Poetry Anthology 2016-2017 by The Willows Community School

Poetry Anthology 2017 Developmental Kindergarten - 8th Grade

Culver Sculpture by: Wilson Buchanan & Remy Schiavone, 7th Grade Poem by: Ben Simmons, 3rd Grade

DEVELOPMENTAL KINDERGARTEN Class Poem D K

PO W E R

running riding scooters punching pillows eating apples shooting webs working out building blocks drinking water eating carrots playing chase fighting Darth Vader being a ballerina holding on eating tacos wearing lip gloss standing still standing tall light sabers heavy arms playing ball swimming sleeping lightning waves words by the Poets of DK Orange and Red

Developmental Kindergarten

The Power of Lightning

The Power of Heavy Arms

I send it to

my sister Sam

Mommy and Daddy

so she can make

and my sister Chandler

storms

so they can pick up heavy things

- Blake

like cars

The Power of Waves

- Brittan

I send it to

my grandma and grandpa

so they can walk to Salt Lake City

- Greta

The Power of Eating Apples I send it to my mom so she can be strong

The Power of Running I send it to Sophia so she can get to

to carry me

the playground

- Calvin

really fast - Dharma

Developmental Kindergarten

The Power of Standing Still

The Power of Running

I send it to Wyatt

I send it to Jonah

so he can get to

so he can get

a football game

a prize at

super fast

a standing still

- Jonah

contest

- Henry

The Power of Wearing Lip Gloss

I send it to Greta to say I love you and I want to be your friend

- Kasi

The Power of Running I send it to

The Power of Sleeping

my brother Carter

so he can get

I send it to Wyatt

to the zoo

so when he wakes up

and see

heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to

the giraffes

go on bike rides

- Lily

- Pepper

Developmental Kindergarten

The Power of Holding On

The Power of Working Out

I send it to my sister Abigail

I send it to

so she can

my sister Tessa

control the ground

so she can be

and make things grow

a boxer

- Quinn

- Remy

The Power of Words

The Power of Standing Tall

I send it to friends at my old school so they can say

thank you

I send it to

my mommy

so she can get a prize

and please

in a stretching competition

- Sophia

- Wyatt

Developmental Kindergarten

The Power of Punching Pillows I send it to my brother Leo because feathers come out like confetti and he could fly with feathers - Ariadne

The Power of Swimming I send it to my dog Apple so she can swim across the walls in my pool - Charlie

The Power of Playing Chase I send it to my family so they can go into the woods for the first time - Carter

The Power of Running in the Park with My Brother I send it to Jackson and Joey so they can be silly with me in the bouncy house - Ever

Developmental Kindergarten

The Power of Eating Carrots I send it to piggies so they can be healthy - Giuliana

The Power of Riding My Scooter I send it to my friend Liza so she can go fast and rescue my family from New York - Lara

The Power of a Ballerina I send it to my friend Sena so she can dance in a recital with me - Joey

The Power of Eating Tacos I send it to my mommy and daddy so they can have more energy - Micah

Developmental Kindergarten

The Power of Drinking Water

The Power of Shooting Webs

I send it to Jack, my baby brother, so he can get hydrated

I send it to my sister Lily Moss so we can bounce right back when we fall off my bed

- Milo

- Myles

The Power of Fighting Darth Vader I send it to Batman so he can fight the stormtroopers - Nate

The Power of Playing Ball I send it to my daddy he always throws a ball to me perfectly and I can send it back to him - Olivia

Developmental Kindergarten

The Power of Building Blocks

The Power of a Lightsaber I send it to my daddy so he can practice fighting animals - Steele

I send it to my daddy so he can make a castle with me - Reve

The Power of a Wave I send it to my parents so they can be mermaids with me - Willa

Blue Kindergarten

Magical Box

Inside this magical box I will keep

the sound of me jumping on the trampoline

the sound of cats meowing

the taste of waffles with syrup

the taste of cherries

my elephant earrings and the memory of playing with my friend Maya at the pumpkin patch

~ Bella

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep a possum sound that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never heard the taste of steak with seasoning a red heart and the memory of when I went to Disneyland with my mommy and we always got the red or the orange Monorail ~ Dalton

my music box with flowers and butterflies and the memory of roses because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my middle name

~ Calliope

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of chewing cheese the taste of spaghetti with a lot of cheese my Hope Buster toy and the memory of my first day of kindergarten ~ Dylan

Blue Kindergarten

Magical Box

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of waves at the beach the taste of ice cream cake a pink dress and the memory of going to the pumpkin patch with my step brother Wolfie

Inside this magical box I will keep the tapping sound that my dog Marley makes when he walks or runs on the floor the taste of a candy necklace my other tie-dyed shirt and the memory of the day my cat Lily ran away

~ Elettra

~ Emma

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of rain in the middle of the day the taste of cherry Ring Pops a rare fire crystal and the memory of the time I was born ~ Isaac

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of tigers roaring the taste of sour lemons a green jewel and the memory of playing in a real basketball game ~ John

Blue Kindergarten

Magical Box

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of my neighbor’s cats the taste of blueberry pie a red ruby and the memory of when my sister Chloe was born

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of a cute, small puppy barking the taste of pink bubble gum a pretty rainbow in the sky and the memory of being in preschool ~ Jordyn C.

~ Jordan M.

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of watching fireworks at the Rose Bowl with my whole entire family the taste of red Ring Pops my red, yellow and blue stuffed parrot and the memory of going to my brother’s birthday party at Dylan’s Candy Bar

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the sleepy music I listen to the taste of cut-up strawberries my brown stuffed bear with a bow on it and the memory of when my sisters were born

~ Joshua

~ Lexington

Blue Kindergarten

Magical Box

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the slither of a brown and green snake the taste of strawberries with chocolate a rainbow in a blue sky and the memory of my old dog’s birthday

Inside this magical box I will keep

~ Liam B.

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the meow of a black kitty

the taste of strawberry lollipops circle and heart rainbow beads and the memory of

coloring flowers with my brother ~ Liana

the sound of when it’s raining and cars go by the taste of pepperoni pizza a rare Yu-Gi-Oh card

and the memory of the time I went

to Cincinnati to go to a Bengals game ~ Liam C.

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the ocean’s waves the taste of vanilla cake my locket with a shell in it—not like any other and the memory of when I moved from New York to San Francisco ~ Lila

Blue Kindergarten

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of Pokemon the taste of marshmallow, chocolate and caramel a blue stuffed animal and the memory of my old dog, Bob

~ Max

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the “r” sound the taste of cheese and meat tacos a blue, gray and white highway patrol car and the memory of swimming in the pool with my swim instructor Robert ~ Michael

Magical Box

Inside this magical box I will keep

the meow of a small, green kitten

the sound of birds tweeting

the taste of bacon with syrup

when I wake up in the morning

a glass rainbow necklace

the taste of chocolate cake

and the memory of being at

a white toy race car

my baby cousin’s second birthday party

and the memory of when I went fishing with Mommy and Benjamin

~ Nick

at the Santa Monica Pier ~ Miles

Blue Kindergarten

Magical Box

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep

the sound of my cousin Kent’s voice the taste of any Ring Pop

my blanket with stars on it

and the memory of going upstairs in my cousin’s old home

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of birds tweeting at the zoo the taste of pasta with lots of cheese a rainbow jewel and the memory of learning to ride a two-wheeler ~ Ryley

~ Rafa

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of splashing puddles when it rains the taste of watermelon lollipops my rainbow Fitbit and the memory of playing football with my dad at the park ~ Rylo

Magical Box

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the flapping of a unicorn’s wings the taste of cotton candy a purple dress and the memory of when my mommy took a video of Daddy doing flips

Inside this magical box I will keep

~ Skye

~ Sydney

the sound of playing in the rain the taste of mac ‘n cheese my red ribbon necklace and the memory of my family taking a picture at my old building

Blue Kindergarten

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of my violin playing the taste of pasta with cheese and tomato sauce a rainbow heart with love inside and the memory of the time when I got my pink, sparkly shoes ~ Tess

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the rain dropping from the sky the taste of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting my big brown teddy bear and the memory of looking out the window at the lightning and the rain

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the â&#x20AC;&#x153;tâ&#x20AC;? sound the taste of lemonade my soft bed and the memory of when my mom and dad took me to the place where they got married ~ Theo

Magical Box Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the tweet of the birds the taste of bread with cheese a rainbow toy worm and the memory of New York City when I used to live in a skyscraper

~ William

~ Zee

Green Kindergarten Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the wind the taste of pancakes with maple syrup a rainbow crystal and the memory of the first time I went to The Willows Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of ocean waves

- Alan

the taste of pepperoni pizza with cheese my favorite stuffed Monkey named Pickles

and the memory of the first time I won a basketball trophy

- Alex Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of people talking the taste of cheese pizza my red and white bike and the memory of driving in the car with my mom when we saw a rainbow

- Andrew

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of my neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dog barking the taste of extra-cheesy Cheez-its strawberry bubble gum and the memory of when I went to Disneyland and had Cheetos for the first time ever

- Arden Â

Green Kindergarten

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of guitars playing Let It Go the taste of Persian chicken yellow hearts and the memory of watching Tangled with my nanny, Sarah - Ava

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of lions roaring the taste of Pad Thai an orange heart and the memory of when Miles almost fell in the water and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want him to

- Benjamin Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of crunchy crackers the taste of pepperoni pizza a sticky Rice Krispie treat and the memory of my first birthday when I was a baby and Jenna came - Brooklyn

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of rain on the leaves the taste of bacon a circle diamond and the memory of when my grandmother comes to visit

- Carson

Green Kindergarten

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of ocean waves the taste of cauliflower a rainbow diamond and the memory of going to the park with my grandparents Inside this magical box I will keep - Ceylon

the sound of rain on my roof the taste of spaghetti

with mozzarella cheese some banana gum

and the memory of going

to Universal Studios when I turned six

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the weakest rocks breaking the taste of macaroni and cheese one ruby bracelet and the memory of when me and my dad went to the sand dune park

- Edyn

- Cotton

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of rocks falling on the ground the taste of a cheeseburger a rainbow unicorn and the memory of jumping on a trampoline at my beach house -‐ Elena

Green Kindergarten

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of newborn puppies barking the taste of pepperoni pizza my sheep toy, Lamb-Lamb and the memory of going to Venice Beach with my parents and my dogs Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of raindrops falling on my house the taste of pasta with spicy sauce an orange pumpkin and the memory of seeing Nemo in Cheviot Hills

- Elsie

- Gage

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the wind the taste of chicken and broccoli a rainbow shape and the memory of being a baby, saying I love Mama - Harlie Â

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of sharks snapping the taste of chicken nuggets with bbq sauce 80 crystals, 30 coins, one red cherry and a crown and the memory of going to Legoland and getting a LEGO flashlight

- Jac

Green Kindergarten Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of jazz music the taste of macaroni and cheese a blue treasure coin and the memory of going to Disneyland for the first time

Inside this magical box I will keep

- Jackson

the “ahh” sound of air the taste of chicken noodle soup my markers I color with and the memory of taking my dog Punkin to the park

- Katie

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of a wiffle ball flying by the taste of cheese pizza a necklace my grandma gave me and the memory of when me and Liam became friends

- Landon

Inside this magical box I will keep

the sound of I like to move it, move it! the taste of chocolate cronuts

a rainbow fish looking for food

and the memory of eating pizza on the roof of a house - Leo

Green Kindergarten

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of “puh” “puh” “puh” the taste of cheese pizza a golden, shiny, toy airplane and the memory of playing on the monkey bars with Daddy and Gigi

- Lexi

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of fish splashing the taste of chicken fried rice a rainbow heart and the memory of me and my mom and dad going swimming at the beach - Liliana

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of pelicans squawking the taste of spaghetti with parmesan cheese a rainbow in the sky and the memory of me and my dad going to the beach to play in the sand

- Mason

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of elk feet walking the taste of cheese pizza a blood-red butterfly and the memory of trick-or-treating with Violet

- Olivia

Green Kindergarten

Inside this magical box I will keep the “puh” sound the taste of a cheeseburger a real rainbow and the memory of going to Legoland with my dad

- Phillip

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of “a” like “Abby” the taste of black rice with black sauce rainbow cookies and the memory of going trick-or-treating with Zuma

- Ryder

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of raindrops on concrete the taste of blue Jell-o the red scooter that I lost and the memory of when it rained a lot in California

- Ryland

Inside this magical box I will keep the sound of the ocean making waves the taste of salad with no dressing the fairy doll that Landon gave me and the memory of when I met Landon at the supermarket

- Sydney

First Grade - 1A

Breathe Breathe Breathe Breathe Breathe Breathe Breathe

in bad out candy in poison out rocks in trees out ice-cream

~ Amanda Walker

Hibernation A poem is hiding inside a bear So it can hibernate ~ Asher Hatch

Nobody Not I’m not going I’m not going I’m not going I’m not going I am going to

to write about movies to write about my Grandma to write about pizza to write about applesauce write about apples

~ Baer Braun Emmett When I think of you I see you chasing a red ball I hear you barking at me because you are happy I remember when I met you in Dad’s room ~ Ben Galston

First Grade - 1A

Miss Jane When I think of you I see your bright smile I hear your beautiful laugh I remember you giving us crackers in the red and green pack ~ Birdie Reynolds Chinese Food A poem is hiding in a fortune cookie So it can be read to a little boy or girl ~ Bonnie van Hoytema

My Friend Ryder When I think of you I see you playing handball I hear you chatting to me I remember we went to Dave and Busters ~ Braydon Weiss I’m Not Going To Write About I’m not going to write about pencils I’m not going to write about 1B I’m not going to write about cars I’m not going to write about jobs I am going to write about myself ~ Cameron Mahallati

First Grade - 1A

Trying to Escape From Its Owner A poem is hiding at the gas station So it can get away from its owner ~ Campbell Ford Leah When I think of you I see you and me as BFF I hear your beautiful voice every visit I remember you and me playing on the monkey bars ~ Casey Young My Mom Holly When I think of you I see you picking a rose I hear you whistling like a bird I remember you picking blueberries ~ Frances Burrell

Super Nana When I think of you I see that beautiful swan you gave me I hear those chocolate chip cookies that I shake I remember the desk you gave me ~ Harper Stone

First Grade - 1A

Mom When I think of you I see your brown eyes I hear you talking about me I remember you picked me up when I was a baby ~ Jaydin Carter

Ryder When I think of you I see PokĂŠmon cards I hear wheels on the ground I remember carpool with you Ryder

Lillian

~ Liam Minton

When I think of you I see you being kind to me I hear you reading to Mom I remember seeing a picture of you ~ Liana Wasserman Micahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Poem Breathe Breathe Breathe Breathe Breathe Breathe

in hot dogs out mustard in rain out clouds in pumpkins out pie

~ Micah Mori

First Grade - 1A

I’m Not Going To Write About I’m not going to write about Halloween I’m not going to write about boxes I’m not going to write about you I’m not going to write about power I am going to write about trash cans ~ Ollie Forbes I’m Not Going To Write About I’m not going to write about cat puzzles I’m not going to write about the moon I’m not going to write about unicorns I’m not going to write about giants I am going to write about carrots ~ Phoebe Miro Emotions I’m not going to write about sadness I’m not going to write about madness I’m not going to write about happiness I’m not going to write about sacredness I am going to write about calmness ~ Phoebe Wolfe-Carlin I’m Not Going To Write About I’m not going to write about you I’m not going to write about lolypops I’m not going to write about bees I’m not going to write about bubbles I am going to write about me ~ Ryder Derry

First Grade - 1A

My Step Grandpa Nono When I think of you I see you taking me to The Grove I hear you talking to me about Pokémon I remember you buying me Pokémon cards ~ Sam Goldbach Boyfriends I’m not going to write about dating I’m not going to write about lunch I’m not going to write about a plus I’m not going to write about pencils I am going to write about boyfriends ~ Téa Liberman Poppy When I think of you I see you rocking in a rocking chair I hear you singing I remember you driving in your green car ~ Victoria Blue

I’m Not Going To Write About I’m not going to write about squirrels I’m not going to write about nuts I’m not going to write about Autumn I’m not going to write about trees I am going to write about Squirtle ~ Wallace Snyder

First Grade - 1B

A Pig

Poetry is hiding in a pig, going to a farm because it wants to get muddy.

