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Ink Link 2012
Ink Link 2012 East Granby Middle School East Granby, CT Welcome! Since 2005, Ink Link Literary Magazine has showcased the talented writers and artists of East Granby Middle School. This is the eighth edition! Students from grades 6, 7, and 8 were invited to submit any form of poetry to the literary magazine. Please enjoy the original writing and photography by East Granby Middle School students. Sincerely, Mrs. Stewart Ink Link Photographers Sami Hasenbalg Poetry Café Night photos are courtesy of Ms. Rosenstein Ink Link Editors Sami Hasenbalg Matt Borsari Enjoy the literary magazine online at inklink.wikispaces.com CONTENTS IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD .................................................................................................................. 11 RYAN TROMBLY, GRADE 6 ...................................................................................................................................... 11 LOUD ................................................................................................................................................................... 11 JONATHAN WILSON, GRADE 6 ................................................................................................................................. 11 LOUD ................................................................................................................................................................... 12 RASHAD NASRUDEEN, GRADE 6 ............................................................................................................................... 12 THE ELEPHANT WITH NO NAME........................................................................................................................... 12 ZACH HALL, GRADE 6 ............................................................................................................................................ 12 BALLET................................................................................................................................................................. 12 MELANIE KELLOGG, GRADE 6 .................................................................................................................................. 12 THE FOREST ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 JORDIN COMSTOCK, GRADE 6.................................................................................................................................. 13 IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD .................................................................................................................. 13 JACOB READ, GRADE 6 .......................................................................................................................................... 13 I HAD MY HOMEWORK........................................................................................................................................ 14 KATARINA BADE, GRADE 6 ..................................................................................................................................... 14 FLOWER ............................................................................................................................................................... 14 CLAIRE NEWHALL, GRADE 6 .................................................................................................................................... 14 "I CAN’T WRITE A POEM” POEM .......................................................................................................................... 15 LUKE DENNO, GRADE 6 ......................................................................................................................................... 15 I AM..................................................................................................................................................................... 15 DYLAN SHELDON, GRADE 6..................................................................................................................................... 15 IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD .................................................................................................................. 16 VASCO LAMBERT, GRADE 6..................................................................................................................................... 16 FLOWER POEM .................................................................................................................................................... 16 ALLIE DAVIS, GRADE 6........................................................................................................................................... 16 I AM..................................................................................................................................................................... 17 WILLIAM HENDERSON, GRADE 6.............................................................................................................................. 17 I HATE HOMEWORK!! .......................................................................................................................................... 17 NOAH LEADBEATER, GRADE 6 ................................................................................................................................. 17 LOUD ................................................................................................................................................................... 17 JAKE OUELLETTE, GRADE 6 ..................................................................................................................................... 17 IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD .................................................................................................................. 18 CARRIE TUCZINSKI, GRADE 6 ................................................................................................................................... 18 ART POEM ........................................................................................................................................................... 18 KAYLA GIBBS, GRADE 6.......................................................................................................................................... 18 I’M DREADING MY HOMEWORK.......................................................................................................................... 19 ALEXANDER CANNON, GRADE 6............................................................................................................................... 19 I CAN’T WRITE A POEM........................................................................................................................................ 19 CONNER DIANGELO, GRADE 6................................................................................................................................. 19 THE MAN FOLLOWING ME................................................................................................................................... 20 KYLIE GEER, GRADE 6............................................................................................................................................ 20 LOUD ................................................................................................................................................................... 20 KYLE MCCORISON, GRADE 6................................................................................................................................... 20 THE VIRGIN FOREST ............................................................................................................................................. 21 ISABELLA ATTIANESE, GRADE 6 ................................................................................................................................ 21 ODE TO JELL-O ..................................................................................................................................................... 21 ETHAN PUHALA, GRADE 6 ...................................................................................................................................... 21 I CAN’T WRITE A POEM........................................................................................................................................ 22 JASON MARIN, GRADE 6 ........................................................................................................................................ 22 EXTRA CREDIT...................................................................................................................................................... 22 TATUM STRONG, GRADE 6 ..................................................................................................................................... 22 ANIMAL IN ME..................................................................................................................................................... 22 WILLIAM BUCKLAND, GRADE 6................................................................................................................................ 22 MY SHAPE POEM ................................................................................................................................................. 23 BY SOSIE FRENCH, GRADE 6 .................................................................................................................................... 23 LOUD ................................................................................................................................................................... 24 JAMIE DESKUS, GRADE 6........................................................................................................................................ 24 BOW .................................................................................................................................................................... 24 LEAH WIMPFHEIMER, GRADE 6 ............................................................................................................................... 24 CLUMSY ............................................................................................................................................................... 25 ABBY BOUWER, GRADE 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 25 MAX LANDOLINA, GRADE 6 .................................................................................................................................... 25 I CAN'T WRITE A POEM ........................................................................................................................................ 26 QUINN PATTERSON, GRADE 6 ................................................................................................................................. 26 IMAGINATION...................................................................................................................................................... 26 ELEANOR FERRY, GRADE 6...................................................................................................................................... 26 I AM..................................................................................................................................................................... 27 NATALIE AKSENOFF, GRADE 6 ................................................................................................................................. 27 QUIET POEM........................................................................................................................................................ 27 ALYSSA MIRIZZI, GRADE 6 ...................................................................................................................................... 27 REASONS I FORGOT MY HOMEWORK .................................................................................................................. 27 JACOB KITTREDGE, GRADE 6 ................................................................................................................................... 27 FAMILY MEMBER PORTRAIT ................................................................................................................................ 28 JAEQUAN GRANT, GRADE 6 .................................................................................................................................... 28 HAPPY POEM ....................................................................................................................................................... 28 FARRELL GOTHERS, GRADE 6................................................................................................................................... 28 I DIDN'T DO MY HOMEWORK .............................................................................................................................. 28 LAUREN HOUDE, GRADE 6...................................................................................................................................... 28 STAR .................................................................................................................................................................... 29 NORMAN COTTELEER, GRADE 6 ............................................................................................................................... 29 FRIENDSHIP ......................................................................................................................................................... 29 SETH CARLSON, GRADE 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 29 HOMEWORK........................................................................................................................................................ 30 MEGHAN HASENBALG, GRADE 6 .............................................................................................................................. 30 I CAN’T WRITE A POEM........................................................................................................................................ 30 GREG LINTNER, GRADE 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 30 ANIMAL IN ME..................................................................................................................................................... 31 MORGAN BRADLEY, GRADE 6.................................................................................................................................. 31 HOMEWORK, JUST SO BORING............................................................................................................................ 31 JACOB GAUDREAU, GRADE 6................................................................................................................................... 31 THE SKATEBOARD................................................................................................................................................ 31 RYAN GAFFNEY, GRADE 6....................................................................................................................................... 