War, the Untold Side by Brandon Lopez

War, the Untold Side


There is splattered blood on trees and grass. Houses are burning and fire raining down from the sky. Here we are. I, Ezio, stand here before you to say, “We are humans, not some swine used by the Gods.” Ezio shouts from the smoldering stump. A spear flies through Ezio’s head, skull and brain blast out with the arrowhead, more blood splatters over the faces of his troops. His lifeless body falls to the floor, like broken glass. A tall stark figure, muscles bulging out of his uniform, falls to his knees and prays, “We live by one rule, respect the CREED. In remembrance of my father, nothing is true; everything is permitted.’ He rises up, his blade up toward the sky looking to rip it apart. Soldiers cheer at the sight of him, as they follow Devi into battle.

As the fire rings down, they see them, the Gods: Hades-controller of the underworld, wielding his dog Cerberus. Aries-the god of war, with his demon wings protecting his body and brandishing his evil lance. Zeus-the God of Gods, holding nothing but thunder in his mighty hand. Trinity-the god of Destruction, holding his sword of doom, dripping the blood of the innocents he’s slain. Trinity as the brother of Zeus, he is half God, half Titan, but he is different from the other gods because he has the power to kill a Titan, and he wants to kill them all. Aries turns toward Trinity, “You stay here, and let the big boys fight these mortals.” Trinity’s eyes turn as if he could see through Aries. Fire, burning within, releases in streams out of his nostrils. His arms shaking, veins bursting out of his skin, and eyes as red as the fire of the underworld.

The fire continues to rain down; the gods show their wrath upon the world of the mortals. There is nothing there, but burning trees, buildings crumbling to the ground, and the sun imploding over all life. Looking across the battle field, the statues of the gods stand tall on the hills, the white marble untarnished by the waging war. Devi, still on the bloodies stump, says,
“Men, if this is the last time we fight together, let us make is mean something, let us slay the gods.” Devi, the perfect human specimen, with his huge muscles, bulging from his armor; his DNA made for the gods put into human form, stands ready to lead his father’s army to war. Devi thinks about his people. I must end this rain of the gods, and start the age of man. Devi looks at Zeus. Zeus turns toward Devi from across the field. They feel the electricity from inside- the can feel the war upon them. It is time.

The tremor was strong enough to sink Atlantis to its core. Trinity knows what's going on...what's about to happen. He sees the sky growing darker because the Titans so big, block the sun as it crumbles. His body is glued to the floor, not even quaking. Nothing moves him. They're here, he thinks. Zeus sees his family of Titans stomping their way to the battlefields. The earth's trembling took Zeus off balance. He looks up at the sky and wonders why?

Devi and his men shout out a warriors cry and raise their weapons over their heads. They run into the no man’s land, a fiery space, filled with rotten corpses and dead children. There isn’t a living thing around. Hades, Aries, and Zeus disappear. Devi and his men stop, then the gods seem to reappear in multitudes and circle around the men. Devi and his men feel like they are in the eye of a hurricane. Their heads shift left to right, right to left, from face to face trying to figure out who to attack. They see thousands of Zeus, thousands of Aries, and thousands of Hades. Trinity rushes in to the circle like the wind, spins around the circle, electrifying all the clones of the gods. Devi and his men fix their eyes on the real gods, as the clones turn to ash around, and float away with the wind. Zeus leads the gods into the battle, certain they will be triumphant. Devi and his men look at each other; more confused than before, as Trinity pierces Aries with is blade of doom. Aries’ heart implodes with dark black smoke and blood. The men can barely believe the sight of dead Aries. Never before has a god killed another god. He made it look easy. Devi and his men are in awe. They believe that they can win as they attack Zeus and Hades.

Zeus trembles as he watches Trinity rip the sword of doom from Aries’s body. He could feel is soul stir, as if his soul is being ripped out of him with his half brother’s sword. He lifts his arm. His finger stirs the clouds. Everything gets dark. There is only the glow of the fire burning inside of Zeus that sheds a light on his face. Thunder and lightning clash to form Zeus’s mighty weapon, his thunderbolt, the mightiest weapon that ever existed.