~Aiden Billig

The Rainforest

I’m not going to write about parrots. I’m not going to write about jaguars. I’m not going to write about cougars. I’m not going to write about trees. I am going to write about sloths.

~Charlotte Mullenix

World War II

I’m not going to write about dragons. I’m not going to write about a princess. I’m not going to write about dinosaurs. I’m not going to write about bats. I am going to write about an army man.

~Alyosha Pearson

The Hungry Poem

Poetry is hiding in my ice cream cone, Starving, Trying to eat it because it is hungry.

~Auden Ellis

First Grade - 1B

Symphony Sweet

There is a pearl. A big, white light. It’s on a stage. A girl emerges and steps onto the stage. She twirls and the audience is loving it. She is wearing a ripped, grey dress. It is a mystery of natural beauty.

~Coco Maduro

Caramel

When I think of you, I see you running by the pool. I hear you meowing for food. I remember you playing with your brother.

~Giselle Rashid

Sir Squeaks-A-Lot

When I think of you, I see you scratching on the cage and trying to get out. I hear you digging in the bedding and trying to find food. I remember when you slept in my hands.

~Garrett McIntosh

I’m Not Writing

I’m not going to write about jets. I’m not going to write about spiders. I’m not going to write about skunks. I’m not going to write about pineapples. I am going to write about a dragon.

~Go Moriya

First Grade - 1B

Ben

Jacquie

~Grey Henderson

~Harper Friedman

When I think of you, I see you swimming in Lake Michigan. I hear the boatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motor. I remember us riding on the jet ski.

Breathe In, Breathe Out, Good and Bad Breathe in sticks, Breathe out a sandy beach. Breathe in a crab, Breathe out dots. Breathe in fish, Breathe out a perfect land.

~Isabella DiBiase

When I think of you, I see you in my dreams. I hear your sweet voice. I remember your wedding rings.

Hiding Up High

Poetry is hiding outside, in the sun. It is working very hard and getting hot. It is like a bee giving love to people.

~Hazel Nash-Resnick

First Grade - 1B

The Funny Poem

I’m not going to write about a nut. I’m not going to write about a bear. I’m not going to write about a table. I’m not going to write about a vote. I am going to write about pants.

~Jackson Weiss-Lorimer

Satellite

Poetry is hiding in my spaceship. It is flying to outer space so it can launch a satellite.

~Levi Furst

Breathe In, Breathe Out Breathe in scraped knees, Breathe out Shopkins. Breathe in blinding light, Breathe out poppies. Breathe in paper cuts, Breathe out candy.

~Jane Artukovich

Breathe In, Breathe Out Breathe in one cent, Breathe out $1,000,000. Breathe in sinkholes, Breathe out safety. Breathe in fire, Breathe out water.

~Jonah Lubic

First Grade - 1B

My Mom’s Dad

When I think of you, I see you in your house sleeping on the couch. I hear your TV playing in the house. I remember you letting me play with your iPad.

~Maya Cerbo

Poetry Rocks!

I’m not going to write about numbers. I’m not going to write about boxes. I’m not going to write about LA. I’m not going to write about math. I am going to write about poems.

~Luella Moshtaghi

Poetry is Hiding

Poetry is hiding in my room, in my bed, resting, and playing games.

~Max Forbes

Philly

When I think of you, I see all my six dogs. I hear you barking at a cat. I remember seeing you swimming in the ocean.

~Nixon Kwak

First Grade - 1B

Love

Food

~Peyton Ambrosino

~Sam Fish

I’m not going to write about pants. I’m not going to write about tables. I’m not going to write about flowers. I’m not going to write about luck. I am going to write about love.

Tucker

I’m not going to write about pie. I’m not going to write about hot dogs. I’m not going to write about bananas. I’m not going to write about eggs. I am going to write about love.

When I think of you, I see you chewing my hair. I hear you barking at Molly. I remember when you were a teeny tiny little puppy.

~Sadie White

Second Grade - 2A

The Moon The Moon is shiny like a solar panel It is bright like a light bulb It could look like A huge ball of vanilla ice cream It could also be an Egg from a space dragon I wonder what would happen if the Moon disappeared TALES OF ME UNDER THE SEA By Alex Bloom

I HAVE SEEN FISH SWIMMING BY ME

I HAVE HEARD THE WAVES CRASHING LIKE SHATTERING GLASS

I HAVE SMELLED THE KELP FOREST I HAVE FELT WORMS SQUIGGLING IN ME I REMEMBER A CHILD PICKING ME UP I AM A UNIVALVE

GODDESS

BY ANNABEL BILLINGS

MY HAIR IS LIKE SALTY OCEAN WAVES

MY HEAD IS LIKE A FULL MOON ON A STARRY NIGHT MY ARMS ARE LIKE PATHWAYS HOME

MY TEETH ARE LIKE ROCKS FALLING FROM THE SKY MY HAND IS LIKE A LILY PAD GENTLY FLOATING ON THE WATER

MY EARS ARE LIKE A DEEP DARK HOLE IN THE GROUND MY LEGS ARE LIKE BIG TALL MOUNTAINS

MY B-DAY

I LIVE IN A CAVE ON JUPITER AND EAT ASTEROIDS

NERF BULLETS NERF GUNS

RISING UP FROM THE SUN

BY AVA BINDER

PRESENTS

BENJI AND ELI

BROTHERS BORN ON MAY 11TH TURNING EIGHT IS LIKE SHOOTING A BASKET

FOR THE FIRST TIME BY BENJI MEYER

Second Grade- 2A

Under the Sea I have seen coral and sea slugs I have heard kid’ s laughing and sharks eating fish I have smelled people’ s dirty hands I have felt sharp rocks and smooth shells and star fish I remember clams being eaten I am a happy shell THE BEE By Cole Whitaker

THIS IS

A BEE

BUT IT’S NOT JUST A BEE IT’S A BEE BATTLING A FLY

THAT HAS MISSLE LAUNCHERS WITH LAZERS

AND THE BEE STILL WINS

BEAST

BY DAYLEN GROCE

MY SPINE IS LIKE PURE GOLD ARMOR

MY TEETH ARE LIKE SHARP GLASS TEARING MICE MY CHEST IS LIKE SHINY SILVER METAL MY ARMS ARE LIKE CEMENT AND ROPE

I LIVE IN THE SEWER AND EAT SQUISHY MICE BY DAYLIN FLENAUGH-SCORZA

PARADISE I GO TO SLEEP

AND DREAM I’M IN MY OWN WORLD WHERE ALL THE FOOD TASTES

LIKE ICE CREAM

ALL THE FURNITURE FEELS LIKE CLOUDS I SEE KITTEN AND PUPPIES AND RAINBOWS

AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE IT IS MY OWN PARADISE BY EDEN ROTHENBERG

Second Grade - 2A

The Donut

I am a Fish

I was at home on my couch I imagined I was a donut I had sprinkles with frosting I smelled delicious I wanted to eat myself

I am a happy Slimy creature I swim really fast Because I am little I live near a lot of people In a under water city I live in the cold Artic Ocean And eat yummy Orange sea shells I am a Little Rainbow Fish

By Elle McCaster

The Red Ball

I shoot the red basketball It By Eloise Goes Up Swoosh I make it The basketball becomes a bloody dragon Breathing fire It goes in his home The net The dragon is woken up He is angry He bites again He goes into the net again He sleeps again Another day I win I get another medal I am a famous basketball player By Jackson Ruga

Behrstock

Second Grade- 2A

Mindfulness Mindfulness Makes me feel comfortable And I don’ t want to get up Mindfulness Sounds like when you Stand outside and you here Birds chirping It smells like pancakes That people eat for breakfast By Jane Swiller

Fluffs Fluffs Look like Buttered toast With an adorable face Fluffs are always In my dreams Fluffs fur is soft like cotton balls When it walks or flys It has a heart path following It’ s paws are like 2 little planets Floating In the Solar System Their eyes are like tiny marbles with hearts in them Fluffs are amazing By Julia Beckerman

Stick It is orange like A carrot It feels like A smooth table It is long like a marker It is stiff Like stiff arm in football It has a sharp edge Of a cliff It is slim like a fish By Juliayn Patterson

XD When I saw my first “ XD” movie It was Amazing The movie screen moved In all different directions Like a wild big monster And it popped out at me And looked more like a dragon I am amazed by it When I had to leave I wanted to stay By Laszlo Arnall

Second Grade - 2A

My Shell My shell Is like a swirly hat That you would wear On a cold day It smells Like lemons It sounds like the ocean Layla Rashid

THE LEO MONSTER MY NOSE IS LIKE A LAVA PIT

MY EARS ARE LIKE LIGHT BULBS MY FACE IS LIKE HALLOWEEN CANDY ON THE 31ST MY EYES ARE LIKE GLOWING ICE CUBES I LIVE IN THE CITY AND EAT PIZZA BY LEO BRANDENBERG

JUST A DREAM I PLAY SOCCER

I WAKE UP AGAIN

As I Reach The top The leaves Sway Side To side The sun Rises The colors burst In beauty It makes me feel Like I Am drifting away On a Cloud

IT WAS JUST A DREAM- A DOUBLE DREAM

By Lily Moss

THE BALL TURNS INTO A FAIRY SHE FLEW

I SCORED A GOAL I BECAME A FAIRY AND I ROSE I WAKE UP

I KNOW IT IS JUST A DREAM I’M NOT IN MY HOUSE FALLING

IT IS SAFE

I WONT GET HURT I LOVE IT

IT WILL NEVER END I SEE A CLOUD

I WILL GO THROUGH I STOP

I’M IN MY HOUSE

BY LILI BRITTAN

Second Grade- 2A

Soccer

Carlsbad

Sunny, wet soccer field Nervous and shakey What if he blocked the ball? A lone, hard kick- ka pow! It flew like Superman! I felt great!

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to Carlsbad The car becomes A dragon I ride All the way there It feels like I can fly The windows turn into the eyes The doors turn into the wings The license plate turn into the tail And then I arrive

By Lukas Molls

By Natalie Wray

The Shell

I have seen blue whales pass by me like the blue sky I have heard crabs snap their claws I have smelled the salty water move by me with a big splash I have felt the crab coming in and out of the hole I remember kids splashing by me I am a univalve By Nico Negroponte

The Football Touchdown Running fast and stiff arming And because of my blockers When I score the touchdown I feel like I can be the greatest of all time In the stands I saw my mom and dad Cheering for me By Quinn Bornheimer

Second Grade - 2A

Peaceful Ocean I have seen waves crashing on the sand I have heard kids playing volleyball I have smelled salty water I have felt bumpy rocks Sand in my feet I remember a crab in me I am a bivalve By Taylor Walpert

Tahiti Mindfulness is yellow like a lemon It sounds like pages turning It smells like my dogs warm breath It tastes like a PiĂąa Colada Mindfulness makes me feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in Tahiti eating Crispy chicken fingers By Theo Karno-Glaser

Snowflake A frosty snowflake falls from the sky Jumping from petal to petal Landing on a sunflower stem The hot sun comes out And melts the snowflake By Zareh Gonzalvo

Second Grade - 2B

Body Parts and Sugarland

The Ocean Breeze

My lip is like soft paper My bones are like sewer pipes My heart is like chewed up gum My nails are like cut up plastic I live in sugar cube skulls and eat sugar cubes shaped into skull heads

I felt the waves on my feet I see the fish in the water I feel the sand in my hand I smell the seaweed I taste the crunchy sand I hear the waves crashing I feel the sun is rising

~Addison Wilson

~Anna Palmer

Candy Gummies Lollipops Ice cream Fruit Roll Ups Snickers Kit Kats Hersheyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reeseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pieces Bubble Gum 100 Grand Candy

~Arthur Wald

Monsters My blood is like splashing goo My arms are like an armored reptile My spine is like a snake hissing with rage My bones are steel I live on the sun and eat astroids

~Asher Schultz

Second Grade - 2B

My Dream Body

Cheese Time

My head is like a hard door opening and closing My cheeks are like soft cuddly pillows My spine is like a tickly snake slithering up and down My eyes are like diamonds glowing brightly in the night I live in the woods and eat dirt, leaves and rocks

Cheese Nice and stinky Blue Soft or hard Tasty Yummy Delicious and delightful

~Carrington Abramson

Laughter We light the menorah We play dreidel Gelt Christmas Elf on a shelf Decorations Ornaments Holidays

~Eliza Englefield

~Eden Martin

Wish Land My blood is like red lemonade with lots of kisses in it My eyes are like blue gummy drops with gum inside My tongue is like a tiny rainbow with clouds at the end My bones are like snakes slithering in my body I live in Wish Land and eat yummy desserts, pizza and sushi all day

~Felicity Smith

Second Grade - 2B

Ocean Hello ocean that I hear crashing against the wet sand I see oil ships way out in the ocean I feel seaweed bumping against my legs I smell the fish swimming through the water I taste sand when I fall Goodbye ocean I had a good time here