31 PERSONAL POEM................................................................................................................................................. 32 EVE MARIE WHITE, GRADE 6 .................................................................................................................................. 32 CAN’T WRITE A POEM.......................................................................................................................................... 32 ETHAN BARTLEY, GRADE 6...................................................................................................................................... 32 DANCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 33 JUSTIN LACHARITE, GRADE 6 ................................................................................................................................... 33 QUIET POEM........................................................................................................................................................ 33 LITA ROY, GRADE 6............................................................................................................................................... 33 IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD .................................................................................................................. 34 OLIVIA KOWAL, GRADE 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 34 I AM FIRE ............................................................................................................................................................. 34 JACK DUBE, GRADE 6 ............................................................................................................................................ 34 THE SOUND OF THE JUNGLE................................................................................................................................. 35 BRYANNA BERTERA, GRADE 6.................................................................................................................................. 35 THE FOX AND THE HAMSTER ............................................................................................................................... 35 JULIA VASSALLO, GRADE 6...................................................................................................................................... 35 FAMILY MEMBER PORTRAIT ................................................................................................................................ 36 IVANA PRATS, GRADE 6 ......................................................................................................................................... 36 SELF PORTRAIT..................................................................................................................................................... 36 ALI WILLIAMS, GRADE 6 ........................................................................................................................................ 36 THE BLUE SUN...................................................................................................................................................... 36 DESTINIE MEADE, GRADE 6 .................................................................................................................................... 36 MY DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK............................................................................................................................. 37 LILY MCCARTHY, GRADE 6 ..................................................................................................................................... 37 FAMILY MEMBER PORTRAIT ................................................................................................................................ 37 JILL LANDOLINA, GRADE 6 ...................................................................................................................................... 37 I CAN’T WRITE A POEM........................................................................................................................................ 37 OLIVIA BRODY, GRADE 6........................................................................................................................................ 37 MY HOMEWORK IS DUE TODAY!!!!...................................................................................................................... 38 MEGAN HACIA, GRADE 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 38 HOMEWORK........................................................................................................................................................ 38 KOHL RUSSELL, GRADE 6........................................................................................................................................ 38 KAT JACOBS, GRADE 6........................................................................................................................................... 39 JACK FITZGERALD, GRADE 6 .................................................................................................................................... 40 THE BEAR............................................................................................................................................................. 40 SIERRA BENWARE, GRADE 6.................................................................................................................................... 40 IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD .................................................................................................................. 41 MATTHEW PERRY, GRADE 6 ................................................................................................................................... 41 I CAN'T WRITE A POEM ........................................................................................................................................ 41 HALEY MORRIS, GRADE 6....................................................................................................................................... 41 BLUE ATMOSPHERE ............................................................................................................................................. 42 VIRGINIA GAUTIER, GRADE 6................................................................................................................................... 42 I CAN'T WRITE A POEM ........................................................................................................................................ 42 JAMIE CRANE, GRADE 6 ......................................................................................................................................... 42 HOW TO BE… ASHLEY BARRY............................................................................................................................... 43 ASHLEY BARRY, GRADE 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 43 AN ODE TO MY IPOD............................................................................................................................................ 43 NELSON FERGUSON, GRADE 7 ................................................................................................................................. 43 AN ODE TO MY SPAZTASTIC CAT.......................................................................................................................... 44 EMILY FARMER, GRADE 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 44 ODE TO EARTH..................................................................................................................................................... 44 GABY GONZALEZ, GRADE 7..................................................................................................................................... 44 AN ODE TO MY IPOD............................................................................................................................................ 45 NELSON FERGUSON, GRADE 7 ................................................................................................................................. 45 HOW TO BE HANNA SHOOKUS ............................................................................................................................ 45 HANNA SHOOKUS, GRADE 7 ................................................................................................................................... 45 HOW TO BE... CHANEL HENDERSON .................................................................................................................... 46 CHANEL HENDERSON, GRADE 7 ............................................................................................................................... 46 MY JELLYBEAN ..................................................................................................................................................... 46 BRIANNA RAMOS, GRADE 7 .................................................................................................................................... 46 ODE TO LUNA TIC................................................................................................................................................. 47 GWYNNE HOOPER, GRADE 7................................................................................................................................... 47 AN ODE TO WINGS AND FLIGHT........................................................................................................................... 47 ALEXANDRIA GEER, GRADE 7 .................................................................................................................................. 47 MESSY.................................................................................................................................................................. 47 GAVIN MCCONNELL, GRADE 8 ................................................................................................................................ 47 I AM HERE............................................................................................................................................................ 48 JOHN KLEMONSKY, GRADE 8 ................................................................................................................................... 48 RAIN .................................................................................................................................................................... 48 CONNOR ROSENBERGER, GRADE 8 ........................................................................................................................... 48 OIL ELECTRICITY ................................................................................................................................................... 48 STEPHEN BAGLEY, GRADE 8 .................................................................................................................................... 48 LOVE POEM FROM DICTIONARY TO PENNY ......................................................................................................... 49 AARON TAUBER, GRADE 8...................................................................................................................................... 49 LOVE POEM BETWEEN A SCOOTER AND A REFRIGERATOR MAGNET ................................................................... 49 NICHOLAS FERSCH, GRADE 8................................................................................................................................... 49 LOVE LETTER FROM THE TENNIS RACKET TO THE FEATHER.................................................................................. 49 HANNAH DEFRANZO, GRADE 8................................................................................................................................ 49 LOVE LETTER FROM A PENCIL TO A SINK STRAINER ............................................................................................. 50 SARA CLARK, GRADE 8........................................................................................................................................... 50 A LOVE LETTER FROM A SPOON TO A TOOTHPICK ............................................................................................... 50 ETHAN NEWHALL, GRADE 8 .................................................................................................................................... 50 POEM INSPIRED BY “THE WRITER” ...................................................................................................................... 51 JASON BOURGAULT, GRADE 8 ................................................................................................................................. 51 BELIEVE IN YOURSELF .......................................................................................................................................... 51 GABRIELLA JONES, GRADE 8.................................................................................................................................... 51 PUSH.................................................................................................................................................................... 52 PAIGE DERLINGA, GRADE 8..................................................................................................................................... 52 GRANDPA, THE BEST............................................................................................................................................ 52 THOMAS LOSTOWSKI, GRADE 8 ............................................................................................................................... 52 STAIRS ................................................................................................................................................................. 53 HELENA BRODY, GRADE 8 ...................................................................................................................................... 53 STRUM................................................................................................................................................................. 53 RYAN GILL, GRADE 8............................................................................................................................................. 53 A DOG.................................................................................................................................................................. 54 ANDREW EASTMAN, GRADE 8 ................................................................................................................................. 54 PUSH ME TO THE LIMIT........................................................................................................................................ 54 WILL KELSEY, GRADE 8 .......................................................................................................................................... 54 AN ODE TO THE PS3............................................................................................................................................. 