Zeus cries out, and thunder roars out of his mouth. He stomps his foot and rains lightning down on earth. Bolts of electricity burn Devi’s men. Blood oozes out of them as they are ripped apart. Hades roars and bashes the ground with his three headed dog, Cerberus. The earth shatters, as the souls of the damned escape from the underworld. Hellish thunder and fire rain down on Devi’s men. They agonize in pain. Trinity appears with his sword of doom, leaving a trail of blood behind him. Hades releases Cerberus to capture Trinity. He disappears. His mocking laugh echoes throughout the field, while Zeus continues to throw lightning bolts. The thunder crashes, drowning out Trinity’s laughter and the agonizing screams of Devi’s men. The only sound you hear from the field is winding BOOM.

Cyber bullying by LaDonnika Coleman-Whitlock

Cyber bullying

Cyber bullying isn’t a good thing….
people that are bullying other people-
just want more attention on them….
They don’t care about other people’s feelings…
Victims are running away from home,
or not eating very well or killing themselves…
Cyber bullying is not right…
because when you’re talking about people
it gets out of hand and more dangerous….
Cyber bullying is no joke in any state….
bullying should stop now…
You can’t be friends with bullies….
After a while, bullying comes back to you
and hits you in the face.

I hear you Alye Pollack by Andre Jones

Hi Alye. My name is Andre! 
I saw your video at my school.
It was awesome on how you represented yourself
on your YouTube video.
I understand how you feel about being bullied. And you’re right—
Stop bullying- it will save lives.
Did you hear about Jamey Rodemeyer,
The 14 year old high school freshman,
Who committed suicide because
Kids were harassing him because he was homosexual.
That was very sad and sorrowful. 
But as for you, being called names since Sixth grade
…that’s AWFUL!

One question: Do you believe in those names they called you?

Look in the mirror- what do you see?
Do you know how special you are?
I don’t have to know you to know that you are truly epic.
I’ll tell you what I see in you.
A young girl,
Like a birthday present,
Bold as a wolf,
Smart as a fox,
Strong as a bull,
Beautiful as a blooming rose.

You say you have no friends…
I would want to be your friend.
People saw your video.
They are watching.
You are making a difference.

I don’t blame you for not liking the kids at school.
I don’t like all the kids at my school either.
One thing I learned about bullies-
they are jealous of you.
They want something you posses.
Don’t listen to them.
It’s what you think about yourself that matters.
Everyone is special in their own way.

My Name by Amber Lopez

My name comes from my dad’s favorite color.
I think my name reflects me well;
Amber is such a light, radiant yellow.
And my personality is bright, warm, and radiant too.

My name is also a song that I like
(However, I can’t remember if it’s from 311 or sublime).
I enjoy my name because both my first and last name have five characters,
and I like the number 5.
Amber is also a type of tree sap that preserves things.
While some people might think that’s bad,
I think it’s perfect because I wanna preserve myself in history.

That’s why I write.
I want to be a memorable writer.
I need my name for that.

Dear Self by Keyana Frasier

Dear Self,

I’m hoping that the negative things in your life will change.
I pray that you become stronger and smarter.
I pray that you grow in faith.
I wish I had more than just one friend,
Instead of a sea of acquaintances.
Two things that went well this year are: the birth of my first nephew,
And my mommy’s graduation.
Some things I like about myself are that I have pretty blue eyes, strange interest in music, and the size of my lips.
One thing I want to change about myself is my procrastination.
Some things I’m gonna try is to not let people put me down.
The best advice I was given is that you shouldn’t let people down.

I love you and pray the best for you. God bless.
Love always in Christ,
Keyana

I Forget…by Emily Dubon

I Forget...

I am unique. I have my own style of living. I am always wearing bright colors and I always try to remind people to smile. Sometimes during math, I take a yellow marker and write, “(smile) J “ and sign my name at the end. I love shopping T Marcia’s Attic. Singing is not something I enjoy singing, but it is in act I do a lot. I love buying cardigans that vary in color, size, and style.

I used to be a dreamer; a girl with big dreams that could only be done with the strength I cannot carry. I only have one true friend in life. He knows what I go through every day and knows what to expect from me. I trust him as much as he trusts me and no other friend gives me that kind of comfort that I could use.

I remember the time I first walked across the stage of Bergen PAC and played Pachabelle’s Cannon in D. I was nervous at first, but as I played the piece, I grew with excitement and didn’t want to stop playing until my strings were to wear out.
I love seafood. Seafood is very tasty, fresh, and has a very crisp taste. I prefer to eat it instead of meat or pork. It is also healthier. Not only do I love eating seafood, but I like seeing the many different species of fish that swim in the waters.