~ Felix Harris

Myself

Power Power is red like fire It sounds like cars crashing It smells like candy canes It tastes like mints Power makes me feel happy because I feel powerful ~Gretchen Arnall

My arms are like snakes swimming My skull is like a metal ball My legs are like pencils walking My feet are like yellow shovels I live in a gingerbread house and drink hot chocolate

~Hugh Platt

Feel the Power Power is blue like rain hitting water It sounds like lightning striking wood It smells like volcanic rock It tastes like chocolate Power makes me feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in control of everything ~Henry Schneider

Second Grade - 2B

My Is Are My brain is like a smart dolphin My teeth are like hard rocks My skin is like smooth wood My bones are like trees I live in a two-story house and eat sushi, ribs, potatoes, spring rolls, beans, ring pops, salad and soup and chicken and rice ~Maceo Meier

Power

My Armor

Power is gray like an elephant It sounds like laughter It smells like burritos It tastes like sandwiches with jalapenos and mustard and pepperoni Power makes me feel weird and good

My chest is like armor My feet are like steel My shoulder is like gold My hand is like a Nerf gun I live in a castle and eat candy

~Max Wise

~Mako Holt

Power

Power is red like a meter at the top It sounds like someone desperately trying to push a w It smells like winning a football game with victory Dor It tastes like In â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Out Burger Power makes me feel like everyone else in the world is a chicken ~Miles Mansouri

Second Grade - 2B

My Body My tongue is life a fruit roll up licking everybody that I see My hands are like razor sharp blades spinning in the air My throat is like snakes biting everywhere and everything My arms are like millions of bricks and cement sticking together harder than rocks I live in a spinning dryer and eat clothes

~Moses Feltenstein

Diamonds My nose is like a green slithering snake My eyes are like blue sapphires My skin is like red diamonds My brain is like a big pink diamond I live in a mine and eat diamonds

My Body

~Nathaniel Dumont

My throat is like a slip and slide My eyes are like hot chocolate fudge My tongue is like a delivery truck My waist is like a hula-hoop I live in a cabin in the woods and eat ice cream

~Nikki Moussavi

Second Grade - 2B

The Ocean Aloha Hawaii Feeling the cold ocean on my feet Trying to catch white fish swimming in schools They were too fast Seagulls squawking above me Seawater tastes salty Water in the ocean Aloha Hawaii

~By Samantha Schreter

Chanukah Poem Menorahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s let Lets have some fun Presents Candles Jewish Star Chanukah is awesome

~Olivia Sackler

Inside Me My brain is like a pinkish coral My eyes are like dolphins jumping in a miniature pool of blue My mouth is like a big black cavern My blood is like hot lava cascading down the side of a volcano I live in my grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s washing machine eating lint balls

~Simone Meltzer

Second Grade - 2B

Power is Strong Power is golden like the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface It sounds like bats screeching It smells like fire smoke It tastes like burnt meat Power makes me feel like I have control ~Wyatt Angel

Power Power is aqua like rain hitting the ocean It sounds like happy thoughts all around It smells like shaved ice in Hawaii It tastes like squeezed lemonade Power makes me feel like I am in charge and I am special ~Sophia Saito

Power Power is blue like the Dodgers It sounds like people screaming It smells like hot dogs roasting It tastes like cheese pizza Power makes me feel like I am going to the World Series! ~Zachary Berg

Third Grade - 3A

My Teachers

KITES

Awesome, cool. Hugging, amazing, teaching. Care about me a lot. Awesome! ~ Alex Lefevre

Kites that fly silently dream in the sky.

~ Abraham Nash-Resnick

Giraffes It has a long neck Eats from the top of a tree Runs from hyenas ~ Asher Rush

I am` I am a rainbow flying throw the sky I am a square on the ground

I am a scream coming out of someone I am a dog catching a tennis ball I am New York, a big state I am 9, the age

I am the ring crawling out of a TV I am my eyes and I see a happy place

~ Ben Simmons

Third Grade - 3A

Even though Even though I don’t have a pet I’m still the same.

Even though bad people are in our lives we can still have fun. Even though I like cats it doesn’t mean I’m different.

Even though I don’t like everything doesn’t mean I don’t like anything. Even though I’m different it doesn’t mean I can’t be loved.

~ Callie Roth

Tahiti

I am Dylan.

Tahiti Meditating, sleeping Running, jet skiing, swimming Beautiful as a flower Paradise ~ Emily Ross

I am a red baseball flying in the air. I am an oval football in the floor for an incomplete pass. I am a tennis ball being hit to the other side of the court. BOO! I am scaring someone. I am a tiger running to catch a monkey. I am two heads, two bodies, two legs, two arms. I am my house playing with my Legos. I am comfortable like my bed. A Pond I am a tree, just standing there. I am Dylan. A grassy field with a rippling waterfall too ~ Dylan Hyman with a fish in it. ~ Esme Held

Third Grade - 3A

Hockey

Hockey Fast, saves Skating, passing, shooting Stick handling and scoring Goal! ~ Jack Green

Jumper

Jumper Silky and soft Heating, helping, hiding Cozy in the winter Fashionable! ~Jackson Ford

Football Fast, strong Jumping, hurdling, running A running freak touchdown

Ezekiel Elliot

~ Jackson Nelson

Puck Puck Soft, Cute Running, biting, fighting Hyper even when sleeping Golden doodle ~ Jake Cohen

Third Grade - 3A

Even Though Even though my arms don’t sway I can still be happy

Even though I’m the youngest on my team doesn’t mean I can’t be a soloist

Even though in the morning the birds don’t always chirp doesn’t mean its going to be a bad day

Even though my mom and Dad don’t always give me ice cream doesn’t mean I’m not

good

Even though I’m unique doesn’t mean I’m a freak Even though I have a long name doesn’t mean I’m a small boat ~ Kaleo Knight

Beautiful Roses Roses

Bold, bright

Blooming, changing, dying Pretty big and beautiful Petals.

~ Jordan Ambrosino

Concert

I feel the base drop The base is moving my skull I see flashing lights ~ Lucius Lowe

Third Grade - 3A

Think Freer

Think freer than I did when I had the idea to fly And I got the image in my head to leap to a bench and my friend saw something POP I went to bed and had a dream Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hide yourself ~ Rio Grillo

Soccer

Chinchilla

Tired, active Running, kicking, falling Working hard for goals Win! ~ Sidney Young

Always in a cage The fluffiest thing alive Loves to watch me read ~ Remy Bernard

Dreams Dreams fly Poems hide

Images leap

Silently dream Quiet places

Suddenly there Hidden inside

~ Mimi Nikolic

Third Grade - 3A

I am blue like the ocean. I am walking in a circle. I am running up a hill. I am screaming because you are tickling me. I am a monkey swinging on a rope. I am 27 basketballs getting swished into the hoop. I am a couch getting ready to be sat on. I am a bull getting ready to go into a herd. I am afraid of sharks. The word behind my eyes is my bed. ~ Sebastian Warner

Iker Is Awesome

He is the cutest Loves my family and me Is so awesome! Woof! ~ Tallie Goldberg

Rocky

Fluffy, and soft Loving, jumping, cuddling Acts like a goat Puppy! ~ Sophia Newell

Touchdown

Football Awesome, fun Running, catching, throwing A fun active thing! Touchdown ~ Zachary Chu

Third Grade - 3B

RUN

Run to imagination Run into the fire Run through it Run faster Run wild Run farther Run to love Run with me Run somewhere ~ Amelia Rush

Dogs

Playful, cuddly Chasing , fetching, playing Running happily in the grass Puppies

~ Aylin Arsan

Me Poem

Gold as a trophy All I do is win I am a shooting gun The sound of a flying bullet I am a wolf Fangs curved and sharp My brain is smart Fast and imaginative. ~ Arya Shooshani

Rubber

Squishy, sticky Stretchy, rollable, shape shifter Cool as a game Awesome ~ Ben Williams

Third Grade - 3B

Rainbows

Pretty, magical Appearing, glowing, hiding Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lucky day Treasure ~ Charlotte Stein

You Should

X Box

Tech, Electronic. Gaming, yelling, jumping. Exciting, disappointed, winning. Tough. ~ Clay Eisner

Cats

Playful, fuzzy Purring, comforting, relaxing Cuddling happily while sleeping Meow ~ Filiz Fish

You should eat pineapple You should be careful You should ride a roller-coaster today You should go to school You should try celery in two days You should stay hydrated in the sun You should behave with your mom and dad You should go to the beach this week You should stop eating when you are full You should think about what you do ~ Emily Paschall

Third Grade - 3B

Me Poem

I am blue as the sky. I am as round as a circle. I would be running really fast. I would be as loud as a drum. I would be as happy as a rabbit. I would be as tall as the Empire State Building. I would be as tall as a redwood tree.

A Poem About Puppies Puppies Soft, Fluffy Playing, Running, Sleeping And They Even Cuddle Pomeranians! ~ Holland Wiley

~Griffin Gallacher-Hacken

Dear Roscoe

Thank you for snuggling me at night. Thank you for being patient all day long. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thank you for falling out of my hands but it is ok. Thank you for being the best stuffed animal ever. ~Henry Hall

Confused

Gold rain In the summer Pretty flowers In the winter It feels like my Whole life has Been turned Around

~ Isaac Fink

Third Grade - 3B

A Place Where You Can Do Anything Silver as metal Circle like a ball Dabbing like a dude A future sound A monkey-rhino Calm and tough A Venus flytrap Elevators and Planes A place where you can do anything ~ Jack Forester

Silver

Silver glitter Is falling from the sky It is beautiful it makes you feel like you have landed in a new world that you can be free In your happy, healthy, and peaceful life it is quiet all you hear are the drops of the glittery rain ~ Lexi Neiman

Dear Toothbrush

Thank you For making my teeth clean Thank you

For giving my teeth a massage Thank you For having yummy toothpaste And for giving my teeth a shower ~ Julien Schiavone

The Friend

Jack F. Kind, funny. Running, sneaking, hiding. Dashing like the wind Zoom! ~ Luca Gonzalez

Third Grade - 3B

I Am

Dogs

Dogs Soft, blonde Sleeping, chasing, running Playing in the snow Indie

~ Lucas Lefevre

I Believe

I believe there is a door to a world of imagination I believe no oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life is the same I believe the moon has the power of the sun I believe there is a place of question I believe the atmosphere has many secrets I believe I can do anything ~Tessa Moshtaghi

White like the stars in the night Round as a soccer ball Dancing like snow in a snowstorm Singing like a bird at dawn Lazy like a panda Swirly as the number three Beautiful as Paris Comfy as a couch Tall like a hill Sharks in the night ocean Pretty like sleeping beauty. ~ Olivia Hallinan-Gan

What If

What if I was a color in my brain What if I was a book on Jupiter What if I was a pencil on a table What if I could fly What if I was a ghost in a graveyard What if I was a dog in the air What if I was taped to the cloud What if I was a marker in an art store ~ Wyatt Davis

Fourth Grade - 4A

Animals I am a dog That talks And does tricks And loves the mud And plays all day I am a dog

The Pillow Is The Truth

I am a horse that trots, Canters, gallops, and loves Sleepovers with other ponies Jumps it’s so much fun I am a horse

I’m tired I need a pillow Rest is the key A soft bed This is the truth I’m tired ~ Alex Buck

I’m as… I’m as flexible as dough, as artistic as paint, as quiet as a mouse, as thoughtful as a friend, and, helpful like candy. ~ Audrey Lin

~ Abby Karno-Glaser

Who knew my meal could talk?

The spaghetti says

if you eat me I will grow spaghetti in your belly. The garlic bread says

there is no vampire coming to me it is like a party with all my garlic on me. The milkshake says

Nothing, it didn’t have time to blend all the words together.

~ Amelia Myers

Fourth Grade - 4A

Inside Me

There is an athletic creature in me, With feet like fins, It runs faster than time It swims like a dolphin and flips Like a gymnast It makes me excited to compete And win! ~ Devon Leaf

DANCE SAYS, Do this move Hip hop says, Blast the song Jazz says, Put the sound down Ballet says, Calm music

THE RADIO SAYS, CONTROL ME ~ GRACE FORESTER

My Snake

There is a snake inside me. Its black silky scales Overshadow its sparkling underbelly, Shining like quartz. Its coal black eyes bore into your soul To see if you are worthy, Worthy to see the stone, The stone it rests on, The stone it guards. This stone holds all my secrets. My snake makes me want to be protective. ~ Finn Wogensen

Painter

Painter, so beautiful, somethingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s missing this is not right so close painter ~ Gracie Mannheim

Fourth Grade - 4A

My Parents And How Amazing They Are Mom Helpful, nice, graceful Loving, outgoing, wonderful Happy, playful, unique, smiling Amazing Dad kind, cool Loving, weird, exciting Happy, ecstatic, pumped ~Harris Levi

The baseball says I’m going to strike you out the bat says I’m going to smack you the glove says I’m going to catch you the baseball says not going to happen the fence says it’s over my head the people say I got it the grass says aaaaaaa!!! The baseball dies The End ~ James Cunningham

Hockey Fun hard Skating, checking, pass Tough, exciting, amazing, adrenaline Save

~ Jordan Liebman

The Reason I Like To Create I especially like videogames because you can’t shoot birds out of slingshots or create a world of blocks in life. The reason I like writing is ‘cause you can express your mind silently. I like to draw a lot because you can create your imagination in a separate reality. And I like reading (duh) well, because you’re engulfed in a world of imagination. And I really like: IMAGINATION ~ Hudson Stone

Fourth Grade - 4A

Having a Best Friend

Old Book

Friend Not being alone Someone to talk to Always there to comfort you There for you Friend - Lauren Pomerantz

Art

Pages Filled With Words Hearing My Paper Being Ripped Uncomfortable Tape Attached To Me Nobody Reads Me Anymore Old Book ~ Matthew Manjooran

The reason I like art Is because I get to show it to my family and hang it on the wall I especially like sweets ‘cause it fills up my tummy with sugary delights I like to take my time eating it sometimes ‘Cause if I don’t, it will not taste as good to me And I like to play video games ‘Cause it’s fun and exciting And I like really like sloths because the are slow and adorable ~Mira Lam

I Am I am as sleepy as a lion I am creative as a splash of paint I am as cold as the North Pole I am as hot as the sun I am mysterious as a mysterious clue I am as calm as a fish I am as peaceful as a lake ~ Naomi Lee

Time

Time Early or Late it’s Never the Middle Time ~ Nico Williams

Fourth Grade - 4A

The Husky

I’m lonely Absorb your energy Into one dark hole

Smells like snow Works hard but it playful Usually has different colored eyes Runs 4 hours a day You rarely see them in America It wears a thick coat of protection Sharp teeth like a monster ~Oskar Mund de Laurens

I’m hiding Don’t keep it inside you I’m lonely ~ OLIVER MOHR

Sonic

Sonic Cool, super. Sprinting, spin, dash, powerful Heroic attitude, speed, awesome Fast!!! ~ Shane Sackler

Sarah There is a SPRINTING MONKEY in me. With LEGS like SPRINGS ON A TRAMPOLINE. And FUR like SOFT YARN. It SWINGS like TREE BRANCHES IN THE WIND. It makes me want to swing off a tall tree.

