If anyone takes it I will start to bicker Each and every candy makes me want to fly Although I do not know why My second favorite is a Milky Way If you give me one it would really make my day If you give me more that would be great And it would make me mad if you made me wait So give me lots of candy That would really be dandy And do you know what would really make me bow? To give me some right now! Joseph Schueller Grade 5, Pfeiffer Intermediate

Summer How sweet it is to hear the sound of birds chirping up on the mound I love to feel the summer breeze tickle my toes and nip at my knees It's fun to play at the beach While eating some yummy quiche I love summer you probably do too especially when you go to the zoo! Kaitlyn Woolbert

Trees are to grass, As grass is to mass, As mass is to brass, And so on. And sing a long song, Come let’s play along, Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary There’s music in my ear, Domonique That people want to hear. Loving, kind, smart, mean Babies are cute, Daughter of a funny mom, And the TV’s on mute, Sister of a annoying brother So let’s go and play, Lover of having fun There’s no time to waist a good Who fills hipper active day. Who finds happiness in life Who gives pouches to people who There’s a pea in the sea, make me mad And he’s not comin’ back till you Grade 4, Lake Cable Elementary Who fears spiders give him a snack. Who would like to see there dream There are lights that are bright, car Resident of Canton, Ohio And colors that are slight, McAllister There’s a gong, Domonique McAllister And a song, Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary And a book, Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 36

How Sweet it is! Sparkling jewels around fairy queen’s necks And I’m sure that you cannot tell ‘Twas the day before Christmas, when all through the That behind that very corner, a witch casts a hex halls, The trees were all decorated with green and red balls; It sees all of these things, when all the Armies fell Yet it pushes on The stockings were hung on the back of their chairs, Through spires of castles, shining and tall Filled with candy canes and cute teddy bears, Thoroughbred horses, muscled and angelic The children asked anxiously, Mrs. Simon, what’s the Orphans, all starved, just trying to make It through it matter? all She yelled back to them, there’s way too much chatter, A sorcerer holds a magical crystal relic In through the door popped Mrs. Murray, As a phoenix sounds its final battle call It’s time for the party, come children hurry, It has witnessed death, and life, and birth When over the loudspeaker bellowed the scrooge Mr. The worst things to happen on this Earth Buck, But all it did was go about its business The parties been cancelled, your all out of luck, Didn’t stop to watch but a wartime goodbye kiss So the students left the school quietly and without Do you know what it did instead of this? much cheer, It pushed on Were on vacation, see you next year! Music drifts lazily through the air Louis Janowicz Floating through the summer breeze Grade 5, Glenwood Intermediate Sadie Owens

“Twas the Day Before Christmas”

Grade 5, Faircrest Memorial

In my mind In my mind, there are things, things no one else can see. In my mind, I can fly, through the trees and past the sky. In my mind, my thoughts are free, like the wind in the trees. In my mind I am free and can be who I want to be. Madylin Medley Grade 5, Arts Academy at Summit

Summer

My dog Brody My dog Brody is very loud My dog Brody is very proud When he plays with his toys He always makes a lot of noise His bark is like a bat hitting a ball His toys were just a trip to the mall When he squeaks his squeaker toy It gets so annoying so I give it to the other boy. Brody is my hugger, my kisser and more Brody is just a walk right out the door. Aubri Bower

Summer you swim at the beach. Umbrella you use when it is raining hard where you don’t get wet. Grade 5, East Canton Elementary May is for flowers to bloom and sprout and time for I SAW June. Many people love to chat with parents and have friends I SAW TREES DANCING IN THE WIND over. Every day is fun to play and lots of candy for children. I SAW CARS SKATING ON THE ROAD Rain showers are for flower to grow and sprout and I SAW TREES BOWING AS WE PASSED live. Really summer is fun for everyone! MAYBE THIS WILL BE THE DAY PIGS FLY Mercedes Swogger Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

AND GLYDE ACROSS THE EVENING SKY

Music

BUT THEN I SAW IT BIG AND STRONG

Music drifts lazily through the air Floating through the summer breeze Humming melodies without care Rustling the leaves in the trees Pushing on, kissing the faces of ladies fair As knights in shining armor find princesses to please And it pushes on It finds hollows in trees where owls dwell

TWIRLING LIKE A BALLERINA ROUND AND ROUND I SAW A TORNADO A TWISTER ROUND AND ROUND I SAW

Leah Elliott Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 37

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is! Baby Pelican

Softball

Softball, softball it is so fun. Batting, and running, and sliding what fun! Singles, doubles, triples, and homeruns, but the grandslam is the ultimate one. Pitching, and fielding, and catching oh my. Throwing that ball with all of your might. To make that out is what a fielder loves. Softball, softball you are a friend to me. Alexis Zavarelle Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Care Never a weakness that he can’t feel. Never a sickness that he can’t heal. I swear moment-by-moment Jesus cares. When your asleep Jesus peeps. If you take a knee and pray with me I sear Jesus will care. Bow your head take a knee Jesus asks please. Show your heart and learn your part and no one will break your heart you can get through it you just have to do it. Brandon Brown Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Running When I run I’m number one I have lots of fun when I run I’m faster than a cheetah Faster than lighting My feet barley touch the floor I bet I’ll beat you to the door I usally win the races but when I lose the crowd never boos. Jessica Gnes Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Time Time always ticks Time always tocks Time will never end Time goes slow Time goes fast Time goes fast When having fun Time goes slow When your not having fun even though Time always ticks You never have enough time in your day Robby Dimmerling

Baby pelican wonders where is the sky So she goes outside and tries to fly. She’s wobbly and unbalanced and finally falls She hits the ground and mysteriously ends up near Victoria Falls. She lands in the river and starts to swim then she noticed she had no fins but she had something better webbed feet. That night she could not sleep she didn’t even make a peep. Her mother was near when her baby pelican was in fear, and saved her with no tears. They started to fly home by the shore and noticed that its Home Sweet Home! Mackenzie Kendrick Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Basketball! Basketball is life Basketball is in my blood. The hoop and ball are in fashion. The players on the court that love the game. The defence scrambling for the ball. The offence scoring all the points. East Canton the team I love. Basketball is the best. Ashley Kramer Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Softball The softball pitcher pitched the ball She swings strike!! She pitches again She swings she hits She makes a homerun She won the Game! Her team is so proud O softball o softball your so fun! Elizabeth Klotz Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 38

How Sweet it is! and a blanket close yer eyes and fall asleep. Brenden Mollohan

Basketball He shoots He steals He blocks He dunks He ally-opps He beats the buzzer He win’s the game He get’s the trophy Dallas Moldouan

Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Basketball

Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Clock I am a face with many numbers. I have hands that turn on my nose. My red hand turns Faster than the others as they Run a race around me! They pin me to the wall or Sit me on a desk. But people depend on me So they are on time, and not late! Devin Gibson Grade 5, St. Peter School

Flowers Gleam and Glow Flowers gleam and glow so let the glory show. Leave the world behind, lets find a vibe To Florida’s time! Fish swim all day, kids go out to play In the sunshine. In Florida’s time! Spring is popping out Its Florida’s time to shout So get up and scream along Through all day long! Because… Flowers gleam and glow. So let the glory show. Leave the world behind! Lets find a vibe In Florida’s time. Alexis Pennell Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Sleep Sleep all day Sleep all night I like sleep Sleep likes me You grab a pillow

Basketball is cool Basketball is fun. You rebound, shoot, and run. Sometimes you can win. Sometimes you can get creamed. And maybe you might even scream! Trinity Moseley Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Color Me Yellow Cold sweet, banana popsicle Makes my mouth freeze and icy cold Dandelions Stubborn! Grow where they want Yellow chalk Smoothly writing on the board Sun beams shining in the sky Cheeseburger Makes my mouth water Bright yellow sun in the sky Warming my face Oscar Rodriguez Grade 5, St. Peter School

Color Me Purple! Round, soft, ripe plums Sweet and juicy as I bite into them. Soft, purple, fleece blanket Cozy and warm to snuggle in. Big, talented, wrinkled elephants Performing tricks in the circus. Pretty, delicate, blooming violets Sitting in the warm sun Smiling at me. Talia Longberry Grade 5, St. Peter School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 39

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is!

Welcome

Spring Acrostic Poem

Butterflies are big the ladybug is not. The sun is shining with all of the super power pop with all the grass and all the clouds and all the races the flower are blooming by all of the capes. Blake Sopp

Spring is the time of year some people love. Pettles have a scent no flower haves. Rain is coming again. I am just so sad. No one cares that spring is near. Go have some fun agin because I love spring. Curtis Harman

Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Spring is here Probably warmer weather Rain is often here It’s nothing to do when it rains Now nature blooms in spring Going outside in the rain. Decota Guy

Spring Acrostic Spring is for fun and for family. Picking flowers is for the spring. Rain makes the flowers grow in the rain. I can have fun in the spring. No one cares that spring is here. Great things happen in spring but most of all your with the family. Khristopher Jaylin Johnson Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Acrostic Homeroom Spring is nice to enjoy. Places to see where the flower is growing. Remember the old days of spring. I’m enjoying. The spring is to have fun. Never forget about anything of spring. Good morning folks…Have a great breakfast. Aaron Heckman Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Spring Acrostic SPRING Planting a garden Raining I like to look at the sun Now flowers. Going to have fun! Tyionne’ Harper Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Spring Acrostic Spring is here sing a happy song. Plants are dancing and singing all day long. Rain is falling from the sky. In the sun with everyone. Never inside always outside Going to the park saying welcome spring!! Isabell Harman

Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Spring Poem

Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Spring Acrostic Spending time with family outdoors. P Picking flowers in the meadow. R unning through green grass. I love the smell of outdoor spring. Nature blooms in spring. Go and have some fun! X’Zandria Confalone Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Line of Symmetry You got two arms that help you move things. You got two hands to feel things. You got two eyes to see. You got two ears to hear. You got two legs to help you to walk. You got two feet to balance yourself on your legs. You got two nostrales to help you breath. Devon Morris Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Acrostic Poem April is a time for rain showers People smell April flowers Raindrops fall on the ground Inside I stay until rain stops Lovely little flowers blooming! Thomas Middlebrooks Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 40

How Sweet it is! Desk I am a smooth gray desk My top is creamy like glass Over and over junk is shoved in my the corners of my mouth I eat books, pencils, markers, and crayons Never to be found again In June I get cleaned out My mouth is washed with soap The lights go out, Summer begins I am fresh and clean For the next school year. Kyle Levengood Grade 5, St. Peter School

Ball I am a red, bouncy ball As round as the sun I have a pattern of small ridges I feel smooth but rough I smell like a car’s rubber tire I bounce so high, so high in the sky, 5 ft. high! It’s painful to get punctured So keep me away from nails. I can roll, but I like to bounce more So please don’t kick me! I have lots of relatives But I’m the most thought of when it comes to a ball I, the Red, bouncy, ball Jeffery Kinnison

Color Me Red

Grade 5, St. Peter School

Fragrant delicate, red rose A gift for a special lady Fire truck screaming down the street Fire Burns Cool to see Smells like trash Blood Gross If you cut yourself Flows out to the ground Victor Martinez

The Moowconsis

Grade 5, St. Peter School

Color Me Blue Wide enormous sky Laying on the ground Looking up Our hard blue chairs Heavy, cold, difficult to Lift Blueberries sweet in smoothies Sour when you first bite down Smooth when going down my Throat Light blue paint Messy when it gets on skin But so pretty to look at Shannon Klemens Grade 5, St. Peter School

The Moowconsis is round but likes to run. The Moowconsis is fat but does not agree. It likes to call itself round but not fat, it does not like the word fat. The Moowconsis flies, but does not have wings and it lives on the moon. The Moowconsis is a boss when you want to play. It likes for every thing to go its way. The Moowconsis sleeps during the day that means it is nocturnal. I never seen a Moowconsis. Have you seen a Moowconsis? Phoebe Swegheimer Grade 5, Homeschool

I Like Orange Orange doesn’t rhyme with anything, but I like it on everything. I like to eat it, I like to wear it. Do you like orange too? I know I do! Jonah Weinland Grade 4, Homeschool

Winter Winter is so fun, though there is no sun, that is what the children say, as they run and laugh and play, through snow so white, then they go to bed at night. Josiah Crock Grade 4, Homeschool

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 41

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is!

Old Man

Nevaeh

There was an old man from Zinkeezink, who liked to drink a cup of pink ink. He got a big cup, he drank it all up, and then he turned the color of pink. Aidan Comfort

Kind, loving, smart, sweet Who feels loved, happy, strong Who needs, mom, dad, sister Who fears mom, dad, dogs Who give rudeness, support, judging Who would like to see Paris, Italy, Europe Edmond Kaitlyn Rayner

Grade 4, Homeschool

Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Sierra

The Goat The goat is a happy animal; it runs at will. The goat plays and runs and eats. The goat is a fun animal. I have 1 goat and it is so fun. It is orange. I Love my goat! Grace Simon Grade 5, Homeschool

Test I have this HUGE test todayAt least I studied for it! As the teacher passes it out, I take a deep breath and start. As time flies, I finish just before she collects them. I try not to think about it until I get it back. Finally, I get it and I am SURPRISED! I only got one wrong. I got the highest score of the class! Madeline Dodson Grade 4, Canton Country Day School

How Come Santa Doesn’t Visit Me How come Santa doesn’t visit me? We set out cookies and put out a tree. Is there something wrong with me? Santa never visits orphan kids like me. I don’t stay up on Christmas Eve. I go to sleep, don’t sleep sweet dreams. Why doesn’t Santa visit me? Today is Christmas Eve, I woke up late and went to eat and found Santa “did” visit me! Adriana Soloman Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Blode, hair, shiny, blue-eyes Who feels sitting is broing Who needs to have her dog Who fears the fact of death Who gives happens to life Who would like to see all of tokyo Merten Sierra Merten Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Welcome Spring Spring is almost here Purring cats coming near. Running and playing in the sun oh what fun. I love spring Never ever deny spring Give a smile for awhile Alize’ Kolbs Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Acrostic Spring Poem Special weather People are kind Rain in the spring time In the out doors fun Not rot’s if school here Going to love the spring time Stephanie Turner Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Summer Peaceful places everywhere Each of every person is peaceful A peaceful life is great Come and start peace Everyone we want peace Full of peace and love Unpeaceful is not nice Live love peace! Jayda Kay Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 42

How Sweet it is! My Name April is a time for showers People like April flowers Rain storms It’s time for people to stop talking about people Life is not fun as a child Do not past a stop sinces cars A person that talks about people behind their backs Know that they can only say it behind your back On a car They can not say it to your faces only behind your back A funny joke Dakota Sanchez Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Capri Cute since I came in this world Awesome at Mario Bros. Pretty as always going to be Ride or die for my friends and family Intelligent at school Super at math reading Ordinary-act just like myself Lazy sometimes when it come to doing things Open to my family Memorizing and focus Open to my friends Nice to people I like and love Capri Soloman Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Spring Acrostic So wrong Pain I go through Igniting my past No body gets it Going back to my old life. Damaile Williams Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

The Way Spring Shines Things are beautiful in spring Hot and cold Eat and play Warm ness is at their spring or April And we go watch them Yay it’s spring my garden grows and my flowers bloom Sun shines a little bit on the flowers Pretty flowers come out Rain is coming out to fell on the flowers In spring thers a whole bunch of rain Not some people come outside Growing flowers Sun Nice In April good things happen Nice Easter is in spring Some people come out and play with people Anysna White Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Spring Acrostic So what time for spring. Polish in the spring melts Rother or not it is spring I feel good it is spring No one loves spring like I do. Giting to love spring. Sage Sopp Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Acrostic Name Shines bright Have’s fun times Awsome always and forever Nice Enjoys hot days I’m fun to be with And very smart Shaneia Blile Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 43

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is!

Spring Acrostic Poem Sun is for outside and not for dark eather People like to go to store everyday to fool people. Rainy for outside but not inside. In the park they like to slide down the hill. Nobody want to stay inside but they like go outside. Good people like to go to the park. Adam Heckman Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Spring Acrostic Spring is here and I am there Plants are singing and I am ringing Ready fro the sun to shine on me In the sun with everyone. Never stay inside go have a fight Go outside and have some fun go and play “everyone” Daryana Cash Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Saplings in the morning Petals are growing Rain starts poring down It starts to hit the ground Now everybody wants to frown. Growing flowers cause its spring, spring! Selena Ady Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Spring Time Super sunny spring Pretty and beautiful flowers Rainbows gleam after rain In the spring birds sing New babies are born. Great sunny Spring is here! Kyra Jackson Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

April April is time for showers this makes People smell like beautiful smelling

Roses and make me do poses It is lovely to smell like Lovely little blooming flowers SHOWERS Ariss Francisco Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Acrostic Name Poem D ynamite at OAA A wesome at staying focused. M arco is my nick name! A mazing reader. R eading is a great subject at school. C onfidence in hard times. O bey my parents. Damarco Jenkins

Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

My World

Spring Acrostic

My world is a place where there’s no sadness, only gladness And no madness My world is a place where there is no tests, no mess My world is a place where everything’s free And everyone can be My world is a place with TVs and MP3s, and video games And no shame My world is a place where you can meet your fave singers Admit it, no one can beat my place, face it, no one Victoria Hopkins

Biopoem Harry Smart, brave, strong, and daring. Son of a sacrificing mother. Friend of the perfect student. Lover of his school and what he does. Who feels he has to take risks to save. Who finds happiness in being magic. Who gives his safety to protect others. Who fears his biggest enemy. Who would like to see his fear fall. Who enjoys wizard’s games. Who would like to wear a face of victory. Resident of Hogwarts school. Potter Joshua Hartley Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Bio-Poem Kaitlyn Smart, kind, loving, beautiful Who feels loved, happy, strong Who needs mom, dad, Nevaeh Who fears David C., spider, all bugs Who gives rudeness, support, judging Who would like to see Beoncye, Italy, Paris Rayner Nevaeh Edmond Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Grade 5, Chapel Hill

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 44

How Sweet it is! The hit

The Good Books

-Jacobs Field -11:11 PM ET

When I read books They take me to other places and I don’t have to get out of my chair. When I read “Amber Brown” books they take me to her house, and I can imagine in my mind just what it looks like. They take me to her messy room, and I can imagine the mess! I love reading; I never want to stop! Linzee Garnes

It was the World Series, Game number seven, Down by three, In the bottom of eleven, There was two outs, But the bases were loaded, The Dodgers were ready, The catcher spoke coded, I was at bat, The strikes were at two, I felt much pressure, My fellow Indians felt blue, They threw the pitch, And I heard a crack, The ball went soaring, Off my bat with a wack, “Grand Slam!” yelled Jake Shankel, Fan rallied with stun, Because of Joe Keller, The game is done! I was an all-star, And was awarded MVP, So I got a new sports car, I will not forget, That amazing hit, That changed my life more than a bit. Joe Keller Grade 5, Lake Cable Elementary

A Ghost in My Closet OOOOhhhh! What was that sound? I don’t know…but I’m ducking down! I’m really scared…what should we do? I don’t know…but I can play a kazoo! That won’t help! OOOOhhhh! Do you hear that? It’s coming from my closet. Let’s investigate. Come on let’s go… I see it’s your cat, Joe! Oh Joe, you made us worry so! by Mycha Fueling Grade 4, McGregor Elementary

Grade 4, McGregor Elementary

Love Love is when you love One person badly and your Very desperate for that person Everyone think it’s crazy but you think it’s wonderful what love is really about Shekannah Adkins Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

My Dog Sassy I had a dog named Sassy. She was the color brindle. She was a pit bull that loved to play and did so every day. I remember how she used to yelp when she was in trouble. When I say on the floor, she laid in my lap and when I plopped down on the couch she plopped down on my head. The day she was taken away I ran upstairs and cried all day. Oh how I miss my Sassy. She was the dog for me. by Victoria McCord Grade 4, McGregor Elementary

My Brother Right there playing catch with me. A big, strong man. You would find him on the football field. Go Timken Trojans! Marietta College bound. One year of football Now he’s moved on… Don’t like that he lives so far away in Tennessee! Nicholas Gaut Grade 4, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 45

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is!