Sometimes I forget the reasons why I am who I am. I go through life forgetting who I am and what purpose I have living in this world.

LOL by Yornelis Tejada

Dear Shabria,
This summer I’m hoping we can hang out and go to Amber’s house you know by New Kelly’s on Hamilton. We should also go to the Zoo and see the pandas and penguins. They are so cute! Then we should go to a restaurant that my dad took me to, to eat deep fried ice-cream. By the way don’t forget we have a project due Friday. Remember it has to be colorful like me. That reminds me of when we first met, I was such a loser. We were fighting for a spot on line; it was so funny and random. I remember the lost love I found a few years ago, you know who it was. I found it really funny we had a crush on the same person. If he really knew me he would’ve known that I get heartbroken easily, but I’m really good at hiding it. OH MAN! I forgot my homework at home. Lol =D
Your friend,
Yornelis Tejada

Description of Life by D-Asia

Description of Life

Even Though You Might Feel Angry and Alone…
You’re Not
When You Know You’ve Been Through It All…
You Haven’t
Sometimes Everything Might Get You Down…
YOU SOAR!

D-Asia

Healing Scars by Keyana Fraser

Healing Scars
By Keyana Fraser

On a cold fall day, there was a family awaiting the birth of their new baby girl. When the baby finally arrived, the doctors put the little baby in the mother’s arms. The mother pulled the covers away from the baby’s face and looked into her beautiful brown hazel eyes.
“Oh my gosh! You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. “The mother exclaims. “What should we name her?” the mother asks the father.
The father looks nervous. He makes a face. Looks at the mother and turns away. “I’m not good at this…but maybe we should call her Talysah.”
The mother looks down at the baby sleeping in her arms, “I love it! Talysah, hi, you’re my new baby girl.” The mother gently rocks her in her arms. She smells like baby milk and fresh wipes. It’s a good smell. “I am so proud to have you, my daughter. I will always protect you and keep you with me, so help me God.”

Fifteen years later, Talysah found herself alone. Her mother wasn’t able to protect her baby girl like she always promised. Her mother got sick and her father became addicted to alcohol. Their life completely changed when her mother died. One day, after school, Talysah found her father drunk with a terrible attitude. He got mad at her for no reason, blamed her for stuff she didn’t’ do, and hit her until she couldn’t stand. Her older brother walked into the house and he saw a mess; pieces of glass with blood on it and a fist size hole in the wall.
“What the H**L happened in here?” He screams at his father. The father doesn’t move from the couch. He is on the couch with a bottle in his hand, and hazy look in his eyes.
“Wat ya doin heya?” he mumbles.
The brother gets excited. He clenches his fists. He yells, “Where’s my sister?” he looks at the blood on the glass. “What have you done with Talysah?”
“I don’t know who you’d be talkin to like dat?” The father says barely able to talk.
The brother turns around and searches the house. He runs upstairs and notices a faint cry from the bathroom. He knocks gently on the bathroom door, but there was no reply. He knew she was in there and all he could think about is his little sister in pain. His hands were shaking as he took his house key and forced it into the hole of the door knob. The lock clicked open. His heart was beating so fast. His hands were barely steady, when he found Talysah lying in the tub, bleeding. She was scratched and bruised up and down her arms. Her lip was swollen, and tears made wet marks down her face. She had a paralyzed look.
“Oh my gosh. What happened? What did he do to you?”
Taylsah was unable to answer him. She was too scared. The brother leaned into the tub and wrapped his arms around Talysah.
“It’s gonna be all right. I’m gonna getcha out of this house.”

Rei-Shawn picks her up out of the tub and carries her down the stairs. As soon as her reached the bottom of the steps he found his father walking towards him still with that hazy look still in his eyes.
“Where yah takin her? You aint goin nowhere with dat girl. She’s stayin here with me.”
Rei-Shawn holds Talysah protectively in one arm and with his other arm he blocks the father from their way. “I’m taking Talysah and her things back to my apartment. And we’re getting the h*ll out of here!” He swiftly moves to the door.
“Fine, you all can stay the F**k away from my house. I don’t want to see your f**in faces here no more. And don’t try comin back.” The father yells and throws the almost empty bottle at their heads, but misses them. It crashes against the wall. The door slams shut, and the brown liquid drips down the wall. The broken glass sticks to the wall and scatters on the ground, while Rei-Shawn gently places Talysah in the back seat of the car. She lays there almost unconscious.
“It’s gonna be alright from now on. I’m not gonna let anyone or anything hurt you.” Talysah can’t answer. She’s half asleep, and Rei-Shawn closes the car door gently. He looks at her and can’t believe the father went this far. She’s really messed up. He turns the key in the ignition and feels overwhelmed by sorrow. He holds the tears back and drives away.