~ Sarah Jackson

Fourth Grade - 4B

Fire

My presence starts small but the more I Consume, the more I extend into my beautiful but deadly bloom I may be pretty, but I am not to be touched People try to fight me and usually win, but I always come back only quite thin People have named things after I leave a black trail of dread and rubble I almost always destroy all in my path, Through my very dangerous wrath

~Charlie Galston

Oven

Heats up slowly Very hot Can light up Beeps Some parts made of metal Not very flexible Chocolate chip cookies are ready ~Chloe Lin

Deep Inside Me

Deep inside me there is a unicorn With eyes as blue as a diamond And fur as white as sand Its horn is like a rainbow It sways through the sky As high as a airplane It makes me want to fly ~Ander Manning

Spirit Wolf

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wolf in me With a sense of humor and paws as soft as fur or fluff And a friendly smile With white sneakers He makes me feel loved when I think of him ~Connor Smith

Fourth Grade - 4B

FOOTBALL Football Players coaches Tackling catching throwing Powerful exited nervous intensity Super bowl Fans Cheering loud Jumping screaming clapping Happy sad nervous eager Supporters ~Diggy Callif

Somewhere Inside Me

There is a Northern White Rhino in me With eyes like the Caribbean And armor like a solid rock It moves like a yellow bulldozer It makes me want to run - Ella Henderson

Stop

Stop Don’t go Why leave? Please Stop

Don’t bark It scares the squirrels No you silly dog Am I going to have to take you to the vet? Don’t bark Run Leave Go away Stop talking Hush Run ~Dori Farkas

Fourth Grade - 4B

Water

Arrowhead says,

Give us more water Lake says,

I’m flowing as fast as I can

It’s waterfall that’s not flowing fast enough

Arrowhead says,

Waterfall give us more water We’re thirsty

Moon Moon Silent, White Moving, Shining, Wandering Beautiful, Wonderful, Lovely, Blinding Lunar Stars Blinking Light Moving, Shooting, Flashing Cold Yet Hot Beautiful Light

Waterfall says,

I’m going as fast as I can

It’s river that’s going too slowly

~Eva Browning

Arrowhead says,

Our people are being killed of thirst Please flow faster River says,

I’m flowing as fast as I can

It’s pond that’s going too slowly Arrowhead says,

Please drain faster, we are parched. Pond says,

I’m flowing as fast as I can Your filters aren’t flowing The filters are gummed ~Ezekiel Wald

Guess What?

I am edible If you wait too long I get cold I have colors brown and red But squishy Ketchup and mustard all over me Made by pork I am a name of a dog If you like dogs you will like this ~Henry Wou

Fourth Grade - 4B

Ocean

Books

Books Stories poems Adventures flipping pages Powerful words characters plot Novels Library No noise Quiet reading browsing Relaxed calm comfy cozy Pictures -Ili Klier

Water says, I love

How the sun

Reflects off me Sand says, I love how

The waves crash On me

Sun says, I love

The way I set People say, I love

How the

Sun setsp

And reflects

Off the water And the sand Shimmers

By: GraceVoelz

Speak

If I can only say something Why be there? I can’t say a thing when what I have to say is against them So what I do? “Speak” Says a voice from the shadows of my mind ~India Knight

Fourth Grade - 4B

Dragon There is a reading dragon in me, Quiet except the turning of the pages And with eyes like a super nova Reflecting his story, Immersed in a world of everything. With scales like smooth rock And rough stone, With teeth as sharp as daggers And talons just blunt enough To turn the pages It has wings as powerful as tornados but not while reading ~Jack Wray

Tech

Social media Friend share Tapping, swiping, posing Enjoyment relaxed happy liked Page Technology App imagination Typing, looking, clicking Interest joy entertained excitement Screen ~Jake Mori

Puppies and Kittens

Puppies Cute cuddly Playful active jumping Happy loved relaxed comfortable Fluffy Kittens Fury fuzzy Sleeping scratching running Tired cared-for protected happy cute ~Oliver Englefield

Fourth Grade - 4B

Maybe

Maybe The wind will blow Trees will sway Leaves will fly Waves will crash The sun will set Maybe ~Pearl Furst

The Reason I like Blowing Out Candles

The reason I like

opening packages is

cause it might be for me and there is usually bubble wrap inside I like to

pop bubble wrap

‘cause it makes an awesome sound

and it means I just opened a package I especially like blowing out candles ‘cause I like blowing things out

and then I can relight them and blow them out again And I like skiing

‘cause I love being out in the snow

I Would Go Inside a book

and the wind on my face feels amazing And I really like dogs

I would go inside a book

A peaceful and quiet place that’s full of mysteries and The sounds of pages turning and people laughing A cool breeze blows the smooth walls are covered With writing and stories I would go inside a book

~Sofia Handler

~Justin Merritt

Fourth Grade - 4B

World War || I Would Go inside a book, A book about the World War ||. I would go to the train Station to see my grandpa bomb The other people’s train with the bullets The weapons for the other people so they wouldn’t Get to the sloggers. I should watch out for the bombs. I’m Going away now. ~Sebastian Kirk

The Reason I Like Earth The reason I like deer Is because they have chocolate eyes + adorable ears I especially like stallions ‘cause they are stubborn + hard to train I like to dance ‘cause it makes me feel alive + good I like playing with my friends Because I get to have fun with someone other then me

And I like running Because it makes me feel like a horse. ~Someryn Hoff-Ha

Fifth Grade - 5A

Hockey Sounds The state finals Hockey

The puck drops

Skates start skating

Pepper

Pucks go flying

I don’t want to be salty,

Sticks start slamming Player start hitting

I don’t want to be butter,

Whistles start blowing

I just want to be pepper.

A goal get scored

People start cheering

Pepper, because people might think I’m spicy,

3 to 4

but once you sprinkle me onto anything.

10 seconds left

The puck drops

I’m just right.

People start counting

I go with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

Eggs, count on me to make them better.

Tweet tweet game’s done We won the game!

The sounds of hockey

You can even put me on pasta. I live in jars, bottles, and shakers. I live right next to the salt.

Austin Sheu

You can put me on almost anything. Especially salmon.

Dark to Light

Try it, its good You name it. I’ll be there for you.

The dark sky flashes beneath my eyelids. The sky is a moldy grey.

With a light in the sky but miles away. The clouds maneuver through the dark sky. With a feeling the sun will shine. Abby Wanger

Alexander Umland

Fifth Grade - 5A

Wyoming The horses were running and eating until they got organized. My bandana was bouncing on my chest for a moment. Some people were lazy and some strategized plans for the next day. Everyone is talking about fishing at this special lake. Before I get in my bed a dog jumps in first. At night all the bears navigate their way to the feast. Us. - Anjali Dey

Flower

Let Go

I spotted the flower

Letting go is hard so hard I love you and miss you there will always be a place in my heart for you Your bowl was always filled with food now empty You used to sleep and read with me in my bed Let me go I won't let go I thought you would never let me go I thought I would never let go I remember every second of you and I together Your fast tail I miss and love you Zippers

And carefully put it down right beside it

Ellie Paige Berlin

When I first saw the flower

I felt a crystal clear raindrop Fall from the foggy clouds

As the rosy red petal drifted down Carried by the cold wind I chased after it

Hovering my jacket over me

As my icy hands finally caught it That the petal belonged to

Claire Fink

Fifth Grade - 5A

HUNGRY WORDS At this moment I’m eating lettuce I’m hungry flying with the birds I’ll strategize with chicken I’ve caught fifteen fish I maneuvered candy here too Let me try this experiment with carrots Can you help me devour these origami bears with your umbrella? Let’s buy some pencils tomorrow Can I navigate back home with steak I need to organize this food

-ßy Anav Oommen

Grown Ups and Teachers

Teachers always asking you to add more words Last time I checked I had enough words to fill a bathtub. Then you finally add more then they tell you that you have too many words. And with parents they ask you to eat your vegetables while all they eat donuts and pizza. I think the lesson of this is that when a teacher asks you to add more or less just do it no matter how annoying it is can be. On the other hand kids don’t eat your vegetables they're bad for you.

Ben Billings

Fifth Grade - 5A

Me At a Party

I have my hands in the air, swinging back and forth My body going up and down, moving and grooving to the beat Kids jumping and yelling around me Having fun and getting tired at the same time No parents around to bother me Gavin Schutzer

The End Of The Year Goodbye poem

BASKETBALL

Staples Center Squeaks on the floor Fans chomping on food Bounce bounce Klang! Swish!

Thank god this year is over

3 pointer!

It feels like it’s been going on forever and ever

Bad calls, good calls

It hasn’t been such a good one I’m just happy that this year is done Well not yet the count down is still happening 5. 4. 3. 2. 1 Happy New Year Ok now it’s over But Bowie and Prince are gone forever I felt like the bad stuff was not over yet I am wondering will this madness ever end I am wondering will I be stuck in this thread

Crowds booing Crowds cheering Whistles blowing The Clippers win! I am happy they won! The sounds of the game

Of madness and sadness until I am dead I am not going to worry about all the bad stuff I’m just going to think about all the good stuff I will never talk about this ever again Until the year is over it will never end

Jackson Lowe 5A

-Harrison Friedman

Fifth Grade - 5A

Sam When I first met you I crawled to you And started petting you Chasing you around Always pulling on your tail Sleeping at night Jumping high onto the refrigerator You scared me Jumping back down onto ground Back from school Memories I will never forget My best friend Is always there for me

Jaedyn Patterson

Horses

Archie

Small wet nose Soft dull nails Slobbery cold tongue Loving happy smile Bright wide eyes Vanilla soft fur Fun prancing walk Silly jumpy funny Squishy silly paws Easy to miss Hard to let go of By Lulu Michaelson

Horses running in the sunset Their manes flowing with the wind You hear their hooves pounding in the dirt With one glance you know who they are They are wild horses Free to run in the forest The horses cross the river and go home Then the sun goes down as the moon comes up Another day is coming and you might see them again Lila Paschall

Fifth Grade - 5A

Waves

I dip my toes in the crystal clear water. A shock of cold shoots up my spine, but I step in anyway. I look up… Towering above me is a wave, a solid wall of water. At first I can’t bring myself to dive under, But at the last second, I do. The wave’s current pulls me this way and that way. It felt as if the water was alive, and pushing me around with 100 hands. In real time, I was only under the surface for about 5 seconds, But to me it felt like forever. I slowly walk out of the water, and turn back around. In a split second I’m dashing back out into the waves.

Naomi Bloom

Rain Clouds roll over I feel a raindrop roll down my forehead I look up the sky turns dark grey little water drops turning into bigger raindrops fall out of the sky I walk inside before the rain can catch me hypnotizing me to stay outside As I look out the window it’s suddenly pouring Something catches my eye one little raindrop falls down the window then catches another raindrop and gets even bigger until it is a huge raindrop with many little rain drops inside of it until suddenly the sky clears up and that rain drop falls of the window with the rest of the rain and splashes on the muddy ground Miller Owens

Fifth Grade - 5A

MICAH FLEMING POEM PLACEHOLDER!

My First Basketball Game

Crossing over Nervous but excited Gray jerseys Gray shorts First quarter we are winning 9 to 3 Running as fast as I can but something happened I got fouled and shot the ball in the hoop made one 33 rebounded and made it with an easy layup Missing and rebounding Making and winning 33 passes to me I make it I make a three pointer and win the game We win 14 to 8

Reiss Collier

Fifth Grade - 5A

Who

You and mom Fun times float away forever

Gone

So do you Pretty as a rose Questions Glide through my head

I hold you I hug you I will never let you go The last memory A joyful word You lay there Helpless In the hospital Without you I lose everything Please don’t leave me

Who were you? England calls for you So do I We are waiting for you You and mom Fun times float away forever So do you

There’s silence

Pretty as a rose

And you’re gone

Questions Glide through my head Who were you?

Nikita Abramson

England calls for you So do I We are waiting for you

Olivia Miro

Fifth Grade - 5A

Cinders I remember when you slept with me I remember when I tried to ride you like a horse but I was too small to get on your back I remember so many things about you but when I woke up in the morning once and saw you try to get up but then fall right back down I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what was wrong mom took you to the hospital and said you would be fine I waited for you to come back but you never did you lived a great and wonderful life a full 13 years untell they had to put you down I hope I see you again sometime you were not only my pet dog but you were my best friend. Shane Rice

This Moment I want to adapt this moment this moment into an hour In an organized house with cute dog crowded Edits of people flying We all go strategizing 15 cleats in the locker room Vans maneuver through the news. -Theo Kwit

Fifth Grade - 5B

The Morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Performance As the dewdrops start to slip off the iridescent leaves As the rays of the disclosed sun break Through a thin barrier of pale cotton like clouds As the mist in the air whispers a secret to the wind As the blushing pigments begin to roll in as a wheel turning into infinite space As the bird sings its song, As it soars through time

My World

As the light fills the sky with its optimistic wonders As I awaken, I am greeted by the performance of the morning. ~ Addison M. Moss

Christmas I will have to navigate my way to Christmas The holidays are tomorrow My family holds umbrellas because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raining hard Some kids are experimenting with the bell on their window I will maneuver my way out of sight to find some presents The store has fifteen different flavors of fudge I have to strategize my way through the snow I make a snow angel and pretend I can fly Friends and family together get hot chocolate These moments are freedom

~ Alden Platt

Everyone Loves To Be Kind Creative And No One Will Pass Away Joy Is Flying In The Air Candy Is Falling From The Sky. ~ Ava Cropper

Fifth Grade - 5B

A Memory

Some objects are used to navigate. They would find tomorrow, today. And some are invisible or just plain umbrellas. Some people always experiment with everything. Others can’t maneuver anything. And some were flying in their dreams. When you are fifteen the world will seem small. You can’t organize your thoughts yet or strategize your plans. Right now let the moment be what the moment wants to be. A Memory. ~ Ava Guggenheim CAN YOU GUESS ME?!

