2010 Speak Your Mind

Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World

Spring 2010

Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World

Sixth Edition Spring 2010

All Rights Reserved Copyright Š 2010 Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World Petit Printing, Buffalo NY Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World 1

speak your mind (v.)

1.

2.

To consciously convey thoughts, perceptions, emotions and memories To willingly express one’s imagination and opinion

1.

2.

To give definite form, organization, or character to.

To direct (one’s course, future, etc.)

shape your world (v).

Note from the Project Coordinators The above definitions certainly sum up the goal of this project. Both the process of creating this journal, as well as all the wonderful work displayed within, give voice to these students so they are better able to express themselves and direct their futures. I believe it is extremely important to provide outlets for young people so they are able to channel their emotions, energies, and frustrations creatively and productively. Few feelings compare to seeing one’s work published, and I am so pleased that numerous students from all walks of life will be able to experience that joy, excitement, pride, and feeling of accomplishment. A great deal of time and dedication goes into making a project like this materialize, and I feel fortunate and honored to have been a part of making this happen. ~Shana The best part of working with the 2010 Speak Your Mind and Shape Your World project was the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of creative, bright, dedicated, energetic and hardworking students. I was also struck by the incredible number of other multi-talented students, whom – through the encouragement and support of their teachers and peers – eagerly submitted their works to the project. I applaud each and every one of them for displaying the courage to put their thoughts, feelings, and artistic ability on paper. Most of all, I would like to encourage all of them to reach for the stars and continue to follow their dreams, wherever they may lead. ~Donna

Speak Your Mind and Shape Your World 2009-2010 Student Editorial Board

Literary Editors

Dacarianna Curry Nakiyah Holman Elizabeth Kendrick Rachel Smail Corey Threet Donte Trezevant Sierra Wilson

Visual Art Editors

Brazil McGee Chelsea Brown Alexandra Lance

Project Advisory Board

Project Consultant Siobhan Mulvey

Project Management Support Dr. Mary Ellen Mulvey Medaille College

Editorial Consultants/ Literary Awards Dr. Ted Pelton Medaille College

Visual Arts Awards Courtney Grim Medaille College Photography: Marten Czamanske

Cover Image “Despair �

Chelsey L. Brown McKinley High School

Staff Project Coordinator/Managing Editor Donna J. Dobbins and Shana Williams Medaille College

Project Assistant Laura Comstock Medaille College Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World 3

Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World Sponsors

Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County Arts in Education Institute Buffalo Public Schools D’Youville College HSBC Bank Medaille College Petit Printing PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Cover Art: Despair by Chelsey L. Brown Description

Acknowledgments

Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World extends a giant thank you to the following people and groups for their involvement with this project. Because of your support, we published our sixth edition of the journal! We are very proud of the journal, spoken word CD, and artist note cards.

Again, THANK YOU for making this happen!

Medaille College Buffalo Public Schools Every teacher and student who submitted work Student Editorial Board Siobhan Mulvey Laura Comstock Dr. Ted Pelton Steve Ansell Courtney Grim Tony Caferro, Deep Thinka’ Records Petit Printing Dr. Mary Ellen Mulvey Dr. Mick Cochrane, Canisius College Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World 4

Architecture Projects

HSBC Arena: “Let’s Go Buffalo!”

Architecture Unit of Study PROGRAM OVERVIEW The focus this architecture program is the HSBC Arena. The Arena is the home of the Buffalo Sabres (National Hockey League) and the Buffalo Bandits (National Lacrosse League) and the venue for numerous sports, music, and entertainment events. The program has been developed by the Arts In Education Institute for grades Pre-K through 12 and consists of four teaching artist lessons, a field study trip to the Arena, and a student design project. Students will be assuming the role of architects, forming design teams, and participating in a design process that will involve proposing an idea for an entertainment facility based on study, research and fieldwork. Students will then construct a model to illustrate and communicate their ideas.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The program’s learning objectives are as follows:

• To understand how clients, architects, engineers and builders worked together in the design and construction of the HSBC Arena.

• To understand the aesthetic and structural elements of the HSBC Arena and how those elements meet the needs of sports teams, musicians, performers, and event-goers.

• To learn visual communication skills that architects use to explain design ideas.

• To appreciate the design of HSBC Arena and understand how it shapes eventgoers experiences and is integral to vitality of the city.

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STUDENT DESIGN PROJECT Students will form design teams to design an entertainment venue that will showcase the talents of sports teams, concert performers, figure skaters, actors, magicians, circus performers, etc. The entertainment venue should be designed to be an exciting and memorable destination for event-goers.

Students will work in teams of three to develop a plan for an arena and construct a model to represent their ideas. The Institute will provide each design team with a 20� x 16� cardboard model base, a diagram of an arena bowl event floor, flexible corrugated strips for the walls of the arena bowl, and construction paper. In addition, each student will need scissors, and each team will need a black marker, ruler, magic tape, white glue, and a glue stick to construct the model elements.

See photographs of the Student Design Project on page 44.