Rei-Shawn opens the door to his apartment building. People in the lobby stare at him holding Talysah up as they walk to the elevator. He looks at them looking at him and realizes that they think he did this to her.
His neighbor comes over and asks him, “What happened to her?”
“Aw, it’s my father again. He got drunk and beat her bad. Really messed her up. I don’t want to talk about it, I’m too upset.”
“Sweetie, come get me if you need anything. I’ll be next door. You can ask me for help anytime.” His neighbor picks up her grocery bags and walks down the hall. The other tenants stop staring at him. But they look at Talysah, all scratched and bruised, and he can feel them judging him. I don’t have time for this. I gotta fix situation.

Two weeks later, Talysah is feeling so much better. Most of her scars have started to heal. Her hazel eyes are greener and brighter, and she feels more confident about herself than she has in the past ten years. The house phone rings. She walks over to the phone. She recognizes her father’s number. Too timid to pick up the phone, she walks away, trembling.
“Rei-Shawn, the phone is ringing. It’s Dad, and I don’t want to pick up. I really don’t want to speak to him.”
“Don’t pick it up!” Rei-Shawn shouts. “He’s just gonna keep calling until he gets you, but I’m not gonna lethum near you.”

An hour later, there is a knock at the door. Talysah walks to the door and unlocks all three locks. She wasn’t really thinking about anything, when she cracks the door open a few inches. She is shocked to see her father standing in front of her. Her heart races. Both her hands are shuddering as she slams the door shut. She runs away from the door.
“Rei-Shawn, Dad is here. I don’t know why. What’s he want? I don’t want to see him. I don’t want to be hurt.” She cries.
Their father calls out from the door. His fists smash against the door “Open up. I just want to talk. I need to talk to you.”
“Calm down, Tay Tay,” Rei-Shawn says, gently guiding her to the bedroom. “Just stay here. I’m gonna handle him.”
Rei-Shawn opens the door. “Whatcha doin at my apartment? You not welcome here.” The father shoves Rei-Shawn out of his way and enters the apartment. The father unclenches his fists and tries to calm himself down. He didn’t come to fight. He was still sober, hadn’t had any alcohol all afternoon.
“Where my daughter? I need to speak to her.”
“She don’t want to speak to you. You gotta get the f**k out of my house NOW!”
The father gets a temper and raises his voice. Both of them argue shouting and cursing at each other. Talysah comes out of the bedroom. She tries not to cry, but she watches them. I can’t believe this stuff is happening to me again. I am so sick of the arguments. She walks swiftly to the kitchen, and dials the police. I just can’t keep dealing with this in my life. “Mommy, I wish I got to know you…I wish you were here. Everything would have been so much better.”
Rei-Shawn grabs the father jacket and pulls him out the door. “You better leave us alone. Stay the f** away from us or there’s gonna be real trouble.”
Talysah looks out the window and says, “The cops are here.”
“Girl, ya called de Po Po on me?” The father says, raising his voice even louder. “I’m gonna getchou back for dis.” He says, running down the hall. The policeman opens the stairwell door and snatches the father.

Talysah holds Rei-Shawn’s arm and grips him tightly. “I’m so sorry that I called the police. I just can’t deal with this anymore. I can’t just let you do everything. I gotta do stuff for myself too.”
Rei-Shawn wraps his arms around Taylsah and holds her tight. He smiles softly. A tear glides down Talysah’s face and squeezes him back.
“I’m gonna be all right. I’m not gonna let him do anything to me.” Talysah says.
“We’re gonna get through this together.”