I can be as sweet as a meringue Or as salty as anchovies. When I freeze I make a sweet breeze. And when that is smelled They get addictions. When I am eaten I turn into a sugar cube. I can be all different colors and flavors But I will still be loved. I am family to you. You probably buy salted caramel for the kids and coffee for the parents. DON’T FORGET to grab me after dinner I’m in the freezer at the bottom I mean best for last That’s what they say right?! ~ Destin Bricault

Fifth Grade - 5B

Popo

Popo, I remember your warm smile and hugs after school. I imagine you still being full of joy and laughter. I remember all we did together, like you showing me how to knit. Sometimes you would make me a scarf and I’d dance and sing around the house with it on. I would dream for you to get better and hold my hand throughout the ups and downs. The memory I cherish the most is you, mom, and I having a picnic in the kitchen. I imagine you in a happy place free with love and laughter with no machines around you for the rest of your life. I will always remember the concerts. I will come find you when it’s my time. You will always be in my heart no matter what. And we will be able to finish our song. And you will never be forgotten.

~ Chloe Chu

La Croix

I travel from here to there. Eli drinks me everywhere. Usually in the pool or sometimes at school Otherwise, I'm chillin’ with the berries, or cherries, pineapples, or strawberries. Or, I'm just chilling with the drinks. Everyday Eli drinks me unless I am at the store waiting for someone to buy me. When Eli drinks me I am satisfied.

~ Eli Meyer

Fifth Grade - 5B

A Story A story… Is a portal into a world that does not exist. Is an escape from life. Is a tempo to the ballad of our minds. A story… Is a cistern that holds imagination. Is a river that we float down, until we reach the end. Is a cup full of characters, endings, tears, and joy. A story is a path filled with adventure.

Phe Phe ~ Elijah Hurewitz-Ravitch Oh Phe Phe I put necklaces on you suddenly you’re gone

Poem!

red as a flame in a forest black as coal you dance in your own way as the galaxy dances around you you don’t try to be like everyone else you are just yourself and that’s perfect because everything is perfect and you are everything ~ Honor Selman

I was crying Phe Phe why did you die? Never forgive cars

~ Isela Arsan

Fifth Grade - 5B

Dear Grandpa Jack,

Season tickets man. All the best Giants fan. Always love you. Unexpected turn of events. Fell down at midnight and brought to hospital with head injury. Days later you left still holding my moms hand. Fighter, strong, never backed down. Now I frown. Took your name. But certainly not your fame. See you soon. A Cup Story Love, John. Why in here and why me? Why can’t I be out of the cupboard ~ John Voelz like the apples or oranges?

It could be because I’m a cup. It also could be because I am the smallest out of all the cups. I don’t like being in the cupboard.

White Room I walk into a white room my mind a blank clueless of what is ahead nothing but my blank mind and me waiting for something anything to blow my mind ~ Matthew Smith

When I’m in here, like all the time, I like to play games like cup stack, as long as I’m not at the top of the stack.

Wait. Wait. Yes. Yes! ME! I just had a ride to the table where all the people in the house are sitting down. “Hi Pitcher.” “What up, Cup?” “Ah, Cup. Nice to see you.” “Nice to see you too, Mr. Bowl.” Time to eat. See you again in the cupboard. The nasty, nasty cupboard. ~ Katherine Blue

Fifth Grade - 5B

I Am a Butcher Knife

I’m sitting in the knife holder waiting to be used. When you take out the sharpener it means it’s my time to cut the steak, sausage, sometimes even pork. When you pick me, I kill my next victim. I’m the biggest, fattest of them all. All the other knives are scared of me, Grandma Noreen but I’m not scared of them. I’m lucky… I get the bloody steak I’ve seen pictures of you when they get lettuce or sandwiches. I’ve heard about you

~ Levi Rice

Utopia

But I don’t know you I want to know you And I will know you at some point But not now Why did you have to die? Why couldn’t the doctors save you? Was it too late? I really want to see you soon You must have been important Or my name would not start with the letter N My mom says that I would have loved you And that we would be close Like two peas in a pod Why did you have to die? ~ Noa Kopald

People playing hockey and having fun. Teams win championships and get trophies. So many great people with me. Playing football with my friends. Football games everywhere. So many excited people watch hockey and football games. People eat yummy food while talking and laughing. Tasty foods in every dish. My team scores goals and we win the championship!

~ Mason Paschall

Fifth Grade - 5B

Pop Pop

I remember when we all used to sit in the garden and talk I remember when you always used to make me smile you would brighten up my day I remember when your glasses would shine in the sun I remember you, that day when you passed away, your ashes filled the sky with love everywhere you flew it filled my heart with a river of tears there’s one picture standing in a frame, it’s of you and me, I smile every time I look at it thank you for teaching me all the wise ways like to be kind to everyone in my heart you will live forever. ~ Scarlett Gatta

OLD TEACUP

The Hall of Fame QB

I love watching your highlights. We couldn’t have won without you. You were a crazy QB but in a good way. I loved what you did with your headband. You were hilarious. You could have been a comedian. Why did you leave? You could have been better if you stayed. WHY?

~ Reid Gorin

I live in the back of the cupboard. It’s dark and cold in here. The only light I get is from the crack in the cabinet doorway. I hear footsteps coming my way. It must be Queen Elizabeth (she visits a lot). She takes my whole family and closes the door. I’m back in the dungeon. ~ SOPHIA HAMILTON-POLLOCK

Fifth Grade - 5B

I Remember

I remember having a sandwich in my hand, watching you prance through the yard. I remember you were deaf and losing vision, but you were, and always will be the best

dog anyone could ask for. I was younger and I and was oblivious to the fact that you couldn’t live forever. I remember that on the last night we could be with you, we stood on the front porch and stared at the stars. Now, I look at the stars and think of you. My Hamster Lillyrose I hope you think of me. ~ Taegan Fritz-Cope You were tiny You lived for so long First loving pet Smiling at you Missing you as I write Remembering your cage Crawling up me Loud on wheel at night You’re still sleeping

Thoughts of a Fridge

~ Sydney Azar Please let me talk, let me speak, let me hear I’ve been waiting all this time just to whisper in your ear You think my heart is cold, but your guess is very far Why do all these foods get attention, I’m the star It’s lonely at night when everything is dark Just play with my magnets, forget my colors are stark, When you open my door just ask for food Can’t you just pass by and call me dude? I am your fridge and always will be Why don’t you see or acknowledge me?

~ Zachary Goldberg

Middle School POETRY AND ART IN MIDDLE SCHOOL: NEW WAYS OF SEEING “Words carry with them the shapes and colors of the visual arts.” - David St. John, poet David S. John’s poem “Guitar,” and its opening line I have always loved the word set the tone for poetry and art in middle school this year. Each 6th, 7th, and 8th grade student chose a meaningful word, and wrote a poem in the style of St. John’s “Guitar.” From there, we spent three weeks immersed in the shapes and colors of language. The 2016 presidential election occurred right in the middle of our poetry schedule. Many poems grew out of this deeply reflective time as words took on even greater significance. In the pages that follow, you will see work influenced by all kinds of creative constraints. Students were variously invited to play with numbers, take on specific letters of the alphabet, blend a random combination of words within each line, use white space and pauses, and restate/reframe a theme from shifting perspectives. The art that sprang from this process included an auction art/poetry project celebrating words and images, as well as paintings and collages that juxtaposed text with color, shape and line. Susannah and Deb were inspired to watch students respond to these challenges with new ways of seeing and fresh ways of writing.

Sixth Grade - 6A

Title Here

Circling

The boldness of the words you write The italic light

Circle

The different fonts printed in books

Circle in

To underline the important

Circle in and

Thoughts

Circle in and out

Type up every word you can Think of

Circle in and out, around

Tales of the past and present

A circle makes people feel welcome

Tricks and treats for every

A circle makes people feel welcome

Topic

Circle in and out, around

Try to keep up with each new

Circle in and out

The words swirl around like a

Circle in and

Tornado

Circle in

Telling a story isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always easy

Theme

Circle

Circling around The circle

A Special Surprise

~ Annie Swiller

I smell sweetness, why? My dad almost never makes sweet things for breakfast

~ Adin Rush

Unless I have a friend over. I strut into my closet; there are three envelopes in front of me, One blue, one pink, and one orange. This is weirdâ&#x20AC;Ś this never happens. I hurry downstairs and everyone surprises me HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! ~ Dylan Messana

Sixth Grade - 6A

Trying Too Hard Trying too hard

Trying to forget

Too much sorrow

Torture is waiting Time is short Tricking me

Tracking everything Total chaos

Today we feel emotion

Today is the day after the election

~ Atticus Rosenthal-King

The Philosophy of the World Everything is perfect

Everything except humans Except animals

Except the things we do

Except the feelings we have Except the things we make Except the conclusion that Everything is imperfect ~ Henry Guillemot

Forgotten Waters

I have always loved the word stream.

I have forgotten the memories of cold waterâ&#x20AC;Ś Rushing by my feet Trying to catch the frogs That jumped from stone to stone I have forgotten the joy Of building a dam with my cousin Of laughing as we splash each other With the clean, clear, cold water I have forgotten it all Yet I have always loved the word stream. ~ Esme Rudell

Chicken

I have always loved the word chicken I have no memories of Me eating them fried for dinner The way they lay their eggs

Or their outrageous pecking I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember

Chasing them around in the backyard Them attacking me with beaks of terror

Or seeing them sleep in the hen house I have always loved the word chicken ~ Gabriel Williams

Sixth Grade - 6A

Time

Time, always changing Twisting through our lives Threatening to slow down The world bends at its will Telling us who is the boss Teaching us that no one is immortal Tick, the big hand moves Tick, the little hand moves Time never loses ~Ian Fink

Lazy people sit and eat Lonely people weep and mourn Low lights flicker on and off Lines are broken, borders demolished Lazy people sit and eat Lonely people weep and mourn Late planes arrive at airports Lasting friendships stay in hearts Lazy people sit and eat Lonely people weep and mourn Lingering partygoers walk around town, while Lovely people watch and wait. ~ Jonah Mannheim

Idea Avenue I am against the world I am beyond the universe I can see through the small window I have created I cannot stop myself from slowly dying I start to release my feelings I see them whirling around in my mind I watch my life flashing in reverse I notice as my mind pours out all of my knowledge I look as I turn toward Idea Avenue I am not dying; I’m alive

~ Jamie Andrews

Flash I’ll be home in a flash Don’t want to stop

Nothing can beat me Faster than light

Faster than sound

Find me if you can I’m a blur

I’m the mystery that you can’t see Try harder

I’ll be gone in a flash

~ Joshua Hananel

Sixth Grade - 6A

Shimmy

Find

I have always loved the word shimmy

It opens so many secrets

I find a door

I have no memory of

I find a chest

People doing chaotic actions

Filled with valuables

The movement of their arms

And legs as they dance

I find the last piece of the puzzle

I don’t remember their hair

The key I’ve been looking for

Going up and down

Or their faces as they jump

I find the end to my journey

I have no memory of watching the music video

I find it was great!

~ Michael Rogachefsky

Yet I always loved the word shimmy

~ Luke Grakal

Run Away

Hate is the start

Of every riot and revolution.

Rain comes down from the sky

WW1

Rest on the grass

We don’t even think about it.

Reminders float around my mind

Hate.

Ruby is my name

Hate.

Remedy sings beside me Run away

~ Ruby Silverman

WW2

Almost everything in history Hate played a role in it. Our new president won Because o˚f hate. ~ Sasha Moussavi

Sixth Grade - 6A

Aching

I hear the sound of pens moving I keep on pushing

Against the lined paper

The ink is moving quicker

My head is aching Rapidly shaking

Words in my mind Start to unwind

Stuck in a hole

Over Think I try to think hard but when I do it is useless

Going out of control

Lingering doubts arrive and leave me clueless

But I can’t go forward

Voices in my head feed on my thoughts

Trying so hard

This poem is not faking How much I am aching

~ Skye Belker

Imagination in my mind is lost, cut off

Pages flipping in my brain create a new memory I don’t try to think because that is my enemy

The sad look on the crowd’s faces as my voice starts to crack Trying to manage my own ideas but the train is going off the track

The ropes that hold me down are finally giving in Whispering words repeat and tell me how to begin

“Just don’t think about it”

~ Zoe Simmons

Sixth Grade - 6A

Sadly

Sadly he won

Scream if you want

Shout if you feel like it

Sing if it makes you feel better Soon he will control So get ready

Someone new is coming Say bye to the old Say hi to the new

Sameness will change

Sorrowfully he will hurt

Safe we are, not everyone

Sail away from him, that is what I want Sage he is not

So why should I feel Safe

~ Tess Barthelemy

Terrible Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Tornadoes of emotions

Twisted in your imagination Thriving on energy

Trust has never been so rejected

Thoughts of depression fill my mind Tomorrow will never arrive

Togetherness is laughed at Treason is allowed This is now life

There is no way out

Tar describes the possibility of escaping Thrilling, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it ~Zoe Neiman

Sixth Grade - 6B

Acceptance

The Other Side

Appreciating my work And far in the night sky A little over the moon

This is how everyone thinks. This is what I might be thinking. But you never know.

Aiming for the stars Always reaching too far

There is a meaning behind this But nobody will every really know what it is. This is about what is going on inside my head.

An excitement in my soul Awareness takes its toll Acquiring the taste And slowing down the pace Ambition, not to clutch Acceptance for my much ~ Alana Matthews

Bad Birthday Billions of people break bones Bodies goes into intense pain Blackouts come, no thoughts remain Big leg, swelling and throbbing Bothering you the whole day Breathing intensely Bored at the doctor’s office Burst out of the building Backwards your career goes Basketball was your life Bad, bad Birthday ~ Blake Hocker

Jumbles of words and thoughts Bounce up and down in my brain. The way you hear the poem might be different than the way I’m writing it right now. Poetry is all about how you perceive things. Swirls of emotion, thought and color run through my mind as my fingers hit the keyboard. You’ll never truly know why I’m writing this or why I’m reading this. If you ever want to know you’ll have to look on the other side of the poem. ~ Amelia Bluman

Sixth Grade - 6B

Evening View

As I walk out of the apartment onto the balcony one gold ray of sunshine pierces the cloudy weather like an iron sword. Images of harps hover choosing sound or silence. A dove floats through the Los Angeles sky toward the advancing mountains. ~ Bruno Drake

Intertwine In every person there is a story It can break your heart or make you feel special. Imagine what your story will be because Individuality is what you need. Take me away to a place with Italic meadows and bold lakes and In every story you will underline what is most Important. Your font is a test of how deep you will dive. If similar conflicts arise, that will help Intertwine the obvious with the shadow Implied to vanish In the background. ~ Chloe Smith

Secrets Words

I live in LA

but sometimes

a bunker in Antarctica with gold snow

covering the sky

and 2009 blue sheep playing guitar

~ Christopher Robson

Secrets are not real Stay still Stay silent, the whispers in your ear Soft texture running though the woods Saving your last breath for Something worth dying for Standing tripping over lost memories Secrets are messy donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trust them Stay still Stay silent Stay unfound ~ Clementine Warner

Sixth Grade - 6B

FIRE

ICE

In case of an emergency Inside the freezer I grab Ice, ice, ice

I’ve always loved the word fire The crackle of the flames.