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Table of Contents: Poems & Stories Alexander, Brandi Everlasting Peace, 119

Dahlke, Dina Lady Macbeth, 91

Luman, Christina Untitled, 72

Banks, Kendril Daddy, 68

Denecke, Joe Perfect Day, 112

McGee, Brazil Child’s Play, 86

Battle, Asia Untitled, 24 Untitled, 83

Eberhardt, Melany Grace, 25

Mitchell, Yvonne Teenage Mind, 16 It’s Love, 106

Blackwell, Kswana Meredith Untitled, 61 Blue, Catilin Japan, 14

Figueroa, Deliana Corrupted World, 80 My Final Goodbye, 87 His Necklace, 115

Brown, Ariana Tears, 71

Gardner, Noelle Brittney Fathers Song, 23 The Decision, 56 Hall, Asia My Story, 19

Brown, Brian My Journey So Far…, 54

Hollingsworth, Teshana Confused, 55

Buckley, Zena Pushed, 66 Signs up high for you, 74

Hybicki, Aliah Confessions of a High School Student, 117

Clark, A’Diamond Re-Written, 98 Memoirs of an Uncrowned Queen, 103

Jones, Erin Suicidal Tendencies, 85

Collier, Alejandro Stepping Stone, 28 Therapy, 31 One Heart-Shaped Balloon, 49 Concepcion, Zoraida The Love of a Mother, 22 Yet Another, 76 Curry, Dacarianna The Letter (Inspired by Joelle Rosso), 68 Untitled, 73 Yes (Signed an Angry Poet), 74

Jones, Tiffany D. Walking in Our Shoes, 94 Lance, Alexandra Horrible Day, 113 Lucas, Brittany Drowning in Nail Polish, 50 And you feared that tree branches were monsters at night clawing at your window, 88

Moore, Sumeka Forgotten Sorrow, 26 Nunez, Amber Breakaway, 57 Plaza, Destiny Poem, 97 Pompey, Mercedes Satisfied, 111 Ransom, Alisha Knocking on the Devil’s Door, 90 Richardson, Erika Scrambled, 67 Robbins, Alenah No Use for a Name, 118 Schwinger, Alyssa Please, 84 Simmons, Chris Misunderstood, 70 The Saint, 101 Smalls, Jordan Tate A Neighborhood Shouldn’t Determine Your Future, 19 Staples, Reneé A Question of Identity, 116

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Table of Contents: Poems & Stories Terrero, Christian 9th Grade, 32 Threet, Corey Compute Her System, 52 Snowglobe, 58 In Their Shoes, 77 Immature Maturity, 97 Trezevant, Donte In Pursuit, 21 Fire is His Hero, 78

Tsegaye, Dawit I am Love, 17 911 (From a Muslim Girl’s View), 79

Williams, Carlos Unknown Future, 93 Watch my Future, 95 Happiness, 98

Vargas, Khrissmyra Well…, 110

Wilson, Sierra Closed Eyes, 30 My Reality, 62

Vasquez, Brianna Unless You Were There, 64 Poker, 82

Young, Tiauna Sherman, 63 Dear Mr. Jackson, 107

Ward, Josh The Interview, 104

Table of Contents: Art Ayala, Clarissa Seasonal Confusions, 44

Davila, Carmen Byron Brown, 12

Ivey, Jaida What’s in a name, 34

Blue, Catlin Japan, 115

Fields, Tiffany 2010, 39 Untitled, 47

Lah, Sein My House, 14

Brinson, Lamond Eye of the Tiger, 25 Brown, Chelsey L..

Cars, 43 Carroll, Anthony Anthony, 93 Christian, Alexis Maralyn, 51 Cruz, Ray City Sky, 81 Dahlke, Dina Mardi Gras Mask, 91

Graham, Domenique Compass House “A Safe Place”, 38

Martin, Heather Winters Joy, 71

Gribbins, Niall Untitled, 108

Martin, Tommy Moon Light in the Summer Sky, 33 Asylum, 33

Grochowski, Mike Reaching for You, 47

Martinez, Jazmine Haiti Relief, 13

Hall, Daniel Lilly, 35

McCarter, Jordan Untitled, 105

Hunter, Stephant The Front, 62

McDaniel, Steve Butterfly Girl, 27 Penguin, 31 Joker, 85 Skeletons, 89

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McGee, Brazil Dog, 86 Swan, 106 Mingo, Savion Self Portrait, 45 Moo, Doh City on a Hill, 65 The Coast, 105 Osby, Maya Self Portrait, 48 Pena, Emilio Keys, 30 Pershyn, Dillon Faces, 40 Rai, Lalita Untitled, 120 Reyes, Anthony Lost in Stereo, 36

Reyes, Nohelys In the Sky, 57

Suliman, Abdullah Untitled, 35

Roche, Angel Untitled, 76 Untitled, 109

Tsegaye, Dawit Love Is…, 17 Hopeful Girl, 79

Rodriguez, Anemlie Symbolic Profile, 13

Turner, Joshua Twist Ties, 42

Sams, Brenda Shakira, 11

Valez, Jessica Winter Calm, 60

Schreiber, Kayle What!, 44

Whitt, Spencer Infected Legend, 10

Scott, Jermaine Untitled, 40

Williams, Carlos Arro in green, 95

Smalls, Jordan Tate The Preparation, 41 Work out of the House, 121 A Night Out Part 2, 19

Williams Jr., Frank It’s Just Me, 92 Willis, Jordan Aspiring Artist, 64

St. Surin, Michael Transformation, 10

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Transformation Michael St. Surin Bennett High School Grade 12

Infected Legend Spencer Whitt Leonardo da Vinci High School Grade 12

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Shakira Brenda Sams South Park High School Grade 9

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Byron Brown Carmen Davila Riverside High School Grade 11

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Symbolic Profile Anemlie Rodriguez Lafayette High School Grade 9

Haiti Relief Jazmine Martinez Lafayette High School Grade 9

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My House Sein Lah Burgard High School Grade 12

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Teenage Mind To get inside my head, It’s a scary place in there Where my thoughts come together, Where my fears are laid bare.