55 DYLAN TEIXEIRA, GRADE 8...................................................................................................................................... 55 FILLED WITH MEMORIES...................................................................................................................................... 55 VALERIE WINALSKI, GRADE 8 .................................................................................................................................. 55 MESSY DESK......................................................................................................................................................... 56 DENNIS CHENG, GRADE 8....................................................................................................................................... 56 LOVE POEM: REMOTE CONTROL TO DICTIONARY................................................................................................ 56 SARA OUELLETTE, GRADE 8 .................................................................................................................................... 56 BOTTLE CAP TO CARTON OF MILK........................................................................................................................ 57 MARCO LAURENO, GRADE 8 ................................................................................................................................... 57 MADISON ............................................................................................................................................................ 57 CASSIE WEIR, GRADE 8.......................................................................................................................................... 57 LOVE POEM ......................................................................................................................................................... 58 EMILY MARCEAU, GRADE 8 .................................................................................................................................... 58 LOVE LETTER FROM A JAR TO A KEY..................................................................................................................... 58 KYLE HARVEY, GRADE 8 ......................................................................................................................................... 58 THANK YOU MY TEACHER.................................................................................................................................... 58 AILING LI, GRADE 8 .............................................................................................................................................. 58 A LOVE LETTER FROM A SINK STRAINER TO AN ICE PACK..................................................................................... 59 OLIVIA MORRIS, GRADE 8 ...................................................................................................................................... 59 DON’T .................................................................................................................................................................. 60 ALEENA SIERRA, GRADE 8....................................................................................................................................... 60 PUSH.................................................................................................................................................................... 60 DANIEL COUCEIRO, GRADE 8................................................................................................................................... 60 TOO MUCH IS TOO LITTLE .................................................................................................................................... 60 ALEX NIGRO, GRADE 8 .......................................................................................................................................... 60 STRAW TO THE ATLAS.......................................................................................................................................... 61 EMILY GUILLERAULT, GRADE 8................................................................................................................................. 61 AN ODE TO MY MOTHER ..................................................................................................................................... 61 ALISHA KUMAR, GRADE 8....................................................................................................................................... 61 LOVE LETTER FROM THE CALCULATOR TO THE POWER CORD.............................................................................. 61 CHLOE WELLINS, GRADE 8...................................................................................................................................... 61 ENOUGH .............................................................................................................................................................. 62 ZOE ARNOLD, GRADE 8 ......................................................................................................................................... 62 LOVE LETTER FROM THE PING PONG BALL TO THE JAR ........................................................................................ 62 SAMANTHA HASENBALG, GRADE 8 ........................................................................................................................... 62 AS I GROW OLDER................................................................................................................................................ 63 DEVON IDE, GRADE 8 ............................................................................................................................................ 63 THE BOOK’S BLESSING ......................................................................................................................................... 64 MACKENZIE DENNO, GRADE 8................................................................................................................................. 64 MAY YOU LOVE?.................................................................................................................................................. 64 HOLLY CORCORAN, GRADE 8................................................................................................................................... 64 THE MOUNTAIN................................................................................................................................................... 65 KENNY CALLAHAN, GRADE 8 ................................................................................................................................... 65 MY MOTHER ........................................................................................................................................................ 66 KELSEY GIBBS, GRADE 8......................................................................................................................................... 66 BEAUTIFUL........................................................................................................................................................... 67 HALEY STRONG, GRADE 8....................................................................................................................................... 67 THE MOON .......................................................................................................................................................... 67 CAITLIN DALEB, GRADE 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 67 LIFE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 68 JUSTIN OFSURYK, GRADE 8 ..................................................................................................................................... 68 ALL THAT MATTERS…........................................................................................................................................... 69 TYLER MIKULA, GRADE 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 70 PAIN .................................................................................................................................................................... 71 TAYLOR LAVOIE, GRADE 8 ...................................................................................................................................... 71 LOVE LETTER BETWEEN A SHOVEL AND A SINK STRAINER ................................................................................... 71 MORGAN MATTIL, GRADE 8 ................................................................................................................................... 71 MY MOTHER, THE ONE AND ONLY....................................................................................................................... 72 LAUREN STOUT, GRADE 8....................................................................................................................................... 72 THE DREAMER ..................................................................................................................................................... 73 ANNIKA CARLSON, GRADE 8 ................................................................................................................................... 73 LOVE LETTER FROM A MITTEN TO A DICTIONARY................................................................................................ 74 ALEXIS GELINAS, GRADE 8 ...................................................................................................................................... 74 LOVE POEM FROM A SAFETY PIN TO THE FLOWER POT ....................................................................................... 75 JON BRENNER, GRADE 8 ........................................................................................................................................ 75 WHAT MAKES HER WHO SHE IS ........................................................................................................................... 76 JOSHUA DIAZ, GRADE 8 ......................................................................................................................................... 76 I WANT TO SAY .................................................................................................................................................... 76 SARAH ANN CALANO, GRADE 8 ............................................................................................................................... 76 LOVE LETTER FROM THE REFRIGERATOR MAGNET TO THE STRAW...................................................................... 77 SABRINA BARRY, GRADE 8...................................................................................................................................... 77 NOT A BARBIE WANNA BE ................................................................................................................................... 77 EMMA BEMAN, GRADE 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 77 LOVE LETTER FROM A PINWHEEL TO A SOCK....................................................................................................... 78 JOSIE GAUTIER, GRADE 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 78 THE FLIGHT .......................................................................................................................................................... 79 AMANDA SAMUEL, GRADE 8................................................................................................................................... 79 MY FINALE ........................................................................................................................................................... 80 MATT BORSARI, GRADE 8 ...................................................................................................................................... 80 contents If I Were in Charge of the World If I were in charge of the world, I’d cancel homework, bullies, and chores. If I were in charge of the world, There’d be trains everywhere, unlimited money, and huge HO scale train layouts would be 10 dollars. If I were in charge of the world, You wouldn’t have yelling, You wouldn’t have bullying, You wouldn’t have people telling you what to do Or alarm clocks. If I were in charge of the world, A Dairy Queen would exist on every street, All steam locomotives would be useful, And all people would have money, And a person who plays with their friends, Would still be allowed to be In charge of the world. Ryan Trombly, Grade 6 Loud UCONN Huskies winning the Big East Tournament Walk-off home run in the World Series All the kids screaming on a roller coaster A rock band singing at a concert and me experiencing it all Jonathan Wilson, Grade 6 contents Loud The screams in a haunted house People shouting at a football stadium Dogs barking at a cat Men working in a construction site And me Avoiding them all. Rashad Nasrudeen, Grade 6 The Elephant with No Name Inspired by Yaksha Purnabhadra There was an elephant with no name. He rides a white stallion. He wears an orange robe with jewelry. On top of the saddle he stands nice and tall. There was an elephant with no name. He holds a sword, triton, and scepter. He has eight arms. Three hold a sager, snake, and scepter. There was an elephant with no name. He belongs in an exotic tribe. He is the king of a group of wealth guardians. He travels around and enjoys life. Zach Hall, Grade 6 Ballet Be unique All you have to do is Lose yourself in the music Let no one hold you back Eloquent moves for a standing ovation Think that no one is watching you Melanie Kellogg, Grade 6 contents The Forest Inspired by” The Virgin Forest” by Henri Rousseau I am a boy in the forest I run like a cheetah I play under the hot red sun I play in the flowers that are as big as me I am a boy in the forest It's an endless world of fun The trees are like tall giants watching over me The cacti are as prickly as needles I am a boy in the forest The forest is a place of fun The forest is my home For I am a boy of the forest Jordin Comstock, Grade 6 If I Were In Charge Of The World If I were in charge of the world I’d cancel dancing with the stars Getting sick Homework and also Justin Bieber If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have commercial breaks You wouldn’t have Handy Manny You wouldn’t have any sisters No more talk shows. If I were in charge of the world A carrot cake would be brushing your teeth All foods that have sugar can’t make you heavy And a person who forgets to turn off the tv And also forgets about dinner Would still be allowed to be In charge of the World Jacob Read, Grade 6 contents I Had My Homework I had my homework in my hand And I started biking down the street Then I rolled onto uneven land And that is where I lost it My homework fell right off my bike I stopped and stared not a pretty site Just as I was about to pick it up A little kid ripped it with his trike Now I had no hope So I brought it here to you In this little bag I seriously thought about having the flu So for me being honest maybe you could let it