The Tragic Loss

UGLY DOLLS

Football is fun don’t you think so? Just be ready to get hit from head to toe. The Browns are on 4th and goal. The quarterback gets sacked. Ugh! The lineman for the Steelers is big and tall. The quarterback runs. Swish! The tight end gets hurt. Ouch! The clock is ticking. Tick tock, tick tock! Pittsburg is kicking. The ball goes soaring And the crowd goes roaring. With a swish the ball flies through the yellow posts scoring the points to give Pittsburg the most. The Browns go home with their heads down. Boo Hoo! Will they ever win a game or two? Antonio Nichols

I love ugly dolls. One is dark blue. They all have a ball. My favorite one is named Lue.

Grade 4, McGregor Elementary

Acrostic Spring Spring is time to grow flowers with mom. Picking petals Rain is coming again today. I am so cool in the morning. Nothing to do when its raining but read a book. Going to have fun out in spring. Khyree Woody Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Welcome Spring Sapling in the morning Petals are going to bloom Rain starts coming down I like the smell of outdoor spring! Nature blooms in spring… Go and have some fun! Deron Williams Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Lue likes to eat pizza. Now he’s as fat as an onion. His girl-friend’s name is Lisa. I think he just hurt his bunion! His evil enemy is Daniel. He’s as skinny as a toothpick. I think Daniel just sat on Nathaniel! Nathaniel thinks he’s going to be sick! Lue is getting sleepy. So he hopped in his bed. He’s getting really dreamy. Good night sleepy head! Isabella Armentrout Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Nerf Let the darts fly past you, Let the sound of the swooshing darts surround you, Let the motor fly and rumble while all the darts come by, Dodge the array dodge all of them and win! Because it is more than just a Game by Kyle Aten Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Dancing with the music Drowning in the music. Around the stage for fun. Nothing matters when your out there dancing. Cross the lines of dance and try something new with the music. I can assure you, dance will show you the way Not listening to the music will untie your dance Go out and have some fun with the music for the best dancing topping! By Alexa Bishop Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Wonderful things Blue Jays soaring through the trees Big Waves passing through the seas. Ladybugs buzzing just like bees. A wonderful world just on your knees. By Alicia Costello Grade 5, Sandy Valley

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 46

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is! Ice cream I-Ice cold C-Creamy gold E-Edible goodness C-Crispy cones like kit-kats R-Rich creaminess E-Eating it with joy A-Amazing flavor that burst in your mouth M-Made of cream

Soccer

By Madison D’Avello

I shoot the ball into the goal The goalie misses like it’s hot coal I cheer and laugh and high five Uh oh, I think it hit a bee hive! Kaitlyn Leib

Grade 5, Lake Elementary

ALL About ME, Natalie Nice as a butterfly that goes flutter. Active like an athlete, that can run like a cheetah. Talented like a turtle that can run Awesome as a person that can fly Loving like a cat with yarn Independent as a lady bug with no wings Exciting like a roller coaster that goes zoom!!!! By Natalie Cross Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Night So , so quiet like a mouse, In a nice little yellow house.

I kick the ball to Bill He kicks it up the hill. Into the goalie’s hands it goes Power of his feet and toes. The goalie throws the ball to Ned He hits it off his head. Passes it to Kim A good pass from him.

Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Are you better than me? YOUR POEM IS BETTER THAN MINE BECAUSE I CAN’T EVEN RYME. YOUR HOME WORK IS BETTER THAN MINE BECAUSE I FORGOT TO DO MINE. YOUR MATH PAPER IS BETTER THAN MINE BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE IF I’M DOING IT RIGHT. YOUR SCIENCE PROJECT IS BETTER THAN MINE BOOM!!!!! OH WAIT NEVER MIND. By Samantha Robertson

Everybody is tucked in bed , Same thing as the pet Ned.

Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Nothing is on , not even a lamp, It almost remind of boy scout camp.

Toys, toys lots of noise. More more toys galore. Pick up your toys and stop making noise. I have a head ace boys

Light is coming from each direction, It is like a magnet connection. The night is over, So now goes to sleep one of their pets Grover Jonathan Kelley

Toys

Pick up your toys boys and stop making noise If you want to make noise take out your toys boys. STOP ALL THAT NOISE BOYS!

Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Victoria Randolph

Frisbee

Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Three, two, one, swish! There it goes flying in the air Almost cutting off that kids hair Coming back to me in speed Hitting me I wouldn’t need But sure enough it hit me This is the worst frisbee I’ll just go play tag. Olivia Costello

Spring Acrostic Spring is here People cheer Rain falls In the sky Nuts fall Ground is full of flowers Isaiah Allen Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Grade 5, Sandy Valley

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 47

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is!

A Little Bit of What Happened Today

The loving name poem

As I stepped so carefully across the floor, I only had to get to the door I worried and trembled that I would make a mess, To my surprise, I started playing chess

N stands for never be a bully A stands fro always kind and loving U stands for useful of love T stands for the best friend I stands for incredible at work K stands for kind always A stands for always sharing with friends

When I got outside, I breathed a sign of relief, For I no longer had to suffer the thought of grief If one speck of dust got on the floor, Then I was ready for a really big chore A little bit later, I went to school, The stain on my shirt made me look like a fool First I tripped, then I slipped, then I fell on my face, At the end of school I just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t race As I was nearing my house, I saw an annoying little mouse When I saw somebody in a ticket booth, It made me think of adults mourning for their youth A little bit later it got very dark, It was definitely not time to go to the park I could not see any cars along the way, Surely this is the sign of a brand new day I guess today was a pretty good day, It would have been better if it had gone my way Not too hot, not too cold, but just a day thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mild Hope tomorrow will not be quite as wild by Prashanth Ragunanthan Grade 5, Glenwood Intermediate School

My Name Poem D stands for delightful to be around E stands for excellent in class S stands for smart in class T stands for tall I stands for intelligent N stands for not taking being bullied Y stands for still young an free Destiny Barrino Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Welcome Spring Acrostic Poem So many wonderful sights Pretty buterflys pretty birds Rain falling birds hatching In spring there are rainbows and rain No more cold weather Groundhogs come out to play by Angelleigha Berry Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Q stands for quiet all the time U stands for understanding everything I stand for in love with learning N stands for never giving up on anything A stands for always in a good mood E stands for everything she learns is always on her mind C stands for calm all the time O stands for over happy about learning M stands for miss school when it is out P stands for promising T stands for talkative though O stands for obey everything your mom or dad says N stands for never give up on anything because you can always try again sometimes in your life. My name is Nautika Quina Compton! by Nautika Compton Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Bio Poem Jade Dedrick Kind, smart, caring. Wishes to go to New York City. Dreams of happy dreams and sometimes nightmares. Worries about clowns. Who wonders about stuff. Who fears clowns. Who hopes to be a writer. Who likes magazines. Who believes that fairies are real. Who plans to go to see the Statue of Liberty. Who thinks that Tweety Bird is the best character on Looney Toons. Who needs glasses to see. Who finds Spongebob funny. Who risks nothing. Who wants to be remembered as a nice person. by Jade Dedrick Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 48

How Sweet it is! The Kick Ball

BIO POEM

I am a scuffed, red, soft kick ball I have bumpy ridges covering my skin.

Megan Funny, kind, loyal, fast Relative of Kim Lover of Christ I feel happy I need god I fear of spiders I give love I would like to see my family that lives out of town. I live in Uniontown Moraghan Megan Moraghan

A small plugged hole Keeps the air from seeping out of me. I smell like an old used tire. I have a thick, tough outer cover. I can bounce four feet high, Or can be kicked to the moon. But I am not invincible. I will burst if I hit a sharp edge. Ben Turner

Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Grade 5, St. Peter School

Lataisha Loving and kind. And very pretty. Talented at sports. And I’m very outstanding. I’m very courageous. Smart at math, reading and science. Having fun in school but can’t wait till schools out to hang with my friends. And my birthday coming soon can’t wait I’m so excited for it to come.

My Favorite Thing Rick Riordan Easy to read A journey for adventure Dragon breathing fire Iron dragon's Neptune's son is a hero Good guys always win By Blake Stockwell Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Lataisha Hudson-Snow Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Older Sister My older sister is fine, But sometimes she gets out of line, Lots of times we fight, But then she looks like a bright light, We like lots of books, But we can’t cook, She loves me a lot, But sometimes makes me feel like I want to rot, Older sisters can be rough, But it trains you to be tough. Devan Domer Grade 5, Lake Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 49

Grade 4 - 5

How Sweet it is!

A Day with Dad Every day I have A day with dad, We play catch and The ball sizzles Like the sun. The ball is like The bright yellow Sun. We play all Day until the day Turns to night. Every night he comes In and when I’m in My bed sleeping He gives me a KISS. The next day the Thunder is a big sound of BOOM! Sometimes we goof Off but, he is my Dad and I LOVE HIM! So I hug him. When we leave for vacation And we don’t come Back there’s a Reason for that. I Love him very much. There’s a reason for That too. The reason is because He is my DAD! Tayler Willey Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 50

How Sweet it is! The J-U-N-E Poem June is finally here Under the trees we cheer Never fear June is here Everyone just have fun and cheer Salaja Glenn Grade 5, Gibbs Elementary

Raccoons Sneaky, black, Jumps into sack, Guilty for stealing food, Rodent. By Camella Bloom Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Imagination I rode a seahorse yesterday And played with mermaids this past Sunday. They dressed and made me look splendid today; I didn’t even have time to play. I will play with a Cheetaphant tomorrow And feed it my breakfast cereal. Then I will ride it to Australia And visit every zoo in town To see if any of them have the animal I found. And I think on Saturday… Oh, and I forgot to say, My imagination runs away. Eilis McGee Grade 4, Whipple Heights Elementary

Watching Baby Birds Hatch Watching baby birds hatch is so much fun, but don’t let them sit in the sun! Oh how cute the babies are...their beaks come out so far Poking through the eggs they hatch Waiting for food From their mother’s stash. Savannah Evans Grade 4, McGregor Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 51

How Sweet it is! Babysitting Babysitting is fun The kids like to run The 5-year-olds are tough Because they are always rough And when I make a meal They always steal Each other’s food all day. And when it’s time for a bath They always splash And when it’s time to go to bed They have me read a bedtime story instead. And at the end we all go to bed. Megan Kirkpatrick Grade 5, East Canton Elementary

Gymnastics I fly through the air like a bird. I stretch like a rubber band. I tuck then I stretch as I reach the land. I mount then I bounce on to a four inch beam. I do some more tricks as the judge picks on if my toes are pointed or not. I really like gymnastics a lot! Katey Koehl Grade 4, Lake Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 52

How Sweet it is!

Grades 6 - 7 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brittany Cain

The Wolf

Mahlee Evans

Hawaiian Beach

Anna Freeman

The Butterfly

Maggie Graber

Joy follows suffering

Danielle Gulley

I’ll wait for You Forever

Breea Joiner

Just Because

Leah Dina-Marie Llewellyn

Dreaming

Kaitlyn McGeorge

THE TREE OF LIFE

Jensen Miller

Over the Misty Mountains Cold

Dillan Pritchett

Battlefield

Hannah Robinson

Another Day

Brittany Russell

Silence

Madisyn Smith

Just Put a Pencil in my Hand

Abigail Thouvenin

Memory Quilt

Emma Vega

Hiding in the Dark

Nelson Zutali

‘In the Holocaust’

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 53

Grade 6 - 7

How Sweet it is!

Dreaming

Romantic Love

I am in the deep blue sea, and I am looking up at the sun. The blurry yet beautiful image is overwhelming as I breathe in the sea water without drowning, I let out a soft sigh, you can see small bubbles burst from my mouth, and float up angelically to the surface. Now as I swim at the speed of light away from everything, I think of all that I am leaving behind. As a dark cloud comes into view overhead and shocks me with lightning, I wake up instantaneously. It takes me less than a minute to realize it was just a dream. So I drift back to the dream, and there I stay for all eternity. Leah Dina-Marie Llewellyn

The enlightened world will be one in which everyone all the time. We will see each other as God created us as the perfect, loving, and amazing people we really are. The purpose of romantic love is to jump-start of our enlightenment. Kenya Johnson

Grade 7, Oakwood Middle School

Pollution Let’s heal the earth, let’s do it now. Let’s pick up the trash and let’s do it when we don’t have class. Think about the ducks and think about water. That’s their only way to get there transportation you don’t want to spoil the ducks’ reputation. Hold up can’t forget their flight that’s only way they can be cool and tight. Stop! The smoking stop the pollution you know that cause revolution. Do you think we have a good solution? Tyshawn Thompson

Grade 6, Gibbs Elementary

Never Judge a book by thy cover. R.I.P Tupac Shakur Never judge a book by the cover read it from the inside and receive the true message don’t judge by the rage used to explain because man wasn’t made to look and then turn away so let it be like they say the truth hurts either way and a man should never die for rapping the truth things people don’t want to hear because to others the message did not go in one ear and out the other ear. Chase Chadwell Grade 7, Crenshaw Middle School

Yellow Late yellow sunflowers Bright yellow lights Delicious yellow cheese Taste of good bananas The sweet taste of sour lemons Sweet smell of pretty flowers The relaxing summer My old wise great grandpa A great happy feeling That pretty relaxed feeling That awesome feeling that it is Going to be a good day Tyler Thatcher Grade 7, Crenshaw Middle School

Grade 6, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 54

How Sweet it is! Green

The Beach

Dew covered grass, glowing jades, and leaf-filled trees Taste of sour limes, scent of fresh grass, sweet Grapes Spring in Ohio Green peppers, buds on flowers, the Grinch Common, as green as the new guy, clean by Tobias Kuba

The sun was shining ever so brightly. The waves crashing upon the shore making a wooshing sound very slightly. The sand was as soft as my carpeted floor. As I was tanning on the ground the wind made a whistling kind of sound. You feel the sun beating on your skin. Hear the birds beautifully sing. The one place where I’d want to be is the beach because it’s the place for me. Emma Vega

Grade 7, Crenshaw Middle School

ROYGBIV RED is anger pulsing through my body, ORANGE is joy prancing around and singing, YELLOW is happiness sitting and daydreaming, GREEN is envy mad at someone else, BLUE is seriousness staying calm, INDIGO is love squirming around, VIOLET is fun doing whatever comes to them. By Devin Phillips Grade 6, Homeschool

Icecream I scream for icecream chocolate, cherry, coconut, brownie, buckeye, blueberry so many flavors to chose from I scream for icecream drip drop drip drop melting down the cone like the rain falling from the sky. Rachel Byrd Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

Nature Nature is beautiful just like you, The grass is green, the sky is blue. Smell a flower one beautiful day, It is unique in its own special way. Nature’s wonderful pure and sweet, Hear the robins go tweet, tweet. Trees are tall broad and strong, Hear the birdies sing a song. Butterflies flutter round your house, Feel the sunshine through your blouse. Thunder storms rolling in, Feel the raindrops on your skin. by Jackie Wilson

Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

Hiding in the Dark Have you ever wished you could get away? Float, Float, Float To a place where I am not just another girl in a sea of people making their way through life do they even care about each other? or just what they feel inside Zoom,Zoom,Zoom people blur all around we only think about what we want can’t I just float into the clouds? get away from this disease that make people only scream me!me!me! don’t you see the people? tears and hurt in their eyes we all give them fake smiles because we have something else on our minds I wish I could open a curtain of darkness and let in the light but there will always be that someone putting up a fight but what if we Work, Work, Work to save every heart maybe there wouldn’t be people hiding in the dark By Paris Brasill Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

Grade 6, Lake Center Christian School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 55

Grade 6 - 7

How Sweet it is!

Poems Are Poems are Great Poems are fun Poems are not for everyone Poems are short Poems are blazing Poems are long Poems are simply amazing By David Jocas Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

Rat Cat There once was a cat He looked like a rat He wasn’t just a regular one The cat weighed a ton He is scared of bats And only lays on mats He can climb up a tree As quick as a flee He had a great life Until he got cut by a knife He heard vroom vroom vroom and got hit by a car He went very far As he hit the ground, it went rat-a-tat-tat There was nothing left of that cat But the cat had 8 more lives And he is now immune to hives He likes to purr purr purr And has fluffy fur This was all just a dream So now I’m going to go eat ice cream

By Fletcher Clark Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

“Ned’s Bed”

The boy named Ned That couldn’t go to bed The wind whistling And also his bed screeching MOM, MOM I Need a teddy bear I’m not getting up I’m very scared What is that noise? It’s just the wind whistling And just your bed screeching NO mom it’s a MONSTER under my bed NO, NO it’s just your bed TO BE CONTINUED… by Prayer Wise Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stinky and Weird There is a guy who stinks Sometimes I think Why is he so weird? His smelly beard Has smeared Bug juice he drinks He lives like this every day When I play Everyday He is out there So will you help me? Oh dear! Oh dear! HELP! by Michael Kress Grade 6, Worley Elementary

The Fall Tree The summer goddess always watered her tree, like how my family takes care of me. One day, the tree said “stop giving me water, I’ve lived long enough.” Goddess said “That’s just silly, I’ll keep on giving you more and more stuff.” But the tree refused, he wanted to die. So that’s why we have dead leaves, in the fall night sky Flying in the air so high. by Kaiya Tyler Grade 6, Worley Elementary

The Wolf I hear Your footsteps. I smell Your fragrance. I taste Your breath. I see Your feet. I feel The ground Beneath me. I am The wolf. by Brittany Cain Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 56

How Sweet it is! Battlefield Song I’m gonna die in the battlefield, I’m gonna die in the war. I’m gonna die in the battlefield with glory in my soul. I used to know some people who walked and talked with me, But since they got shot down they cannot talk to me. I’m gonna die in the battlefield, I’m gonna die in the war. I’m gonna die in the battlefield with glory in my soul. These Nazis invade our town, they killed us right on down. When this war is over I hope that I survive. I’m gonna die in the battlefield, I’m gonna die in the war. I’m gonna die in the battlefield with glory in my soul. by Dillan Pritchett Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Thunderstorm The winds of the west and east, Each of the two winds was a beast. They hated each other Even though they were a brother West wind’s beast controlled thunder, Clouds gathered and plundered. East wind’s beast controlled lightning, Its flashes were very frightening. Every time they fought they made a thunderstorm, During them you can’t tell the cold from the warm. They were stuck in the sky, Every thunderstorm, lightning and thunder will always cry. by Jade Timbrook Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Seasons One day its black, one day its white. Others are dark, others are light. He pushes the Sun through the sky. Indus controls day and night. Trees; they talk to me. Like a dog at night. From green, to gold, to bare.