Where I’m most vulnerable, Where my weaknesses are betrayed, Where my thoughts turn to feelings, In my mind is where they stay.

It’s a place to escape reality, To think of the impossible, Where I’m not afraid to be myself, A place I’m most unstoppable.

But often I wonder…

Who I am and why I’m even here?

In this place of great wonder, These questions float inside my head And left unanswered and unclear.

Yvonne Mitchell Grade 12 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

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I am Love I am loved I am hated I confuse you I consume you I suck you in, chew you up, and spit you out.

Leave you stranded and lost, in a world of doubt.

You think you’ve lost your mind, but I grasp it.

Reaching for the common sense held by the inanimate You may or may not find me, and you will never see my lovely face.

Without I cupid’s arrows would go to waste.

I am Love Chaos at its best.

Flinging fiery arrows through fields penetrating chest.

Chelsey L. Brown Grade 10 McKinley High School

Love Is...

Dawit Tsegaye Burgard High School Grade 11

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My Story

My song

My story,

My life.

1 thing I can’t do twice, but 2nd on my list of priorities 3 years in high schools, but

4 years since I’ve lived in Buffalo 5 years since my grandmother’s death

5 years trying to heal from it 4 thousand too many tears shed.

3 plus dreams lost 2 many family members lost

1 confused child left behind

I am lost

Nowhere to go

Zero options left in life.

What to do?

Asia Hall Grade 12 East High School

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A Neighborhood Shouldn’t Determine Your Future

I don’t live in the fanciest of houses, and I don’t wake up with the newspaper on my lawn, waving hello to the next door neighbor. Things are not as easy and simple on my block as they may be in suburban communities.

There are multiple empty lots and numerous abandoned buildings. A visitor’s eyes can’t help but wander around looking at the young adolescent boys adding their latest gang sign on boarded windows. It’s hard to sleep at night between the gunshots and police sirens. Unbeknownst to whom it is, whether they were deserving or not. After so many assassins, you kind of stop caring. Life is no longer appreciated.

Trying to make it out is easier said than done.

So much weight on my shoulders, don’t want to let down my friends, my family, myself. But with so much around, you try so hard not to get pulled in. I refuse to give up the fight.

A neighborhood shouldn’t determine your future, because doesn’t determine mine.

A Night Out Part 2 Jordan Tate Smalls Burgard High School Grade 12

Simone Solomon Grade 12 East High School

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Triflin’ Prt. 1 He sits on his bed Waiting Watching out for his entourage As his radio signals fled And he’s lying Plays dead Like a belly unfed His pain pushes up to his eyes Forcing them to leak His tolerance reached its peak He knew she was a creep But She promised to give herself to him He knew their future was dim But it was her who was in sin That night when his radio died As he laid there and cried She moaned and cried An exhale of relief It was all that brief This pleasure she urgently gained Caused her man pain Because he didn’t know The strength he showed In the woman he loved Was the one who caused Her satisfaction She gained in vain With fear in his heart And anger in his brain He searched her address book Name by name Saw a man he never heard of And his number he didn’t recognize So his frustration grows in size So the gas peddle he pressed And he followed the address… ….to be continued Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World 20

Donte Trezevant Grade 12 East High School

In Pursuit The past, A discordant and melodious symphony Losing track, trying to recall what should last In truth, trying to remember my ties, all I do is think of you A present filled with “whatcha’ calls” and “what’s his names”?

All from the tongue that tuned me into my beginning, my base The pursuit and longing that I feel, Unmasked in the journey of self In the presence of what I’ve become, I’m losing my family, the people who made me strong.

If you would only look me in the eyes, the ones of the typical German girl, The eyes of a mutt, I’m still your little girl, The one you raised and helped to grow I am an inked wild flower, Parts of me blotted out Interesting to look at, yet not liable for feeling Run your fingers along my imperfections, Feel where I’ve cracked, where my foliage has dried out, A part of my beauty lost, what has made me beautiful, is broken, cracked, like the petals of my flower I know that this is me, but not all of me.

Put me in a group and I will stand alone Stick me by myself; you will see how strong I can grow Rachel Smail Grade 10 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

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The Love of a Mother So much time gone by, I can’t believe I’m still crying So many years gone by, I can’t believe I’m still trying…

To make myself believe that I’m fine, knowing I’m not Wondering if it’s a coincidence that circumstances brought me to this same spot A spot where only three years prior, I sat here, distraught.

Having dreams of my mother dressed in all white Repeating the phrase “forget me not” Never would’ve thought that she’d be gone so fast Trying to search for answers to questions unspoken Trying to find excuses for the past Looking for strength in the midst of sorrow People trying to get close to help But I push them away, isolated A mood so dark, yet outside it’s bright as day Forever will my inner being be shaded gray She practically died in my arms I could’ve sworn I could feel her slowly slip away It was just a battle that she couldn’t win My reflection, a constant reminder of the fact that she’s no longer here That I lost the one and only person who I have ever held dear Could’ve sworn that, in her last moments, our hearts beat in time with one another We still share that bond, even if she’s in one world and I am in another I show no fear but that’s just a mask to cover so many insecurities, feeling like darkness follows me But she’s still here with me, like a good mother should be When I look in the mirror, I don’t always see me. She will never forsake me, like my steady beating heart And this bond will never end; not even when my life does.