go? Katarina Bade, Grade 6 Flower I am a flower You know me for brightening up the spring My mother is a seed My father is the dirt I was born in the grasses I live outside in the ground My best friend is the rain Because she gives me the strength to grow My enemy is the snow Because it covers me up and I wither I fear lawnmowers Because they chop me in half I love the outdoors Because it is bright and beautiful I dream for spring to last forever Claire Newhall, Grade 6 contents "I Can’t Write a Poem” Poem Forget it. You must be kidding. I’m way too drowsy. I don’t know what’s going on. I have nothing to write with. Am I in the right class? My arm keeps on twitching. Somebody won’t stop nagging me. I really have to use the bathroom. Did you ask me something? I really don’t catch on. Time’s up? Uh oh! All I have is a dumb list of excuses. You like it? Really? No kidding. Thanks a lot. Would you like to see another one? Luke Denno, Grade 6 I Am I am Kurnug You know me for flying around in nothingness My Mother Is Darkness My Father Is Feathered Clothing I was born in Space I live in cold nothingness My Best Friend is Clay Because it feeds everyone in Me My Enemy is The Sun Because it Provides light I Fear Daytime Because Its Not Dark I love Dirt Because it Provides water For Everyone in Me I Dream of No Light Ever Dylan Sheldon, Grade 6 contents If I Were In Charge of the World If I was in charge of the world I’d cancel school punishments taxes If I were in charge of the world There’d be free Minecraft accounts more school vacations cars that run on air If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have criminals You wouldn’t have wars You wouldn’t have arguments Or nuclear war If I were in charge of the world A free meal every Tuesday at any restaurant All Six Flags rides would be in my back yard And a person that was bad And had bad grades Would still be allowed to be in charge of the world Vasco Lambert, Grade 6 Flower Poem You inspire, listen, and comfort me. You make me feel ok again. You give off a scent, beauty, and light. I don’t know how, but you glimmer at night. You say hello. You say goodbye. But why, can I never say goodbye. You are you, and that is ok. Day, night. Black, white. Today, tomorrow. I see your sorrow. Allie Davis, Grade 6 contents I Am I am a pencil. You know me for writing and drawing. My mother is lead. My father is wood. I was born in a factory. I live in a pencil box. My best friend is a pencil grip Because it keeps me warm and comfortable. My enemy is a pencil sharpener Because it cuts me up. I fear erasers Because they erase my "art" doodles. I love paper Because I can draw and write. I dream to be the sharpest pencil in the world. William Henderson, Grade 6 I Hate Homework!! Homework is hard We need less of it It should be done in school, not at home My computer broke My dog ate it I was busy Need to babysit Emma I’m sick I hate homework Homework kills trees Homework is my enemy Maybe this is why I get F’s all the time...... Noah Leadbeater, Grade 6 Loud A tree breaking in a storm My sister yelling at me to get off the couch My mom yelling at me to get up A train speeding down the track And me yelling at the TV playing XBox Jake Ouellette, Grade 6 contents If I Were in Charge of the World There’d be more animals robots, trees puppies jetpacks that run on air If I were in charge of the world You wouldn't have to do chores. You wouldn’t have overprotective parents. You wouldn’t have to clean your room or have to argue with your brother. You wouldn't have a brother. If I were in charge of the world A plate of vegetables would be junk food All parents obey their children And a person who is silly And very clumsy Would still be allowed to be In charge of the world. Carrie Tuczinski, Grade 6 Art Poem Inspired by “The Virgin Forest” Henri Rousseau The colorful flowers growing all around Red, pink, yellow, and green The plants look as if they are swaying with a breeze The trees, however, look very stiff almost like thick poles The sun creating all life that the forest provides As red as a tomato Beating rays of light Shining with all of its might The cheetah’s shadow on a leaf It isn’t a cheetah but a person A person as if trying to teach a lesson The lesson being animals are just like humans Kayla Gibbs, Grade 6 contents I’m Dreading My Homework I’m dreading my homework, for you see, I have to get a paper signed, A paper with a letter on it, that I wished had not been designed. I’m dreading my homework, for you see, I have to show it to my mom. Yes, this paper is my worst enemy. Oh, my life is over, as you can plainly see, I will be grounded for the rest of my life, from point A, to point B. What’s that? It’s not so bad? Really? It’s okay? Gee, I’m glad I showed it to you, not Dad. Alexander Cannon, Grade 6 I Can’t Write a Poem Forget it. You must be kidding. I gave my brain to my brother for the day. My stomach is in pain. I need to see the nurse. The paper is missing. Man this is the worst. I think I’ve gone blind. Oh don’t worry; I’m going to be fine. I don’t have a pencil it’s useless! Time’s up? Uh oh! All I have is a dumb list of excuses. You like it? Really? No kidding. Thanks a lot. Would you like to see another one? Conner DiAngelo, Grade 6 contents The Man Following Me Inspired by The Virgin Forest by Henri Rousseau There is a man following me, With a camouflage coat and stun gun, He stays on my path while I try to flee, I now hide behind a bush hoping I have won. There is a man following me, He is still on my path, The anxiety inside me will not leave me be, I yearn that I will not feel his wrath. There is a man following me, Does he want me in his zoo? He shoots his gun, but I see, And I luckily dodge that shot that at me, flew. There is a man following me, I make my paws fly through the grasses, The sun is about to set over the sea, I think my life before me flashes. There was a man following me, I look back, Him I no longer see, Instead his truck driving away with nothing in his sack. I look to my paws, My body, No flaws, I am a cheetah I still am me, Not a coat on somebody. Kylie Geer, Grade 6 Loud A tornado ripping through a field A tree that’s been struck by lightning Watching NASCAR race Being right next to a highway And me Flying on a plane. Kyle McCorison, Grade 6 contents The Virgin Forest Inspired by Henri Rousseau This forest is mystical and mysterious. With trees blue, the sun a blazing red, and the flowers bright and beautiful. The leaves hanging off the trees like, icicles in a cave. The mixture of colors: red, pink, orange, and green. Where animals shadows appear to be humans and, blue trees and a red sun appear to be normal, this forest is unique. The baby blue sky and the dark green plants, The yellow flowers and the hidden animals. The forest of no other, the forest of its own, The place where it’s ok to be different , it’s ok to be yourself. Sometimes bright, sometimes dark but it’s always there. Hidden in the center of this big forest, is a magical, joyful, and happy place, Where the sun sets so wonderfully behind the colorful plants. On the outside it’s a forest but, on the inside it’s a special place where everyone can be different. It doesn’t matter if your color is different, or your beliefs aren’t the same, just be yourself and you’ll fit into this mystical forest of mine. Isabella Attianese, Grade 6 Ode to Jell-o Red Squishy Yummy How do you wiggle so much without breaking? You make my stomach happy I will never get sick of you Wiggly Sloshy Jiggly Jell-O, You’re the best Ethan Puhala, Grade 6 contents I Can’t Write a Poem Forget it You must be kidding My pencil broke My paper ripped I need to go to the bathroom I don’t know what to write I twisted my thumb I dropped my pencil and is to lazy to pick it up A tree fell on my house and I don’t know what to write about I’m super bored Time’s up? Uh oh! You like it? Really? No kidding. Thanks a lot. Would you like me to write another one? Jason Marin, Grade 6 Extra Credit Extra Credit is like an extra bowl of ice-cream It is always good Whenever I think of it I scream Extra Credit looks like a cute little dog I always take it when I want it like a big fat hog Extra Credit feels like a hot bowl of soup It can help you but not hurt you Like chickens in a coop. Tatum Strong, Grade 6 Animal in Me There is a penguin in me With webbed feet like a duck and flippers on each side. It has a funny croak like a giant sized frog. It slides like a child on a slide. It lives in my mind. And makes me say so cute It makes me feel like happiness has arisen from the dead. William Buckland, Grade 6 contents My Shape Poem ^ e e a a r r ^ head head head head head head head H E A D e e a a r r face H face E face A e e face e e D y (EYE) y face y (EYE) y H e e face e e H E face E A face A D face D kers nose nose kers H whis no no whis H E whis se __ se whis E A kers m m kers A D o o D h u u h H t t H E E A A D head head D head head head by Sosie French, Grade 6 contents Loud A chicken bawking People at a concert A bubble gum bubble popping The screams of joy of no homework! And me Playing Legos Jamie Deskus, Grade 6 Bow hite red red re re red red hite ite white red red r r red red white ite e white white red red r r red red white white e hite white white ed red r r red ed white white hite white white white red red r r red red white white white e white white white red red r r red red white white white e te white white white red red r r red red white white white te hite white white white red red red red white white white hite white white white white red red re re red red white white white white bl white white white white red red r r red red white white white white bl blue white white white white red red red red white white white white blue e blue white white white white red red red red white white white white blue e blue blue white white white white red r white r red white white white white blue blue blue blue white white white white re white re white white white white blue blue blue blue white white white whi r white r whi white white white blue blue d red r whit blue blue whit r red d red red white blue b b blue white red red red red re white blue bl bl blue white re red red red red red white blue blu blu blue white red red red red red r white w blue blue red red red white whi blue blue red red red white white blue blu blue blue w white r red red blue blue whi white red red red blu blue white white red red Leah Wimpfheimer, Grade 6 contents Clumsy Tripping, Falling, Stumbling, Toppling over too Falling up the stairs Forgot to tie my shoe Falling down the stairs Dropping all my books Looking at the time Thinking about my looks Getting pushed in the hallway Tripping on a heel Doors are always in the way Clumsy is how I now feel Abby Bouwer, Grade 6 For the Animals Have Come Out Inspired by “The Virgin Forest” by Henri Rousseau How the sun ignites the forest with light And when it goes down, Something will give you a fright For the animals have come out A jaguar sees a boy Playing near a plant I hope the boy won’t become a chew-toy For the animals have come out There are webs stretching far They look very scary If I saw them, I’d go back in my car For the animals have come out The leaves are rustling to the breeze But wait, is that another sound? I just heard a sneeze! For the animals have come out Max Landolina, Grade 6 contents I Can't Write a Poem Forget it. You must be kidding. I don't know what to say. I'm half asleep. And I need food. My cousin glued my fingers together. I have a headache. I need the nurse. I need to go to the bathroom. I did not get any sleep last night. My cat tore apart the poem I had. I don't even have a pencil. Time's up? Uh oh! All I have is a dumb list of excuses. You like it? Really? No Kidding. Thanks a lot. Would you like to see another one? Quinn Patterson, Grade 6 Imagination Inspired by "The Virgin Forest" by Henri Rousseau A forest with a red sun Different color flowers Must be a place if imagination That would be my place A place called the Virgin Forest Must be up for some adventure A place where you get to see animals Only in your dreams Camping in the forest Where you hear crickets Sing their songs On a full moon I believe that is the best prize of all Better than winning a $1,000.00 This is no place to hunt Or have a party without your imagination Eleanor Ferry, Grade 6 contents I Am I am a lion, brave and powerful You know me for prowling in the night. My mother is a savanna, dried by the sun. My father is a thunderstorm, booming over your head. My sisters are the snakes hiding behind those bushes. I was born in a dark lonesome cave. I live in your dreams. My best friend is that puma up there in that tree, Because we make the world stare at us. My enemy is the hyenas, Because they can take anything of mine away I fear no one I love my freedom Because I am wild I wish to live forever Natalie Aksenoff, Grade 6 Quiet Poem The cool breeze running through the trees. A snake smelling the air with its tongue. The world sleeping in the dark night. Children anxious to finish a test. And me, reading it all. Alyssa Mirizzi, Grade 6 Reasons I Forgot My Homework When I started my homework My dog began to think "I need something to eat" My homework was gone in a blink Lightning struck our house My homework got wet My dog is wearing a blouse It blew away in the wind Someone stole my homework I was very scared So I didn't study That's why I wasn't prepared Jacob Kittredge, Grade 6 contents Family Member Portrait My brother is like the Devil, full of complete hatred. His eyes are like a pool of blood red paint. His fists are sledge hammers. His leg is a tornado when running. His heart holds nothing, but hatred. That is black as a black hole. He lives in a shredder. And eats everything that comes his way. Jaequan Grant, Grade 6 Happy Poem Green like a flowery meadow. Hot like my pool on a hot summer day. Cold like ocean when you first get in. Sounds like wave on the beach. Tastes like ice cold lemonade. Smells like lavender Fabreeze. Looks like a softball being hit. Feels like the wind blowing on my face. Moves like a lion hunting for its prey. Farrell Gothers, Grade 6 I Didn't Do My Homework "I didn't do my homework" I didn't feel like it! My cat was clawing me. I felt kind of sick. My dog kept barking at the wall. I had nothing to write at all. I really want to go to the mall! I can't reach the table- it's too tall It's almost summer- so why bother! Homework is such a bummer! I don't understand this. Why did she assign us homework at all. Lauren Houde, Grade 6 contents Star Norman Cotteleer, Grade 6 Friendship Purple like a dragon, kind and friendly Hot like lava, 1,000,000 degrees Celsius Cold like a blizzard, with whipping winds Sounds like jets during takeoff Tastes like candy, sweet but sometimes sour Smells like delightful brownies Looks like The Empire State Building, tall and grand Feels like a silk blanket, warm and soft Moves like a train at high speed, zipping through the countryside Seth Carlson, Grade 6 contents Homework I cannot do my homework I am way too tired I cannot do my homework I was busy setting up flyers Let's just say my dog ate my homework I am sure the teacher will buy it She is very easy to trick But what if she denies it? Never mind that idea, I have a