I Am Me by William Harris

I am me

I used to be shy and quiet.
I’m different now; I’m eager to meet new people
and speak my mind.
If you really knew me, you would know,
I lived in two other states besides NJ.
I still remember old friends form the past.
It’s funny that I can remember them, but
I forgot to feed my fish this morning.
I never forget my brush, though.
I carry it with me where ever I go.
My favorite food is Chicken Parmesian
From the Cheescake Factory.
My favorite animal is a husky dog.
I lied to my mom about my phone
Dying last Sunday.
Oh wait, forget that last sentence-
I am me.

Gerson Gutierrez's Rap

Lies by Jamani Fahie

Lies

Dear Cricket,
I told you your shoes looked cute,
but they are ugly.
I have a secret too.
I used to be a model, but
I love hot wings at Crown’s.
I love animals too.
I am very nice and loyal like a dog.
The lies you told me broke my heart.
Torn apart,
me

My Very First Lie by Hashon Fish

My Very First Lie


I am a criminal mastermind
and I could destroy 5 states at one time.
Yeah, I went to Las Vegas to do business with an old friend.

I lied when I said I killed my first person in 5th grade.
I get back to my angry-evil self if you hit me,
and I get that from my father.
He gets mad when things don’t go his way.
It doesn’t matter anyway.
Yeah, he gets mad when things don’t go his way.

But, I remember how the eyes of heaven looked on me,
how the blood from the skull and bones,
stuck out of his body,
twisted around me.

I used to have anger.
I went to therapy,
took pills.
To make the anger go away.

If you knew my real story, it is so much better than this one.

Dear Damon Albarn by August Richardson

Dear Damon Albarn:

If this were to impress you, I’d tell that I enjoy school. I am an up-coming drummer. Ironically, I can’t read music. Getting those fake band games from Gamestop isn’t helping. When it comes to drumming, I’m a vicious wolf. The only thing to fill this beast’s appetite is a heavy beat…or Top Ramen, whatever I found first. I’m pretty sarcastic. I told someone that I just adored poetry, and they signed me up for a contest. It’s not all bad. I came in first and won an iPod. The music pretty much gets me through the school day. Speaking of which, I was happy before getting into this school. I’d rebel, but my kind heart won’t let me. All this to say that I’m plenty unique…like you.

Your Up-Coming Rival,

Kerro B. Melancholy

P.S. I’m building a bond and we’re gonna give Blur and the Gorillaz a run for your money.

Pick up the Slack by August Richardson

Pick up the Slack

Like the Gorillaz, I’m “All Alone,”
Dark voice of the Dusk, Raw Monotone.
Here, I cite Melancholy

Never fear the Reaper, he works for me

Evil follows good; right after
You can’t spell slaughter without laughter.
Get to know your shadow-it’s your
Only friend.
He’s silent and has your back ‘til the end.

No one can tell what you can truly
Do.
They’ll never see the flame that
Burns in you.
At the point with turning back
Your time is up, Yo., pick up the slack.

It’s Not Cool for a Teen to Have a Baby! By Cheyenne Evans Rose

It’s Not Cool for a Teen to Have a Baby!

If you really knew me, you would know that I’m a loud person.
If you really knew me, you would know that I love to eat food, especially my Mama’s baked ziti.
If you really knew me, you would know that I love animals, really love animals.
I’m a big fan of white tigers.
If you really knew me, you would know my deepest darkest secret:
I have ADHD.
If you really knew me, you would know my greatest love is my cat, mischief,
who died.
If you really knew me, you would know that I get distracted easily and I’m very random, but
Shhhh, don’t tell.
If you really knew me, you would know that sometimes I forget to shave.
One thing I wish you knew:
I want worldwide teens to change their view on teen pregnancy.
It’s not cool to have sex as a teen and have a baby!

You Would Know A Lot About Me by Keyana Fraser

You Would Know A Lot About Me
One lie I told is I don’t keep track of the lies I’ve said.
I lied about not keeping the light on at night.
When I was little I used to dream of an evil puzzest train that followed me through the evil town.
I have a deli corner store.
My favorite animals are cats and dolphins.
I love curry chicken and rice and meatloaf.
I am a sixteen year old Christian young woman who a lot of the time feels lonely or worried.
I love Jesus, my family, my sister in Christ, and my mom.
I am on anime and American cartoon artist.
I remember the time when I was little.
I was at the park with my aunt when I was three and she gave me a red icey.
I forfot some of the things I did in 2009.
If you really knew me you would know that when I get mad, I’m not so nice.
But I am a really nice girl, almost all of the time.