Zoraida Concepcion Grade 12 Riverside Institute of Technology

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Fathers Song Father, come back to me For I have too long been without you.

So young when you were taken away Father, come back to me Come back to me so I can feel your strength, learn your knowledge, and drink your love so it can flow through me.

Father, come back to me Searching my mind for a memory of us but none come to mind.

Father, come back to me so I can learn the culture of what is mine.

Father, come back to me so I can see how you look and compare our features I want to see if I am anything like you.

Father, come back to me I no longer want to wonder if we shall ever meet again, so I shall call out to you Father, before life reaches an end.

Father, come back to me so together our lives can begin.

Noelle Brittney Gardner Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Untitled I held out hope for you, My light burned incandescently for you.

For the longest, You were the strongest In my heart.

From the startThe moment I met you I thought it would be forever, and ever, but to have you sever those ties and deny me, hurt.

Never have I felt a pain so deep.

Never have I felt so empty.

In my entire life.

I held out hope for you.

Hear me form these lines.

My light burned incandescently for you.

For the longest You were the strongest in my heart.

Feelings change, and I can’t hold out hope for you and I. If this is what you wanted it to be, Deny me.

And I’ll deny you.

Asia Battle Grade 11 Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

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Grace I’ve been through so much, So many struggles, So many losses, So much pain.

Too many times Have I fallen, Then had to pick myself up, With no one there to help.

All these things, You can’t even relate to.

How many pills?

How many scars?

How many bruises?

How many tears?

I’ve done it all, And still I’m standing tall.

By the grace of God, I’m here.

I’m living.

That’s how I know, I was put here for a purpose By the grace of God, I’m here.

I’m living.

That’s how I know, I was put here for a purpose I’m not sure what it is yet, But I have a good idea, It’s to help those who feel like me.

Too many for you to count, Too many for me to remember.

And every time I think about it, I get sick to my stomach.

Yeah, I could be worse, But I’m not, because I’m strong…

I’ve weathered the storm, All by myself.

I’ve crossed the ocean, With no one else.

Eye of the Tiger Lamond Brinson Bennett High School Grade 10

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Melany Eberhardt Grade 12 City Honors high school

Forgotten Sorrow The tears stream from her eyes, Full of sorrow and despair, Memories of her life when it was free of care, The tears, full of pain Releasing all of the sadness The wetness of her pillow, As she falls into deep sleep

She awakens, forgetting what the tears were for.

Sumeka Moore Grade 11 East High School

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Butterfly Girl Steven McDaniel McKinley High School Grade 9

Stepping Stone There are so many wrong answers To these hard to know questions All I want is an answer To my unsolved question Like why I went through these horrid things That changed my life forever It took me some time to Get my life together Who are my true friends ‘cause I’m so confused What am I supposed to do Rib, grab, or choose?

When are things going to be better?

‘Cause life never changes Where am I supposed to go When things rearrange?

How am I supposed to take it when things go wrong?

Why is the majority of me a slow and sad song?

I never knew what killed my mother She suffered so much depression My dad was an addict who left in full aggression I do not know how a beautiful marriage Could lead to an ugly divorce From there it is an empty harmony From a bass only chorus I’ve slept outside in parking lots Used mom’s arm for cover Then abandoned by everyone Just me and my big brother

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Grandmother played favoritism And took in all my cousins And left us in a foster home in a house of a dozen It took me a while, 11 years To get in school and finally prevail But just like my past years Except my education failed I was a laughing stock to all my friends They used me as a joke That’s why I was always to myself And never ever spoke As things progressed over these years 1/1/06 brought back the tears My father was pronounced dead His music mentality was brought to my head Now those tears are tears of joy Of all my past years No more fears of past years On to other careers I use my life as a stepping stone To show me the way You will hear of Alejandro Collier Tomorrow if not today

Alejandro Collier Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Closed Eyes People walk around With closed eyes Not aware Of who they are or Where their future lies They walk around in a daze Drunk off lies in a never Ending maze Too afraid to open their eyes For fear of what they Might see Not knowing who they are Or what they appear to be So they close their eyes And choose to be blind Afraid of what they’ll see

Not knowing what they’ll find So they stay a puppet Being pulled by strings Walking in a circle not thinking A thing The puppet master choosing What’s what Is feeding people lies to Keep their eyes shut Sits in his castle On top of the hill Blinding our people And thieving our free will Sierra Wilson Grade 11 McKinley High School

Keys Emilio Pena Bennett High School Grade 10

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Therapy Our love comes in one guarantee What happens to you happens to me When you’re stressed and you need therapy Don’t hesitate to think of me Let’s set up a private session A tempted, tender, feeling, affection The art of your beauty is so explicit So out spoken, so legit Your heart is cold my hands can tell you These gentle hands can never fail you Be my hands and return the lust If I were to fall can I count your trust Be my mind Be my cry Be my eyes if I am blind Be my voice if I can’t speak Be my sense if I can’t think Make me believe your love is magic I want to feel a shock a kiss of static A touch, a feel A heart of steel No one can break A heart at will My body’s in pain can’t you see I need your love and therapy Alejandro Collier Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Penguin Steven McDaniel McKinley High School Grade 9

9th Grade I thrive like a contender, Facing everyday challenges: Teachers, students, and work.