better one I'll pretend I'm sick I won't go to school Oh Ya!! That's it! Okay so my plan didn't work well I told my mom I was too sick to go to school She said "No," I have to get a 0 Ugh, I am such a fool!!! Meghan Hasenbalg, Grade 6 I Can’t Write a Poem Forget it You must be kidding. My dog ate my pencil. I got on the wrong bus and don't know where I am. I stayed up all night and watched The Walking Dead. I forgot where my locker is. I'm too hungry to eat. It's too bright. I don't have my brain right now I was trapped in a Zombie Apocalypse Time's up? uh Oh! All I have is a list of dumb excuses You like it? No kidding. Thanks a lot. Would you like to see another one? Greg Lintner, Grade 6 contents Animal in Me There is an English Bulldog puppy in me with fur like a fuzzy blanket and eyes that are blue like the sky It barks like a vicious guard dog It walks like a famous person walks across the red carpet It lives in my house and makes me smile It makes me feel like I'm a dog too. Morgan Bradley, Grade 6 Homework, Just so Boring Homework is just so boring, No doubt about that, What’s with all the numbers, It makes me want to go to sleep. Lets have something more exciting, Or at least a prize for doing it, And when I hand it in to you, I get the evil eye. When my mom looks at my homework, She says it’s not all bad, It’s what I used to do when I was a kid, I said to her, did you go to a boring school? Jacob Gaudreau, Grade 6 The Skateboard The skateboard goes straight down the hill Never stopping, with all its will It probably will never stop Unless it hits an out of placed rock It could do tricks And as my brother would say: “That would be totally sick!” I don’t believe the bearings are fine Or it might stop rolling in a matter of time The skateboard finally stops So I then get ready for an ollie and then I’ll pop Ryan Gaffney, Grade 6 contents Personal Poem Eve Funny, Lovable, Caring Sibling of Adam White Lover of Animals, Horseback riding, Pizzas Who feels Love, Friendship, Happy Who needs Laughs, Friendship, Happiness Who gives Love, Friendship, Happiness Who Fears Ticks, Spiders, Fleas Who would like to see Secretariat run a race, wild mustangs, a horse jump a nine foot high jump White Eve Marie White, Grade 6 Can’t Write A Poem Forget it. You must be kidding. I’ve suddenly broke every single bone in my body. My computer exploded! Everyone else is talking A kid is making faces at me! I feel like day dreaming... I have to go to the bathroom. My phone is ringing. I’m SO hungry! All I have is a list of excuses. You like it? Really? No kidding. Thanks a lot. Would you like to hear another? Ethan Bartley, Grade 6 contents Dance Dance is a creative way to express yourself. No one should say they can't dance. If you can walk, you can dance. Whatever your gender is, you shouldn't be embarrassed About dancing your hear out. Dance is fun and can be a great stress reliever. Sometimes I feel I use my brain a lot, But in dance you don't have to. Your feet do all the work. They run free into creation of unique movements Some dances include fast foot work While others include slow, elegant movements Another dance also involves dancing With your whole body on the floor Most people know this as break dancing. Dancing is not for everyone though. Some individuals like to express themselves Through movement while others prefer not to. Never give up What you enjoy doing Just to "fit in." Be true to yourself and if you love to dance ….the dance… Have fun and be yourself!!! Justin Lacharite, Grade 6 Quiet Poem Like balloons drifting in the wind A baby sleeping in its crib. Like a palm tree swaying in the wind. Like a deer galloping in the woods. And me Reading in a library. Lita Roy, Grade 6 contents If I Were in Charge of the World If I were in charge of the world I'd cancel school Stormy day Dentist appointments and Justin Bieber (ewwww) If I were in charge of the world There'd be fish that didn't die in 5 days Softer softballs And many more sunny days. If I were in charge of the world You wouldn't have chores You wouldn't have bed times You wouldn't have to watch Disney Junior on Saturday mornings. Or little sisters blaming you for nothing. If I were in charge of the world A cookie would be considered healthy All elephants would be loved and safe And a person who doesn't take things seriously And laughs about EVERYTHING imaginable Would still be allowed to be In charge of the world. Olivia Kowal, Grade 6 I Am Fire You know me for keeping you warm My mother is flint My father is the spark I was born in a volcano I live in lava My best friend is coal Because it keeps me burning My enemy is water Because it cools me down I fear blizzards Because it freezes me I love summer Because it makes me wild I dream of endless summer Jack Dube, Grade 6 contents The Sound of the Jungle Inspired by “The Virgin Forest” by Henri Rousseau The forest is as dark as night. There are animals swinging left to right. With a noise like horns pounding in my ears. I swear, I swear, I’ll face my fears. I walk into the jungle with the sight. Of friendly faces shining through the light. They seem to greet me pleasantly and nice. Then a strong man offers me a bowl of rice. Kindly I take it with all my might. His clothes are wrinkled and kind of tight. With eyes of wisdom, A heart filled with warmth and delight. I’m glad I made it, I faced my fears. Now the jungle is music to my ears. Bryanna Bertera, Grade 6 The Fox and the Hamster Inspired by “Blue Atmosphere” by Helen Frankenthaler As the sun is setting slowly The foxes come out Waiting in the dark until no one is about Now the hunt will begin. The prey is now in sight A small orange hamster left outside As a fox chases the small orange hamster Thunder crackles and lightning lights up the purple sky. Now the fox has only a little more to eat When there is a bright flash of white light shining for the hamster For when the light is gone There is nothing but a fox under the dark blue midnight sky. Julia Vassallo, Grade 6 contents Family Member Portrait My mom is like the sun shining out on a stormy day. Her eyes are like a war cup of hot chocolate. Her Spanish words are the music of a piano. Her hair is a short, dark brown piece of silk. Her heart holds passion. That is pink as a heart shaped valentine. She lives in church And eats the scripture of God. Ivana Prats, Grade 6 Self Portrait My hair is like a piece of silk drifting of my head My teeth are like diamonds in a glass case My eyes are stars shining in the sky My face is bright as the sun My heart holds love for cheering That is red white and blue like the American flag I live on a cheer mat And eat all the bows Ali Williams, Grade 6 The Blue Sun Inspired by “Blue Atmosphere” painted by Helen Frankenthaler There are splashes of paint here and there There are splashes of paint everywhere Splashes of paints to form a blue atmosphere Splashes of blue, red, pink, and yellow everywhere This painting has blue like the midnight sky Pink like a bright bloomed rose Purples like a bright tulip All colors splattered here and there and everywhere Makes me feel excited and cheerful With all those different drippy paints Makes me feel energetic all blobbed and splattered All the feelings splattered here and there and everywhere Destinie Meade, Grade 6 contents My Dog Ate My Homework My dog ate my homework It’s really, really true My dog ate my homework And now I’m telling you I can’t believe this happened What am I going to do I can’t redo it now Today it is due I know you’ve heard this before And I know it isn’t new But, my dog ate my homework And now it’s covered in goo Lily McCarthy, Grade 6 Family Member Portrait My cousin is like a warrior, His eyes are like damp, shining stones behind his glasses. His tattoos are his battle scars, reminding him of the past and the fragility of the future. His hands are tool boxes, helping him do his job. His heart holds courage, That is red as a glowing ember. He lives in his iPod, and eats songs. Jill Landolina, Grade 6 I Can’t Write a Poem Forget it. You must be kidding. My chair rocks! I have no eraser! My pencil tip broke! I’m drawing blanks! How do you write a poem again? I have a bug bite! I need some water! Ow! Something hit my eye! Time’s up? Uh oh! All I have is a dumb list of excuses. You like it? Really? No kidding. Thanks a lot. Would you like to see another one? Olivia Brody, Grade 6 contents My Homework is Due Today!!!! My homework is due today! I thought it was Saturday! Maybe I can do it now, I have to do it somehow. What will the teacher say? I guess I'll find out today. I haven’t gotten a zero all year, Now is the time to face my fear. Oh no!! What if my mom finds out? She’ll have a great big pout. The bell! Oh no! I’m trying to go slow. “Good job” said my teacher My poem had such good features A poem was my homework! Now I don’t feel like such a big dork. Megan Hacia, Grade 6 Homework Oh, I hate homework It's always such a drag Should I do it tonight? Nah, I'll think of an excuse. My heart is coming out of me Class is starting now I didn't do my homework And I have no excuse Thinking up an excuse is hard A robber took it, it was run over But in the heat of the moment I choked And spit out "My dog ate it" Kohl Russell, Grade 6 contents Feelings Inspired by “Blue Atmosphere” by Helen Frankenthaler Today is calm This will do I’ll add a little color A splat of blue Now my heart is rising Out of control But now I’ve found myself In the depression hole. I tried climbing out Of those splatters of paint but they kept pushing me down like a pile of weights. Today is a new day Spring is now here I’ll add a touch of pink for my favorite animal-deer. Now I’ve had a marriage My life is full of delight I’ll add a drop of purple For the kids sleeping at night. Now I’ve gotten older My feelings all tattered My arms are growing weaker My brain is now scattered Now I’m at my grave My life is now white I will wish you one more thing A very good night. Kat Jacobs, Grade 6 contents Flash of Colors Inspired by “Blue Atmosphere” by Helen Frankenthaler Boom, Pow! There I was Seeing things that have never been seen Hearing things that have never been heard I thought I was dying, so I started crying The Flash of Colors has gotten to me There wasn’t a light, there wasn’t a dark There wasn’t a loud, and there wasn’t a soft It was the perfect place, but yet so unreal The Flash of Colors has gotten to me. It was as beautiful as the sunset And as scary as the Underworld Nobody was there to help me The Flash of Colors is a sickly disease. But now I’ve come to love it so The perfect escape when there's nowhere to go Now life seems so bright Thank you Flash of Colors for helping me. Jack Fitzgerald, Grade 6 The Bear Inspired by “Blue Atmosphere” by Helen Frankenthaler The bear sits quietly in a slump On its back there is a large blue bump Eating berries one by one I don’t know think he will ever be done He sits on the white floor of the cave To be alone he must be brave Waiting for winter to end Spring is coming around the bend Bear can’t wait to come out He can smell things with his snout The birds, the flowers, and the bees Oh boy, bear can’t wait to scratch on some trees Sierra Benware, Grade 6 contents If I Were In Charge of the World If I were in charge of the world I’d cancel weekdays, The orthodontist, And any and all punishments. If I were in charge of the world There’d be funnel cakes, Vacations, And my brother who might actually listen to me. If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have school You wouldn’t have books You wouldn’t have siblings Or a parent that says “No.” If I were in charge of the world A Twinkie would be a vegetable All siblings would be gone And a person who was a little clumsy And forgot to clean their room Would still be allowed to be In charge of the world. Matthew Perry, Grade 6 I Can't Write a Poem Forget it, you must be kidding It's too loud. I broke all my fingers. I'm out of lead. I ripped my paper. My neighbor keeps poking me. My bangs are falling in my eyes. I feel dizzy There's a beeping noise in my head. Time's up? Uh oh! All I have is a dumb list of excuses. You like it? Really? No Kidding? Thanks a lot. Would you like to see another one? Haley Morris, Grade 6 contents Blue Atmosphere Inspired by "Blue Atmosphere" by Helen Frankenthaler To me, splotches of paints Blue as a jazz singer, red as a rose Pink like a kitten's nose Purple like the summer sunset Atmosphere? How? It doesn't look like atmosphere! Far away in a day dream. Space. The Milky Way It could be a sunset. Or a 3 year-old's painting. Splattered and smeared by a blind artist. Makes me feel calm and relaxed. Being taken down by a river. Looking up at the sky during the sunset Blue Atmosphere. What are you? Virginia Gautier, Grade 6 I Can't Write a Poem Forget it. You must be kidding. I have writer's block. My mind is as blank as this page will be. My pencil is out of lead. I've got better things to do. My sister is distracting me. My hand hurts too much to write. I feel sick. I have a paper cut. Time's up? Uh oh! All I have is a dumb list of excuses. You like it? Really? No kidding? Thank a lot. Would you like to see another one? Jamie Crane, Grade 6 contents How to Be… Ashley Barry Fall in love with my pink "Glenda" dress Sink my fingers into a plate of green, slimy Jello and get caught with the green on my face Stretch as I wake up to lightning storm and find Sabrina in my parents' bed Whip around in ice-skating to the sound of a crash to find my sister Jessica do a face plant into the snow Transfer to East Granby on my fourth birthday and the day of a blizzard Faint three times in first grade, once in third grade, and once in fifth Have my appendix ripped out at just eight years old Race onto a cruise ship thinking this will be great, then realizing so did the people on the Titanic Read all three Hunger Games books and LOVE them Cream all the other softball teams and become the undefeated champions Creep around town looking at all the trees, leaves and branches scattered from the storm in October Scream when the Giants won the Superbowl against the Patriots just like in 2007 Become enlightened on how there will be a Hunger Games movie, and watch the trailer and music video everyday Fight with my sister about how she wears my clothes and jewelry Ride my bike up the court to find all my neighbors having fun Have fun with my best friend Genna Hartman doing softball, talking about Hunger Games and being blonde together Become glued to the TV watching Survivor every Wednesday night Dance with Sabrina and Jessica listening to Taylor Swift, Rhianna, and Adele Ashley Barry, Grade 7 An Ode to My iPod Sleeps when it gets charged Tells me when I have a low battery Feels lonely when it's all alone Shiny when it comes in the mail Plays music on its own Happy when it's fully charged at night Gets some rest at night so it can be ready tomorrow Knowing what your passcode is when you log in Downloads music at the iTunes store Gives you technology When you need it badly or when the power's out Nelson Ferguson, Grade 7 contents An Ode to My Spaztastic Cat Chases her tail wildly in the bathtub, fill it with fur Shreds up our shower curtain with ease Gnaws on my fingers like a baby Invades and destroys all of her feather toys