It’s December night And Indus sleeps real tight. The day is short. The stars are bright, There they bring me light. Julius Strickland Grade 6, Worley Elementary

My Life as a Migrant Worker The sun burns my back. As I place the crops on the rack. My back aches with pain. Although strength I will gain. I would kill for a drink. I can barely think. I feel as if I am in war. However, I am not quite. My life could be over. My life as a migrant worker. I plan to get out of here. For my purpose to become clear. My life as a migrant worker will soon be over. In the upcoming month of October. The winter will begin. Will my life as a migrant worker ever end? Madison Buckley Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Over the Misty Mountains Cold Over the misty mountains cold, Lives a village named Jachslavold This Jewish village full of pain, Again and again the Nazis try to gain, The perfect life without strife. The pain that shadows this village of old, Is only found by the brave and the bold. Over the misty mountains cold, Lays a village that is very old. In this village Jews try, To overcome the Nazis but can only cry. The Nazis pillage the town, Taking everything down. Over the misty mountains cold, Where there lays the brave and bold. Do you dare to look at the pain? Because here you will see it again and again. Do you have the will to stand up to these mad men? For brave men, Women, and children suffered their lives, So that we are not as small as flies. Over the misty mountains cold. Jensen Miller Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 57

Grade 6 - 7

How Sweet it is!

Terrifying Scene

Dark, Lonely, Scared

These people suffer Their lives. Through pain and hurt Some lose their families.

Dark, lonely, and scared. I knew they were coming. Dark. No lights. Barely the natural one. Lonely. No one was there for comfort. Scared. They could come at any time.

These people beg and cry Many of these people die. They lose their lives Because of their religion Little children beg for mercy To be with their loved ones Some children never say goodbye Some children will never know Their mothers, brothers, fathers and sisters some never grow to take their first steps by Zoey Penix Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Okami Amaterasu, a white wolf With bright red markings Runs through the village of Kamiki. She is the mother Of light, of us all But evil lurks, evil Orochi The 8 headed dragon lurks. He is like a bomb in a flower field. He will hurt us all But the great Amaterasu will use the Mighty power slash to smite the vile Orochi Then the sun will rise on a demonless day A bright day and Amateraus can return to the celestial plane. Crystal Snell Grade 6, Worley Elementary

The Holocaust The Holocaust, a sad time in history. The Holocaust, many of the details are still a mystery. The Holocaust, Hitler’s answer to the Jews he hated. The Holocaust, showers=gas chambers—baited. The Holocaust Nazis Mean The Holocaust, concentration camps, not clean The Holocaust, never enough to eat. The Holocaust, no shoes for feet. The Holocaust, forced to work, then to die The Holocaust, into a furnace, no good bye. C. J. Henderson

Them. They took us. No, they took everyone away; The scared ones. At ‘camp’, Everyone was sad, Once we were separated. Just lonely. No hope, no light. Not even the brightest light, Gave anyone hope. Dark. Tailyn Satterwhite Grade 6, Worley Elementary

The Holocaust Meanies My name is Lilly. I am getting captured by a stranger. I need my ranger because I’m in danger. Can somebody find me a hanger because I’m in lots of Danger? Somebody help me, please help me somebody. Help me from these Nazis. They are really mean. So I, I, I need to get to safety “quick”. They are trying to hurt me. So I need to get my “safety monkey Garret”. Because it keeps me near it in safety. So somebody please help me to my parents. Talicity Marshall Grade 6, Worley Elementary

The Scariest Moment Ever It was the scariest moment ever I knew I was going to lose everything. Tanks were rolling in with soldiers Walking down the street and yeling “the Nazis are coming, the Nazis are coming”. That moment was terrifying but only Until I escaped with my mom. I ran from

Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 58

How Sweet it is! The back door simultaneously tip-toeing To the door. There was a big long river.

I knew that there was someone I could call Is what happened back in time

My mom and I saw a boat so we Went in it and paddled our way out Without getting caught and any attention. We were so scared and thought it was over.

What happened back in time I think a thought Could it have been stopped Or could it not “Sweetie, that’s what happened back in time.” by Autumn Michelle Bowman

It started raining cats and dogs. The rain was so bad that the soldiers We’re leaving but at least there was a Blanket that could cover us Until we found a safe place Shardai’ja Mumford Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Why? Why the Jewish race? Why a man named Hitler? Why the Nazi party? Why a concentration camp? Why death? Why gas chambers? Why starvation? Why murder? Why not more Jewish survivors? Why only a few? Why did this have to happen? Why did so many follow Hitler? Why a prison? Why forced labor? Why children too? Why did so many people have to die? Why? Why? Why? Seth Muntean Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Back in Time “Grandpa what happened back in time?” Well they took what was once all of mine Is what happened back in time What happened back in time Was a wicked crime That one special sign Still freshly chimes in my mind Is what happened back in time What happened back in time It seems as if it was ignored by all But in my prayers,

Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Its Like Summer The talking flowers bloom and nothing is crude all is alike on this spring night When the sun rises the Earth will be full of surprises As the goddess and gods rumble and tumble over the odds of a new God As the sun wakes up there’s no time to interrupt when the sun heats up like fire from God’s power it feels as if it is summer Isabelle Oles Grade 6, Worley Elementary

The Unforgettable Act Out of all this is their hope We had trouble with all this WE could not cope. All these deaths all these camps Is anybody here a champ? Is all of this necessary? I feel lifeless I hate living in all this crisis. I feel deep pains I can’t bare all these cold chains. I can’t get through this prequel This has taken a toll on all my people. Here…there is no future All around I will have to be moocher. All around, I hate my life All I do is pray in despite I will try and fight with all my might If I live I will live alone All I will do is be cold as stone De’Air Mitchell Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 59

Grade 6 - 7

How Sweet it is!

Scarred for Life

Another Day

Hitler and the Nazis took us away And they left us in the land of dismay The concentration camps were cold and dark And on our wrists, they left a mark

The night is still, the moon is bright, The crickets chirp in calm delight, The fireflies swirl in golden flight Beyond the vigil of faint light. The leafy trees in glory stand And curtsy to the wind's soft hand... But now a flame of eastern light Murmurs, "farewell" to the night. The light is climbing through the sky And scatters sunbeams low and high. The sun looks down with twinkling eyes; The waters sparkle in reply. Yawning, western skies awake; Casts its brightness on the lake. All creation glorifies The One who told the sun to rise. Without a word in human tongue, The earth bursts into morning song. With Nature’s voices, sweet and strong, The melodies of earth prolong. Even while the creatures sing, Something else is happening. The sun is high, its beams are long, It joins the earth in thankful song. With quiet pleasure fades the noon, The birds are singing, “Evening soon. Beware, o Sun, to flee the moon; Your beams are finished being strewn.” All creatures mourn with the sun: “Your daily hours are almost done!” A mournful cry, sang by the loon, Fits the sunset's sighing tune. The light is fading in the sky. The sun is sinking with a sigh. Each cricket chirps its evening cry. The moon has risen up on high. A mist has settled on the grass, The sun has disappeared at west. The daytime flowers start to die. The light is whispering, “Goodbye.” The night is still, the moon is bright, The crickets chirp in calm delight. The fireflies swirl in golden flight Beyond the vigil of faint light. With such Creation, life demands Existence of that nail-scarred hand, Who sculpted both, the dark and light, Who engineered the day and night, Who died to cover sinners’ blight,

We were left with nothing not even love It seemed I had no future And it was all because… Hitler and the Nazis took us away But then in 1945 we were set free Returning to our old abandoned homes But nothing would ever be the same Never after that… Never Sam Snyder Grade 6, Worley Elementary

The Beach! Swoosh swoosh. Palm trees swaying back and forth. With the wind blowing and the sun shining. The hot sand burning your feet like bare feet on concrete. In the cold water you go. Whoosh whoosh. Waves splashing in your face. Splashing away is all you can do. Until, you get out there’s something you can do. TAN! As your skin sizzles as the sun is burning your skin. Then the sun has come down as you are ready to leave. By the time your done and had left, you are ready to sleep. Grace Reider Grades 7, North Canton Middle School

Bill There once was a man named Bill Who felt sick and took a blue pill He fell off a cliff And ended up a stiff And was buried at the top of a hill John Gorrell Grade 7, St. Michaels

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 60

How Sweet it is! And lives again… and reigns aright. Praise God for another day, To live to see the another night! Yet we complain o’er many things: The heat, the rain, the snow, the light. When we can live to see such days, Why waste time being discontent? We squander time on minor things And leave so many smiles unspent. Though all of us express, I know, Displeasure over rain or snow, We’ve lived to see another day. Be thankful! Don’t waste life away. Hannah Robinson Grade 6, Homeschool

Had To Say Goodbye I heard the Germans attack our town with their Big old guns And their gigantic tanks They came like a scary dream Instead it was really real and it hurts me inside to see you hurt like that I wish you were here to comfot me make me feel nice inside, Had to say goodbye to my loved ones I heard screaming outside Then gunshots I really miss you I really do And hoped that you were okay But sometimes hoping doesn’t do the things you want Sometimes hoping doesn’t do the things you want Manuel Soares Grade 6, Worley Elementary

I’ll Wait for You Forever Hair smooth and shiny, cherry lip gloss ready, pretty little dress, sitting there looking through her chest, for a perfect little necklace to match with the rest… She’s tired of waiting but not to the point of hating…. Hours pass by~ thinking maybe he had the wrong time, oh she knows how fast time flies, like a humming bird gliding through the bright blue sky. As she waits her smooth and shiny hair is becoming curly from anxiously running her hands through it. Her cherry lip gloss is fading and that pretty little dress is crumpled and a mess… That necklace to match the dress is knotted from her fiddling with it.

Her beautiful face streaked with mascara stained tears… and her heart breaking into a million pieces wishing he cared. Danielle Gulley Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

‘In the Holocaust’ I was 13 in the Holocaust. Nazis soldiers invaded my town, pointing guns in our faces, if we didn’t comply. Those evil, horrible, vile soldiers stuffed us in trains, and moved us to death camps, in the Holocaust. My whole family was in the camp. A ghastly soldier asked our ages and pointed to a hallway. Grandmother and grandfather went in a different direction, from me, mother, and father, in the holocaust. Two people were killed for trying to escape. The Nazis killed more people in right front of us, as examples of what will happen if we try to escape. That was the last time I saw my parents, in the Holocaust. It’s been a year of nightmares. My family dead. Death is a daily sight. I heard a bang, Then a crash of bombs. I see guards falling. Next I see a different kind of soldier charging out of the woods. I become unconscious. In the morning, the main gate was open, an American soldier comes up to me and said, “Kid you’re free from the Holocaust.’’ Nelson Zutali Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 61

Grade 6 - 7

How Sweet it is!

I Walk For Life I walk for life, and all the extra things that come with it. The happy times, the angry times, the confused times, and even the joyful times. I walk for the unborn; from their first kick to your last contraction. I walk for the babies; from first breath to first word; from first burp to first tooth. I walk for the children; from the first time they put that tooth under their pillow, to the last day they play with Barbie dolls. From countless hours of learning to read a book, or write a sentence, to nights were they fall asleep with stuffed animals tucked under their arms. I walk for the teens; from the first day of middle school, to the snap of the camera taking high school graduation photos. From cafeteria lunches, to driving in their “new” car to pick up their own food. I walk for the adults; from the moment they throw their caps up a final time, till the pastor at the wedding pronounces you “husband and wife”. From the 3 am feedings and 4 am diaper changes, till the moment your own grown children realize you weren’t kidding when you told them, “I hope when you have children, they act just like you do now.” I walk for life, and that one moment when you realize you can’t capture in a picture or video, or story or poem, all of the special things that life brings. Langley Smith Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

Opening Day I love opening day like a snake loves to slither swiftly The fields are trimmed like a fresh haircut I turn on the tv, to watch the bigs try to play their best On opening day Alex Nicholson Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

Some People Sometimes people tend to feel big or feel small Some people like to live life by the fullest and some don't want to live at all It is a big world and some feel open to opportunities and some feel like a little thing on a really big shelf some feel like life is long and a gift others feel like death and tragedy follow them everywhere they drift some think being social is a way to get through the day

some think no one cares what they have to say some believe that life is a race and some go by their own pace some think that love flourishes everywhere and others act the way they do from their love that left and went to a better place Maddy Round Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

Just Because Just because I am a girl I don't have to like girly things. Just because I don't like yoga pants doesn't make me lazy for jeans. I have my style and you have yours. Just because I am Amercian it doesn't mean I have to like American food. Just because I am a woman it doesn't make me belong in the kitchen. I am a photographer. Just because I love animals doesn't mean i have to be a vegetarian. Just because I like eyeliner doesn't make me emo or goth. Just because I like different boys doesn't mean i have bad taste. Just because I say I like someone it doesn't mean I want a relationship with them. I am exzilerant. Just because I enjoy collecting seashells doesn't make me weird. Just because i enjoy the rain sometimes doesn't mean i am a depressed person. Just becuase my parents don't have fancy jobs doesn't make me love them anyless. Just because I don't have a cat doesn't make me hate them. I am a writer and I speak from the heart. I am a lover not a fighter but, I will fight for what I love. I am a giver not a taker but, I will take what is rightfully mine. I am a caring person not a heartless one but, I don't have a heart when it comes to careless people. I am an animal lover, not an abuser. I am a peaceful person not a destructive one. I am a recycler not a litter. I am a poet and proud of it. Breea Joiner Grade 7, Lehman Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 62

How Sweet it is! The Butterfly

THE TREE OF LIFE

Colorful beauty on velvety wings Is one of the butterfly’s marvelous things! Hard to catch, but easy to see Off in a field or right beside me. Majestic and splendid, awed by all, The butterfly’s fame shall not fall. Insect of wonder, so full of light, Red, orange, and yellow - tints so bright! Oh, look! Over there is a butterfly white! Quick! There he goes arising in flight! So be quick and be quiet if you wish to see The butterfly in all his majesty! Anna Freeman

The tree of life So glorious to watch as it blossoms and grows Take care of it For if you don’t you will regret everything Things you have done Things you will do And the world around you will become hard to remember As you fade in and out You become a stranger to the ones you love So protect the tree And care for it Shower it with joy Quench its thirst with love And never cut its branches Kaitlyn McGeorge

Grade 6, Homeschool

"A Fighter" In my heart, I am a worrior, In my soul, I'm the lead, In my mind, I know some day I'll succeed. If I keep on trying, nothings going to slow me down, not the darkest or rainy day, is going to give me a frown. I know I can do it, if I just believe, keep on trying and I will achieve. My greatest goal in life, is just to live it right, I know it can get hard, but I'll just have to keep up the fight. With the problems in life, there's alot you can do, but you have to remember, there's a fighter in you. Courtney Dozier Grade 6, Belden Elementary

BUYERS BEWARE We had to pay him To get to where we needed But nothing was there Nathan Moore Grade 6, Sandy Valley Middle School

Grade 6, Pfeiffer Middle School

Just Put a Pencil in my Hand Just put a pencil in my hand… And let me fly away. Through the trees and over mountain tops. To Miami and back home. Wow that pencil is magical. Amanda Stewart Grade 6, Arts Academy at Summit

Sadness Sadness, Is a river of raindrops. Sadness, A world of hope, Turned to despair. Sadness, All the love in the world is gone, Forever. Katelynn Stoltzfus Grade 6, Arts Academy at Summit

Poetry Is… Poetry is like a cloud Drifting smoothly over an Ocean of imagination Poetry is as free as a bird Flying in to a sky of expression Madison Cline Grade 6, Arts Academy at Summit

Why? We were so good together. You’d say you love me. You’d say you care. You said you’d always be there. One day you stopped answering my calls. You didn’t talk to me at school. Didn’t even wave at me in the hallway. When I finally got to talk to you, we grew even further apart.

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 63

Grade 6 - 7

How Sweet it is!

Now you’re gone. I don’t know you anymore. You said you loved me, but never really did. Our love was a lie. You made my heart die. All I want to ask is: why? Marisa Gentile

The pain is left here. It’s almost gone. It comes back a little Every time you hit me with that ‘’I have forgotten you’’ look.

Just Put a Pencil in my Hand…

We’re apart now. More than ever before.

Just put a pencil in my hand, And I could do anything. I can go anywhere.

My mind is finally letting go of you My heart is holding onto the memories of you But soon you will be gone.

I could go back in history, Or right into my future.

Every time our eyes meet for that second I can hear the silence. Between your heart and mine. Brittany Russell

Grade 6, Arts Academy at Summit

I could write facts, Or write a fantasy.

Grade 7, Lake Center Christian School

I could be a writer, poet, Painter, doctor, or lawyer. When I have a pencil, I can do anything And Everything. Megan Mayle Grade 6, Arts Academy at Summit

Silence Can you hear it? The silence. It’s there, I know it The breaking of my heart it shattered into pieces Can you see this ‘’smile’’ on my face? It’s like a band-aid, covering up the pain.

Art Influences As you walk around Do you ever see? How many art influences Make up you and me? Whether they show all the time Or are hidden behind fear Whether they reach out to afar Or just stay by you near Do you ever realize? How dismal it would be Without the arts that entertain Without the arts you can see? No music or a drama play No dancers dancing round No stories or plays To brighten up the town So now as you walk around Make sure to see How many art influences Make up you and me Emily Glover

The damage and scars you left. Turned into lessons. Was it all just you ‘’having fun’’?