I am a doll emotionless.

It protects me From the badness of people.

I am like a memory cardYou need to add information, But as you add, it gets full.

You need to delete.

I am like a rock You can’t break me Unless you turn me into glass.

Christian Terrero Grade 9 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

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Moon Light in the Summer Sky Tommy Martin McKinley High School Grade 11

Asylum Tommy Martin Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World McKinley High School Grade 11 33

What’s in a name Jaida Ivey Riverside Institute of Technology Grade 10

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Untitled Abdullah Suliman Riverside Institute of Technology Grade 10

Lilly Danielle Hall Leonardo da Vinci High School Grade 9

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Lost in Stereo Anthony Reyes Leonardo Da Vinci High School Grade 11

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Compass House “A Safe Place” Domenique Graham Burgard High School Grade 10

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2010 Tiffany Fields East High School Grade 10

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Faces Dillon Pershyn City Honors High School Grade 11

Untitled Jermaine Scott Bennett High School Grade 11

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The Preparation Jordan Tate Smalls Burgard High School Grade 12

Twist Ties Joshua Turner McKinley High School Grade 11

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Cars Chelsey L. Brown McKinley High School Grade 10

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Seasonal Confusions Clarissa Ayala Riverside Institute of Technology Grade 10

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What!

Kayle Schreiber McKinley High School Grade 11

Self Portrait Savion Mingo Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts Grade 11

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A work in progress. Students at Cleveland Hill Middle School creating an Arena Model as part of the Arts In Education Institute’s Architecture Unit of Study - “HSBC Area-Let’s Go Buffalo!”

A work in progress. Students at Cleveland Hill Middle School creating an Arena Model as part of the Arts In Education Institute’s Architecture Unit of Study - “HSBC Area-Let’s Go Buffalo!”

A completed Arena Model created by students at Northtowns Academy as part of the Arts In Education Institute’s Architecture Unit of Study - “HSBC Area-Let’s Go Buffalo!”

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Reaching for You Mike Grochowski City honors High School Grade 11

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Untitled Tiffany Fields East High School Grade

Self Portrait Maya Osby Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts Grade 11

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One Heart-Shaped Balloon Emotional day, black and white Tears and sniffs, of an endless night Crushed hearts of saying goodbye It’s hard to say I’ll miss that guy As they let go and watch it leave One heart shaped balloon Gets caught in a tree It made us believe that he was around Without a sight but with clues and sounds Winds and breeze, hurricane seasons It was coming fast as we were leaving Things get depressing to the memorial and weather But it was just that, which brought us together But it was the winds that ruined the day As the breeze snatched the balloon and took It away But all I could do was think of the pain Of that innocent balloon in the demanding hurricane I can’t believe we were leaving soon But when we take off I’m in search of that balloon Bags packed, on our way, and ready to go Away from the beaches, and back to the snow Heart in my hand, fear in breath Of boarding a plane in this hurricane I can’t find myself The winds roaring and the rains pouring The skies whitening from the lightening storms I felt an urge, an overwhelming surge That caught my attention of a joyful verge Hands pointing, crying tears Family staring with no more fears I turn my head and look towards the ceiling I squinted my eye and felt this feeling Wow is it me or is this deep?

I’ve seen a lot of things but this is to keep I finally see what they see too!

It was a heart shaped balloon saying I love you Now I see I’m not alone…

That the balloon was my dad’s spirit That will carry me home Alejandro Collier Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Drowning in Nail Polish Drowning in Nail Polish Females belong in the Kitchen!

“Screw you” “You’d like that

No, you wouldn’t” “You’re right” Because if these words could mean anything, I would want them to mean fresh air.

You said you wanted change.

Well, the moth’s wings are beating frantically against the back of your rib cage and the cocoon it sprung from could serve as a replacement for the lung that your nicotine addition disintegrated.

You said you wanted change.

Listen, with all this abuse, your heart will surely reject you Like a bad surface piercing.

Like heroin shot up through shared needles Like everything else around you.

Bruised eyes suit you well.

Honestly, I wouldn’t mind being the dirt under your fingernails.

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When you trip too far, I’d like a front-row seat to you clawing out your eyes.

And maybe you kept me like a marionette wrapped around you hangman’s knots because change is my pocketful of larva and butterflies and my mouthful of stale air.

Maralyn Alexis Christian Bennett High School Grade 10

Brittany Lucas Grade 12 Hutchinson Central Technical High School

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Compute Her System She wanted someone real who could synchronize with her accessibility Her body was her temple and her new man wanted to browse her tower She looked to him as a hot male but knew he wanted to yahoo then escape But in his words of soft wear he wanted to get in her net and explore her His main goal was to serve her and be her client But she felt he was going too fast and she wanted to backspace and shift and alter his direction He saw so many windows of opportunities but just couldn’t get online In her mind she liked him but she didn’t want a quick time player that raged onto her like a fire fox He had so many things to confess in her And the only way for him was to use his yahoo at his messenger Still in her mind she knew he played hearts but now he was a mind sweeper Steadily paintin’ this design and starting to make her moral climb steeper Her friends told her not to deal with him for he was a real player And once he’s finished with her free cell he’d leave her in solitaire and never play her He needed to keep tabs on her but his keys wouldn’t insert in her home And it wasn’t that he wanted control he just didn’t want to have too much space She didn’t want to pause or break but she began takin her