By plucking out the feathers and then biting them into pieces Play fights with my dad but would never put a claw on me Gobbles up every last morsel of food And cries like there's no tomorrow for more Dashes up and down the hallways crashing into everything in her path, including people She is a talker with a meow that can be heard from .01 miles away (also known as upstairs) Walks on my face in the morning like she couldn't care less As fluffy as a fresh, fuzzy pillow Screams, yells and begs for her daily fish flavored vitamin Although she's crazy and a brat we still love her, she's our cat Emily Farmer, Grade 7 Ode to Earth Its name originates from the Middle English word erthe. Big, round and pleading for peace in all humanity. Seven continents are laid out over the Earth Like pieces of a puzzle on a children’s table. Blue waves roaring in the middle of seas And green landmasses glowing with beauty. Recycling, going eco-friendly And not littering help the environment stay green and healthy. Never give up on Earth because we can all make A huge impact on how to make it better and safer. War, deforestation, factories, and pollution Are monstrous things that affect everyone globally. Full of many natural beauties that many people enjoy beholding. The Dead Sea, The Grand Canyon, and The Great Barrier Reef Are all landmarks that show the attractiveness of this Earth. “Go green, get lucky.” Gaby Gonzalez, Grade 7 contents An Ode to My iPod Sleeps when it gets charged Tells me when I have a low battery Feels lonely when it's all alone Shiny when it comes in the mail Plays music on its own Happy when it's fully charged at night Gets some rest at night so it can be ready tomorrow Knowing what your passcode is when you log in Downloads music at the iTunes store Gives you technology when you need it badly or when the power's out Nelson Ferguson, Grade 7 How to be Hanna Shookus Destroys rapidly rabid zombies in Call of Duty 3 Skateboard clumsily down the steep street, bloody and bruised Blares Lil Wayne and Eminem continuously making mom mad as a maniac Draws henna patterns and hearts with Sharpies of beautiful vibrant colors Chews gum around town constantly Eats prime rib juicy and succulent, like a raccoon mauling the garbage Makes people laugh endlessly, even the stubborn ones Dresses like a tomboy gangster Loves narwhals like a pig loves its slop Likes to wear chokers like Brad Pitt likes his mirrors Rolls down hills faster than a bullet train Rides my dirt bike so fast that my competitors literally eat my dust Likes primping with makeup like Lady Gaga likes her wigs Wears jewelry always like a biker and his boots Annoys my brother like homework annoys me on the weekend Watches and love Elmo as much as a five year old Love the book The Little Train that Could (spoiler alert), he did it Enjoy dyeing my water and food green for St. Patrick's Day Creates my own stunts and tricks on my skateboard Climbs the highest trees in the woods and parks Enjoys fun with all of my friends, both demented and normal Hanna Shookus, Grade 7 How To be... Chanel Henderson Come from two large families Travel to cool places and live there too Enjoy being an “Army Brat” Move every two years, leaving old ones and making new ones Participate in basketball games, but more in cheer stunts Yell when Clare and Eli breakup on Degrassi Scream when people interrupt me while I’m listening to Fall Out Boy, Foster the People, and Panic! At The Disco Love Fridays because they are Degrassi Day! Scarf down food such as Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream and fresh sushi Fear that one day, I will get anything lower than an A on a vocabulary test Wonder if you will ever have patience for little kids in order to teach them Freeze when you are put on the spot in class Perform well for 1st clarinet and end up getting the part Admit to having a low self esteem but willing to work on it Act dramatically when I get an A on a test and when I see Eli Goldsworthy on Degrassi Constantly crave gum at every moment of the day Chanel Henderson, Grade 7 My Jellybean Blue like gentle ocean waves blowing in the breeze. Soft and smooth like a kind breeze blowing in a quiet meadow. Splotched with tiny spots as if dyed with black ink. My jellybean tastes like a blue raspberry that dissolves in the midst of your very eyes. It sounds like a hard rock smacking against another. As chewy as a laffy taffy already dissolving in your mouth like my skateboard doing one kick flip. Tasting already eaten but a little but better. Enjoying the vibrant color, juicy taste, and the tiny pieces that crunch in my mouth. Brianna Ramos, Grade 7 contents Ode to Luna Tic Named after the moon for her sleek, night-black coat Made fun of for her compressed snout and bulging eyes Gifted the last name of "Tic" for her excited, maniacal playfulness Strangely inclined to sit atop everyone's head Demanding and bossy when it comes to friendly attention White fur runs down her neck like milk dribbling from a baby's chin Silver flames of fur also tickle at her minuscule paws Her pitifully small body is nothing compared to her dominance of the dogs in the Hooper residence Her swirly tail perfectly matches her insanity and wildness Despite her hideousness, she is beloved and annoying in my heart Gwynne Hooper, Grade 7 An Ode to Wings and Flight It all started with a wing that could slice through the air Sprouting from the dinosaur maybe even a pterodactyl Made of skin all leathery but soon to evolve into the Mona Lisa of nature Now seen clear with lines of black like the bars of a jail cell or patterned Pigmented with purpose or feathered softly The Wright brothers made flight possible for people with metal casted wings Now these metal mammoths can soar through the sky with the gift of flight Even in a steel cage, humans rejoice the privilege of this gift From the smallest to the largest plane wings are still the key To freedom and safety wings are the key and the symbol For some of the purist of all the land air and water creatures is the angel What better way to show high status then to be shown as a trait of what is believed to be one of the most divine beings Alexandria Geer, Grade 7 Messy My room is a jungle of colored attire Many people are stunned but do inquire “Why is your room such an incredible mess?” “I don't know,” I laughingly confess “Some people aren't neat,” I guess But still to some degree People cannot see the large burden of this quest Gavin McConnell, Grade 8 contents I am Here I’m here to be not the person I came to be but the person I found myself to be The person I like to be and want myself to be For my friends, family, and my society to inspire all that may meet me and to stand up and lead a nation with pride and bravery Not a nation with borders, but a nation as a hole, to make a world without crime but the crime of love, liberty and the pursuit of happiness when I do this you will be able to tell because the difference between you and me will be like a rocket ship and a fire cracker the rocket soars to new heights and brings pride to all and a firecracker blows up in your face! John Klemonsky, Grade 8 Rain Sun, you always have been number one All these times I’ve been pushed aside as old, bad rain Now you are the one going away I am taking over No more rain, rain go away You’ve always took the credit for beautiful flowers Without me, those flowers would be killed by you Without me, the world would be dry Without me, you are evil Step aside sun This is my time to shine Connor Rosenberger, Grade 8 Oil Electricity I like to live my life exciting I will be the death defying electricity While others are oil and gas I will be me New improved better than them I will live my life while they go through The same everyday will last forever with no opinion Stephen Bagley, Grade 8 contents Love Poem from Dictionary to Penny They say you're worth nothing They say you're one sided But I have seen your other side and necessity You're in my heart Though hard your warm I feel you rolling around in my old covers. You were born in Washington me in a home When I see you my eyes tingle Not even I have the words to describe you Aaron Tauber, Grade 8 Love Poem Between a Scooter and a Refrigerator Magnet It may look like I could go anywhere But what’s the point when I don’t have you I may be bumpy at time or you would get tired out, But I assure you if you stuck to me I’d brighten your world They say you’re not the fastest But time is all we need to grow in love They say you’re not the smoothest But I’m sure I could soften up your rough edges I don’t care how long I will be sitting still, But my wheels will not turn once until I have you Nicholas Fersch, Grade 8 Love Letter from the Tennis Racket to the Feather I’m always hitting on you. I love listening to your fluttery laugh, And when you tickle me. They said you’d use me in your games. That you’d clip my wings and make me unable to fly. But really, you’re the one that sweeps me off my feet, Away from my palace, and brings me to new courts. You say I can handle the situation, but still, I know that, sometimes, I miss you. At least I know you’ll be there to cushion my fall. Hannah DeFranzo, Grade 8 contents Love Letter from a Pencil to a Sink Strainer They say you make people’s lives easier, While I break and have to be sharpened. You get the easy life, just sit there and catch things people don’t like. I have to work hard every second or I will get tossed away. You inspire me by your helpfulness and braveness to what comes at you. I know I will never be caught by you, But someday I will figure out how to get to you. When I get to you, I might not be perfectly sharpened, But I will still get to you. So please don’t meet anyone else that comes slipping your way, Just wait for me. And I won’t leave everyday like all the others, I’ll get stuck in your tiny holes and stay forever. Sara Clark, Grade 8 A Love Letter from a Spoon to a Toothpick Our love is based on our differences. One’s weakness is the other’s strength. I am like a cupped hand holding life itself, While you point your finger towards safety I am shiny as metal And you are as dull as wood I am used to feed your mouth While you are used to clean it By the end of the day, I am in the dishwasher And you, you are in the trashcan. Ha ha! Without these differences, Our lives together would be boring. Ethan Newhall, Grade 8 contents Poem Inspired By “The Writer” I’m walking through the woods I encounter fallen trees in my path Every tree is another opportunity to jump All of the jumping may tire me, but in the course of my journey, it only benefits me When it grows dark I feel I must run I run and run until I eventually break into a sprint But then I realize what I was running from was no longer chasing me It never chased me I then realize that it is not dark, the moonlight is lighting my path While I was running I failed to notice how beautiful the stream is in the moonlight I then follow it Continue to follow it until I notice that the gleam is now orange It is morning I then also realized that wherever I go Whenever I go there No matter how dark it is, There is always a light source near Jason Bourgault, Grade 8 Believe in Yourself Believing is like seeing one of our four senses you need it To be strong like an old oak is what I strive to be and you should also Doubters are what push me Have faith like a mustard seed and fly Gracefully spread wings like eagles and leave impact The world is big but you can become equal Your talents are meant to shine Then shall your faith grow Everybody has a talent The difference is from the people That do let their light shine and Others who don't So I plead Don’t hold back the attribute that makes You shine like the sun in the Beautiful sky. Gabriella Jones, Grade 8 contents Push This is for the people who gave up For the doubtful For the unconvinced You had an idea, a purpose, a goal But you were told you couldn’t do it You faced difficulty, a barrier in the path So you gave up You just gave up on yourself You stopped pursuing your goal All because of one challenge One challenge that you were supposed to conquer To push through, and make it through You were supposed to break down the barrier And strive for excellence Even if all you can do is try That’s more that you would be doing if you had just given up To give up is to stop, with no effort at all, and say you’re done But you need to keep going For all the people who have given up Or couldn’t push on You need to prove them wrong And pursue your goal Paige Derlinga, Grade 8 Grandpa, the Best For the one I’m named after Who was in the navy long enough for a pension Smart enough to beat Watson the computer Who always watches Jeopardy He always plays pinball on his own machine With a record of 986000 or more This is who my grandpa His name is Thomas. Thomas Lostowski, Grade 8 contents Stairs We use them, everyday; stairs. We want them and need them, but most importantly, you are like a pair of stairs. You get stepped on all the time, but you won’t stand up. He keeps climbing higher, but you’re still at the bottom. Why you do this, I don’t know. But you should know this, no matter what anyone does, You will always be a pair of stairs. It’s time you stood up for yourself, not letting everyone take advantage of you. You are an amazing set of stairs, but you would be better if you lived your life the way YOU want! So stand up, dust off your butt, and keep moving forward. Helena Brody, Grade 8 Strum It brings joy to my ears When I hear music really clear The one tiny strum That harmonizes with my hum Comes straight from the heart Like you’re being hit by a dart So listen carefully Whoever you are As I strum the strings On my acoustic guitar Ryan Gill, Grade 8 contents A Dog I’d rather be a dog that no one likes, that gets to explore, never be on a chain, and be free than a house dog that gets special food and special treatment that never leaves it’s owners sight. I’d rather be a dog that has to take the shock from an electric fence just so it can be free, Than be the dog that doesn’t need a dog fence because it doesn’t ever go outside. I’d rather be the dog that has take endure hundreds of volts of electricity just even a tiny growl out of its mouth than be a dog who is trained by the best trainers to not bark in trade for a snack. I’d rather be the dog that isn’t claimed by an owner, that gets to experience everything in life than be a dog that gets warm baths and special cleanings but never seeing what else is out there. Andrew Eastman, Grade 8 Push Me to the Limit I am always Pushed Pulled Persuaded Into doing things Whether I want to… Or not I wish for more Freedom Respect And acknowledgement I am a person A human I will always be Pushed Pulled Persuaded That’s what got me to where I am now And all I ask is Don’t stop Will Kelsey, Grade 8 contents An Ode to the ps3 Oh PlayStation 3, thy games so grand and fun. You make me want to sit on my couch, and stay up nights til one. Thou beautiful, shiny black exterior. Shrouds your true beauty that hides inside. With a 3.2 gigahertz processor, and a 120 gig hard drive. I always feel an emptiness, whenever I am away. Because I know that at my home, you are always there to play. I remember when you broke last year, why did you have to go? It