Insane how cold it is Impossible? No it can’t be I’ve only seen it once Ice, ice, ice

The intense, searing pain. The warmth it gives when heat is no longer an option. The blue at the core of it. I’ve always loved the word fire

I inspect it, stinging white Inches away from me It lies on the floor melting before my eyes Ice, ice, ice

~ Dylan Gabl

Invisible It looks like an Illustration hiding on an Island behind a tree Ice, ice, ice

Bye Bye ,Train

~Finn O’Brien

Wishes of the night Wind brushes my face Walls close in on me Where shall I go? Will I fall or maybe shatter into pieces? Why does the earth have to close in? Wondering if my life will Whisk past me like a train Woot woot Wish I could see the train again ~ Kendall Wilken

Sixth Grade - 6B

Still

My Apartment in Beijing

I sit

I didn’t say the sky was BLUE I never said the sky was sunny

Not because I want to but because I have to I mean that’s life, right? There’s always something above you Telling you what to do

I could hear the violin in the background

The people above me told me to sit still So that’s what I’m doing Now I write this because that’s what someone told me to do But that doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying myself The feeling is different for different people But there are those people who sit there Not only still but stiff Because they can’t think of anything to do They’ve curled themselves up into a ball Not letting anyone see what they’re thinking That’s what they think they’re supposed to do But it’s not Sitting still doesn’t mean you can’t think You can’t talk You have the freedom to think That’s what I think about the word still ~ Isabella Carbonari

Outside the window on the balcony where the birds rest I could hear them chirping I could never see the mountains far away ~ Kiera Lin

eighty-seven possibilities soft comforting blue eighty-seven possibilities a guitars’s echo snow, the bitter cold on a winter’s night the peaceful mountains copernicium, absurd pronunciation sky-scraping-skyscrapers busy LA trafﬁc the loud silence rings in my ears a charging rhinoceros ~ Reed Farkas

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Sixth Grade - 6B

On the Other Side of the Poemâ&#x20AC;Ś On the other side of the poem will be a magical land With stories scattered across the hills

There will be a mighty beast with emerald-colored scales And your favorite legends will suddenly come true Fairy tales now will be in front of you

When you finally realize that they hold no threat You will begin to love the other side of the poem Where there are no endings, only beginnings

I wish everyone could be on the other side of the poem Including me

~ Roman M. Di Giulio

Flying Flying. Turning. No spinning. Flipping as I whirl around and around. For what? On a continuous circuit. Flying. I whiz off the bar and I stick the landing. Feather. I remember floating as I land with a thump. Fake? Was this real? Flip. Could I flip the reality? Fly. Change. The way I was thinking. Fulfilled. ~ Rachael Morris

Sixth Grade - 6B

Blue Water Dripping Blue water dripping Along jagged mountains It’s snowing and it feels like The temperature is below negative eleven I look up and see skyscrapers Taller than those mountains A gate that looks like platinum is Rusting, turning a deep reddish-orange The color of a gleaming sunset In Culver City As the sun lowers you think of a swan A majestic swan Gliding across a glimmering lake The only one It’s there sitting alone And for a second it seems like it’s Calling you forward But then that second is over And the swan isn’t calling You anymore Maybe you just imagined it After all, swans can’t talk ~ Omera Alim

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Flashing Lights Flashing lights coming through colorful visions in your thoughts. The future that lies ahead.

Big ideas Life-changing inventions soothing music in your ears.

Peaceful fish in the pond making bubbles swimming gracefully.

Then suddenly… fast music awakens you. You have landed.

In an art room. You’re in class. And you notice you have written everything down.

~Sascha Mund de Laurens

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Sixth Grade - 6B

Mirror

I have always loved the word mirror. I don’t remember looking into the glass seeing my reflection Wondering what’s behind it I have no memories of wanting to grow up big and tall Wanting to see myself differently I no longer see myself singing in front of it pretending it’s a crowd I no longer see my mom behind me brushing my slick curly hair I don’t see the person I saw before I no longer see her jump for joy to wake up in the morning I no longer see that face full of hope I no longer see that little girl wanting to grow up Now she wants to shrink I no longer see the way she has that curiosity and confidence Now I see the way she will smile for the polar opposite reasons I no longer see the way she wants to wear a fancy dress to school Now she never wants to show her face outside of her home Now that I have caught a glimpse of the real world I no longer believe in magic Or the fairy that will come to me by night Or a mystical man who delivers presents by coming down the chimney Or the Disney princesses who I always wanted to be There is now nothing when I look into the mirror Only the worries of what other people will think if I step out of my reflection… But I have always loved the word mirror. ~ Mila Levit

Sixth Grade - 6C

GONG

The cow jumped over the moon Then the mountains

When the words fly to space They race without a trace The mountains bow And the plants kowtow The speed of sound Is what you just found

Then Maine Then music Then morning Then a mouse Then a moment

!*!*!*!

Then the mighty Then a movie Then the moon Moo

~ Andrea Herrera

The speed of sound Is what you just found As the mallet hits the gong

!*!*!*!

Then a moose

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Snow

As the mallet hits the gong The second time around The speed of sound Is what you just found ~ Augie Culligan

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always loved the word snow. I have no memory of the jolly friend in the white blanket that I always built With his black lonely eyes and his big carrot nose. I have no memory of the ever-unique stars falling from the sky Or the whish and whoosh of the cars flying past in the dark of night. I have no memory of the shivering burn that covered my face Or the parka and long pants acting like armor on my legs. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always loved the word snow. ~ Andreas Betz

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Sixth Grade - 6C

Wing Ding

Night

Rain drop Half black, half gray Scissors One long blade, one short blade A book Filled with paper All of them make one special language Scissors don’t cut water, but cut paper ~ Henry Myers

I’ve always loved the word night. I have no memories of its enormous body Colliding with the grass around me Or tiny white shapes Exploding through its surface. I have no memories of its large hands Reaching out to guide me through its darkness. I don’t remember the feeling Of its breezy embrace While I lie on my back Staring I have no memories of its light Large and eye-catching on an otherwise dull surface. But I have always loved the word night. ~ Asha Gopinath

Recline

I have always liked the word recline I have no memories of my grandma’s chairs Of lounging around and closing my eyes

The Romans used to do that when they dined

I have always liked the word recline

- Grayson Lee

Sixth Grade - 6C

SPLAT I love the word splat I don’t remember dropping color onto a canvas Pearls of paint dripping onto the paper P E P P E R I N G The blank, smooth surface Like stars to the sky Reminding me of a dream I never had Where rain dripped from the roofs Creating a harmony of pitter-patter The sound of droplets Reminding me of the time I flicked my brush And paint flew off Like migrating b u t t e r Cut though the air Reaching their open destination Where one would watch in fascination While the untouched turns Red Yellow Blue Green Reminding me of A dream I never had Where the bears slept Mellow While the waterfall nearby D R O P P E D And splashed their noses With little splats Splat! ~ Ayla “Belle.” Mandel

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106

Sixth Grade - 6C

The Voice on the Radio I speak You speak The radio speaks with the voice of someone else Who lives in the mountains with the bears Who speak to the fox

Go to the market Get some food

Go to the meat section

Gather gorilla from the gelatin gangster

Whose voice is on the radio

Get some govern-mentalists from the government

He sings to the bears

God like figures hide in the dumpster

Who sing to the fox

Gas-guzzlers drive down the street

Who sing to the man

Goats are amazing

Whose voice is on the radio

Gazelles grave near the gazebo

Give beef to the godlike figure in the dumpster

He laughs with the bears Who laugh with the fox Who laugh1=[p;. with the man Whose voice is on the radio ~ Charlotte Dumont

Get a slab of Korean beef

Who speak to the man

Chocolate

~Erickson Kwak

I’ve also loved the word chocolate.

I have no memories of the warm, silky object that melts in your mouth The sound of the crunch when you bite into it

The stories of the olden days of Hershey’s and Mejii and Cadbury and Lindt The taste of the sweet, cool confection The way it’s mixed into brownies

The way it smells when you walk into the factory

The way it feels when you touch a bar before you consume it The way it calls for you to not care about calories I’ve always loved the word chocolate

~ Zade Hirsch

Sixth Grade - 6C

The Little Shell a delicately-made shell glides through the sea alongside the turtle thrashing waves carry the shell farther it glides through the blue ridges until it comes across a beach covered in grainy pieces of other shells and rocks finally the shell is never alone ~ Haeley Green

I Have No Memories I have always loved the word rain. I have no memory of the prickly drops falling on my skin, stomping in puddles with my knee-high boots, or all the times I put my tongue out to the taste the water. I have no memory of all the hours spent reading a book or watching TV under blankets and pillows. Finally seeing the light after a cloudy day. I have always loved the word rain.

~ Helena Kaminski

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Sixth Grade - 6C

Savage Cabbage

I have always liked the word cabbage

Speak Poetry is hiding Poetry is hiding under your bed In your closet In your bathroom cabinet Under your stack of pancakes In your glass of juice Poetry is waiting for you Poetry is waiting for you at the bottom of the steps Outside your door In the back seat of your car Under the comfort of a seatbelt When it clicks, you are safe Poetry follows you Poetry follows you out of your car Into school To your classroom To join your friends before the bell rings Before your day starts Poetry guides you Poetry guides you through your thoughts Through your championship volleyball game Through your hours of homework Through your hardships Through joy

I have no memories of it

Sitting in the supermarket with its friends The green ball in the corner Or the people looking at it

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember the days I gagged when I tried it

Or the time I fell down into a pit of cabbage It was green and scary

No memories of it in my dreams Haunting me, a green horror Or running away from it

Down the aisles, flabbergasted

I have always liked the word cabbage

~ Tommy Leibow

Poetry is hiding in your imagination Poetry is waiting for you to share your thoughts with the world Poetry follows you through the journey called life Poetry guides you to speak your mind Speak ~ Isabel Shaine

Sixth Grade - 6C

Family Time I could do it a thousand ways. I could say it a thousand times. Step by step. Up the stairs. There I go. In front of the crowd. I have so much to say. I have all the time in the world. Or so I think. I see the people screaming and chanting my name. Everyone wants me to say what they want to hear. It seems like time is moving so fast. Has it been eleven years already? It seems like only yesterday I was five. Family members always recollect the past, When they were young and so was I. Time is moving so fast. It seems like only yesterday I was two. I’m walking to the podium. Then I remember my little feet moving fast across the floor. I remember when my Dad gave me piggyback rides. So long ago. Almost there. Just two more steps. I speak to the crowd, I say “Time flies.” When you’re with family. When you’re growing up. So let’s go back to the good old days. And enjoy the treasures of the past. Enjoy the things you cannot grasp. ~ Isis Ginyard

109

110

Sixth Grade - 6C

Sun

Life Life is a mystery Lacking sameness Lifts you up, then it can Lie to you, making up stories

I’ve always loved the word sun. I have no memories of my first sight of the sun falling down Or the sea welcoming this powerful star with no emotion Or even the mountains shielding this terrible purge. I have no memories of the sun sinking and pulling the night in Bringing in fear and worry with it Or the light it gave back the next day. Though I’ve never thought that the sea would push the sun back up The birds, the clouds, the light, the day… I’ve always loved the word sun. ~ Rebeka Shamis

Life can be weird, it can be Lazy, letting you do all the work Lying around, watching as you suffer Life is what I will never understand Living 24/7 for 11 years Living 24/7 for 100 years Life wont let you figure it out Love can spread faster than a fire Life can take it away Life Latches on to you, never Letting you go, trying to hide all the possibilities it can show Love Life while you can Lift it up, and Let it land ~ Ymani Hampton

Sixth Grade - 6C

Chance

When I’m gone, I won’t look back Thoughts about my life are slipping From my fingertips I left it behind When I’m gone, I’ll forget about mom and dad And the kid down the street I’ll forget the soft winter breeze on my face Gentle and kind That was years ago I won’t remember my boss at work Telling me to stop slacking And to get my life under control I won’t remember the beggar on the side of the road Alone and fearful, lost in thought That was months ago I can remember our uncle’s golden retriever Jumping with joy when I visited And the burly man in the town square Selling tacos and fresh smelling fruit That was days ago I remember the truck driver Who forgot it was a red light And drove when I was crossing I remember how he called the ambulance For me It would be so easy to forget My friends and my memories Yet I have to remember them I’m losing myself And I know it sounds greedy, but I want a second chance.

~ Logan Roth

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Seventh Grade - 7A

(462) 466-3929

After

Sometimes there is no way

The dark light shines

Sometimes there is nowhere to turn

Through the valley

Someone helps

Around the river

Up and over the hill

Someone strange, someone different

Yet staying in the clouds

For someone they don’t know or

Coming down like thunder

Someone who will risk it all

Waiting to come out

Bursting over the ocean

They haven’t met

But you know it’s there

For you

You can’t see it

Someone will run into the flames, and risk it

When it happens you are blinded Mysterious… yes

But everyone is aware When the earth spins away After a long day.

~Violet McIntosh

Everything is still After a sunset

The good ones, the ones who care, who will

Marked With Stripes

I have always loved the word stripes.

~ Broderick Hannon

I don’t remember the times when I looked around and noticed them Blueberry fields, powdery rolling pins, congested sidewalks Reminding me of something hidden All around me, producing some kind of glow A path leads us in one direction But we don’t realize And resume I have always loved the word stripes.