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friends’ words into consideration So soon she took the micro soft words from the Mac and told him to search for more She couldn’t stoop to the level and leave her name in his file Or insert a bookmark so he can return anytime because once it’s done she can’t undo her changes She did however love his word art but told him to change styles If you want to save your relationship with me and open a new file He felt that it was a strikethrough his heart and made a bold statement And told her she’d have to find someone to replace him because he wasn’t changing cases Figuring it he cut out the nice guy act and paste in the firm man She’d put her words to a close and minimize her stand against him She knew that he belonged in a quick access tool bar but she wasn’t the one Waiting nervously about when she’d edit her words But she had to manage her own and put an end to his task The relationship was over because she took pride in her tower And this time her friends didn’t have to console her because she soon found a new Operatin system Corey Threet Grade 11 East High School

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My Journey So Far… My drive for staying is fading Contemplating How much longer should I be waiting?

Trying to claim this world and the Dream among the stars Traveled so far but it’s Not enough Not enough motivation Among the vegetation Fighting my way out Growing as they do The thought I could just start flying Not thinking it all through ‘Till the weight of leadership Crashed into Reality So much is expected of me I doubt myself repeatedly So here I stay on the ground Mind racing mile after mile Afraid that I might collide with this ground Shattering to pieces of failure to many The higher the flight the harder you fall No one to call on Just stares and anger upon my impact, my implosion Disappointment’s explosion We never accomplish if we fear But if I can say this then why am I just standing here?

My journey continues…

Brian Brown Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Confused Here I sit with many emotions surrounding me I try to stand and face this confusion But I have to sit back down Thoughts and feelings pilling up Building this wall in my mind Being mentally weak doesn’t make it any better Trying to gather strength to knock this Wall down, cause’s frustrations Where have I led myself?

It feels as if I have come to a dead end And now I have to figure witch way to turn Love, pain, sadness and confusion…how am I feeling?

All these emotions at once – me trying to be free Has caused me to be confused Because of the situation I put myself in I can no longer hide from my thoughts, my feelings It’s eating me and I can’t take this How do I choose witch way to turn?

Fighting these tears coming down has me feeling blindsided Straining my eyes from shedding these fears of love, pain, sadness, and confusion My head is spinning, I feel like I’m slowly bursting instead of instantly…

Confused Teshana Hollingsworth Grade 11 Burgard High School

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The Decision Your friends pressure you to do it Even though you don’t know how But you do it anyway To fit in with the crowd You know its stupid You know its wrong But they told u if u do it Then you could come along Come along to the party With the popular girls and jock guys to have fun But little did you know Your life was almost done Why did you take that weed??

You put your hand over your chest Because now you can hardly breath Riding in the back of the car going to the party Unsuspecting and unknowing your hardship had just started You begin to get woozy and now your lightheaded Your thinking in your mind You can’t go on without it You look at the driver and he’s high on cloud 9 You turn back around and start to change your mind You don’t want to party you just want to be safe Then the horns blare and he slams his foot on the brake I’m the only person that died that night Because of my decision I’m walking towards the light But don’t worry mom I’m still here No more tears, wipe your eyes and conquer your fears Walk the aisle to my coffin and gently kiss my cheek Write on my grave “Always So Sweet.”

So stand to your feet and feel my love Then look in the sky because I’m smiling above Noelle Brittney Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Breakaway I can be as secluded as a turtle when brought upon something new.

to submerge from the isolated shell, break free and let loose.

At times, I want to crawl into my shell and hide.

I become as excited as a butterfly flying.

All that was once felt of sorrow is locked away in a shell and something new is released.

The want to explore overcomes all lonesome feelings, bursts through like fireworks

Amber Nunez Grade 9 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

In the Sky Nohelys Reyes Leonardo De Vinci High School Grade 9

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Snowglobe On the shelf I sat put on retail for a dollar. We knew because our neighbors were sold and told us how much we cost. I live in a land of constant cold, and snow is triggered at a simple shaking of the Gods. None of the people go to school because by law it is too risky to send young ones in an area without a legal guardian. So instead we are in our own homes.

Excuse me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Glacier Snow and I live in a world formed like a dome. On the top outside is written words that look like (KROY WEN). Soon we learned that it was read backwards and actually said New York. So we call that our world.

Not too long ago we were sold two Colombian Gods and shipped to their land in Ohio for their mother. The whole way there it snowed, so workers had an off day.

Though we may seem insignificant to some, we are an advantaged species with very limited resources. We sort of have or shall I say had a pleasant view of the outside and the discussions and conversing between the Gods. It was dark but we were released from our isolation when a Goddess with Snow white hair and jagged teeth opened our packaging.

She sat us in a shelf next to other Globes. Some were reading Canada, China, Finland, etc. We immediately prepared for communication between ourselves and the other globes. We were sat next to New Jersey and Missouri. The Goddess looked very excited when she began opening an envelope with red, white, and blue stickers on it. She read it aloud saying, “Dear Mom we are in New York and we’re sending you this snow globe that we’ve found. We know how you love them and we wanted to show you how much we love you. Kate and Alex.

P.S. If you pay attention to the snow and shake the globe that’s literally how it looks here.” She gave us a good shake then Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World 58

sat us back down. She grabbed an almanac studied it for a moment then propped us in between Boston and Philadelphia.