Grade 6, Arts Academy at Summit

“you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” when you look my way I see it in your face you try you understand why i’m here in the first place. An empty shell is what you’ll find, you don’t know me, that takes time. Even though you don’t know me, you judge me as is if you do know. You think you know who i am by looking at what is shown, and i only frown from knowing you just judge me by what you see, and don’t take the time to realize what it would like to be me. Liz Capalingo Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 64

How Sweet it is! Hawaiian Beach

The Nazis Are Coming

Sitting in my rainbow beach chair, Island breeze flowing through my hair, Giant waves splashing by, Hot sun up in the sky, Getting a warm peaceful tan, White sticky sunscreen on my back, I’m in Hawaii, So I will relax. Smelling Bird of Paradise, Even a Hibiscus, Seeing coconuts fall from a palm tree, Surfers surfing far and freely, Boats passing through the big blue, Floating rainbows in the sky, Seagulls squaking way up high, In Hawaii, Aloha is goodbye! Mahlee Evans

The Nazis are coming Coming to take over the world OH no they have found my mom But they did not find me The Nazis are coming They are coming for me

Grade 6, Northwest Middle School

What to do! “Forget it,” he snaps back. The conversation feels all wrong. Leave? who is the only person in the world I’m certain I love? And even if we did…even if we did…where this stuff about having kids come from? When we met, I was a skinny twelve-year-old, and although he was only two years older, he already looked like a man. Besides, if he wants kids, Gale won’t have any trouble finding a wife. He’s good-looking, he’s strong enough to handle the work in the mines, and he can hunt. It makes me jealous but not for the reason people would think. “What do you want to do?” I ask. We can leave our poles and gather in the woods. Tonight. After the reaping, everyone is supposed to celebrate. But at least two families will pull their shutters, lock their doors, and try to figure out how they will survive the painful weeks to come. Nakyla Raye-Hill

They are taking my mom to a concentration camp The Nazis are coming Oh no! They have me I will be forced to go To a concentration camp The Nazis have come. Tyler Vogt Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Memory Quilt Memory quilt, comforting and warm, A sea of colorful squares carefully sewn together with love, A prairie of memories holding to each other with great strength, Threads and squares of different colors and sizes. Blue smooth, small ones. Golden rough, large ones. Rainbow large. Pink striped. Some from old dresses, some from worn out old shirts. Each with its own story to tell. Each with its hundreds of memories. Memory quilt, comforting and warm. Abigail Thouvenin Grade 6, Homeschool

J-Walking

The green grass grows in the cracks of the dark, dark, asphalt It grows and it grows ‘till it can grow no more So that the asphalt looks Like a tiny grass store So as I walk Across the asphalt On the grass As it grows I left some footprints to have a say That I was J-walking that day. Adam Kalmar Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

Grade 6, Gibbs Elementary

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 65

Grade 6 - 7

How Sweet it is!

Worse Day

I Have a Dream

The worse day The Nazis are taking over You don’t like me Cage me like you never raised me Loved my life when it was just right

I have a dream that one day children will not do

The worse day The Nazis are taking over They are coming and we are running We can’t stop them So that means there is nothing we can do The worse day The Nazis are taking over What do we do when they are coming for you? Me or she if it is she we can’t flee What do you mean flee? Run; run away as fast as you can! The worse day The Nazis are taking over When we are fleeing we need to take cover Let’s go in that shower… NO!!

wrong.

Hallways will not be filled with kids skipping class. And children will not be bullied for how they look. Violence will not be found in any school or street. Every student will respect the teachers maturely. And students will be able to speak out and share their opinion without getting slammed with a brick wall of insults.

Distance from kids out of fear will no longer be a resort. Reading will be something children do every day rather than watching television. Even when it gets tough students will persevere.

All teachers won’t have to resort to yelling at children. My dream is for everyone to come together in unity and not be judged.

Malik Hunley

Paul Monroe

Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

Smiling

School Rules My dream is to have no violence in schools. Any one with weapons should be expelled. Respect your teachers and other students. Taking others property will not be allowed at school. In school there will be no yelling, screaming, or

Smiling is the best, always smile and it will tell the rest. When I smile you can see all the way through. Smiling is the best, it’s the best when you are smiling for just nothing at all just for the joy of it. So just remember to always smile!

shouting.

No hitting others.

by Lauren Meredith Grade 6, Worley Elementary

Leave drugs outside school. Use tools in an appropriate manner. Talk in an appropriate manner. Hallways should be clear before school starts. Excellent individuals will be rewarded. Remember to dress appropriately. Killing or any death threats will not be tolerated. I will raise my hand if I need to ask a question. Never start a fight with others. Get help from an adult if someone is hurt. Daviona Everett Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 66

How Sweet it is! I Have a Dream

I have a dream to…… Have a safe place for everyone to live in And help those who lost their dream to help them dream again. Violence will come to justice.

End animal and all human abuse. And to give to those who don’t have. Don’t ever give up. Rise from being down you never know how long you’re here

End up forgiving those who hurt you. And this is my dream. Many people will follow this dream because its theirs too. Madison Nichols Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

When the Sun Sets When the sun sets birds stop chirping but crickets start. When the sun sets it warms my heart. When the sun sets I see the stars. That are in a place that is really far. When the sun sets I look around. The only thing I could see was the ground. When the sun sets I let go of everyone and everything I know. When the sun sets the air cools down, but that doesn’t make me frown. When the sun sets I see a deer, and decide to get my camping gear. When the sun sets at the campsite I start a fire and call it a beautiful night. When the sun sets you have eleven hours to rest, but I only sleep nine because it’s only three hours less. When the sun sets bears roam through the woods tried to stay as quiet as I could. When the sun sets the moon goes up, and with that the wolves won’t shut up. When the sun sets the fireflys come out. They look like little stars without a doubt.

When the sun sets I sing a song, and I laugh as the night goes along. When the sun sets I play my guitar, and as I play, the song fills my heart. When the sun sets I can see the clear skies to me it is a wonderful thing to the human eye. When the sun sets the horses sleep, and those are the memories I will keep. Katherine Barnes Grade 6, Northwest Middle School

I Have a Dream I have a dream that all the people will be equal. Having more kids to stop taking drugs and drinking. And that people will stop living on the street and live in homes. Very little people will stop making fun of people because of their skin color. Everyone will come together and become a better nation. Also that people will be treated equal and kind. Drama will stop in the world Really women and men will be equal and love each other like they are family. Each person will be fair. An all humans will get paid at the same time and will get paid equal. May everyone will be in peace. Jiayre Moody Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

I Have a Dream

I have a dream that one day everyone will follow the laws made by the government. Hope will stand with us.

And everyone will understand the opinion of our community. Very many changes will be made.

Everyone will have more responsibility. A lot of people will help others when needed. Dreams will have a purpose. Racism will come to an end. Everything said will mean something to someone. And they will see it in their own way. My dream is to fix our government. Roseanna S. Smith Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

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Grade 6 - 7

How Sweet it is!

I Have a Dream I hope for our nation’s world peace.

I HAVE A DREAM I HAVE A DREAM THAT ONE DAY YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED FOR

Hope will rise. And for all of us to agree on decisions. Violence won’t exist. End hate.

HHATRED WILL DIE DOWN WITH THE HIGH TIDE. ALL PEOPLE WILL BE TREATED WITH CARE.

All of God’s children can get along.

EVERYONE AND ANYONE WILL BE EXCEPTED AROUND THE

Determination is all we need to make this come true. Respect will rise. Everyone in our beautiful nation can finally smile. All of us should come together in our soon-to-be

ALL PEOPLE WILL BE EXCEPTED FOR WHO THEY ARE.

YOUR SKIN COLOR OR YOUR RELIGION BUT BY YOUR ACTIONS.

VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE WILL BE DROWNED WITH LOVE AND PEACE. GLOBE.

Camille Ross

DISRESPECT WILL NOT EXIST ANY MORE. RESPECT WILL FLOW LIKE WATER IN A RIVER. EVERYONE WILL BE TREATED EQUALLY. ALL OF HUMANITY WILL BE PEACEFUL. MY DREAM IS OF PEACE, LOVE AND RESPECT.

Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

Corey Nolan

Blind Tree

Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

I was born by that big, old tree. Or maybe that tree was born beside me. Everyday, I sat by that tree.But one day, the the tree hurt me. I just could not see that big, old tree. I just always hope that the tree can see me. For I am blind and will never see my big, old tree. Joey Haueter

Joy follows suffering

hate free country.

My dream will come true one day.

Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

I Have a Dream I have a dream that one day there will no longer be wars with different countries.

Hatred towards different races will be no more. And there will be no more poverty for people. Vibrant colors will cover the earth instead of smoke and smog. Every person will have no problem getting and keeping a job. Accomplishing dreams is what everyone will do.

Drugs and alcohol won’t keep people from their families.

Riots won’t break out because of peoples’ differences.

Every person will have an opinion that will be heard. All persons’ will be treated equally. My dream may seem unrealistic now but I believe it will happen someday. Janaya Thompson Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

Like the sky after a storm filled with anger, My sorrows will pass away, Revealing a rainbow. After so many wrongs, Look at the rights; Turn to the sky, Wipe the tears from your face. This is not the end, It is just another page Of those sad story books which always make you cry, And then end with a “happily ever after”. But this time it is real, You are at the climax But the ending has yet to be written. There is no appeal In droning on, With no dawn, With hollow eyes And sunken face, But think of others Who need you, Keep your head up Until this sorrowful time is due. Joy follows suffering! Fight on! Keep strong! Joy will follow suffering! Maggie Graber Grade 6, Homeschool

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How Sweet it is! I Have a Dream I

A Death to Come

Hope America has no more Violence in Every school.

A Dream coming true Radically happens Eventually in every American’s heart My dream is America has no more violence Dustin Plotts Grade 7, Arts Academy at Summit

Just Put a Pencil in my Hand Just put a pencil in my hand And I could travel to distant lands. With my wooden pencil, My writing utensil, I could travel to the sea And I could be anything I yearn to be. The stories I write, The battles I fight, Are all recorded with my sharp pencil.

I sit here on the window sill, Wondering when we’ll have our last meal, Suddenly I see agirl, I was oblivious to the rest of the world She cries out in pain, She’s been stabbed and has a blood stain, I wasn’t oblivious anymore, I’m at home with the memory. Why would this happen to me, Weeks gone by and I’m still wondering why, And the I realize, That girl was in the park, So I set off in the dark, I’m there in the middle of the park, Then I hear a bark, I see a man. I feel like I’m seeing him again, But now I know were I saw him was in my vision, I know I’ve made a bad decision, My time has come, I’m done, I’m sorry I didn’t say bye, But now it’s time for me to die. Veronica Scott Grade 7, Lehman Middle School

I cannot live without my sharp pencil And my pencil cannot write without me, Nothing can separate my pencil and me. Just put a pencil in your hand And you could see the sands of distant, Far away lands. Madisyn Smith Grade 6, Arts Academy at Summit

Goin' Hunting I get up in the morning and check my ammo. Brush my teeth, and wash my face and put on my camo. It's really dark out there but i don't care 'cause I'm going huntin'. Jake Schirf Grade 7, North Canton Middle School

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Grade 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7

How Sweet it is!

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 70

How Sweet it is!

Grades 8 - 9 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miyani Acacia Ash

My Family

Jessica Butcher

I Was Wrong

Sadie Elbert

Giving You Gravity

Armonie W. Foster

Blue

Dezaray Gantlin

Where I’m From

Brittany Rose Lambert

Paranoid

Alea Lawton

I Wonder, I Think, I Know, I Hope

Kennedy Lawver

One of Those Songs

Airess Marché Moore

I Wonder, I Think, I Know, I Hope

Jade Parker

I Miss

Leah-Richelle Robinson

Where I Am From

T’Na Smith

I Hate You, With a Passion

Malaisia Taylor

Where I’m From

Kristyle Travis

Where I’m From

Amanda Zerby

Broken

Asia Zollicoffer

Peace

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 71

Grade 8 - 9

How Sweet it is! Untitled

Giving you Gravity Before you came, my relationship with the world was simple. I didn’t know what it was to manipulate another’s affections and the feeling of needing to imprint my image in a mind —of needing to share my special place with someone. But now maybe I’ll take you to that place —the place where I fell in love with the Moon, gravitating toward it like the ever-changing ocean tide every night, and giving voice to the stars with my imagination in which every light in the night sky had a story to tell and I finished their stories just as I finished yours. But the Moon bequeathed my love to a dream —a dream of you, a shooting star —the keeper of unrequited affections. So now my feet are bound to this Earth by the weight of my aspiration while my hands are forever lifted toward the sky, and neither Earth nor air can be my companion. That is so long as my heart beats in time to the crashing waves, and those whose love has passed know not now, but one day they will know as you will: though the Moon pulls me and the tide takes hold of the Moon , I will captivate the Moon and catch that shooting star.

HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND THE WAY OF THE WORLD BECAUSE I AM CONFUSED WHERE IS THE PEACE WE WERE PROMISED THE HAPPINESS WE WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE I DON’T SEE IT WHY DO WE FIGHT SOME SAY ITS FOR THEIR COUNTRY OTHERS SAY FOR FREEDOM FOR PEACE BUT WHERE IS THE PEACE IN KILLING ANOTHER MAN ANOTHER WOMAN ANOTHER CHILD HAS NO ONE NOTICED CAN NO ONE SEE JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE SEEN AS THE ENEMY DOES NOT MAKE THEM ANY DIFFERENT THAN US HAS ANYONE EVERY THOUGHT WE BLAME ALL OUR ANGER ON THE ENEMY WHO KILLED THEM BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PERSON WHO DID THE KILLING DO YOU THINK THEY HAVE NO CONSICENCE KILLING SOMEONE IS KILLING SOMEEONE THERE IS NO PRIDE IN IT NO MATTER HOW MUCH ONE TRIES TO TWIST ITS MEANING WHAT IS HAPPENING TO US ALL OF US WHERE IS THE PEACE I AM LOST SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND THE WAYS OF THIS WORLD THAT IS SO CRUEL WHY, WHY? EXPLAIN IT TO ME, CAN ANYONE? by Ophelia D. Knight Grade 8, Garfield Academy

I Have a Dream I will pull the world together as it falls apart, and one day everyone will know that truth. That I control the world and the world is mine within these words I write upon this page, and you will become the extension of my pen —forever staining the page next to the Moon and the tide. Sadie Elbert Grade 9, Bishop Heelan Catholic School

I have a dream there will be no more animal abuse. Houses will have loving animals and will take care of them. All animals will have the same rights as humans. Violence with animals will stop. Every animal will be off the street. Animals will not live in fear. Dogs and cats will not roam the streets alone. Rescue the animals that can’t help themselves. Enjoy and interact with your pet. Any animal that needs help, you should help it. My dream is for people to understand that animals are people to and should be treated like they are. by Amber Rice Grade 8, Arts Academy at Summit

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How Sweet it is! I Have a Dream I have a dream that there will be no bullying any more. Hallways will be safe for people and monitored to ensure safty. All will be treated with the same responsibilities. Violence will decrease. Everyone will be friendly and nice to each other. Accidents may happens, but make sure you apologize. Disrespecting yourself, other, and friends will NOT happen. Rudeness will not be tolerated. Eating, drinking, and smoking drugs are not allowed. All will obey these rules. May will hopfully feel much safer with these rules. Alek Shabazz Grade 8, Arts Academy at Summit

Where I’m From I am from darkness of light, from the pain of the Grim Reaper and the feeling of the cold creeping in from death itself. I am from the fear that hides with in people, to the faith that lies inside. I am from a black rose that only blooms in the night, from the black willow tree that takes life and doesn’t give anything in return, to the depths of the ocean where no one or nothing has explored. I’m from the tradition of death that no one can bear, from the death of my grandfather that I now say well, to my little cousin when I won’t be there for him when the tradition passes. I’m from where pain doesn’t give up, and the feeling of not forgetting the lives that were taken on 9/11. From where “We are free” to “Falling is peaceful, but the sudden stop at the bottom hurts the most.” Are said. I’m from where hearts are beaten to the point Where they will brake, to where the tears of the falling will soak our ground once more. I’m from where things in the past, means too much in the future, from where the tales wars of wars are told,

to where death always succeed. They like to call this place, “My World”. Olivia Donohoe Grade 8, Lake Middle School

Where I’m from I am from laughter From crying and making up I’m from family and friends And Christ himself was saving my soul. (Touch bare bruises on my chocolate toned skin.) I’m from bristled Christmas Cooking, powder, and dust. Whose birthday comes after and more stitches in my back. I’m from sayings and sayings, Treasures and morsel candy splits Hiding dreams at the house I grew in and shed My first tear. I’m from centuries and years of recipes and dreams kin-folks Miles away. I’m from Rocky Mountain’s after rocky hills, traveling the woods And glistening rain. I’m from “Never too late to try again “or “Pick up the pot before you spill the beans.” I’m from family reunions and independent women Fighting away the biting horse flies and creepy crawlers, I’m from what lurks in the dark, behind street corners And under your bed. Leah Robinson Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

A Warm Wish

The land of snow, Bright and glowing. Where all is nice, and never growing. But I long for sun, To light the world. And melt away this sparkling pearl. I want to see, The grass once more, And take away this endless bore. So come very soon, This sun o’ mine, So it can start, springtime. Rebekah Gager Grade 8, Sandy Valley Middle School

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Grade 8 - 9

How Sweet it is!

Another Man That's Fallen I sit, wounded on a battlefield. My final seconds ticking. War is my final vision, As all fades to black. Though death is tragic, As well as it is certain, I am forgotten in time, As another man that's fallen. Cody Gronkiewicz Grade 8, Kankakee Valley Middle School

BROKEN You’re broken You’re buried You don’t know what to do You struggle You battle You seek a way through You bite back frustration You swallow the fears Of everyday life And angry tears You’ve been juggled around You’ve been dropped You’ve felt pain You can’t help but wonder Are you insane? But you’re only human That’s all that you are A beautiful person That can shine through the scars Amanda Zerby Grade 9, Glen Oak High School

Haiku As you know it’s true Caught up in the moment, you Are gonna mess up by Ian Carter Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Roller Coasters Roller Coaster, Roller Coaster Man, you look tall! I think I would rather parachute out of a plane Than go on that thing! I think I should do it, go for it all. If I did, do you think I would fall? No, I don’t think I’m going at all. I’d rather get 1,000 bees to sting

Than go on that thing. I made up my mind, I’m going to do it So I had better get in line. I’d rather a bear so hungry would eat me Before I get in that car! I’d rather die a painful death than go up that high! I’m right here Standing before The mountains and mountains of track Galore. I get in quickly And buckle it tight. I’m not going to take off In an unexpected flight! I’m going up I see the whole world! Up at the top I think I’m going to hurl. I better say one last prayer Before I plunge to my death Dear Lord… Wow… AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Wow! That was fun! I went so high I almost touched The hot sun! I thought of a roller coaster as a painful sin But now Since I rode it, Can I ride it again? Jessica Herstine Grade 8, Sandy Valley Middle School

How Sweet It Is How sweet it is to dream, a dream none dared dream before, Of flying things and dancing things, Special things and many more. How sweet it is to think, think things none dared think before. Of different things and new things, Thinking till your thinker is sore. How sweet it is to hope, hope things when hope is gone.