~ Asher Barondes

Seventh Grade - 7A

My Dress Has No Colors

No Colors No Colors Shape Slick Movement Clean Zig Zags Sharp White Style Black Curiosity Grey Different Horizontal Textile No Colors No Colors No Colors No Colors Boring? Should I I? Think Maybe Not Not Interesting Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Comforting Wear Ridiculous It No Colors No Colors My Dress Has No Colors ~ Bella M. Williams

No Colors Stretchy Soft Slimming Crisp Eye Catching Walk No Colors No Colors Afraid People Admire Sharing Difficult My Dress No Colors

Epic flamingo The flamingo just flew over the school Tentacles capture slimy people Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raining tacos and flapdoodles in a storm The pen is striped with red, white, and blue A torn pineapple is sitting in the middle of the road An apple particle is fragile I am very gentle with Google maps I have good thoughts about Vesuvius I voted around 3 in the morning There is a tornado archway coming my way The surprise number is 0 ~ zacky pollock

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Seventh Grade - 7A

After After the big game After the huge game

The Shirt

After the large game

After the bigger game After the tremendous game After the catastrophic game After the catastrophic game After the tremendous game After the bigger game

Some people wesar bright green shirts that bring attention to them Others cover themselves in black and try to hide in the shadows Some shirts have funny jokes on them Others have pictures of cows Few require bow ties Many need sleeves

But when you look closely you can see that there are similarities

After the large game

They all have stiches, lines, and creases

After the huge game

But more than that they make each person an individual

After the big game

In the end they are more than just shirts.

After the small game After the smaller game After the tiny game

~ Garrett Davis

After the microscopic game I went home. ~ Charlie Sisk

It Was Just a River It was just a river I stepped to the river and heard a sound I looked down and I saw my shoes in the grass There was an archway that was dry and I swam through it It teleported me to a land of torn lemons There were trees that faded into particles I saw a gentle resident come out of a big lemon tree It had an abnormal address that read “4a900L” The resident told me that I was beyond my thoughts and I must be dreaming There was striped writing on a jar that read “Lemon Land” Next came a storm full of fuzzy alpacas And I began to think that this was an excellent beginning to a new life ~ Henry Bush

Seventh Grade - 7A

Unclear Organization

First we will talk

We will chatter and walk

A feeling so deep

That it will not come up

‘Sup he will say in the faintest voice I will notice that he says this with the slightest of choice

Second we chat

I know he’s a rat

Last we talked

We chatted and walked

The feeling has passed It’s done at last

~ Graham Sidman

After After Walking Wondering After The challenge of deciding what you do After Sitting and relaxing After Doing homework After The war He went back to New York – although it was After But this is the challenge – What do you do? After The battle, the real war begins, Because After It is already over. ~ Graydon Schulze-Kalt

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Seventh Grade - 7A

Wonder

*Click*

I wonder how

Hello How are you today

One

I am very good. You

Zero

I’m good That’s good

I wonder why

Yes happiness is good, very good

I wonder why I choose one

I did not say I was happy

What is one?

I said I was good Oh. Okay, good bye

I wonder

Okay good-bye, I’ll see you on Friday

One

*Click*

Is one a number, could it be a word?

~ Ian Hemingson

I wonder why I said how and why, Wonder ~ Jason Hananel

The Box

I have always loved the word box. I have no memories of The brown color on the outside The 11 by 8 inch faces Or the glue that holds it together None of us do We have no memories of The disappointments That lie inside But I have always loved the word box. ~ Merci Hart

Seventh Grade - 7A

November 15th` For Jerry it had been fifty-seven days since her grandfather died she counted the days off on a calendar every night before she cried herself to sleep she was sitting on the couch, staring out the window when she felt something poke her knee it was a silver cufflink, buried between the cushions of the couch her grandfather’s cufflink she remembered how he used to sit on this couch in his crisply ironed shirt, the cuff links always pinned neatly at his wrists she remembered how she had hugged him goodbye that day saying “see you in september!” september came and went, and she waited but he never came and she held the cufflink in her hand and cried it has been fifty-seven days Wrong Place at the Wrong Time ~Phoebe Fischer I arrive at the subway station and I’m all alone I step 10 feet, I’m all alone I look 360 degrees around me and there is pure darkness, I’m all alone I take a break and I lift my head up, I’m all alone I eat a pork taco, there’s no one at the restaurant, I’m all alone I open my TV and I turn on the news, there are no faces or bodies Wrong world in the wrong time. ~ Wilson Buchanan

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Seventh Grade - 7A

A Pink Sweater A faded pink sweater How can such an Old Dusty Moth-eaten Faded pink sweater Hold so many memories?

Grasping my momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand through the armhole, awaiting my first day of school. Taking it to the beach, keeping me warm and protected from the cool bitter wind. Using it as a cape and flying around the yard, the empty sleeves flapping around my neck. Wearing it in the rain and the hem getting slightly wet from the splashes of the puddles. Then finally folding it into a box to sit until I having another use for it.

Sitting and waiting. Only to be opened now, To refresh my memories and for me to clear out the dust, and stitch up the holes And cherish the memories that it holds. ~ Bea Culligan

Seventh Grade - 7B

Whatever

People think I

hate everything but I only

Kimchi

speak the

김치

truth

that people don’t want to believe like evil pentagons that want to take

over the world, but whatever. ~ Fanuel Alemayehu

I have always loved kimchi. Maybe it’s because of the fiery seasoning or the Korean cabbage. It’s the only appetizer that prepares your mouth for the savory main course. I feel special when I eat it because I’m the only person at the table who can handle the heat. Whatever it is, I have always loved kimchi. ~ Amos Blumberg

Squish

I have always loved the word squish Maybe it’s the noise you think of when you see it written Or maybe it’s the image of a flattened cockroach The satisfying action of squeezing a ball or smashing spaghetti Maybe it’s the soft feeling of stepping on gum Or maybe it’s the way Silly Putty oozes in between your fingers Of course I have always loved the word squish ~ David O’Mara

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Seventh Grade - 7B

Different Shades

Droplet

I have always liked the word droplet I don’t remember the mist Or the clouds I don’t remember the flashes of lightning Nor do I remember the sounds Of the rain hitting the floor But I do remember The single droplets that started it all And I have always liked the word droplet ~ Garrett Seabold

The last thing we need right now is a tranquil tone. This phenomenon is a lesson of the garden. If music was a rebel life would have sympathy. ~ Benjamin Sommer

Phones Pretend to Speak

(323) 782-7700

It soon begins.

(310) 652-7373

They will divide together. They will reach forever. She’s otherworldly. He’s not real. Love is a source. Others will drift away. But they will hold on until it is over. Because their eyes are open. I have rearranged life.

People’s phones (323) 962-3850 (310) 691-8750 Each number, a human (323) 937-4730 (323) 466-0339 Each human, a phone Each human, a home

I will not pretend to speak.

Each home, a life

~ Greer Morgan

~ Jacob Schutzer

Seventh Grade - 7B

A Beating Heart Where the first one came from We’ll never know, but once it was found It did what hearts do—it loved. Hearts started beautiful things and terrible things. Love for people, love for religion, love for land Love for luxuries, and love for the easy way out. Machines came next, for people were getting tired And needed something new. Now people love machines, and through machines people love People, religion, land, and riches beyond belief. These riches can be found within every person’s beating heart. Everything has love for something, Bad people, good people, and animals alike. Because everything that has a beating heart Has a heart for something else. ~ Henry Brittan

The Year Of Disruption It came from the sky like the sun had thrown it down to us but it never should have. We misused it, which led to great destruction until a year later the sun looked back and took it away. But it had gotten into our heads and the sun could not take it back. So the sun overheated and destroyed all living things on earth and it kept the year of disruption a secret until it was time to give back the square. ~ Marcus Kirk

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Seventh Grade - 7B

Chandelier

I have always loved the word chandelier I’m not entirely sure why There’s just something about it

The way the crystals glint in the sunlight Or how they always seem so elegant I have a chandelier in my dining room It gives off a certain glow It’s almost as if the chandelier has all control In a way that makes you feel magical The word itself is magical in some way Chandelier, chandelier, chandelier I have always loved the word chandelier ~ Lauren Donzis Haiku I have always loved the word Haiku Waves are like plum trees I have always loved the word Haiku They sway back and fourth like crabs I have always loved the word Haiku Yet they look like whales I have always loved the word Haiku ~ Michael Dey

Something Images – Eyes – Watch Memory – Source – Center Soul – Divide – Brexit Left – Drift – Float Hear – Reach – Far Mirror – Rearrange – Change Majestic – Pretend – Hide Edgy – Hold – Skid Touch – Each – China Free – Space – America End – Soon – Wall

~ Mikai Lam

Seventh Grade - 7B

Love is Like a Circle

Sweet

I have always loved the word sweet. How I desire to be it and taste it. Something about it makes me happy. How it can fill my mouth with yummy flavor, Or make others happy too. It has some different meanings, Yet they all mean something addictive. Sweet can be called sugary, happy, unhealthy. But I love how it’s pronounced. “Suh-weet” And I have always loved the word sweet. ~ Morgan McIntosh

The love spreads Happily Like a light that shines cheerfully Enthusiastically Love is like a circle It goes on and on for eternity Spinning ~ Olivia Beckerman

Shadow

Secrets

Hello I am known as You

Wandering from one mouth to another

But you do not know me

Sharing stories and memories From now and before Promise to keep my secret Keys to my secrets are hidden Locked away somewhere special Lips sealed

I am the dark of you I am distorted sometimes Waiting... There on the other side of the Light. You block me from the sun. Thank you.

Don’t tell Promise to keep my secret ~Parker Leaf

~ Remy Schiavone

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Seventh Grade - 7C

Stars

I have always loved the word stars.

Adaptation gas adaptation it sounds cool but what on earth?

I don’t remember the days when I looked up and saw them Millions of stars, shimmering in the night sky Reminding me of the hope that I once had Telling me not to worry I don’t remember when we had optimism When we could see the sky

carbon contained in forests

But now we tell jokes And sigh breaths of nervous laughter Because we know that stars are not real

all weird

I have always loved the word stars.

snow and cold

but everything is weird for example a street dominated by conventional residences can turn into a greenhouse gas

~ Benjamin Knight

Waves Waves

Melting beings of continuous movement

a sculpture that allows nothing

Flowing through energy as one

one can’t see it

New directions

but it nearly doubles in area

Opportunities everywhere

plump houses

Choices to be made

with food and wine galore three bedrooms and two bathrooms there’s even room for Kirk

Driven by randomness Or on a forced path Contained One option One way

~ Beau Gallacher-Hacken

No cohesiveness

Still and structured

Waves ~ Eugene Sullivan

Seventh Grade - 7C

An Ode to Goodbyes We stood in front of the past The past that trapped us In a forever Of never All the memories it held The joy And the laughter But all we had Was the sorrow Because that is what found us That is what held onto us That is what we held onto Now We’re speechless Our words Disappear And my thoughts begin to wander The world loses all color Slowly sinking Into the depths Of the shallows We try To fight it But we can’t It’s in our hands And so We let Go ~ Billie Rose Scholz

Happened & How Ambiguous after it happened Manifest unless it couldn’t Trash, solitary sometimes

Plump ironic? Seen it before Juxtapose the image

Bubble, elevate over the water! Zipper, remain zipped until noon! Bigot, start cutting the lawn! Territory, allow hostiles to enter! Mafioso, hold the building if you can!

Deception happened after the fight Anxiety after the sound of dawn Box? Sorry, maybe not now

Mellow? Later when you’re ready ~ Joshua Lee

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Seventh Grade - 7C

Fantasy

I have always loved the word fantasy. I don’t remember thinking about playing a blue piano when everything seemed impossible. I don’t recall dreaming about calm waves singing to me. I have no memories of purple trees reaching out to grasp me. Fantasy tries to hold on but it can’t because it isn’t real. I have always loved the word fantasy. ~ Francesca Caso

Tree

I have always loved the word tree.

I have no memories of the branches collapsing the leaves turning to red

or the gust of the breeze.

I don’t remember climbing up or jumping down.

I have no memories of playing games running from one tree to another.

I don’t remember picking the apples

but I have always loved the word tree.

~ Jacob Pollock

We Stood We stood in front of the Door In front of the Cat In front of the Chair In front of the Light In front of the Meaning In front of the Emotion In front of the Thought In front of the Action In front of the Identity In front of the Pros In front of the Cons In front of the People ~ Graham Miller

Seventh Grade - 7C

U.S.S.R., Clocks, Light Bulbs A land previously known as the U.S.S.R. has fallen. Its hexagonal allies have turned their backs, and in its absence, a heartless man has absolute control over the terrain. He has it all, yet the light bulb in his brain has not yet turned off. The clock will show the infinite march of time. He utters a strange string of words, unlike any language recorded. The vibrations are tinged with a guttural, barbaric whine. An epiphany floats into the head of the man now foaming at the mouth, and is silenced. His thirst for something more has been quenched. He realizes that he must hurry slowly, or as the Romans of twelve millennia ago said, festina lente. Hurrying so that he can cheat fate, but slowly so he can savor every delicious moment of his victory over the traitors. The fields are red, stained with pride and forgotten souls. A word comes out of his dying mouth. Regret. ~ Kofi Graves

127

128

Seventh Grade - 7C

Angel Farm A farm.

A beautiful farm. An angel.

Hurrying slowly into the farm. A phone.

Made a light.

The angel was startled.

By the light from the phone. The angel was triggered. And the farm detonated. ~ Luka Petrella

Cannon

I have always loved the word cannon Big ball of lead Shot out of a barrel Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be taken back Will not stop Destroying anything in its path Get out of the way they said Big ships Violent, commanding Too much firepower Too much pain I do not remember England using cannons Only America America wins Every time I have always loved the word cannon ~ Parker Messana

Life What is life? Is life just a wave of changes? Or is it just a fight over territory that can never be won? Or is it finding your place in the universe? Is it finding your own home? Or is it just day after day the same? Is it finding more about yourself? Or is life like living in a bubble? ~ Maija Isabel Talvitie

Not a Bad World Is It

Not a bad world is it The sunset An array of colors A mixture of meanings Sealing up the day The mountains Towering over the world Covered in snow A journey Up to the sky And down to the land Not a bad world is it

~ Willa Selman

Seventh Grade - 7C

London

I have always loved the word London. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what it is about it that sounds so homey. Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the posh people, or the cold weather, or the gray skies Or even the silent neighborhoods that I drove by each morning. I am losing my memories of what it is like to live there. I am losing the memories of my old school and the familiar faces I saw every day. I have always loved the word London. ~ Tamsin Gestetner

129

130

Eigth Grade - 8A

Fiery

Spicy Daring

Scary

Zesty

~ Dylan Shapiro

Dreadful

Dear, You fade like a ghost An illusion to many A prophecy Bound by smoke and mirrors After I opened my eyes I saw you for what you truly are You are nothing

~ Aidan Chanman

endless flight bees fly through the sky they swirl like a whimsical wave a beacon of life crashes through an open window bees are everywhere consuming your thoughts as they populate your mind eating everything you love and cherish but bees will fade and leave you with nothing nothing but buzzing the sound of gods a beautiful noise the letter b is my favorite ~ elijah smith

Eigth Grade - 8A

River of Mine

After I ran from the stream Before I fell from the pond

Collapsing into the foreign waters Desolate, my mind

Even then as was sinking

Forgotten ripples faded through whatever The only gratifying tears I could muster. Here

In this solemn river

Just fleeting drops fell. The

Knight in my chess set knocked over by you. I sunk further, sparkling lights overhead.