We had great height and visual of the whole room.

We began communicating with our neighbors and set up alliances with our neighboring globes. Sometimes her children, I guess, would stop in and they’d feast and party. We actually enjoyed the amusement and atmosphere so much that we’d even party. On certain days she’d put up different Globes.

One had a fat guy named Claüse and the other had a big pink bunny named Easter.

Oh I forgot to mention her dog Fluffles. They love each other; they even had some unspeakable practices that they did. Now on one unusual day, we were sitting there watching Mary Ann’s TV; that’s her name. It was a snow with about four ladies called “The Vow” or “The View” or something like that.

Anyways she always watched it. So the door buzzes and she lets some guy in. He had a jumpsuit with a big box. He had a tag on his shirt that said Harry. Harry looked scary and afraid of him I was very. He was a fat white guy with dirty blonde hair. He had an earring in his left ear and a tattoo on his neck that said Viper. So they walked into the unviewable room and Mary Ann came running out butt naked screaming help.

Harry in after her then began doing some very inappropriate acts to her. He hit her, as she cried then smothered her face with a pillow. Fluffles screamed and screamed until the man eventually started stabbing him with a large sharp icicle looking thing called a knife. Harry grabbed some of her things then fled.

For days on end the phone rang and the door continued to buzz. The house began to reek with the stench if the dead carcass. Finally one day the door buzzed until it finally opened. The two Gods walked through the door and were flabbergasted by the smell of the dead corpse lying on the Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World 59

dark blue carpet. The woman, Kate, screamed hysterically as Alex soaking in tears tried to console her. For hours they cried until they informed the authorities. Days went by and all of us knew what had happened. The police told that they’d continue the investigation. They said quote “It is a very unfortunate circumstance and we don’t have any witnesses.” The funeral arrangements were prepared and on that week they went to the funeral and returned hours later. The two entered the house and grabbed a picture of Mary Ann. They wept over it a short while then as Kate was placing the picture in its frame.

She rubbed our Globe and said, “If only the Snowglobes had people that could talk.”

Corey Threet Grade 11 East High School

Winter Calm Jessica Valez Lafayette High School Grade 11

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Untitled I’m not mad at you I did this to myself I knew this whole “Love” thing was bad for my health shouldn’t have fallen so hard shouldn’t have been so naïve knowing that you can’t give me what I need promised myself I wouldn’t do it so in all actuality I made myself cry stuck here loving you and I don’t know why Got countless reasons to leave yet not one good one to stay yet my heart won’t let me leave this way If I quit I lose my baby and my friend but if I stay I lose my sanity you didn’t make me so I can’t let you break me yet I let you take things out on me things I have nothing to do with And love must not conquer all because my mind has love in a deathgripchokeholdgaspingforair in my vacuum sealed heart We were doomed from the start but we kept going now it feels like it’s gonna end and I can’t lie, I don’t want us to I want you I want love I want us I want all the things I know I’ll never be able to have…

Kswana Meredith Blackwell Grade 12 Bennett High School

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My Reality I close my eyes to Escape my reality Seeing all that goes down In these streets it’s a tragedy I walk down the street and see ol’ heads getting high walk pass all the abandoned buildings and put my head down with a sigh I feel bad, but you will NEVER see me cry Cuz cryin’ is for b!#*%es (even though that’s a lie) I close my eyes and I just Try to inhale, but its hard to inhale In hell so I exhale out comes a big ass cloud of smoke so every time I inhale I just start to choke.

Sierra Wilson Grade 11 McKinley High School

The Front Stephant Hunter East High School Grade 10

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Sherman Where were you When I graduated from 2nd grade?

Where were you When I graduated from 8th?

Will you be there when I graduate from 12th?

Well June 24th is the date.

I would love to send you an invitation, But I don’t even know where you stay.

I want you to come home sober, So every night I pray.

You come around from time to time, Making promises you could never keep, Alcohol or family?

How could you trade us for a drink?

A wife, Seven kids And one grandson, I believed in you, But now my hope is gone.

How can you call yourself a father?

When you barely been a dad?

You missed half of my life And I find that pretty sad.

You were supposed to be my role model, My hero, And my friend, But now you’re just Sherman, When a father you should have been!!!

Tiauna Young Grade 12 East High School

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Unless You were There What’s wrong with me?

Do you have to stare?

The marks are there for a reason A reason you wouldn’t know unless you were there Did you feel my pain or see me cry?

Did you know I gave up and turned a promise into a lie?

Can you tell me what I’ve been through?

Can you share my fears?

Did you change too? If so you were probably there Do you remember what I was before?

Before the marks appeared and the thoughts emerged?

Well that’s not me anymore, I’m completely submerged.

Surrounded by darkness, this was my fear You wouldn’t know what it’s like Unless you were there Brianna Vasquez Grade 11 Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

Untitled Caitlin Hoffman Riverside Institute of Technology Grade 10

Aspiring Artist Jordan Willis City Honors High School Grade 12

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City on a Hill Doh Moo Burgard High School Grade 9

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Pushed I’m sorry honey, but you’re addicted just like the rest of us.

There’s no difference between you and the regulars at the bar.

When your telephone rings, you know what’s on the other end of that line.

You know how bad you want it.

It’s no good for your health.

Forget about pride.

Some of us larger beings, and those like mice, pain is going to find them. and follows the appropriate device.