Dear Nichelz by Layla Shatursun

Dear Nichelz,

I remember hanging out seaside every day of the summer with my sisters,
when we actually liked each other.
I just got my zebra snuggie, and Nancy’s lasagna is my favorite.
I used to be quiet, and I always forget to text people back.
Michelle’s Bakery is right down the street from my house.
If you really knew me, you would know

I love LOVE LOVE to eat.

I hope you remember to not be so judgmental.
Love,
Layla

To Coach Boeheim by Shawn Dawkins

To Coach Boeheim
and the Syracuse Orange Men’s Basketball Team:

If you really knew me,
you would know that I love basketball.
I am a great at basketball.
I play shooting guard and small forward
I used to be tired running up and down the court,
but now I know how to pace myself.
I really don’t have secrets,
except I told my mother I took ten dollars when I didn’t.
I trust people.
On the basketball court I play my hardest.
I’m a big time defensive player.
When I’m in my zone;
I’m unguardable.

I’m always playing basketball, but
Sometimes I get candy at Nays and Pork Fried Rice on the Ave.
I forgot my basketball equipment yesterday,
had to use my gym shirt to practice in.
Coach wasn’t mad.
I still played the small forward position.
It’s good to have plays for the small forward, but you know that.
I’m at the foul line waiting for the ball to come.
I remember my first hoop.
I was practicing with my Mahwah team.
It was a foul shot.
The whole team was practicing,
and it felt so good to make it.

I’m a great basketball player, you would love my game.
I’m gonna have my head coach call you so you can see it.

Sincerely,
Shawn Dawkins

Untitled by David Lehman

Untitled

I love McDonalds and baked ziti.
I’m afraid of bees, but
my favorite animal is the Black Panther.
I remember when I played with my best friend.
I used to be a good cook.
I lied when I said I did my homework.
If you want to find me,
you would know to come to my house at 5:00.

Nice Job! Mr. President by Abdool Gaffoor

Nice Job! Mr. President

Dear President Obama,
I’m shy and don’t write poems,
But it’s not really hard to be shy-
If you really knew me, you would know poems bore me.
But I love fried chicken.
You probably eat
Kentucky fried chicken at the White House too.

I bet you’re happy, Mr. President.
I used to be happy too…
in the good old days in Guyana.
But I’m not with my parents.
They’re still in Guyana, and I’m in Englewood, NJ
with my grandparents.
I left my mom, dad, and one brother and one sister.
They asked me if I want to come back,
But I say “no.”
I want a better education.
You’re doing a good job with that education, Mr. President.

You’re doing a good job with everything,
But I keep forgetting to do my math homework.
I don’t actually forget, I just get so tired.
You know, when I come home from school,
I just crash.
You probably crash too.

Lion’s are my favorite animal cause
I love Reggae and Lion’s are a big part.
I pass Walgreen’s on Hudson Avenue,
Get my head phones there.
Bob Marley’s my favorite.

Poems are hard
I don’t like them cause they’re boring.
That’s it. That’s all I’m going to say.
But if I were to write something else.
I would say,
“Nice Job! Mr. President,”

The Dove Flies High by Jose Pichardo

The Dove Flies High

I was not there to feel your sorrow
To hear family and friends beg for money
I was not there to witness your bitter
Beatings
To smell the loved ones burning.
I was not there to feel your stomach turning,
To hear your weary cries.
I was not t here to see you reach
For your brother’s hands,
To smell the putrid homes they called shelter.
Is there anyone out there that cares?
Like all of you these forgotten souls
Have dreams to live.
The problem is the perfect world is an imperfect world.
Let’s all make this dream come true :
Ethiopia!
open your eyes,
look ahead.
The dove flies high.

To Whom It May Concern by Nicholas Scales

To Whom It May Concern:

I lied and said I didn’t care about you, but in reality, my heart is breaking.
I keep my emotions bottled up because I’m too afraid to let you know.
I’m a pretty nice person when you’re nice to me, but right now, I feel like there’s nothing inside of me.
I forgot my feelings for you-period.
I remember to bring my saxophone to school every day, in addition to avoiding seeing you.
It’s so hard for me.
This is hurting me inside.
I used to be a really shy person, but now I realize that you…no, I don’t care.
If you really knew me you would know, I would happily die for my friends, but for you, I don’t know.