My eyes dashed through the rocks grating my back.

Night reached through the sky to scrape its tentative pale fingers over Our black-dyed rivers with only

Pellets of silver movement dashing through the ripples.

Resurfacing, the dark waves float behind me. Scales flash in panicked drops

Towering into the bubbling wave Uniform ways to fall with Velvet-filled ways to rise.

I still have sunk into my ocean.

X-marked rules ripple in my wake.

Your drops do not hollow out my cave but leave Zero space for my river.

~Addison Lee

131

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Eigth Grade - 8A

Untitled I haven’t written to you In a long time Years pass before words flock like birds

A window winks open. Neurons fire Thoughts expire. From visualization to paper You can’t see it. Can you.

B l n k ~ Donovan Coleman

Flail

I have always loved the word flail I don’t remember The car dealership blow-up man dancing in the sky Falling and falling for what seems like forever I don’t remember Running and screaming from someone yelling tag And dancing like no one is watching I have no memory, but I have always loved the word flail ~ Eliza Kaplan

After the Dust Was Settled

Before the war was over Clarinets began to play Delaware sought justice Evangelicals were pleased Fights remained without casualties Giants stood in anticipation Hyenas were on the prowl Intelligence was highly prized Jealousy was an abundant recourse Kites were shot out of the sky Love was scarce Moral integrity was questioned Notorious figures joined forces Obvious contradictions went unnoticed People were let down Questions were asked Resistance was the product of pain Sellswords began marching into battle Televisions were repurposed Unbalanced forces were at play Vulnerability was utilized Wellness was sought after Xenophobes considered themselves just Zealots remained uncompromised ~ Jackson Mohr

Eigth Grade - 8A

We.

Agreed? Were we? Better? Were we? Complete? Were we? Defiant? We were. Entitled? We were. Forgetful? We were. Great? Were we? Helpful? Were we? Incredible? Were we? Justified? Were we? Keen? Were we? Livid? We were. Mindless? We were. Notable? We were. Oblivious? We were. Presentable? Were we? Questionable? We were. Ready? Were we? Steady? Were we? Tangled? We were. Under-exaggerated? Were we? Violent? We were. Witless? We were. Xenodochial. We were. You? We aren’t. Zero? We aren’t. ~ Grace Smith

Rusty Rail

I have always loved the word rust I have no memories of the rusty handrail By the dirty sidewalk Walking straight past the rail But not being able to catch an image of it I have no memories of where I saw the rusty rail Or hearing the footsteps of people walking up the stairs But I have always loved the word rust ~ Jake Berlin

So Tall Yet So Small

Little sparkles Floating everywhere The blue pieces Of fabric fluttering In the air Her red shirt Paired with the blue glitter Her hair, like mine Flowing in the wind Her soft touch Against my hand Her hand so tiny It wraps around one of my fingers Her tricks on the bar So small yet so tall She won’t remember me But I will remember her ~ Lindsay Leibow

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Eigth Grade - 8A

I Have Always Loved the Word Football

Art Has No Meaning

I have always loved the word football I have no memories of clutching the ball Running from the pain Coming from the defenders I have no memories of the pigskin Flying into the air Falling into my arms The rush of happiness When I break through the pylons I have always loved the word football ~Mikey Herrera

What is art? Who is art? Where is art? When is art? Why is art, art? How is art, art? I don’t know what art is. I don’t know who art is. I don’t know where art is. I don’t know when art is. I don’t know why art is art. I don’t know how art is art.

The Power Went Out At The Movies

The power went out at the movies

The pixelated faces suddenly diminished The world became dark

The black heat surrounded the velvet chair

The faces swirled down a black and white drain I wanted to move but the fabric pulled me in

I have no clue.

Performing for the audience

~ Jesse Brenner

I floated up to where people lied about themselves

Feeling my face leave reality

Feeling my hand rub against the soft red chair

Everything except me and the chair disappeared

Twelve dollars wasted on a warm screening room with strangers

~ Molly Tatum

Eigth Grade - 8A

After After day comes night Soft Comforting

After:

Darkness All around Absorbing sound Absorbing light An eye closes A deer lowers its head to a lake Water ripples sway the stars Smooth Slow An owl’s head turns Its wings slice the air

After schoolwork: homework After homework: “studying” After studying: midterms After midterms: relief After school: volleyball game

Quiet

After the win: victory milkshakes

A cat walks carefully

After the loss: sympathy milkshakes

A glint of moon in its eyes Cold without warm light Warm without harsh sounds After night is day Clockwork ~Nina Yankovic

After the day: Netflix ~ Rachel Umland

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Eigth Grade - 8A

Drizzle I have always loved the word drizzle I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember waking up to hear the pitter-patter of rain on my roof the peaceful drip, drip, drip I have no memories of walking outside and smelling the damp earthy air I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember seeing the dark storm clouds floating across the sky the little puddles collecting on the ground or the gentle breeze dancing across my face But I have always loved the word drizzle ~ Ruby Rosenthal

Fourteen lines A rainbow in a black and white world Railroads that never stop The color in colorless Crows and ravens Humming birds and parrots The end of the rainbow Clocks that keep ticking forever in time When color fades And Trees turn brown When you reach the end point of infinity You are struck by lighting In a colorless fire A rainbow in a black and white world

To and Fro

Navigating to and through NYC Barreling to the Big Apple Skirting through Soho Bouncing from burro to borough Making my way from Point A to Point B Stores in Soho to meetings in Manhattan Tea in Tribeca to baseball in the Bronx Took my burro to Buffalo And down to Binghamton Jumping through traffic on my way to JFK Piloting my way to the plane Seeking a seat And home I go ~ Ryland Becker

Eigth Grade - 8A

I Tripped and Fell on the Ground I tripped and fell on the ground The ground savagely assaulted my person The floor retook the holy land in a storm of steel and fire A new arms race was underway to control the earth's natural resources Buildings crumbled, the earth collapsed and magma sprung from it The war ships were rocked by tsunamis Tanks dropped into newly formed canyons Survivors built homes out of mountains For centuries upon centuries the world was at peace Because I tripped and fell on the ground ~ Winslow Morgan

I Was Doing Just Fine We drove away quietly The past drifting away Focusing on the hum of the car And trees running past me My mom asked how I was doing I was back from my haze I said I was fine And nothing more was said The trees were quiet except for a hum The car was running away The past was now a haze Drifting away into nothing Everything was good I was doing just fine ~ Wren L. Keasler

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Eigth Grade - 8B

However

Never hide

bee

climbs down

mt. everest

frosted ground hides its

jealousy

light

must

never push out

quiet stars

~izzy tatum

I start each poem by writing my name But today I started differently because I don’t feel the same Today I was told to write using however However, I don’t think I can because I’m not that clever Instead I think I’ll just write about my thoughts And a little about the weather And whether, I can write about what’s truly inside my head However, that’s not exactly possible Cause I think of bad excuses, and what to do instead I’ll maybe read a book About some old crook Who had a hand for a hook Instead of a hook for a hand Because the other way is way too bland After that I might rise up and stand Then get knocked over again and land By the unseen force of the word However ~ Aden Mandel

Until

Until the fireworks went off There was no crowd Until the animals fell asleep The judge waited to bow Until there were no open eyes The townspeople flossed Until there was no one to talk to The grass turned to frost Until there were no distractions I can’t say what really happened ~ Connor Rice

Eigth Grade - 8B

An Existential Crisis I can’t believe it’s not butter Is it really not butter, Mother? No, Betty, it isn’t butter, it’s paint Is… Is it edible? What is in this “butter,” and what does it want with our family? This paste must be butter, I will not stand for it if it is not so It is unfathomable to me that this substance is indeed not butter What is real if the butter is not? If the butter is not real, it must mean that the government faked the moon landing I cannot think now, I cannot speak: I have been bamboozled by the “butter” What will I spread on toast, now that it has been revealed to me that this butter is fake? Who am I if this is not the butter I once knew and loved? The butter is not real, which must mean that my life is a lie I have been living a lie ~ August Sunseri

This Person…

I have always loved the word

The word chill

It was I back then

A long time ago I was that person What is his name? Perhaps 0

Chill

~ Kijani Wright

Where has he gone?

Wright

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I’m Batman I’m Batman

I am a billionaire cosplayer who should be considered a felon I am a nocturnal mammal that dresses as a man I am a man that dresses as a nocturnal mammal I refuse to believe Halloween is over

If I’m a bat, how come I don’t use echolocation? I should really give my butler a raise

I should probably stop giving children flashy costumes and putting them in danger Is my arch nemesis really a clown?

At least mine is better than Superman’s His is a rock

My cave puts your tree house to shame Maybe I should see a therapist

What is the point of wearing my underwear on the outside? ~ Emerson Rosenthal-King

Nonetheless

the young girl ate a snowflake a snowflake, it was eaten by a girl a craving for winter could be satisfied with hot chocolate nonetheless, the girl chose a snowflake she doesn’t eat Christmas trees she doesn’t eat gelt or menorahs or dreidels for, those objects can’t be eaten they’re as edible as balloons or costumes or four-leaf clovers as the snowflake slowly melted upon thousands of taste buds the girl tasted nothing she thought nothing she felt something, though her craving for winter was taken care of ~ Julia Fink

Eigth Grade - 8B

Abstracted Conversation I have always loved the moody word eye It’s a four-way mirror in a too-aggressive life But I also love I A chartreuse word that you could say to the ocean Remember me stopping in the middle Ordinary and free Have you checked the rocks on your body? Only while flying at night Now I understand The conversation you are dreaming The crash to your drifted self The boost from falling And the blistered afternoon you are leaping to be

~ Chase Weaver

Until You won’t know what I am doing Until I see you again You won’t know how I am doing Until I see you again You won’t know where I am Until I see you again You won’t know who I am Until I see you again So until then ~ Jeremy Merritt

ABC ZAP

A man loses his pride Because he is bankrupt Cold days on the streets Desperate for money Even a penny From a stranger God isn’t on his side Homelessness is not fun It makes you empty Joy is non-existent Karate is helpful “Let me enter a tournament!” Mike says Never tried it Of course he may not win Pursuit of happiness Quilts keep him warm at night Run to the tournament Sit with the other contestants Turn to your side Under the bright light Victory is essential Work is necessary Xylophones play in the background You’re up Zap ~ Justyn Patterson

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Forgotten

Brightens My Day

I have always loved the word forgotten

A dark room with a sliver of light

I used to not understand why people left Why they would go so far for no reason Abandoning what was important Now I don’t know where you have gone And why you left everybody I was hoping you would come back Until I realized you didn’t leave me You left yourself

Black with a streak of yellow Light shines when I need it most A symbol of hope That fills me with love Happiness, joy The light is pure

I have always loved the word forgotten ~ Kaylin Moore

Through all the darkness Through all the pain It still brightens my day

~ Lina Groner-David

Winter

I have always loved the word snow I have no memories of skating in the cold dust And slipping on the ice The white fluff falling from the sky Through a winter’s morning Though I have dreamt about doing so The California weather prohibits me I don’t remember catching snowflakes on my tongue Warming myself up with blankets and hot chocolate I don’t remember shivering from the cold… Yet I have always loved the word snow ~ Sydney Andrews

Eigth Grade - 8B

Zero Allow them to feel Because people

Piece Of Poultry

Change. Death is

I adore chickens while theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all together

Equal to the

Almost positive that chickens love me

Fear of Guns.

Feasting on roosters right before Thanksgiving

Help is

Early morning wake-up calls in new, wet spring

Irrelevant when thinking to Jump.

When chickens congregate around the paint-peeling barn they draw my attention To the inordinately large rooster that thinks he controls the world The evil mastermind of a chicken who has malicious intentions The piece of poultry that surrounds himself with his peers An uprising is starting The hen is collapsing in a fiery attack of pecks and scratches Yet I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t watch this happen because the chickens are together I jump in to save the injured behemoth

Kids Like to hide under Make-up but we Never Overcome our Parents. Quarter steps are Right to Start from. They are Unforgiving. Vexed is no Way to wake.

That day I made a lifelong friend

Xerox prints our

Because I appreciate chickens and what they do for society

Young hope. But now I have Zero.

~ Zachary Neesan ~ Niko Nicholas

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Alphabet of Growing Up Boy

A Changed

Does Everyone Find

Inside

Greatness Happiness

Juxtapositions Know Long Menacing Neighbors Opened Places Queens Rest Saved Today Ur Voice Was X-treme Young Zebra

~ Rafe Mori

Convey There has been change An amount of change almost analogous to The amount of oxygen in today’s spiteful air Trees, animals, and art All things that can’t verbally communicate with us But they can understand They send signs of empathetic sorrow Knowing glances and deep sighs In their own little ways they say, “I’m sorry.” And when we look at them and admire their beauty, We are able to take a deep sigh, like theirs, and say, “Thank you.”

~Tess Riordan

Eigth Grade - 8B

Perhaps When the mountains fall When clouds freeze over and Leaves area distant memory When the skyline drops into the sea And the land folds in half When the Earth stops turning And stars stop granting wishes When people and desk lamps have philosophical discussions And rain slants straight up Perhaps I can finally stop caring And pretend you’ve never existed. But until then I’m stuck to wonder what went wrong And what could have been rewritten. Perhaps I actually will be able to talk to a desk lamp; They don’t seem much for conversation. ~ Sadie Fix

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Life Is “Rigged” After I went to sleep Benevolent thoughts left me. Catch dreams? Definitely. Every thought bubble except for the silent ones. Fall from reality. Good things will find us. Help us find it. I won’t do it alone Just follow me. Kill the bad thoughts, Live in a fantasy. Minds don’t function when No thoughts are present. Our minds must be “rigged.” Pester till we get our way. Quiet never comes to those who leave the situation the way it is. Ready to go? Stop the madness? Today we will fight. What is Undone can be finished. Violence is a sin. We won’t let it happen. You don’t need an X-ray to see what is wrong. You won’t stop until Zero is left ~ Sydney Silverman