hurt to know that I wouldn’t see you, for 2-3 weeks or so. Dylan Teixeira, Grade 8 Filled with Memories Everyone watches as the yachts go by All the paddle boats are jealous of the luxury How big they are, how many people are on them, and how loved they are But I’d rather be a paddle boat A small paddle boat Someone’s first boat ride Filled with memories of families’ old vacations on the lake Maybe small, but full of memories All the yachts Loved for their size Loved for their luxury But not the small, boring paddle boat They’re loved for their memories I’d rather be a small, boring, and ugly paddle boat, Full of old memories Than be a big, luxurious yacht Loved for its size Valerie Winalski, Grade 8 contents Messy Desk I walk in class I sit down my seat After I sat down I notice it is a rather hot seat I try to make my desk neat But the mess was too hard to beat Now I smell the scent of feet Inside there were many things I found I found three staplers, with marshmallow ends I also found two markers were the colors seems to blend The staples were mangled I even found hair strands already tangled There was wrappers filled with broken nuts I found a bunch of melted chocolate that look like a village full of huts This class wasn't going well I can feel it in my gut To brighten my day Jack slips me something to eat But sadly I am already tasting my defeat I’m happy say the class is over Dennis Cheng, Grade 8 Love Poem: Remote Control to Dictionary They told me you would use me, Then tuck me away in my hidden home, But they’re wrong. I know you will give this relationship a new meaning. Let me tell you something— If there was a definition for two people that love each other, That would be us. Even though you turn me off, Ignore me completely, I will automatically turn around just to see you! So if you get sick of your boring home, You can come back to me. I will always be here. Sara Ouellette, Grade 8 contents Bottle Cap to Carton of Milk They said I could never pop out in the crowd Until I saw your pale skin You were always spoiled around the cameras People saw you and used you every day When you saw my rough and sharp feelings, you walked over to me. Once you saw that I was a gentle soul, you poured out your feeling to me like a waterfall, Flowing all the time. I tell you not to cry over spilled milk. I comfort you and see that we are for each other Even though I’m usually thrown away, you’re the one to keep me. Marco Laureno, Grade 8 Madison She is fearless like a soaring eagle. Yet when she falls once in awhile, she cries a river. But she never gives up. She is as loud as a jet flying over your head when you are trying to get some sleep. And always seems to screech like a monkey during a movie. Yet you can’t help but laugh at times. When you tell her to do something and she looks at you like a new puppy who doesn't know any tricks, Well you got to wonder what do I do know. When she is coloring out of the lines and you tell her to try to stay in them, and she shoots you a look that an artist would give you when they’re insulted. Just remember she is only fore and it is her picture so you better back off. When she gives you the puppy dog eyes and asks for a cookie before dinner, just think if you don't say no she will hate you for about five minutes until she wants you to play. If you say yes my aunt just might come down and yell at you. She gets annoying at times like when my alarm clock went off at 4am for no reason and wouldn't turn off. The only problem is that she isn’t plugged into the wall. But at the end of the day I love her. no matter how annoying she may get. Cassie Weir, Grade 8 contents Love Poem I was the one Being dropped to the ground after a hard day of work The one hung over the fire that added colors onto me And you’d be the one that watched me But times have past and I’ve lost my pair The sun is shining with a new scent of air You fall to the ground as he runs through the rain 1st base, 2nd base , 3rd he’s home! And I’m the one watching you What? It seems you’ve lost your pair too? Well that means we’re both single And I love you Emily Marceau, Grade 8 Love letter from a Jar to a Key I can hold your whole set In me crystal clear home I will not move when you go to work each day I know you can take me with you, I am too fragile You can see right through me, but I need you to tell me your story There is only so much to know about me, but you have an adventure every day You may only be a copy, but you are the perfect match for me Kyle Harvey, Grade 8 Thank You My Teacher Dear Mrs. Hubert Thank you for always being near me You are like a strong building that would never fall When I was upset You are like a shining star that lights up my heart When I was lost You are like a compass that leads me out When I was hungry You are like the Godmother that saves my life I would always remember you With grateful heart Ailing Li, Grade 8 contents A Love Letter from a Sink Strainer to an Ice Pack We my love, We are just perfect for each other People say you have a cold approach to life But, that doesn’t matter to me I love you I know how it feels to be not appreciated after a hard day a work We are never thanked for the work we do Work constantly piles on top of me like papers on the president’s desk And although I’m a slow worker I get all my work done each evening You relieve that pain of others Yet, you are forgotten, Left alone in the shadows of the superior I wish for you to come and visit me For I am always in the same spot You, you get to experience the world with your boss Experiencing all the adventures of the real world Me, my boss leaves me in the same workplace each day He only needs me about once an evening And when he’s done with me, I am left alone once again When you go missing and no one notices I wish for you to come and visit me I’ll always be in the same spot Waiting for you, my love Olivia Morris, Grade 8 contents Don’t Don't change who you were born to be for anyone Only you can chose the path you take for your future life Never follow what other people act like or look like just to fit in with the crowd If you were born to be a brother a sister a daughter a son be just that don't try to hide it you were born to be an individual and you have your own identity DON'T be scared to stand out and show your true colors Say this is me this is who I really am Be you it's not that hard Aleena Sierra, Grade 8 Push I hate when you step on my roses and take control. You take my possessions and you throw them on the ground. You grab me by the shirt and pin me to the wall. You take my dreams and you crush them. You take my goals and you crush them. You take my efforts and you crush them. You take my hopes and you crush them. And now…now you took away something more than that…what I care about most… …the other piece of my heart. Daniel Couceiro, Grade 8 Too Much is Too Little To have an A+ You must spend hours of your life on a single project. You must stay on the guidelines, Even if they don’t make sense. Yet, with a blank piece of paper, You can do almost anything. From drawing to whatever, Whatever you can think of. And the best part is, it doesn’t have to be perfect Alex Nigro, Grade 8 contents Straw to the Atlas They told me you would lead me down all the wrong paths, that you would lose me in all your pages. They said that your perfect 12 font words would slip right through my rounded edges. But I know better than that!!! I want you to be my partner in crime conquering the world one sip at a time, opening your solid hard cover to me. I want your maps to guide my vivid colors through your endless facts. You fill me with facts I didn't even know existed. You and I come from two different worlds, but we connect as if you are the belt to my buckle. And maybe one day... just one day... I'll become the center of your world!!! Emily Guillerault, Grade 8 An Ode to My Mother Loving my mother from the start Enjoying the moment when she smiles My taste buds laugh while eating my mother’s favorite food Listening quietly when she scolds me By doing the job right the next time Proving being worthy of forgiveness Having tears in my eyes when my mother cries Waiting anxiously for her arrival from work Promising to love her all I can Wanting never to have her go apart Alisha Kumar, Grade 8 Love Letter from the Calculator to the Power Cord My face never shows everything But I try to solve all your problems They say I don’t need you That you’re the same all over I see your frayed edges through Me, I have my limits But you seem to reach the places I can’t When you’re around me you push all my buttons Yet, I still want you there I know you’re near because I feel your sparks And even though I don’t need you Maybe one day you’ll help light and power my world. Chloe Wellins, Grade 8 contents Enough There will always be people better than you out there. No matter how hard you try, They will always be there. But in no way does this mean that you can't try. If you love something, Whether it be a sport or a hobby, It doesn't matter what other people think. Whatever that something is that you love, You love it and this should be enough. This doesn't mean, though, that you will win every trophy, tournament, game, or medal. What you do win is happiness and fun, And if you are lucky, maybe a memory or two to tell your children's children. So, you may never be Michael Phelps, But you will always be you and this… this is enough. Zoe Arnold, Grade 8 Love Letter from the Ping Pong Ball to the Jar My relationships were not always the best matches They felt like games to me I was always bouncing over obstacles just because they were there. I was always served to someone else after a while. Then I met you. With your perfect personality that won me over. You have preserved my feelings and made me feel fresh as the day I first saw you. Glistening like a crystal in the sun. My love for you is worthy of gold. Before I met you I was cold and hollow inside, but now I am filled with warmth and comfort. If you were to shatter I would be there to pick up the pieces and put you back together. I know you are fragile but know I can help keep you safe and guide you so we don’t fall off the edge. Samantha Hasenbalg, Grade 8 contents As I Grow Older We are all scared of something What I am scared of and most people might agree is the unknown— We walk the same road with different destinations Some might leave the pack Others might get left behind And some will race up ahead where no one else will go— But no one knows what’s awaiting them They don’t know what’s in store And that scares them All my life it’s been the same people, same drama, same conversations I just want to switch it up, change scenery An opportunity presented itself, so I took it And when I learned what my destiny was, I accepted As I told people I got mixed reactions- excitement, anger, sadness, encouragement With those mixed feelings I began to question my decision Do I really want to leave everything I love? Risk everything I have for something that might not be worth it? But then I think, yes, yes I do Because you can’t always play it safe and you definitely change what you want to please the people around you but still I am scared— because I don’t know what lies ahead and I don’t want to lose touch of what I’m leaving behind And now I’m walking this road, leaving the pack, journeying into the unknown Alone— And I’m scared. Devon Ide, Grade 8 contents The Book’s Blessing May my ink swirl through the air luring you to my secrets. May the mystery of my words, linger in your mind. May my extensive amount of characters, leave you wishing for more. May my lives, lead you through yours. Let my chapters take you away from the world, If only for a minute. let me bring you where the wild things are, When you life is insipid. let my binding grow old, from generations of explorers. May I extend your vocabulary, so you can conveniently construe characters. Let me carry you so far, that I lead you to slumber. and until we meet again, let my covers hold you in the creases of their pages. Mackenzie Denno, Grade 8 May You Love? Life may push you in ways That you may not like. You may cry out or get angry but Life carries on. FORGIVE and FORGET are Two powerful words that people should fill Their ice cold hearts with! That girl you just called a whole lot of words Tries hard to fit in Or that boy you just made fun of for crying Just lost his dad in the army… Before your actions take the best of you Stop to think I am… I am a better person I am an athlete I am a person of value Life carries on and so do you! Holly Corcoran, Grade 8 contents The Mountain As I watched him, He dashed like a marathon runner, up the slippery slope of the Great Mountain. I stared in awe, For the reason for this mad dash, Was for the girl he loves. The jagged edges, Almost throwing him down, Were a nuisance, it took him many years. He scaled it, And fell down the other side, Bumping down and down, until he lay at her feet. She was dumbfounded, By how much hell he went through for her, and why he hadn't given up. Although there was a mountain between them, She fell in love with him, And he, long before, with her. He hugged her, And stood there, for what seemed like eternity. He asked her to come with him, Adventure and live, And she agreed. Back over the mountain they went, But now his struggles were also hers, And they never gave up. It took them many years, Passing the mountain, bonding them ever closer, And the mountain was less than an obstacle for them, and they would endure much more. Kenny Callahan, Grade 8 contents My Mother She wakes up in the morning as bright as the sun, Smiling as big as the atmosphere. She always says we are her flowers, And that she is our rain. She nurtures us and helps us, Always putting herself last. Even though she won’t admit it, We need her. Even though we won’t admit it We want her. She is the candle shining in the darkness, She is the sunshine breaking through the gray, She is the only flower reaching the sky, She is the lighthouse lighting up the bay. She makes all the newspapers colorful, And all of the birds sing loud, She allows all of the flowers to bloom in winter, And the storm to leave one white cloud. Her eyes are my guardian angels, Always keeping an eye on me when needed, Her words are my wisdom, Always teaching me right from wrong, And her actions are my knowledge, Never doing anything bad. She is the tissue I need when I cry, She is the joke when I need to laugh, And she is my amazing mother, That I will always love, no matter what. Kelsey Gibbs, Grade 8 contents Beautiful The painter picks up his paint brush, And glares at it. Perfectly aligned bristles, not stained by hours of dreaming. A body as smooth as silk, Not a splinter in sight. But… he puts it down. He walks over to his other paint brush. The one with the special box for safe keeping. The paintbrush that has been used to create masterpiece After masterpiece. The one with the frayed bristles that have begun to fall out. It has been stained with endless amounts of paint… and visions. The body has begun to chip and splinter. But it doesn’t matter. That paintbrush is perfect in the artist’s eyes. Sure, other people would walk right over to the perfect paintbrush, The one that’s never been used y the