Just letting you know how you’ve left me feeling.
Good Bye.

Don't Ever Stop Being Different by Amber Lopez

Dear Corey Taylor,

If you really knew me you would know that you’re my hero. Hearing your songs gives me the strength of a wolf. When I think of your powerful words it gives me the strength to face my biggest fear (horror movies). I write this letter in a comical disposition. I guess you could say my five-year-old mentality is kicking in. Your sound is so strong that it even affects Tyson, my Yorkie terrier. When he hears your music he jumps up and runs play and much more.

Your songs are so strong that I managed to remember over 150 of them. However I spend so much time trying to remember them that I forget to turn down the volume. I used to listen to rap, hip-hop, pop, and etc. but now I only listen to your music. Maybe one day I could send you some of grandmother’s savory roast beef. I can assure you it will be the best beef you’ve ever had. There is only one condition however; you have to promise to try to continue even without Paul Gray.

Before I close this letter, I would like to say don’t ever stop being different.

Stay (sic),
Amber Lopez

Sucks Ya Couldn't Get to the Mall by Gerson (Hersin) Gutierrez

I don’t know why your winking
Or thinking
Or processing the blinking
But my words will have me
remembered
like Abraham Lincoln.
Go sit down and drink ya
Soda while ya biting on ya
Chicken
and try to build a
boat without have it
Sinkin’.
Sucks ya couldn’t get to the mall
cuz ya gramm was sick.
Now ya gotta get to the mall
on ya pogo stick.
I’m gonna stop the row here
Now I say stop!
Flow my made freeze time
It made ya mouth drop.
And if im coming to ya house
You want to have to call the cops.
And if you downstairs
You’ll hear a ding dong or a knock
Jus wait around, and if you bored watch
the clock.
I get my words in the building
like a foot in a sock
or like a chip in a robot
or like a diseased monkey, who needs a flu shot.
So please don’t park ya car on the dock
because the car belongs in the basement 2nd floor lot.
My words will twist ya life around
You’ll wear ya shoes in ya socks!

To the Syracuse Orange Men’s Basketball Team by Shawn Dawkins

Dear Coach Boeheim
and the Syracuse Orange Men’s Basketball Team:

If you really knew me,
you would know that I love basketball.
I am a great at basketball.
I play shooting guard and small forward
I used to be tired running up and down the court,
but now I know how to pace myself.
I really don’t have secrets,
except I told my mother I took ten dollars when I didn’t.
I trust people.
On the basketball court I play my hardest.
I’m a big time defensive player.
When I’m in my zone;
I’m unguardable.

I’m always playing basketball, but
Sometimes I get candy at Nays and Pork Fried Rice on the Ave.
I forgot my basketball equipment yesterday,
had to use my gym shirt to practice in.
Coach wasn’t mad.
I still played the small forward position.
It’s good to have plays for the small forward, but you know that.
I’m at the foul line waiting for the ball to come.
I remember my first hoop.
I was practicing with my Mahwah team.
It was a foul shot.
The whole team was practicing,
and it felt so good to make it.

I’m a great basketball player, you would love my game.
I’m gonna have my head coach call you so you can see it.

Sincerely,
Shawn Dawkins

A Piece of Me in This by Matthew McDuffie

A Piece of Me in This



I don’t remember
At all in my life
I have a secret
I never think twice
It’s like a six sense to me
It’s not a crime
I have another secret
That would carry me through
The end of time
I live near Junior’s corner store
That I use to go when I was a child
I haven’t been there
In a long while
My favorite animal is a Lion
I like its roar
My favorite food is my aunt’s Lasagna
It’s as hot as the earth’s core
I am what I was created to be
Which is me
I remember what I see
Being surrounded by family
I forgot who I am
I use to be energetic
But that’s what I will always be
If you really knew me, you will know
I will always be your friend, if you come or go.

My Poem by August Richardson

Like the Gorilla; I’m all alone.
Dark voice of the Dusk, raw monotone
Here, I cite Melancholy;
Never fear the Reaper, he works for me.

Evil follows good; right after
You can’t spell slaughter without laughter.
Get to know your shadow-it’s your
only friend.
He’s silent and has your back ‘til the end.

No one can tell what you can truly do.
They’ll never see the flame that burns in you.
At the point of turning back,
You’re time is up, you, pick up the slack.