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How Sweet it is! Of happy things and peaceful things, And of a bright new dawn. How sweet it is to close your eyes, to dream, think, and hope of things so dear. And once you open your eyes again, the world will seem a bit more clear. Rebekah Schueller Grade: 8, Edison Middle School

Grace Listen to this beating heart. Hear the love it's lost, it's fallen apart. Crying for life to come, but life has left. You've stolen it, controlled it, broken it. These crimes you commit, Teaching a holy man to lie, A child how to steal, A broken angel to fly, A sick man to heal. This broken heart still beats, lead it on With words of glory, making right out of wrong. Live today, feel no pain. Die yesterday, a lost soul's bloodstain. I won't be your tool, I'm not that easy. I'm not your fool, I'm your enemy. Sinking in quicksand, fighting to rise up, But the more I fight, the faster I fall. Throw me a rope, pull me in Then push me up against the wall. Face to face, finally, we fight hand to hand. Heart to heart, I’ll make you crash-land On the shattered ice of your own cold heart. Pick up the pieces, part by part. Put yourself together, so I can knock you down, Throw you into the ground And bury you under the ashes of your heart. It's on fire, baby, not with desire, But you're burning. These ashes take you to Hell. Baby, can't you hear that bell? I'm an angel, now, With wings of hope and a light to lift me up. The lonely moon is falling, here comes sunup To bring me to Heaven, Lead me to a better place. Here it is written: My journey to grace. Katie Monsewicz

I Am I am light and unique I wonder what my name means I hear music in my head sometimes I see too many colors at once I want a cinnamon roll right about now I am light and unique I pretend to be a professional dancer I feel annoyed by my family I touch a lot of people’s hearts I worry about other people’s feelings I cry if someone dies I am light and unique I understand you can’t trust everyone I say, Pants, Jacket, Shirt man randomly I dream of being a Fashion Designer I try to make the best out of what I have I hope that I make it out of Ohio one day I am light and unique Cha’Vone Pinkney Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

I Am Poem I am broken and hurt. I wonder if love is real. I hear nothin’ but lies. I see the brokenness behind the smile. I want to be loved. I am broken and hurt. I pretend to smile. I feel broken inside. I touch the sky with my dreams. I worry I may not wake. I cry when I see your face. I am broken and hurt. I understand that you still haven’t realized. I say I’m ok. I dream of you and me I try not to break down I hope we can become one I am broken and hurt. Jasmine Marie Ohler Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Grade 9, Lake High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 75

Grade 8 - 9

How Sweet it is!

My Family… My Family is an ice cold carton of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. My daddy is the chunks of sticky cookie dough that attach to you. My little brother is the little tiny chocolate chips that are bundled deep inside the sticky chunks of cookie dough. I am the vanilla ice cream that sits between the cookie dough chunks waiting to be set free. My older brother is the vapor, leaving you unable to catch it. My older sister is the milky melted ice cream dripping out of the carton. My mom is the ice crystals, yearning to come inside. My nana is the paper carton holding everyone together. Miyani Acacia Ash Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

I Hate You, with a Passion Hatred is licorice black It sounds like a louder roar than I have ever heard It feels like someone burned your heart with a blowtorch It smells like a dead body It tastes like the black, bitter icing of a cake It looks like the bruises and scars of an abused child Hatred is a pit of burning coal raging inside me T’Na Smith Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

I Am Poem I am a baker and cooker I wonder if my mom is home I hear cars racing I see a baby crying I want a hundred dollars I am a baker and cooker I pretend I am a king I feel happy I touch my art work with my imagination I worry about the remote being lost I cry when someone important dies I am a baker and cooker

I hope to become famous I am a baker and cooker Bryceson Wilson Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

My Family Metaphor My family is a piece of bubble gum. I’m the fresh, juicy part with lots of flavor. My mom is the millions of bubbles, waiting to be popped. And last but not least there’s my sister, and she is the nasty part that starts to stick to your gums to the point you want to throw it away. Jayvon Blasingame Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Family Metaphor Poem My family is cable T.V. My dad is the sports channel, but not always on a good program. My mom is the nursery channel, always there for health tips. Kwantaz is B.E.T always got something new to share Mariah is the Disney Channel, she loves to act. Monique is Nickelodeon She splats in the way when I’m watching something. Amani is the cooking channel, because I love her so much. And I am the HD channel that nobody can have except my family. by Nova Williams Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Simile/Sensory Poem Hate is dark as coal It sounds like a hurricane It feels like a rainy night It smells like death It tastes like burnt fries It looks like a bad accident Hate can kill—It’s bad to nature Anthony Davenport Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

I understand that I am in a band I say God is real I dream of being in heaven I try watching TV with my mom Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 76

How Sweet it is! Simile Poem Peace is a deep purple… It sounds like an ocean tide… It feels like a gentle wind storm… It smells like a bonfire of candles… It tastes like a fresh batch of cookies… It looks like a field of flowers on a cloudy day. Peace is a gentle relaxation and a freedom of disturbance. Asia Zollicoffer Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

I Am Poem I am smart and fun I wonder what will happen in ten years I hear water running across rocks I see leaves falling from the trees I want a new game I am smart and fun I pretend I am a ninja I feel happy most of the time I touch the slow flowing water I worry that I will forget my homework sometimes I cry when I lose a family member I am smart and fun I understand school is important I say that school is key I dream to become a zoologist I try to do my best in school I hope I will live a good life I am smart and fun Chris Nelson Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

I am… I am delicious and tall I wonder if llamas can play ball I hear frogs barking and cows meow I see a woman that was sick—how is she now? I want to play b-ball I am delicious and tall I pretend I’m in the N.B.A I feel good comments are the right things to say I touch the ball, then put it in the hoop I worry if I will get stabled like Coop I cry when someone’s life falls I am delicious and tall I understand that people die I say one day I will fly sky high

I dream that I will make money I try to dunk and bounce like bunny I hope tomorrow I will go to the mall I am delicious and tall Dorian Skillern Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Family Metaphor Poem My family lives in a comic book My dad thinks that he is Superman, but not all the time My mom thinks that she is tuff like Wonder Woman My brothers are messy, they are like the gremlins Kyle Sopp Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Where I’m From I am from the hood where somebody was always up to no good. People dying left and right, trying to find somewhere to stay the night. I am from the place where you can’t sleep. Always thinking you would creep. There are people that could never eat. I am from where you hear guns and bullets, where people die. The word on the block was never a surprise. I am from where you would hate to live. I am from where it’s hard to live. I am from where people steal and kill. Where you didn’t have the money to pay a bill. by Terrell Norwood Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

My Life I travel down the road that no man dare go. The road that’s filled with obstaclas Pain and sorrow. I walk this Path. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This Path that I choose could be of use. If you know how to get there travel, walk, run if you dare. The Path that I go Is one with wailing moans, filled with broken bones, and boulders. I climb mountains of impossability every day with the weight of the world on my shoulders. I hear the words of the wicked as there said, rumored, and spread. They try to nerve me, phase me, Try to mess with my head. Robert David Lee Kerns this is

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 77

Grade 8 - 9

How Sweet it is!

my name. Honest and right is my word. I will use my light to cast out the darkness. Forever I fly free as a bird Robert Kerns Grade 9, Timken Senior High

The Soldier When I am happy, I am like a ranger who just finished boot camp When I am sad, I am like a soldier without a weapon When I am lonely, I am like a bullet in an empty battlefield When I am tired, I am like the top marine after a hard mission When I am angry, I am like a sergeant on a bad day When I am embarrassed, I am like the one guy who failed in training When I am playing baseball, I am like the marksman who never misses When I am playing Xbox, I am like a five star general When I am hungry, I am like a gun waiting to be fired When I am thirsty, I am like a bullet waiting for a target When I am fighting for freedom, I am like an SV Cardinal When I am bored, I am like a soldier without a mission When I am hiding, I am like a sniper in the trees. Bobby Sterling

Cousin is now part of the family. She fits real fine and liked by all. She made her way into our hearts by being kind, pleasant, and nice. On the “out” the same they seem, twin Cousins, but on the “in,” the differences are dozens. A best friend and cousin she is, loved by all, making us laugh and sigh sometimes, too. But a truer friend there isn’t. We’re all so different and all so the same. We’re a family team. Each would fall without the others. Joined together we make a great wall. This is family and a great one at that. We enjoy the quarks and the foolishnesses. We may get annoyed and have a slight spat. But we are a family, just remember that. Natalie Thouvenin Grade 8, Homeschool

Simile Love is flaring red It sounds like birds singing It feels like the warmth of someone holding you It smells like warm apple pie It tastes like sweet candy apple It looks like two white doves flying together side by side Love is walking with somebody hand in hand on the beach Anthony Knag Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Grade 8, Sandy Valley Middle School

Couplet poem

Family

I used to think life was so easy and cool. Now I see my friends locked up; That’s why I stay in school.

What makes a family? What makes it one? All the differences and people rolled into one. Family is big, we’re all very different, but together we’re a great team. Grandmother is a light and a guide, steering the ship, and helping us know, just which way is right to go. Grandfather, full of life, makes us sure that it’s great to live. Parents are kind and loving, ready to help. They pick up their children when they fall, they help us be strong. Uncle loves us all. He’s generous, kind, and listens, too. Cousin is quiet and seems that he doesn’t care, if a family we are or are not. But underneath he cares more than any.

Now I am older, and I see it happening Young kids sitting on the corner, just rapping. I can envision where I want to be. Education is the life for me. Devon Mills Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 78

How Sweet it is! I Wonder, I Think, I Know, I Hope

Ford GT90

I wonder… Why do people hold things in? Why do birds chirp in the morning? Why is death so hard to cope with? I think… Most people want to do good Most people have dreams and goals Everyone is good at something I know… I want to be successful People could do good if they tried I love all of my family I hope… Bullying doesn’t ruin anyone’s life again My mother will be okay For peace on earth

The Ford GT90 is cool and fast sound like a demon and smells like rubber and smoke a beautiful car in tense. Logan Shaw

Torrin Cole Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Where I’m From… I’m from a small town Between the hustle and bustle Where some neighbors are like family. I’m from skinned knees, Jumping fences, and Playing at the beach. I’m from a golden Surburban, Back and forth to softball practice, And dance class. I am from the Hornets’ Nest Gold and Black Yellow and Onyx. I’m from barbequing out back Family reunions, Playing hide-and-go-seek and tag, And taking many pictures for no reason at all. I’m from waking up every day, Seeing at least two crackheads a morning, Hiding vegetables, sneaking snacks, And wagging tails. I’m from friends that are more like family, And family that is more like friends, I’m from home—there ain’t no place I’d rather be. Kristyle Travis

Grade 9, Jackson High School

LOVE POEM LOVE IS IN THE AIR, LOVE IS LIKE A HEART OF JOY AND DANCING ALONG. YOU FEEL A LOT OF LOVE NOW IN YOUR HEART, FEEL IT NOW WHERE EVER YOU GO. FEEL YOUR HEART NOW IT IS FALLEN IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE THAT YOU ADORE A LOT, TAKE SOMEON ON A LOT OF DATES, MARRY HIM, HAPPILY EVERY AFTER. IMAGINE YOURSELF IN A PALACE AND YOUR MAN THAT YOU LOVE, IMAGINE YOUR BABY GIRL NAMED MARY, CARRIE, JULIE, APRIL, MIA, VERONICA, AMY, EMILY OR SAMANTHA Lucy Marie Rose Grade 9, Jackson High School

I AM I am a football player and lacrosse player I wonder how rich I will be I hear people cheering I see my team mates I want to win I am a football player and lacrosse player I pretend to play I feel like were going to win I touch the ball I worry about losing I cry never I am a football player and lacrosse player

Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 79

Grade 8 - 9

How Sweet it is!

I understand I play good I say good job when we win I dream about going pro I try to do my very best I hope to win I am a football player and lacrosse player Jack Davies Grade 9, Jackson High School

The Rose A bright red rose, the love it shows, for that is what I think of. Its beauty glows, so all may know, now I have found my lost love. Its petals all, soon they will all, and now it starts to die. Its stem was strong, but love went wrong, and now I start to cry. by Madelyn Sanford Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Killer of the night Underneth my dull light curls and eyes that dance with silver werills is a killer on attack it is blood of which I lack I take them all one by one until the misty night is done you may never kill me yes you might try but soon you may find out that I will never die you can sometime catch me on gurde Hair fire red and eyes cold and hard. Raylyn Sidwell Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Paranoid BLACK AS PITCH AND UNAWARE TURN AROUND I WOULDN’T DARE WHEN I FELT A PRESSING STARE EYES ON ME, I COULDN’T BARE. I SCREAM OUT, I WILL RIP YOUR HAIR YOUR BLOOD, THE REAPER WILL NOT SHARE COME GET ME, SEE IF I CARE FOR IT IS YOUR LIFE I WILL TEAR

The Meeting As I lay on the floor at night I wait, and hear it down the hall It’s coming! It is now in sight So we must meet, for once and all. Now, it is here, but I am gone For I am vanished, with the wind I tried for once, but now I’m done Never will I actually win. Jake Bradshaw Grade 8, Edison Middle School

I love you! Eyes as sweet as the sea, You are the one for me. Your joy makes me smile for all eternity, Especially with your shining personality. You’re as sweet as a dove, You are my only true love. When I’m with you I feel alive, You are the reason that I thrive. I wish that you were mine, But our friendship is just fine. I wish you felt the way I do, All I’m saying is I really love you! Jasmine Conklin Grade 8, Lehman Middle School

One Snowy Night One snowy night I got frost bight My fingers felt so cold inside When I touched that freezing cold snow I thought I was going to die So I went inside to warm up And drank some hot chocolate My fingers felt so warm again So I laid down and went to bed Hannah Brown Grade 8, Edison Middle School

I was wrong

BLACK AS PITCH AND UNAWARE TURN AROUND I HAD TO DARE WHEN I FELT A PRESSING STARE EYES ON ME WERE NEVER THERE.

It was a bright lonely morning I was standing by the sea I could not help but start mourning For the one who always loved me I thought she would be here forever But I guess that I was wrong For the good Lord really never Gave us all that long

Brittany Rose Lambert

Jessica Butcher

Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 80

How Sweet it is! “Dan”

Meet the In-Laws

To my cousin Dan, A very extraordinary man. You were so strong. Even through you didn’t stay very long.

Something is wrong here Something very queer is near Such a thing that cannot hide My last escape failed and died

When I heard the military was here I began to shed a tear Thinking I could never could never see you again Made me think about it now and then.

Thy Presence that feeds on fear Gains power for my every tear For evil bares its retched face My Mother-in-law is on the chase

As thoughts raced through my head I just decided to go to bed As I laid down to sleep I didn’t hear a peep.

Hey Barbara why is your husband so lazy Oh no she found me.

A bit of guilty confronted me, then I shed a tear I said my last prayer that only god could hear As my eyes wonder the sky, I asked my self was that really good-bye?

Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Now my heart and mind just ach with pain I just try to think how much strength I can gain Knowing the emptiness will never leave I’ll still my best to achieve.

Mason Thompson

Creature The colorless large figure waits In mysterious ways, so cunning Stalking its prey, it silently baits Its trap for an eager running.

Grade 8, Edison Middle School

It’s waiting for the time to strike And never blinks a single time This evil creature took my life And plans on taking yours with mine.

Holidays

Connor Watson

Mary Patron

This poems starts with a holiday Where children eagerly wait And cookies are used as bait Everyone can have a lazy day With a man sleighing around the world Dropping presents down the chimney spout Children starting to fill with doubt The morning comes where wrapping paper is unfurled Brooke Steiner Grade 8, Edison Middle School

One Bright Day One bright and sunny day Kids upon the river play They laughed and played until days end Playing with each and all friends One bright and sunny day Kids upon the river didn’t play Not a laugh heard until days end Then the parents played with all the friends

Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Skieth I thought that I would never see This thing standing here with me A creature that could not be read A horror, the terror of the dead Even though, I tried to attack The creature would not stagger back A book she delivered right to him That had the power held within I thought that I would never see This thing stander here with me Even though I wished it dead I was the one wished instead That attack hurt, that’s a fact And after, I was falling back The light had darkened and was dim The last thing I saw, it was him Skieth… Matt Summer Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Briley Bracken Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 81

Grade 8 - 9

How Sweet it is!

My Little Duck A duck sat on a little crack All he did was quack, quack, quack Duck I will put you in my pool Duck it will be pretty cool I could name you little ben Or perhaps my little ken So let’s go play a silly game Or we can eat a candy cane Justin Christman Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Christmas Day The wreath is on the door And the snow is on the tree The presents on the floor But Santa I can’t see The stockings are all filled And the cookies are all gone All the toys that I can build While the family can all bond Shyanne Douglas Grade 8, Edison Middle School

“The Lies” I know you know what you do know, Accusing me of bad again, You did not tell them all the truth, And now I’m locked up in these chains. I see you told them all your lies, You made them guess-how would they know? You’re the one that did the crime, The day has come your lies will show. Joe Baltzly Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Abuse

When she has grown older; She gains wealth and whit. She also grows bolder; And even loves a bit. Bailee Elaine Horn Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Softball It’s more than just a sport, It’s more like a passion, It’s not about the fashion, So I just wore my shorts. It was getting very dark, The pitch was very fast, But then it didn’t last, Cuz I hit it out of the park. Morgan Kandel Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Across the Shining Sea I never thought I’d be A part of the shining sea The waters that took my life The waters that shine so bright My family searches for me Across the shining sea I worry about my wife And what would become of her life Gwendolyn Kochur Grade 8, Edison Middle School

In Loving Memory As I stand before you With eyes all filled with tears And as I stand above you I’ve missed you all these years

How can she love someone; That doesn’t love her back? She wants to be done; But he will just attack

Day by day, year by year We put flowers on your grave Away from your mother dear You heart we couldn’t save

She only feels the pain; From a man that she hates. She thinks she’ll die in vain; But that is not her fate.

Taylor Adamczak

In vain he has died; Still she has the bruises. And no truth to the lies; But this time he loses.

Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Of Kind Swans Like twins upon the water’s face Swimming gently at no set pace A pair of swans he merely eyed They waited near his lonesome cries

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 82

How Sweet it is! And when he ran, they start to chase For his depression they could taste They asked and asked with all their pride But when they asked, he only lied they tried so hard to find his case And before long, they stop their chase But when he wanted loose ends tied He found the swans were hard to find Koreigh Harkless Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Punch I wonder why you’d punch me in my eye I really think I’m just about to cry Although my father said to punch you back I really truly hope I don’t hold back If you tried to tell I would just deny I’m really happy you’re a little guy I just picture you as my punching sack When it’s over please don’t take my snack Sydnie Dye

Snow

Grade 8, Edison Middle School

I peer out my frosty window Wrap’d in my cozious blanket Ribbon-like clowds gray and heavy Snow is looming above the world

Christmas

One small frosty flake dancing now Floating down on the cold morning air Twirling, swirling, twisting, falling A world of white from the window The wind doth blow and yet it snows The sun shan’t heat the world below Shivery cold, yet I am warm I sit and watch through the window. Nick Harper Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Christmas Gap The twinkling lights upon the tree, the warmth of family close to me. The snow upon the midnight moon, All knowing Santa’s coming soon. But there will be a gap this year, I know that you are no where near. Across the ocean you will be, protecting ev’ry one and me. I know it must be hard for you, But I thank you for what you do. I can’t wait for that night to come, But knowing there will not be some. I can’t wait for the next year ‘round, for you to kiss my head with sound. I wish you happy holidays, though you won’t be there on those days. I know Santa can still find you, But I wish you could be here too. When you come home they’ll be balloons, Just hurry up and come back soon! Jordan Flinn

The best time of the year is very, very near Snowball fights, Frostbite’s bite And putting up the Christmas lights Jolly Old Saint Nickolas Has been waiting for Christmas To give the good kids gifts Up in his reindeer sleigh, alift. Mikenzi Snyder Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Flowers Flowers are pretty and bright. The petals are blooming so free. The colors shine so light. The leaves spread like the trees. The stems glow as they bloom. The smells of the flowers are sweet. The petals wash out the gloom. The birds are cute, as they tweet. Brooke Parish Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Fish A little fish under the sea, Was swimming oh so gracefully. Until he swam into the dark, Not knowing he was in a shark. He fell right for the monsters’ trick, But thankfully, this fish was quick. He swam right out into the light, Avoiding its tremendous bite. Lauren Deitrick Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 83

Grade 8 - 9

How Sweet it is!

Between Love and Pain I am the source of pain. And you have lost your gain. After I’ve poured my tears. Brainwashed for all these years. I’ve used your name in vain. You tore me against the grain. You make me have more fears. You cut my soul with shears. Chris Price Grade 8, Edison Middle School

Sad Girl I am a sad girl I wonder why love is painful I hear my tear drops falling from my eyes I see my self in the mirror and wonder why I want to be happy for once in my life I am a sad girl I pretend I’m happy around people I feel pain inside of me I touch the moon but fall back down I worry about my life I cry my eyes out when I have a heartache I am a sad girl I understand that I can’t be like this forever I say that I wish I was never born I dream that I find someone who is not goanna hurt me I try to put my self to sleep when I have a broken heart I hope that someday I die and people regret what they did to me and never being there when I needed them the most I AM A SAD GIRL

Blue River, sky, ice on the mountains Fresh air, clean water, clear blue waves In the nice cool summer walking down a river The new river gorge in West Virginia At peace, calm, and tranquility Jesse Dagherty Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Hyperbole Poem #16 Rain! Oh, no Rain! Go away your unneeded If only the clouds would blow up or there would be a net high in the sky to hatch you Rain, Rain go away. Daniel Costello Grade 8, Sandy Valley

Where I’m From I am from my grandma’s sweet-smelling cornbread I am from where music is blasting all the time I am from cookouts and get-togethers every once in awhile I am from celebrating holidays and birthdays I am from cheering, dancing, and yelling I am from waking to smelling waffles, bacon, and eggs in the morning I’m from caring and sharing with my brother and sisters I’m from helping my mom out around the house, cooking and cleaning I’m from hard working women that are very independent and I love them for that Malaisia Taylor Grade 8, Hartford

IIice Contreras-Godines Grade 8, Tillamook Junior High School

Blue Blueberries, the sky, the deep blue sea Bitterness, sweetness, strong Early morning sky Twilight, rain, a soft breeze Safe, calm, relief Armonie W. Foster Grade 8, Crenshaw Middle School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 84

How Sweet it is! Where I’m From

I wonder, I think, I know, I hope

I am from the street From stealing and killing I am from a world you get killed, just because you’re black and look suspicious And the only weapons you have are a can of ice tea and skittles

I wonder… Why people get mistreated everyday Why some parents don’t care about their children Why friends act fake Why life isn’t fair Why good people die everyday

I am from a generation of gangs and shooting From where you get shot, just walking to get your math book I am from gambling and educationi I am from a family that doesn’t want me a part of all the violence From where they care about me and take care of me

I think… People should watch what they say Other people’s mistakes shouldn’t affect others If everybody worked together life would be a better place Nobody should be told that they are stupid There is no such thing as perfect

Isaiah Williams

I know… There are bad people I can do better in school There will always be haters trying to bring me down That I want to come out on top One day I will live my dreams

Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

Where I’m From I’m from the hood Where people always fight Where females get hit by men in the night From where children of all ages get arrested From where people outside get molested I’m from where teens have babies From where men cheat on their ladies I’m from the hood, where if you talk its wreck on site From where people think selling drugs is right I’m from where girls give neck in an abandoned house From where police scurry around like a mouse I’m from where the streets is all you know From where people kill to put on a show I’m from where violence is not a crime From where the police are never on time I’m from where mothers fight with daughters From where they don’t know their fathers From where girls date dudes twice their age I’m from where they make dogs fight in a cage What can I say—this is the place I stay I’m from the hood, where you’re lucky to see another day Dezaray Gantlin Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

I hope… People learn from their mistakes Life treats me kind I never have to go through heart break There is more to life Aires Marche Moore Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

One Of Those Songs You remind me Of one of those songs That I replay Over and over Again. You remind me Of one of those songs I start over Before it reaches an end. You're one of those songs That drive me crazy, Because they're always Stuck in my head. And I can't get over The lyrics, And the message that They said. You're like that song I write the words to

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 85

Grade 8 - 9

How Sweet it is!

On every paper I touch. You're one of those songs I listen to all the time, Because there's no such thing As too much. You make it so I can't take out My headphones. The volume only Goes higher. You're that song That gives me goose bumps And sets my heart On fire. You're that song That makes me want To write. Keeps me up All through the night. You're that song That I never pause. You're that song With a bigger cause. You're one of those songs That no body knows, They just kinda remember How the tune sorta goes. But I'm starting to learn The words And the beat, You're that song stuck In my head, That I keep tapping With my feet. You're that song I'm always singing, Quietly under My breath. You're that song Driving me insane; But it will be a sweet And slow death. You're one of those songs I fell in love with The moment I heard Your name. A different kind Of song you are,

But my favorite, All the same. Kennedy Lawver Grade 9, Jackson High School

I Wonder, I Think, I Know, I Hope I Wonder… Why people hurt other people? Why bad things happen to good people? Why my dad abandoned me? Why God took my baby brother? I Think… I am intelligent Things will get better One day people will learn to love I Know… God is on my side I have my family through everything I am loved I Hope… My nephew will be born healthy I will go and graduate college Love, peace and happiness will grow stronger in this world Alea Lawton Grade 8, Hartford Middle School

To whom this may concern.. It's time to cut every tie, and just soak in all my lies. I try to hide and yet I'm still deprived. I'm sorry, I'm sorry.. I never wanted this to happen.. and yet there's a hole inside me and these things are bound to transaction. I go deeper, they push me out. I try to comprehend and they still try to hurt me again. This pain fills, me I hide behind my smile. All I want is to exist only for a short while. Forget me as you forget who you are.. I always go this far.. Growing up is a mistake, one I just have to make. Loathing for only more disappointment and also love, has injured my heart and I wish for someone to just leave me because. What I've found to be my life, is broken and my mind refuses to open. I sit and continue to stare, knowing that everyone is still unaware.. So I'll Cry as long as you promise to not. Then possibly I won't have these thoughts, Hold on to what is left then retrieve what no one will find. My life is left behind, for only the ones who see, will find. Now, I must go. You think you know, but in reality, You'll never find me. Khadija Peterson Grade 8, Gateway Private School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 86

How Sweet it is! Hope Birds are caged within a tree, People trapped within their lives; Dreams are dying, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you see? Let your love fly to the sky. Katie Meyer Grade 9, Lake Center Christian School

A Sad Story When I freeze, so then I curl to a ball From tingles to shocks life is rough What I got, rare it results being small My life is dread see, afraid it is tough I shelter in fragile wood like paper Dark, alone, small as a shed inside my dorm Walls front my path pity, me as maker So like many none can afford a storm Icy, regal given a birth gift then drained In all now regal is belied by me Inside as I tell the tale outside rained Prefer to be with myself to let be As I am both, now I have no shortage Rather before than me taking sausage Edwin Tam Grade 9, Southwest High School

I Miss I miss the school and summer days They blend together in an imperfect harmony I watch them play like old movies The memories fade slowly, but I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget those days of summer spent in the trees And school days of dreams and wild horses I miss dancing in the rain with my best friend And the days of forest trails and the blue crawfish with my summer friends The games we played and secrets we shared The nights of camping in our tent The days touching the sky on those swings The way they opened my mind to a whole new world I miss those crazy days of running races and wanting to fly I miss skinned knees and soft ball I miss my best friends of crazy summer days and the quiet school years. Jade Parker Grade 9, GlenOak High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 87

Grade 10 - 12

How Sweet it is!

Grades 10 - 12 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joel Bankert

A Dismal Hope

Matthew Bates

A Mother’s Love, A Son’s Hate

Emily Bowen

Dim Reflections

Lindsey Carvoo

The Bicycle Ride

Dameon Caldwell

Tears

LaReese Hill

Love

Uche Ike

Soul of a Stranger

JJ Johnson

Johnney J. Johnson Jr.

Mahayla Lewis

Love Poem

Joel Luecke

Life is a Road

Rachel Patterson

Lonely Winner

Brianna Shires

The Perfect World

Megan Speicher

What We Are

Paul Stevenson

Erf the Ferf

Jenna Taylor

Wolf

Khristen Wheeler

3/16/12

Cassandra Yeager

My Swing

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 88

How Sweet it is! A Mother’s Love, a Son’s Hate There is nothing more sacred than a mother’s love, nor is there anything so wicked as a son’s hate. Either one can seal someone’s fate. A mother’s love can protect you. A son’s hate can destroy you with woe. A mother’s love can heal. A son’s hate can get you ill. A mother’s love can help you find your way home. A son’s hate will leave you all alone. A mother’s love can set you free. A son’s hate can trap you for eternity. A mother’s love can keep your heart nice and warm/ A son’s hate can leave it cold and torn. Matthew Bates Grade 12, GlenOak High School

Let My Body Lie Let my body lie, sprawled in the dirt, an empty shell that remains. Let my body lie; do not pick it up. Let my carcass stay to show that I once stood in your way. Let it show that before I had fallen, I had stood. I had stood for something, And that I fell for something. Let my body lie, defenseless as I was. Staying here as proof that I fought. Staying here as you slaughtered. Maybe not just me, but others. Whatever that reason, we’ve all fallen. So let my body lie! One final act of defiance! You obviously did not respect my wishes in life, So respect them in death.

And so, Let my body lie not just to show that I have fought, but to show the world that I have died. Thea Angeli Grade 10, GlenOak High School

The Storm is clear The storm is clear my mind is near my mom is here I’m always near never had a deer the game is here the garden is gone my friends here I never been free I was close or near but will always be free right here Jheri Morgan Grade 10, Timken Senior High

Love Poem Your touch is my strength, Your smile is my happiness. Your kiss is my bliss, My rock is your caress. Your love is my song, Your voice is my lullaby. Your music is my river, My want is you try. Your arms are my empire, Your hands are my gates. Your body is my protection, My passions are your hates. You are my prince, You are my home. You are my castle, I am your stone. Mahayla Lewis Grade 10, Lake High School

Just let it lie in your way, hindering you one final time. Rebelling in my first new moments as I had done in my last old ones.

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 89

Grade 10 - 12

How Sweet it is! The answers he had long for, had desperately desired. Were truly simple to find, because he had always known them.

Life is a Road Life is long and dark, a tunnel with no end A long struggle on a road with no end. The road is not continually dark nor bleak. It to is bright and beautiful, full of the summer sun. The traveler on the road wants to linger in the places of warmth. To avoid the desolate openings of the darkened path. Deep in the abyss the wanderer is afraid and lost. All he wants is for the tunnel to end. Whether it ends on its own or if he must finish it. But the means and tools escape his sight. Loneliness and sorrow bear down on him from all sides. Weights that break his slouching back. Finally he collapses to his knees. Tears run down his face, into the shadowy beard that adorns his chin. He can go no farther, the burden has become to much. He only wants the suffering to end, for the bliss to envelop him. Just before he feels himself fall, into the black abyss A light shines forth cutting aside the shadows. A homely face, one weathered and old appears before him and a wrinkled hand reaches out. He is pulled to his feet and shown the way. Out of sorrow and away from despair.

But they were hidden behind the smoke and mirrors, of his confused and cluttered mind. He had been nudged away from the endless abyss. And set back on the path meant only for him But as he set off with a confident stride. As the light of the sun began to cover him. He realizes all he wanted all he really needed, was a help hand. A caring and reassuring touch. What he wanted most of all, was for someone to understand him. Was for someone, Who could see him for him. What he wanted most of all was for the loneliness to end. And for it to be replaced with anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love. Joel Luecke Grade 12, GlenOak High School

What Are We Are we nothing do we mean anything do people listen to us do we have a voice are we to sit a do nothing can we stand up for what we believe in do we have hope can we find hope out there somewhere do we have a say in what we do can we make our own decisions We are something we have a voice people do listen to us we are able to stand up for what we want we have all the hope we need we are able to find everything we need we can prove it to everyone who thinks different we really are something to be proud of Megan Speicher Grade 10, Jackson High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 90

How Sweet it is! I Am Special I am special when I get a A+ on a test or quiz from my classes. And another time I was special is helping my mom with the cooking for breakfast and sometimes for dinner, too. My last time when I was special is taking car of my cat Coco at my dad nouse. And my other time when I was special is spending time with my best friend Jordan and Lucy Rose at school, horses and at home. The end Bobby Snyder Grade 11, Jackson High School

My Swing The light, tender breeze rushing through my long, golden hair. The warm, silky sand between my toes. The bright summer sun on my face as I swing back and forth on my favorite swing at the park. Everything about this reminds me of my childhood. Daddy pushing me, wanting to go higher and higher! Sharing this dream with my little sister when she was born. Now as I stand here remembering the good ‘ol times. I am beginning to realize that as you grow up people begin to expect so much of you. Everything changes, people move on, hearts break. But now every time I begin to feel the pressure of the world on my shoulder My mind goes to my cherished childhood friend. The light, tender breeze rushing through my long, golden hair. The warm, silky sand between my toes. The bright summer sun on my face as I swing back and forth on my favorite swing at the park. Cassandra Yeager

lies. But yet she forgives, and she does it constantly, trapped in the illusion that their love was unity. When you’re with someone for so long, feelings grow ever more strong. Even through all this pain, she’s still stuck in the same old game. There wer times when I thought you’d move on, but he’d convince you nothing’s wrong. What I’ve seen and what I’ve felt, with everything that you were dealt. Why are you still there? Why is this not fair? Why do I even care? Because I love you and you deserve better, I wanna be with you forever. As different as we are, we’re not that far from par. After all that you’ve been through, I was always there for you. But you’re still stuck to the past, believing that your love will that. If you change your mind, I’ll always be by your side. You may not come to the light, but I know that me and you is right. Joel Bankert Grade 12, McKinley High School

The Bicycle Ride My Life Is Like A Bicycle I had training wheels and then they came off Sometimes I go fast sometimes slow I may fall but I get back up There may be bumps I like to stay steady I may get a hole My tires may go flat but I patch It up and my family and friends Are the air that goes in my tires I may wreck at times but I always Become repaired and when I’m going fast Sometimes I feel there’s no brake but there is I just Got to use it My Life Is Like A Bicycle Lindsey Carvoo

Grade 10, GlenOak High School

Grade 10, Tuslaw High School

A Dismal Hope

Children

Should I tell her how I feel, I think she must have known. Both of us have had our times where we have felt alone. I’ve seen the sadness in her eyes, on the inside I know she cries. All because of that one guy, all his cheating, all his

Children are our sole air We must teach them how to be fair and to walk a dignified air just about everywhere To hold their heads up high with flair and to

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 91

Grade 10 - 12

How Sweet it is!

show care but also, to share

It’s that the best is the best, and that is my favorite team.

With all those who are there to be sweet but also, to be neat

The best team there is with the best athlete, No contest, LeBron James, and Miami Heat.