painter. That’s not who I want to be. I want to be the ugly paintbrush. It may not be perfect to everybody, But it’s perfect to somebody. Just like me. Haley Strong, Grade 8 The Moon You have been there for me We are closer than the stars to the sky You are the moon to everyone’s night sky Because without you, Everything would be wrong Nothing would ever work out And my life would be empty I am a star in a huge sky There are many other stars who need you I am one of those stars But I try to shine bright Among all the other stars And I try to be my best to make you proud I hope I am shining bright enough I try to shine my hardest on my own But overall without the moon The stars have no meaning Caitlin Daleb, Grade 8 contents Life All the people in the world, They all have dreams. Dreams of flying, And dreams of painting the Mona Lisa. Well, here is some help, A hit harder than any bully can punch, It’s called reality. Some people think this is harsh, But better now than never. Parents, tell your kid he’s not Superman, For it may just save his life. There are no dragons or unicorns, So, if you wanna hear, listen up. This is for the best, All movies have an ending, Nothing is forever. People act as they may, But every action has a consequence. Tell your kids the truth. No more jokes. If things are not okay, Tell them that. It is for the best, And will help in the long run. Be in the middle, Try your best, Reach for the sky, Even if nothing is reaching back. Remember that he, she, they, we, and you, Tell the truth and no candy coating. Justin Ofsuryk, Grade 8 contents All That Matters… My son told me that he wants to write a story A story of his life I chuckle to myself thinking that he is but ten I tell him that not enough has happened in his life so that can’t even happen He says, “I make it up as I go along.” And the first page begins It’s been four years since that day He still spends most of his time on that book Well, it’s better than that feather collection that he had earlier I can’t help but wonder if this is really healthy One day, I take a look at it while he’s out with his friends It was written in complete gibberish He told me when confronted about it, “You’ll read it when you’re ready to read it.” And on that confusing note, he goes upstairs And thus, the page turns I stand at the window for what seems like an eternity As he drives away, I know that this was inevitable but I still couldn’t believe that he was gone And the last thing he heard before he left was a bunch of obscenities From me about some little thing It’s a car horn that turns me away It looks like old Mr. Patterson has driven through the fence again And thus, the page turns If there is an award for the world’s worst dad, I might get it now You would think (and would have every right to do so) that any dad would make it to his own son’s wedding I thought about calling him, but that would be just pouring salt on an open wound I didn’t sleep that night And thus, the page turns My grandson was born on May 19th, 2016, more specifically, at 12:05pm. I was asleep at the time. It is ironic considering that almost every event that happened in my life I slept through And thus, the page turns All That Matters… (continued) The accident happened last week I was driving home when some idiot in a red Ferrari was veering down the highway going 95 barreled towards me I tried to veer out of the way but my old hunk of junk was way too slow to evade it One morning, when I was asleep, my son came and dropped the book by my bedside For some reason, I don’t know how or why, I could read it now. It was all about me Oh sure it talked about events in this life but he always related it back to me. And then I saw it This book was his substitute for a father I never really was there for him in the end I didn’t encourage his book. I never spent time with him. I wasn’t there for his wedding and now here I lay in this bed and he comes all this way when I never did for him I read that entire book that day And thus, the last page is reached My father didn’t wake up on time this morning In fact, he didn’t wake up at all anymore Docs said he died in his sleep He didn’t suffer at all I remember when I was a little boy I thought he was the biggest, strongest man in the world But then, he moved out and faded away, and I couldn’t see him anymore Not sure if I’m going to finish the book, it doesn’t really seem right, y’know? This morning, Walter Greer, my dad, passed away like a feather in the wind Billy Greer And thus, the book closes Tyler Mikula, Grade 8 contents Pain I feel the pain that she feels Every step of the way. After every new diagnosis Comes a lifetime of worry. For every day she’s in pain, She gives the most hope she can muster. The misty water washes over, The confused hands of hope stricken guidance. There’s much to learn in this profound world, But this lesson I’m not interested in learning. For every cloud that passes by, For every new bird in the sky, For the waterfall no one found, Or for the eyes on the face always looking down. There’s a new cloud to take its place, A mother bird following its way, He water keeps on flowing, The eyes on the face that keeps on going. There will always be a happy face to replace her pain. There will always be her wonder following my way. There will always be hope behind her eyes. There will always be happiness inside of her heart. Taylor Lavoie, Grade 8 Love Letter Between a Shovel and a Sink Strainer They say that I would be too hard to handle That there would be more than just me But I know you’re better than that My rough edges are hard to get around And I may be hard to shove sometimes But hopefully one day you’ll be the one to catch me Morgan Mattil, Grade 8 contents My Mother, the One and Only You’ve loved me ever since the day I was born You were the one who taught me how to walk You were the one who taught me how to talk You were the one who taught me how to ride a bike You were the one who taught me how to read You were the one who taught me how to write my upper and lower case letters You were the one who taught me table manners You were the one who taught me right from wrong You were the shoulder that I cried on when I was feeling blue And all the while you were the one guiding me through life You are the one who I’ve always looked up to You are the one who dedicated your life to me You are the one who I sing in the car to who knows where You are the one who takes care of me You are the one keeping a roof over my head You are the one who I kiss good night You will be the one sitting next to me in the car Holding on for dear life as I learn how to drive You will be the loudest one clapping at my wedding You will be the grandmother to love my future children You are my mother The one and only Who has cared for me ever since the day I could remember You and I, you see, have a very special bond only bonded together by our love for each other The only way I know how to thank you is To love you to infinity and forever Lauren Stout, Grade 8 contents The Dreamer I am the Denied… Broken Hearted… I was holding… and cherishing my loved ones until they were ripped away. Then living desperate state, Running madly around in circles, howling, Waiting for anyone to return… Then falling into a stardust chamber, with glimmering stars, only deeper into the Earth… Then the rapid breathing, Increasing heartbeats, and Hitting a rock wall. Giving up, and falling to the ground, whimpering. Defeated… Then my bright, colorful, and playful eyes Becoming Dark, and soulless With blood-stained fur But then another bright figure whipping me, moving me forward My whimper becoming a beautiful, soundless howl. My life becomes better, and my family there, in the distance, My paws racing toward them, and my heart beginning to heal… My life's a mess… I know too much about pain, and suffering… But to everyone I'm the perfect friend, But to me I'm only a Dreamer Dreaming of good things only to, hopefully, comes. Annika Carlson, Grade 8 contents Love Letter from a Mitten to a Dictionary Every time I see you I jumble on my words And I’m in need of Your help You’re full of wisdom For which you are Everything I need You need me Because I can warm you up On cold, And gloomy days The way I warm you Is like the sun Beating down On pale, unharmed skin The way you flip Is as peaceful As a clear nighttime sky With the sound of crickets And the flutter of fireflies I would lie on your back If only it wasn’t so hard If only your back Was as soft as a baby’s blanket As I get old My thick and beautiful hair Will fade and be as thin as thread And your white skin Will turn a pale yellow And your heart could be torn But it will Leave only A few words to say I love you Alexis Gelinas, Grade 8 contents Love Poem from a Safety Pin to the Flower Pot You’re so beautiful No matter what With your style and your petals of hair To me you’re everything And I am nothing I truly can’t compare You’re nice and smooth You do not move And you look good on the lawn I always watch you No matter what from dusk until dawn You don’t have a clue How much I love you Maybe because you don’t notice But it’s okay because I really focus On you anyways After every day I wait to see you And I hate the day They take out the glue The worst day is when I see that you’re gone I am so depressed I write my own song Then comes a new one Her life has just begun It’s still not the same With my heart still in pain Over the years They all start to go From in the summer To in the snow I thought she was the one So nice and pretty But I guess she didn’t like me So happy and clingy I think I am done dating these pots Hey, look, a rock I might have a shot Jon Brenner, Grade 8 contents What Makes Her Who She Is When she walks in my HEART STOPS She warms me Like a grill with coal She puts a spark even in my dad’s eyes She walks in with a sweet talk That makes me even weak But after a while it makes me stronger Her voice saying goodnight Her voice saying good morning Her voice saying have a good day Her voice saying stay out of trouble Make her who she is My mom Joshua Diaz, Grade 8 I Want to Say All I want to say is, Thank you Thank you for being nice For being loving For letting me Be all I can be Even through thick And thin Even through the Biggest fights Through the smallest Disagreements Though I've been rude Arrogant And Inconsiderate You have loved me No matter what And that's why I want To say… Thank You Sarah Ann Calano, Grade 8 contents Love Letter from the Refrigerator Magnet to the Straw Every day I see you You're surrounded by ones just like you But whenever I look your way, All I see is you. You're not special, not curly like some others, you're straight actually But I know all your curves I'm admired for about three days, then forgotten about, unnoticed beyond the rest But you, You will eventually get picked And when you are on your journey, I will miss you dearly And you will always be the one who gives me that magnetic pull Sabrina Barry, Grade 8 Not a Barbie Wanna Be Let them be as Barbies, Always popular, beautiful, looked up to by the weak but weighed down by the need to stay on top I'd rather be the nerdy girl alone in the corner with her nose in a book, Lost in a different world created by literature, The feel of the words shifting under my invisible wings To have as many friends as I want in my books and to know each one of them by heart, to memorize everyone of my favorite lines, to have those large, descriptive, beautiful words open me up and let me blossom I'd rather be looked down on and happy, Than to be a Barbie, Craved by everyone, where rumors are spread fruitfully and you're wanted, Not because of what's good in your heart, but what's beautiful on the outside I'd rather be a friendless loser, Than have fake friends stabling me in the back If I could stand-alone among the rest, have a strong will and spirit, Then I could be anything I want to be. Emma Beman, Grade 8 contents Love Letter from a Pinwheel to a Sock I remember when I first laid my eyes on you On that breezy, bright day When my feet were planted in the dirt And you were bound to strings As I twirled in admiration For your beautiful knit I showed my true colors to you Because I wanted to gaze at your smile But one night, they stole you from me And I was forced to stare at an empty line And once they’d finish washing you out with their cruel words While you were drenched in your own tears They hung you up once more and bound you And once we saw each other You were able to dry your eyes in the wind Josie Gautier, Grade 8 contents The Flight Sitting inside the fuselage, Just when the sun reaches its fingers above the horizon, She looks ahead to the coming fight Her windshield is cracked, even in her youthful state The luggage bears down on her and burdens her so, The fractures in her canopy bear malice to her eyes I encourage her and hope for a good flight Unable to control the yoke, and, To change the irrational velocity and its chaos She steps back and ponders her trajectory I reminisce how far down the caterpillar Was, it started when the rain began It curled into a ball and sunk into The ground for feet traipse all over And just when it thought its life was over, It became a butterfly and fly, fly it did It flew to new heights, soaring above What a caterpillar could only imagine And as it beat its wings it remembered The failed attempts at flight when It first transformed and when it saw Where it was now and that really could Make it to the sun She found her confidence and Continued on with the knowledge that She was stronger than she thought Amanda Samuel, Grade 8 contents My Finale As the final game of the final soccer season ended, I knew that the games were not the only things to stop. Our team ran across the field one last time, And instead of their faces looking as eighth graders, I saw them as they looked in that first season. They were young, and innocent. We were a scrappy team from a small town, Being led by a group of parents. Over the course of three years, We became the champions of our league. We won first place for two straight seasons. But, more than that, We became friends, And we even became closer, We became a family. Every game we played, we supported one another. We had each others’ backs, And played as a single unit, Like a well trained machine. And looking at their faces as we ran our final lap, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the series finale of a TV show As you watch a show over the course of its seasons, You can begin to feel a connection, To the characters, The friendships, The struggles, And even the setting. When the final episode comes, You don’t want it to be over, And you want it to last forever. But the realization comes, That all things must end. A realization, that once discovered, can be very sad. Once overcoming these feelings, you begin to appreciate things, Like how the characters developed, and the road that took them, To where they are now. My last soccer game was like this showing the end, But made me remember all of the good times I have had playing with the team. Because of this, that practice was actually, My Finale, Only this time, the characters were real, And I again, knew that I had to cherish those memories as well. Matt Borsari, Grade 8