I am me by William Harris

I Am Me

I used to be shy and quiet.
I’m different now; I’m eager to meet new people
and speak my mind.
If you really knew me, you would know,
I lived in two other states besides NJ.
I still remember old friends form the past.
It’s funny that I can remember them, but
I forgot to feed my fish this morning.
I never forget my brush, though.
I carry it with me where ever I go.
My favorite food is Chicken Parmesian
From the Cheescake Factory.
My favorite animal is a husky dog.
I lied to my mom about my phone
Dying last Sunday.
Oh wait, forget that last sentence-
I am me.

Light and Dark Collide in my Soul by Amber Lopez

Light and Dark Collide in my Soul

A moment when I still have dreams that
Light and dark collide in my soul.
The moment when my soul wishes for
a miracle to stop it but miracles
don’t happen here.
This is a frightening place where dark rage begins to win.
The moment when the warm welcoming
light begins to get swallowed.
This place is mysterious, it constantly
changes.
There is only one thing that stays
the same, the advantage the dark
holds.
What could bring me to such a horrible place?
What could bring me to such a horrible moment?
It’s the constant false promises and lies I find
myself surrounded by.
The place where it all begins is always the same.
It all begins in the only place I find comfort
but as soon as she walks in the comfort
vanishes.
Her kind eyes drag you in but it’s just part of the
Lie.
The air around her warm and caring, it’s just another
trick to lure you in.
Her voice, the most venomous thing, implies she
cares, which makes the broken promises and lies
hurt the most.

The Perfect Two by Derrick Diaz

The Perfect Two

You are the one with the timeless beauty
the one I call my cutie.
You are my the one who keeps me on duty.You are a thief for stealing my heart
while no one else played a part
in the robbery
then it'll just be a mockery.You are the one I thought I'd never find
for being so kind
looks like I was just blind.You are the one to blame
since no others are in my brain.You won't believe what I'm about to do
I'm going scuba diving for you.You are the one the sun rises and sets for
so let's watch it together in the beautiful weather.You are the one who makes me better
I knew from the start I'm gonna get her.You are the one I want the world to see with me
to show them you are the reason I have dignity.You are my other half,
the one that always makes me laugh
and the one who taught me math
because apparently
It’s you + me
the perfect two.

Goalie by David Lehman

Goalie
It takes pain
It takes practice
It takes 120%
It takes hits that feel like piranhas on skin
It takes gear
It takes pads that cost $600.00
It takes position
It takes focus
It takes being serious
It takes being part of a team
Like a family

Trash by Aneeka Ayyar

TRASH
UGLY TRASH
In the midst of beauty
Draws attention regardless of ignorance
I see litter, trash and an ugly beast.
I wanna pick it up, but I just can’t reach.
It doesn’t belong; No, not at all.
I see flowers and plants and trees so tall.
Please don’t ruin the beauty of this all.
Or else the world may never see
Natural Beauty

My Cross by Brandon Lopez

My Cross

Jesus disappeared-
His cloth is still here.

The crown he wore
takes the position
of his head.
It makes me feels the
three nails
They crucified Jesus.

The light represents
His
Holiness.
The clouds
Represent the
Holy
Father’s
Anger.

It’s important because it shows the truth-
what Jesus is

This Aint Important by Franklin Myers

This aint important

That guy in front of the bodega is
a homeless man.
He’s on something.
Talks to himself a lot.

The parking lot is empty
At that point in time.





This store is
two blocks from my house.
It sells Lotto, tobacco, and drugs.

I don’t shop here.
Why go there, when
I’ve got food in my house?
Why would I go to some
Bodega to buy some?

This aint important…
It’s got nothing to do with me.

My Inspiration by Rodney Jean-Baptiste

My Inspiration

I wear a different pair of sneakers every day.

When I buy sneakers, I look at
Different types of color ways.

Shoes describe my personality.

My sneakers describe me-
Bright and creative.

19 pairs of shoes in
My photo.

But now,
Currently
I own
28 pairs of sneakers.

I’m trying to hit
the limit of
50.

Need more money
Buy more sneakers.

I like fashion…
The hats and sneakers show!

Sneakers are
the main thing
I focus on.

Sneakers are what
People see first!

My hats have to
Match my outfit.

When you see me:
You should look down at
my sneakers.