We must teach our children many things. Tori Durm Grade 10, McKinley High School

Johnney J Johnson Jr Four Jays, what can I say? Got like 40 nicknames, But people always ask “really? J-J-J-J? I say “yes” they say “wow” I say “Don’t make a sound, just sit down and listen to the Awesomeness goin’ round.” Let’s start early, when my nicknames were really lame When they called me Johnny Bravo and J.J. the jetplace. But they got better, JJ, J-Quad, Quad-J and Cheeks, Stop asking questions, this poem could take weeks. I play drums, I play piano, and I like to draw, I love reading, but Stephen King books beat ‘em all. Usually when people think Stephen King, they think SCARY! Which is true…Carrie, Pet Sematary But what if you could go back in time and see, How you can change 11-22-63? I got 3 older sisters, I’m the only boy, Growing up, I played with wrestlers and Barbie toys. My mom was the best, I never got spankings, Favorite YouTube video? LEROOOOOY JENKIINNS! Why you askin’ all them questions? Making statements assuming, Pretending to be me and acting like a bafoon, and Interrupting my poem, HAHAHA I’m just playin, So ANYWAY!, back to what I was sayin’, My favorite movie’s Karate Kid, the remake, I got 3 favorite songs and they’re all really great

But THAT’S IT!! This poem has gone on long enough To be about a guy who isn’t even that buff Just one more thing before I’m officially done I’m Johnney J Johnson Jr., and I’m…AWESOME! JJ Johnson Grade 10, McKinley High School

Intimacy Hand in hand It seems so innocent. In all reality, It truly isn’t. Every touch and every kiss; Soon nothing but bare skin, And a burning passion Are wrapped in cotton sheets. Heat and pleasure fill the air, As two souls become one. Molding themselves to each other, Feeding their desires. Man and Woman, Body and Heart; Forever together, Never shall they part. Audrey Guy Grade 10, McKinley Senior High School

Dim Reflections Our mirror’s cracked and dim, but trim And we ebb away our glitter Into piles of question and dust All the while we wonder What it’d look like Minus the rust Our rusty hands construct a justice Dim reflections give no honor They give dim hopes, they give dim trust Emily Bowen Grade 10, Homeschool

Stairway to Heaven, Set Fire to the Rain, fun, Wait! Fun is the band, the song is We Are Young. Now if there’s one thing in this world that I deem, Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 92

How Sweet it is! Lonely Winner

Wolf

How fair is she now To take you away Down into the deep Where now you must stay

An ancient legend passed down and down, of a wolf, wearing shining fur, like a gown. Fierce blue eyes pierce the black night looking for anything, anywhere for a vicious fight. A cry of anguish pierces the air, the wolf stares, his sharp teeth bare. The terrified man realizes this fate is right, he shows his neck bracing himself for the bite. The wolf struggles, animal against human, but the stronger prevails, now here stands a woman. Strong and true, the man holds her tight, weeping together for the terror, and beauty of the night. Jenna Taylor

What honor has she To steal you away Never to be found Left there to decay To think high of her Is to drown in vain For she is a thief Looked on with disdain The laughs we once shared Taken with the tide Never to return They are hers to hide Always deceiving Never a fair game I’m left alone but For her it’s the same She takes never gives And feels too empty None willingly go Though there are plenty I pray she’s lonely Lonely and broken Maybe then she’ll see All that could have been While hopes we once shared Are gone with the wind Because now I know That death always wins Rachel Patterson Grade 11, Ohio Connections Academy

Grade 12, Perry High School

Everyone Will Remember Me As I am writing at the table near the window A lot of memories are rushing through my mind I think of the times when I had the freedom to move around I look back three years from now that my life has change I am not the same person as I was back then The life of mine is mines and only mines No one can ever be me Forever the soul of mine will be remembered I will leave my mark so that everyone will know that I made a difference in their lives I have changed the society into something magnificent It changed from a community of hatred to loving one another I think of the times when I was beaten I felt isolated from the outside world I was in excruciating pain My whole body ached It felt like my breath was being taken away from me My life was its last and the last that everyone would remember of me Chibunma Adiele Grade 10, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 93

Grade 10 - 12

How Sweet it is!

Soul of a Stranger

I made one little mistake, You hurt me so bad. You left me all alone with nothing, I didn’t understand all this could go wrong. I thought you loved me, You were quick to replace me. You seen me upset with tears down my face, I got so scared. I didn’t let you in this time, You tried to play me like a game. You offered yourself to me, I turned around and walked away. Tears in my eyes show the pain, Smile on my face hides it. You have my heart, But you’re gone now. Love ends. Amber Caetta

I’m peering into the soul of a stranger Trying to ignore the wrinkled dangers that lay In each hem of his tailored suit. Leading him into betrayal of the Truth’s radicalism. Causing him to accept capitalism as normal And peace, as just wishful thinking. Sinking deep and deeper into the 9 to 5 Striving to survive, yet compromising his life. Not knowing that his wife wants to die Because each day she arises and has to paint on her smiles By defiling her face with makeup; trying to erase The very flaws that make her human. Her flaws are a metaphor for the poet with writers block. I want the head of all humans to simultaneously cock At a 90 degree angle and begin to tick and tock So that each second brings forth a new perspective So that we can maybe start to feel empathy for someone other than ourselves. And with each robust tick I want our Egos to combust. Because the Ego is the weed of the body; It plants it’s seed of pride And hides the fact that one day, Where you want to accept it or not, you and I are going to die And the world won’t stop for anyone. So if I could give you advice worth following, It’d be to thicken your skin with precaution Because skin can only grow so thick before it starts to crack And auction off the hairs on your back For false hopes and empty wishes. By Uche Ike Grade 11, Jackson High School

Love Ends I thought your arms was where I belonged, You took me in so easily. You loved me like no one else, I fell so fast. I wanted to be yours, you told me I was all you needed. You made me smile more than anyone, I felt like everything was perfect. I was all you wanted me to be, You stole my heart. You held onto every last word that was said, I did it all.

Grade 10, Glenoak High School

My Mom My Mom was there for me and she still is Even though she died of Cancer. I feel her in my HEART every day and night I feel her watching over me at home and school When I eat my favorite food I remember how she made it for me When I read my favorite book I can hear her SOFT voice. But in my HEART every day I know she’ll be there for me. Amber Wolfe Grade 11, Early College/Timken Senior High School

Tears Life is done hope is lost I won the battle but at what I cost Family can’t even look in my face I feel like such a disgrace What you see are not my fears You are seeing hurting boy’s tears Dameon Caldwell Grade 11, Glenoak High School

The Love Love! Love! What is this love that people believe in? Love! Is what I used to love for... I loved with my mind, My soul, And My heart... What I got in return was no Love back... Love! Love! Why do you come around and hurt all of us? Love! It does not exist anymore. It has Vanished in to the air like

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 94

How Sweet it is! A balloon flying high into the sky. It is gone! And I have a feeling it Won't be back! Love! Love! Why do you not love me? I have catered to your every need And your every desire. I know I have tried to shun you out of my life, But Love! Love! Promise me that you will stay with me for one last time. One day. One Week. One month. One year. Love! Love! Alexa M. Salter Grade 11, Canton South High School

Because of You Because of you I smile more. Because of you my life is worth fighting for. Through the light, dark and grey, You made blue skies from the rain. You make me believe and dream, Every time you’re close to me. When were holding each other close, We’re one it seems. As soon as you leave, I can’t wait to see your face. To me you’re the safest place To me you’re comfort to hold on to In sunshine and in rain I know you will stand by me Through-out the good or bad times. You are the guy that is my only, & everything, That will stand, by my side, through-out anything. Oh man, when we hold hands, my hearts starts to sing. You’re my safe house on these cold, dark and rainy days. Who helps me see through, all the sorrow & the pain. You protect me, and are my sunshine of golden beams My shining knight in this world of gray one who can come and wisk me away Oh I’m so glad for that day. Oh that you came I never knew that the light would come shining through. I never thought I could ever meet someone like you. I love you and that is the truth. Courtney Hout

The PERFECT World We can imagine a new world, unlike our own Where everyone feels like they are at home A world with no hate is the world with the golden gate. A life with no love is not the life of the dove. A time where you’re hurt, would simply be absurd. Look beyond yourself, open your eyes and see That everything can be changed through Christ the King. He is always there for you, and for me, he is the king, and the King is he. He died on the cross, the world had pausedFor a moment he was gone. For his grace the world will long. He rose from the grave On that glorious day, It’s in your heart in which he wants to find his way. It’s because of him the times are gray, But it’s because of him we woke up today. When times are tough just remember this, Christ gave us reasons to reminisce. You say you’re looking for your purpose, But you’re not attending churches. You’re not singing the song, You’re not living the life, You’re simply not doing it right. If you stop this mess, You will stop the distress. It will be then you find, A love undefined. Brianna Shires Grade 10, Jackson High School

The MacKenzie Poem The summary—concrete poem The poem is about my sister MacKenzie The topic is MacKenzie MacKenzie is beautiful and MacKenzie sounds wonderful when she sings and play piano. MacKenzie looks like grown up. MacKenzie makes me feel happy when she is hugging me. MacKenzie is my sister. Jordan Fox Grade 12, Jackson High School

Grade 12, Perry High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 95

Grade 10 - 12

How Sweet it is!

Erf the Ferf Erf the Ferf was a kind, sweet young Ferf. He told all his friends, "All Ferfs have werf." There was a Ferf who heard this, and that was the bitter old Ferf down Perf Way. Erf always heard the old Ferf reply, "No way, nuh-uh that ain't true, I ain't never done nothing of werf." Distraught by this Erf made a bet with the Ferf, "I'll sit and watch you day and night, night an' day, you'll just have to do something of werf!" Days and weeks and months and years slipped by as Erf waited for the bitter old Ferf to do something of werf. The old Ferf and Erf were much older now and moments before the Ferf passed, he said to Erf, "See? I told you, I ain't never done nothing of werf." Erf the Ferf couldn't believe it. He sat for days and weeks and months and years, until he was the old Ferf down Perf Way. From his stoop, he seen a kind, sweet young Ferf who told all his friends "All Ferfs have werf." Erf told the Ferf, "No way, nuh-uh that ain't true, I ain't never done nothing of werf." Paul Stevenson Grade 12, Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow

3-16-12 Living without you, Has not been swell. I’ve spent all this time, Acting as if all is well. It’s been 8 years today, That birthday being your last. I’m scared that I’m forgetting, And leaving you in the past. So many questions, I wish I could ask. Instead I hide all my pain, Behind this happy mask. It’s been a while, Since I felt your embrace. You’ve been gone so long, But your in a better place. Watching this family video, Then I begin to cry. I find myself asking questions, Especially asking, Why? Why did God, Take you away. You’re MY daddy, You were supposed to stay.

Blaming God, Because your gone. But I know that’s not right, I know it’s wrong. See, God needed my daddy, In Heaven above. And I’ll see him again, Then I’ll show him my love. The day will come, When I leave too. Then I‘ll go to heaven, And start over new. I’ll be camping, And fishing with dad. But for now, I try not to be sad. No more tears, I’ll see you on the other side. Together, Carved in stone, With you by my side. Khristen Wheeler Grade 12, Perry High School

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 96

How Sweet it is!

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 97

Index of Entries Page

Student

How Sweet it is! Poem

93 Adiele, Chibunma 24 Adkins, Lillian 32 Adkins, Mitchell 45 Adkins, Shekannah 44 Ady, Selena 34 Akers, Evan 47 Allen, Isaiah 89 Angeli, Thea 25 Archer, Chiara 46 Armentrout, Isabella Armstead, MaKaylin 23 Joice 21 Armstead, Maniis 76 Ash, Miyani 46 Aten, Kyle

89 Bates, Matthew 20 Beard, Aubry 25 Belden, Charlie 26 Belknap, Kaitlyn 21 Bennett, Brooklynn 23 Benson, Diamond 48 Berry, Angelleigha 30 Betz, Lexi 13 Bibey, Chase

Poem

Dancing With the Music

30 Blake, Madison

Spring

76 Blasingame, Jayvon 43 Blile, Shaneia 51 Bloom, Camella 13 Bove, Zoe 92 Bowen, Emily 37 Bower, Aubri Bowman, Autumn 59 Michelle 81 Bracken, Briley 80 Bradshaw, Jake 15 Brady, Logan

Family Metaphor Acrostic Name Raccoons Flowers Dim Reflections My Dog Brody

Blue-haired things

55 Brasill, Paris

Hiding in the Dark

I am Poem My Family Nerf

18 Brooks, Makayla

I am a Girl

27 Brost, Emily 34 Brown, Anton 38 Brown, Brandon 80 Brown, Hannah 9 Brown, Heaven 10 Bruckner, Jack

Apple Pie Spring Care One Snowy Night I Wish The Sun

18 Brumbaugh, Xander

I Like to Draw

In Loving Memory Sayvon's I am Poem Everyone Will Remember Me Poem about Me Lego Domain Love Spring Acrostic Kyrie Irving Stair Poem Let My Body Lie Gold Ugly Dolls

—B— 26 Back, Sydney 31 Bailey, Angela 7 Balcom, Avery 15 Ballway, Elizabeth 82 Baltzly, Joe 91 Bankert, Joel 67 Barnes, Katherine 48 Barrino, Destiny 15 Batchik, Hunter

Student

46 Bishop, Alexa

—A— 82 Adamczak, Taylor 22 Adams, Sayvon

Page

Bookmobile Kittens and Mittens The Sea What Tigers Look Like The Lies A Dismal Hope When the Sun Sets. My Name Poem The Tiger's Bed A Mother's Love, a Son's Hate Imaginations of Blue A Leprechaun Named Nate I Made a Valentine About My Life: Brooklyn Feeling Poem Welcome Spring Acrostic Poem Summer My Home

6 Buckerfield, Duncan

Back In Time One Sunny Day The Meeting Ice Cream

32 Burgardt, Rebecca

Fruits My Life as a Migrant Worker Dog

15 Burkett, Adam

Frogs

14 Burris, Max 25 Bussey, Avery 80 Butcher, Jessica

Tigers in the Jungle Valentine for Granny I Was Wrong

33 Byard, Seana

My Aunt

13 Byler, Kobe

Growing Plants

55 Byrd, Rachel

Ice Cream

57 Buckley, Madison

—C— 94 Caetta, Amber 56 Cain, Brittany 94 Caldwell, Dameon 24 Calhoun, Cynizja

Love Ends The Wolf Tears Funny poem with the letter F

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 98

Index of Entries

How Sweet it is! Page

Student

17 Campbell, Francis 64 Capalingo, Liz 18 Carlson, Benny 32 Carpenter, Garon 14 Carr, Olivia 12 Carson, Lillian 74 Carter, Ian 91 Carvoo, Lindsey 44 Cash, Daryana 14 Cassetty, Thomas 54 Chadwell, Chase 33 Chapman, James 12 Chappie, Nathan 6 Chech, Rinoa 50 Chenault II, David 23 Chine, Dariun 82 Christman, Justin 15 Ciolli, Joshua 56 Clark, Fletcher 34 Clark, LaToria 24 Clark, Robre't 63 Cline, Madison 14 Cochran, Austin 79 Cole, Torrin 17 Collins, Heaven 42 Comfort, Aidan 13 Comfort, Cassia 24 Compton, Jac 12 Compton, Kendall

Poem

My Stool You Can't Judge a Book by It's Cover In Space The Burglar The Tiger Lilly Haiku The Bicycle Ride Spring Acrostic The Tiger Never Judge a Book by the Cover Knowledge Snakes Sparks Fly Stair Poem Two different cats My Little Duck The Tiger Rat Cat Spring Holidays Poetry Is…

Tiger's Forest Just a Hope My Name is Heaven Old Man Water Cinnabun Strawberries The Loving name 48 Compton, Nautika Poem 40 Confalone, X'zandria Spring Acrostic I Have a Mole on My 10 Conner, Nathaniel Back 84 Contreras-Godines, IIice Sad Girl 80 Conklin, Jasmine I Love You 20 Cooper III, Clay Happiness 31 Cooper, Megan M. Bunny 11 Corey, Sophia Soft Whisper 46 Costello, Alicia Wonderful Things

Page

Student

Poem

84 Costello, Daniel

Hyperbole Poem

47 Costello, Olivia

Frisbee

41 Crock, Josiah 47 Cross, Natalie

My Mother Named Me Kasey Winter All About Me Natalie

14 Crossland, Joey

The Tiger

8 Culler, Karief

I Can Fly!

21 Culver, Luvasia

Creatures

14 Cursio, Isabella

The Tiger Poem

8 Crawford, Kasey

—D— 84 Dagherty, Jesse

Blue

18 Dalton, Joe

I am Very Nice

9 Daugherty, Mikenna

St. Patrick's Day

47 D'Avello, Madison

Ice Cream

76 Davenport, Anthony

Simile/Sensory Poem

79 Davies, Jack

I Am

32 Deboer, Isabella

Music

48 Dedrick, Jade

Bio-Poem

83 Deitrick, Laren

Fish

14 Delahanty, Sierra

The Tiger Poem

13 DeLap, Maggie

The Season of Spring

26 Dellinger, Cade

Math

12 Dennis, Caitlyn

Godly Girl

34 Deutschman, Wyatt

Bear

22 Dexter, Kyle

Go Cheetahs

14 Didyk, Madison

Mr. Tiger

20 Dieckman, Cody

I am Cody Poem

26 Digman, Kyle

Sharks

8 Dillard, Donathan 38 Dimmerling, Robby 32 Dionisio, Jason 12 DiSabato, Luca 42 Dodson, Madeline

I am a Guy Time Bob The Sea Test

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 99

Index of Entries Page

Student

21 Dolph, Alexis 12 Dolph, Stephanie 49 Domer, Devan 24 Domer, Sean 73 Donohoe, Olivia 12 Dorsey, Keelan 24 Dotson, Kanei 82 Douglas, Shyanne 63 Dozier, Courtney 32 Dunn, MacKenzie 91 Durm, Tori 83 Dye, Sydnie 7 Dylewski, Joshua

How Sweet it is! Poem

Me If Thing One and Thing Two Came to my House Older Sister Where I'm From Sunny and Rainy All About Me Christmas Day A Fighter A Girl Named Molly Children Punch The Long Thrilling Ride

—E— 18 Eaves, Rhya 32 Ecrement, McKenzie 44 Edmond, Nevaeh 20 Ek, Jaden 72 Elbert, Sadie 37 Elliott, Leah 65 Evans, Mahlee 51 Evans, Savannah 16 Everett, Charity 66 Everett, Daviona

Colors Candy Bio-Poem McDonald's Giving You Gravity I Saw Hawaiian Beach Watching Baby Birds Hatch I'm Eight Years Old School Rules (Martin Lugher King)

—F— 16 Fisher, Arlen Dreams are Possible 83 Flinn, Jordan Christmas Gap 12 Foehrenbach, Madison Happy Maddie Clouds that Are White 51 Forsythe, Taylor and Puffy Mom You Are My Fa11 Foster, Anijzah vorite Person 84 Foster, Armonie Blue 95 Fox, Jordan The Mackenzie Poem 44 Francisco, Ariss April 10 Franklin, Jonathan Love being me 63 Freeman, Anna The Butterfly 34 Freeman, Christa The Country

Page

Student

45 Fueling, Mycha 7 Fulmer, Lily

Poem

A Ghost in My Closet Rind

—G— 9 Gang, Madison 85 Gantlin, Dezaray 45 Garnes, Linzee 45 Gaut, Nicholas 13 Gaylor, Justyn 64 Gentile, Marisa 39 Gibson, Devin 17 Giganti, Michael 21 Gilger, Emma 19 Glass, Clay 51 Glenn, Salaja 64 Glover, Emily 38 Gnes, Jessica 19 Goodwin, Emily 60 Gorrell, John 27 Gott, Michael 68 Graber, Maggie 23 Grabowsky, Anna 6 Gray, Rose 21 Graybill, Haylie 31 Graytok, Audrey 17 Griffith, Angelina 74 Gronkiewicz, Cody 18 Grow, Stephanie 45 Gaut, Nicholas 61 Gulley, Danielle 92 Guy, Audrey 40 Guy, Decota

Shy and Quiet Where I'm From The Good Books My Brother Blue Why? Clock I am I am courageous and respectful November The J-U-N-E Poem Art Influences Running I am Bill Colors Joy follows suffering Christmas Day Cats Inside my Head My Dogs What Some Tigers Look Like Another Man That's Fallen Friends My brother I'll Wait for You Forever Intimacy Spring Poem

—H— 13 Hale, Kaitlyn 10 Hall, Adrin 33 Hamilton, Desiree 10 Harbin, Haylie 83 Harkless, Koreigh 32 Harkness, Kassidy 7 Harkness, Kellen

Our Wonderful Plants About Me: Adrin Summer Lovable Of Kind Swans Kassidy Trees

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 100

Index of Entries

How Sweet it is! Page

Student

9 Harland, Kendra 14 Harlock, Derck 40 Harman, Curtis 40 Harman, Isabell 24 Harper, Hai’leah R. 83 Harper, Nick 40 Harper, Tyionne 16 Harris, Ainka 44 Hartley, Joshua 6 Hartman, Will 7 Hasna, Hani 68 Haueter, Joey 40 Heckman, Aaron 43 Heckman, Adam 31 Hemphill, Colt 58 Henderson, C.J. 27 Henderson, Jacob 24 Henline, Annie 11 Herncane, Chloe 15 Herron, Damien 74 Herstine, Jessica 32 Hill, Kaylee

Poem

Easter The Tiger Family Spring Acrostic Poem Spring Acrostic The Love Poem Snow Spring Acrostic Flowers Bio-Poem Trees This Bird Blind Tree Acrostic Homeroom Spring Acrostic Poem Smelly You The Holocaust Apple The Silly Poem I love my Cat Dynomite Damien Roller Coasters Sweets and Treats!!!!!!

7 Hill, Kelsey J. 97 Hill, LaReese 18 Hisey, Maria 26 Hobson, Trent

Bird Love Babies Dragons Plants, Trees and 11 Hockman, Jaidan Flowers… 26 Hockwalt, Laney Cute 34 Hoffner, Jalyn Volleyball 44 Hopkins, Victoria My World 82 Horn, Bailee Elaine Abuse 95 Hout, Courtney Because of You 40 Hudson-Snow, Lataisha Lataisha 7 Humbert, Lydia Go Cart 66 Hunley, Malik Worse Day 19 Hunt, Bri I am

—I— 94 Ike, Uche

Soul of a Stranger

Page

Student

Poem

—J— 44 Jackson, Kyra 37 Janowicz, Louis 12 Jasser, Michael 16 Jefferson, Robert 44 Jenkins, Damarco 8 Jesse, Mabel 31 Jeter, Samuel 56 Jocas, David 92 Johnson, JJ 54 Johnson, Kenya Johnson, Khristopher 40 Jaylin 62 Joiner, Breea 35 Justice, Carly Rose

Spring Time Twas the Day Before Christmas Dogs Rivers Acrostic Name Poem I Love Dachshunds!!! Spring Acrostic Poems Are Johnney J Johnson Jr. Romantic Love Spring Acrostic Just Because Words

—K— 65 Kalmar, Adam 82 Kandel, Morgan 42 Kay, Jayda 18 Keen Jr., Eddy 45 Keller, Joe 47 Kelley, Jonathan 38 Kendrick, Mackenzie 78 Kerns, Robert 20 Kerscher, Luke 26 Kerstetter, Alya 32 Khawaja, Ayah 25 Kieffer, Logan 41 Kinnison, Jeffery 52 Kirkpatrick, Megan 9 Kisner, Odin 41 Klemens, Shannon 38 Klotz, Elizabeth 79 Knag, Anthony 72 Knight, Ophelia D. 14 Knisely, Tyler 82 Kochur, Gwendolyn 52 Koehl, Katey 42 Kolbs, Alize' 14 Kotyk, Esther

J-Walking Softball Summer Frogs The hit Night Baby Pelican My Life Ted with his Head The Beach Majestic Joe the Leprechaun Ball Babysitting Happiness Color Me Blue Softball Simile Untitled The Tiger Across the Shining Sea Gymnastics Welcome Spring The Tiger

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 101

Index of Entries Page

Student

How Sweet it is! Poem

38 Kramer, Ashley

Basketball

56 Kress, Michael

Stinky and Weird

9 Krueger, Maximus 55 Kuba, Tobias 36 Kulich, Ethan

Bluebird Green Benchwarmer Beast

—L—

Page

Student

31 Mason, Harley 9 Mateer, Brandon 25 Mattis, Alyssa 64 Mayle, Megan

14 Laclair, Kobi 80 Lambert, Brittany Rose 15 Lammlein, Jack 16 Larimore, Evan 10 Lauschke, Sarah

Tiger Poem Paranoid Frogs I am The Cat in the Hat

36 McAllister, Dominique

86 Lawton, Alea

I Wonder, I Think, I Know, I Hope

86 Lawver, Kennedy 18 Leach, Kylie Ann 24 Leib, Aleah 47 Leib, Kaitlyn 9 Leib, Tysen 30 Lennon, Alex 21 Leray, Brenden 41 Levengood, Kyle 89 Lewis, Mahayla Llewellyn, Leah Dina54 Marie 8 Londeree, Brianna 39 Longberry, Talia M. Longbrake, Anna 25 Bridget 22 Lucas, Shakia 90 Luecke, Joel 14 Lushes, Jacob 35 Lyogry, Jenny

One of Those Songs Look at That The Very Bad Snail Soccer The Tiger Poetry Pattern Mom and Dad Desk Love Poem Dreaming…

58 Marshall, Talicity 16 Martin, Mykohl 41 Martinez, Victor 33 Martzaklis, Jacob

Softball I Am Poem Toasty Socks Just Put a Pencil in my Hand… My BioPoem What Is It?

16 McClure-Bailous, Jadyn The Vest 45 McCord, Victoria

My Dog Sassy

51 McGee, Eilis

Imagination

63 McGeorge, Kaitlyn

The Tree of Life

19 McLaughlin, Jae'Len

The Dinosaur Poem

6 McNemar, Teagan

Trees

37 Medley, Madylin

In my mind

23 Mejia, Lily

Fluffy

66 Meredith, Lauren

Smiling

42 Merten, Sierra

Bio-Poem

87 Meyer, Katie

Hope

8 Midcap, Ashley

I Am Poem

40 Middlebrooks, Thomas April 27 Miller, Avery

Reading

I Had a Dog Named Holly Color Me Purple

57 Miller, Jensen

Over the Misty Mountains Cold

The Bat Named "Cat"

35 Miller, Olivia

Teachers

Facts about Me Life is a Road Tiger Poem Teachers

31 Miller, Sara

Summer

15 Miller, Skylar

The Library

—M— 23 Mack, Ty'esha

8 McCallla, Jasmine

Poem

Man's Best Friend The Holocaust Meanies I Like to Cook in a Pan Color Me Red Silly Billy

6 Miller, Hope

8 Milligan, Rachel

Don't litter

Sickness Stinks

78 Mills, Devon 50 Mincy, Javaz 31 Minor, Nicole

Couplet Spring Midnight Path

59 Mitchell, De'Air

The Unforgetable Act

39 Moldouan, Dallas

Basketball

39 Mollohan, Brenden 66 Monroe, Paul

Sleep I Have a Dream

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 102

Index of Entries

How Sweet it is! Page

Student

Poem

75 Monsewicz, Katie

Grace

67 Moody, Jiayre

I Have a Dream

85 Moore, Airess Marche

I Wonder, I Think, I Know, I Hope

63 Moore, Nathan

Buyers Beware

49 Moraghan, Megan

Bio Poem

89 Morgan, Jheri

The Storm is Clear

97 Morgan, Michaela

The Journey to Camp

40 Morris, Devon James

Line of Simitry

16 Morris, Romondo

Lions

39 Moseley, Trinity

Basketball

59 Mumford, Shardai'ja

The Scariest Moment Ever

59 Muntean, Seth

Why?

Page

Student

Poem

—O— 75 Ohler, Jasmine Marie 59 Oles, Isabelle 25 Olivieri, Isabelle 14 Oser, Kennedy 37 Owens, Sadie

I Am Poem Its Like Summer Limerick Spiders Music

—P—

20 Neidert, Anderson

I am

16 Petterson, James

I am Flowers I miss Books Eli Whitney Dan Killer Whales Lonely Winner Terrifying Scene Flowers Gleam and Glow I am Eggroll To whom this may concern… I Like To…

77 Nelson, Chris

I Am

30 Nelson, Domiona

Basketball Make That Shot

55 Phillips, Devin 75 Pinkney, Cha'Vone

ROYGBIV I Am

69 Plotts, Dustin

I Have a Dream

36 Nicholas, Eve

Halloween Night

17 Nicholas, Matthew

Fish

46 Nichols, Antonio

The Tragic Loss

31 Nichols, Justin

Baseball

26 Poling, Naomi 15 Popio, Nathan 18 Porter, Joshua 18 Porter, Justin

67 Nichols, Madison

I Have a Dream

84 Price, Chris

62 Nicholson, Alex

Opening Day

68 Nolan, Corey

I Have a Dream

57 Pritchett, Dillan 7 Putt, Emily

Cats The Tiger Dreams are Possible Swimming Pool Between Love and Pain Battlefield Song Our Earth

77 Norwood, Terrell

Where I'm From

8 Murphy, Derek 24 Murphy, Owen 25 Murray, Joey 31 Myers, Drew

I am Smart

20 Palenshus, Abby 83 Parish, Brooke 87 Parker, Jade 27 Pastore, Caroline 16 Patrick, Joy 81 Patron, Mary 16 Patterson, Creed 93 Patterson, Rachel 58 Penix, Zoey

Awesome Legos

39 Pennell, Alexis

Wake up, Sleep all night Football

20 Peresta, Jenna 17 Perry, Gracie 86 Peterson, Khadija

—N—

—R— Ragunanthan, Prashanth 47 Randolph, Victoria 23 Ray, Abbey 48

A Littl Bit of What Happened Today Toys Limerick

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Index of Entries Page

Student

65 Raye-Hill, Nakyla 42 Rayner, Kaitlyn 16 Reed, Autumn 60 Reider, Grace 7 Reindel, Emma 6 Reindel, Tyler

How Sweet it is! Poem

20 Reynolds, Scotty

What to do! Bio-Poem Roses The Beach! Earth Day Earth Winter and Summer Aren't the Same Waterfall Haiku

25 Ricchetti, Gabby

Limerick

10 Reith, Mason

72 Rice, Amber 30 Richards, Dominique 20 Riggs, Marisa 33 Risaliti, Samantha

I have a dream My Puppy Rosie Fun SPRING!!! Are You Better Than 47 Robertson, Samantha Me? 30 Robinson, Bria Toucan 61 Robinson, Hannah Another Day 73 Robinson, Leah-Richelle Where I am From 39 Rodriguez, Oscar Color Me Yellow 32 Roher, Michael Spring 19 Rohr, Kevin I am 79 Rose, Lucy Marie Love Poem 68 Ross, Camille I Have a Dream 12 Ross, Gino Rainbows 36 Roth, Brianna Glorious 18 Rothermel, Reece Donut 62 Round, Maddy Some Poepl 12 Rozmajzl, Luke Ice Cream 64 Russell, Brittany Silence

—S— 16 Salomone, Leah

Candy Store

95 Salter, Alexa

The Love

6 Salvatore, Jordyn 19 Salvino, Ella 43 Sanchez, Dakota

Earth Day Butterflies My Name

80 Sanford, Madelyn

The Rose

58 Satterwhite, Tailyn 33 Sausaman, Hanna 20 Sawyer, Amber 25 Scarpitti, John 25 Scheatzle, Barrett

Dark, Lonely, Scared My Color Gummy Bears My Limerick Limerick

Page

Student

Poem

69 Schirf, Jake

Goin' Hunting

6 Schloneger, Miette 34 Schnabel, Sierrah

15 Schrembeck, Robert 36 Schueller, Joseph 17 Schueller, Nathaniel 75 Schueller, Rebekah

Metamorphosis The Untold Poem I DON'T KNOW WHY WE CAN'T FLY The Tiger Candy Is So Sweet I Love My Family How Sweet It Is

69 Scott, Veronica

A Death to Come

50 Settle, Amber 73 Shabazz, Alek 13 Shamblen, Gavin 79 Shaw, Logan 95 Shires, Brianna 80 Sidwell, Raylyn 42 Simon, Grace 87 Simon, Jasmin 77 Skillern, Dorian 52 Sklenicka, Thomas 34 Smith, Connor 62 Smith, Langley

58 Snell, Crystal 31 Snellenberger, Jason 26 Snodgrass, Grace 91 Snyder, Bobby

Shape Poetry I have a dream Dinosaurs Rock Ford GT 90 The Perfect World Killer of the Night The Goat Rain I Am… Sneaky Snakes Toys I Walk for Life Just Put a Pencil in my Hand… I Wear Red The Dog Who Wanted to Go to the Jackson Bog I Have a Dream I Hate You, With a Passion Okami Football Riley I Am Special

35 Snyder, Colton

Kooky Baseball

83 Snyder, Mikenzi 60 Snyder, Sam

Christmas Scarred for Life

61 Soares, Manuel

Had to Say Goodbye

20 Soehnlen, Tami

The Pie

35 Schneider, Bryce

69 Smith, Madisyn 18 Smith, Robert 7 Smith, Rory 67 Smith, Roseanna S. 76 Smith, T'Na

42 Soloman, Adriana 43 Soloman, Capri

How Come Santa Doesn’t Visit Me Capri

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 104

Index of Entries

How Sweet it is! Page

Student

40 Sopp, Blake

Poem

Page

Student

Poem

65 Thouvenin, Abigail

Memory Quilt

43 Sopp, Sage 90 Speicher, Megan 22 Staats, Trey 6 Stanich, Kyle 81 Steiner, Brooke 19 Stephens, Anne

Welcome Family Metaphor Poem Welcome Spring What Are We All About Me: Trey Earth Holidays Green and Leafy

78 Thouvenin, Natalie 57 Timbrook, Jade 33 Tonges, Bradley 9 Tonsky, Kaleb 17 Travis, Charlize 79 Travis, Kristyle 22 Turick, Iain

Family Thunderstorm The Colors of Sunset GLAD I Love You Where I'm From Lazy and smart poem

49 Turner, Ben

The Kick Ball

15 Stepic, Tony

Whales, whales

52 Turner, Charles

78 Sterling, Bobby 96 Stevenson, Paul

The Soldier Erf the Ferf Just Put a Pencil in my Hand… Mom and Dad My Favorite Thing Kevin's Stair Poem Sadness SHY Seasons Skieth Spring is Here Dreams are Possible Fun The Moowconsis Summer I am Very Very Sweet

Stair Poem Acrosting Spring Poem The Fall Tree

77 Sopp, Kyle

63 Stewart, Amanda 13 Stewart, Derrick 49 Stockwell, Blake 51 Stokes, Kevin 63 Stoltzfus, Katelynn 8 Strader, Shyane 57 Strickland, Julius 81 Summer, Matt 7 Summers, Megan 17 Sumpter, Noah 36 Sutton, Krista 41 Swegheimer, Phoebe 37 Swogger, Mercedes 17 Sybole, Aliya

—T— 87 Tam, Edwin 35 Taylor, Dana 93 Taylor, Jenna 84 Taylor, Malaisia 17 Taylor, Steve

A sad story Pie Wolf Where I'm From Dreams are Possible

14 Teeple, Nick

The Tiger

20 Tharpe, Karlie 54 Thatcher, Tyler 18 Thole, Riley

Ice-cream Yellow Describing a Hamster

6 Thomas, Danielle 10 Thompson, Jaenelle 68 Thompson, Janaya 81 Thompson, Mason 54 Thompson, Tyshawn

Trees Morning I Have a Dream Meet the In-Laws Pollution

42 Turner, Stephanie 56 Tyler, Kaiya

— U, V — 15 Urdiales, Lexee 36 Vacco, Cody 27 Vandal, Payton 32 VanVoorhis, Colton 11 Vasil, Isha 55 Vega, Emma 31 Verbus, Amelia 65 Vogt, Tyler

The Tiger Baseball Rainbows Basketball Spring The Beach Color Me Yellow The Nazis are Coming

—W— 9 Wallace, Na'Vea 10 Watson, Brandon 81 Watson, Connor 26 Watson, Delaney 15 Weaver, Camden 41 Weinland, Jonah 26 Welsh, Aleigh 96 Wheeler, Khristen 43 White, Anysna

Character Biopoem Morning and Night Creature My Puppy The Tiger I Like Orange Seashells 3/16/2012 The Way Spring Shines

10 White, James 21 Whytsell, James 34 Will, Melanie

Valentine's Day Katie Flower

50 Willey, Tayler

A Day with Dad

7 Williams, Abby 43 Williams, Daimale 46 Williams, Deron 85 Williams, Isaiah 76 Williams, Nova

My Baby Sister Spring Acrostic Welcome Spring Where I'm From Family Metaphor

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 105

Index of Entries Page

Student

How Sweet it is! Poem

76 Wilson, Bryceson

I Am Poem

55 Wilson, Jackie

Nature

56 Wise, Prayer

Ned's Bed

94 Wolfe, Amber

My Mom

13 Wolfe, Riley

Big Mr. Tiger

46 Woody, Khyree

Acrostic Spring

9 Woolbert, Allyson

If Only I Had Some Sweets and Treats!

36 Woolbert, Kaitlyn

Summer

13 Wright, Kevonne

Green

11 Wyglendowski, Curtis

Dinosaurs Were Real

— X, Y, Z — 91 Yeager, Cassandra

My Swing

12 Yohanna, Martin

Bunny Eats the Pear

38 Zavarelle, Alexis

Softball

74 Zerby, Amanda

Broken

77 Zollicoffer, Asia

Peace

18 Zuckett, Alex

Dinosaurs

61 Zutali, Nelson

In the Holocaust

Stark County District Library ~ 2012 Youth Poetry Contest ~ Page 106

Locations Main Library

Madge Youtz Branch

DeHoff Memorial Branch

North Branch

East Canton Branch

Perry Sippo Branch

Jackson Township Branch

Plain Community Branch

Lake Community Branch

Sandy Valley Branch

715 Market Avenue N Canton, OH 44702 330.452.0665

2921 Mahoning Road NE Canton, OH 44705 330.452.2618

216 Hartford Avenue SE Canton, OH 44707 330.452.9014

224 N Wood Street East Canton, OH 44730 330.488.1501

5710 12th Street NW Canton, OH 44708 330.477.8482

7487 Fulton Drive NW Massillon, OH 44646 330.833.1010

1955 Market Avenue N Uniontown, OH 44685 330.877.9975

189 25th Street NW Canton, OH 44709 330.456.4356

1803 Schneider Street NE Canton, OH 44721 330.494.3399

9754 Cleveland Avenue SE Magnolia, OH 44643 330.866.3366

Mobile Services 715 Market Avenue N Canton, OH 44702 330.458.2820