Hope? or Cope?

It’s all up to you.

You know how bad you think you need it.

You can live off your heart beating like it used to.

It gets you high. It gets you where you need.

Pick up that phone girl. I know you’re jonesin’.

It’s going to ring the same way, everytime.

Just as loud and sharp like a knife against your conscience.

The voices in your head have nothing to do with it.

Nor do the demons in the darkest most secluded part of your soul.

It’s just you and that telephone.

That ringing telephone.

Will picking it up make things any better, right now?

Right now.

Zena Buckley Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Scrambled I always wished something would happen to me ever since I was little, It hasn’t yet.

I get sick of the deep heart-to-heart poems sometimes too, But this one’s no different.

If one person was just like me I think I would her?

Because at times I hate what I see when I look in the mirror.

I feel like no one was ever loyal to me, Even after I’ve bent over backwards and got taken advantage of plenty of times.

My life has more than enough pot holes, speed bumps, and detours.

When I look back from where I’ve come from it was pretty hectic.

So she left me at 3 days old, came around for every birthday and every blue moon.

Thanks for nothing or should I say thanks for that extra dollar every yearyou don’t deserve the name mother.

I love him and he loves me back!

Father for 14 years and still going strong, never showed weakness or doubt.

Hi knife meet fork, fork meet scissors, scissors meet hands.

When it came down to the wire, death never came.

I’ve been through the volcano and back and always past the reaper outside the gates of hell.

Waiting for heaven now living day by day, been stopped planning my future.

Lightning scares me while the dark kills me, night light on 24/7!

School is supposed to be the family stress free place, But never stress free anywhere except scrambled in poetry.

Erika Richardson Grade 9 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Daddy Where were you when you abandoned me?

Where were you when everything fell apart?

Where were you when we had no food on the table?

Where were you when we needed money to pay bills?

Where were you when we had nowhere to go?

Where were you I put those scars on my arm?

Where were you when I needed someone to talk to?

Where were you when I almost ended my life more than a hundred times?

All I needed was a father’s love…where were you?

By Kendril Banks Grade 11 Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

The Letter

(inspired by Joelle Rosso) See I have this dream, And I’d hate to admit it Because I know it seems mean, But you’re just not in it.

It’s the truth that I’ve fought with For longer than you know, But it’s a reality that didn’t fit And so, You had to go.

It’s been eighteen years And every dream came true, I couldn’t allow my path to success

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To be hindered By you.

He doesn’t know it either Because I hid from him too, So he has no idea What I had to do to you.

I could write a list of grievances But that there would be meaningless.

Because I had other options The avenue of adoption, Some would call it selfish But criticism isn’t helping.

So think what you want And Call me what you may, But it was my decision And That baby couldn’t stay.

So with all that said I regret it daily And here I present to you a letter from a messed up mother, To her baby.

Dacarianna Curry Grade 12 Leonardo Da Vinci

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Misunderstood People stereotype me all the time. Honestly people stereotype me to be gay, just because I don’t sag my pants. Or I’m not the typical boy in school, so that makes me gay. Let’s think about this for a second. Just because I don’t act like you, dress like you, talk like you, or think like you, how does that mean I like other men? Exactly. It’s not even everybody that stereotypes me. It’s mainly the kids of East High. They are so damn rude; that that’s the first thing they see when they look at someone who is different. It’s so sad that they even judge me by the music I listen to. They call it “white people” music. I don’t find what they listen to appealing. Why do they have to listen to “gangsta rap”? Why do you try to control the music I listen to? The fact that my character and personality is being judged by the music I listen is a stereotype in itself. You can’t judge a book by its cover. A book with the cover of a grain of rice could be the best book in the world. Stereotyping is like assuming what you want to hear, hoping for better or worse. Bottom line stereotyping can’t always end well.

Chris Simmons Grade 11 East High School

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Tears Tears from the broken girl who is scared of her fears as it waits in the corner for her, Letting the tears fall from the insults from her classmates The stares she gets from her family, Telling her she’s not normal.

Letting more tears fall hoping it will drown her troubles of life, But she holds it all in and puts on a smile, Ignoring the tears and holding back the screams.

Ariana Brown Grade 11 East High School

Winters Joy Heather Martin Riverside High School Grade 12

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Untitled You see the pain that lies in her eyes, But alas, her eyes are dry, She won’t cry.

No, she won’t cry.

You see the anger that burns from her gaze, The madness that sets her eyes ablaze, She won’t cry.

No, she won’t cry.

You see the fear that closes her eyes, The smile she wears is but a disguise, She won’t cry.

No, she won’t cry.

You see the hope that is finally dead, She cannot trust for her heart has been bled.

She won’t cry.

No, she won’t cry.

You see the love that lies within, But she shall never love again She won’t cry.

No, she won’t cry.

You see death’s hand that has glazed her eyes, No one saw her die inside They won’t cry.

No, they won’t cry.

Christina Luman Grade 12 East High School

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Untitled Slipping into depression Cutting’s become my obsession Can’t stand to live with myself until I’ve made this confession I’m not yet ready For the world to know.

That I’m a statistical cutter And’ve managed to sink so low I guess I should mention I occasionally binge The thought of pushing 200 lbs.

Really makes me cringe I fear my surroundings I feel my heart pounding Actions astounding Afraid of rebounding In the end I’m sort of sounding crazy But in reality. It saves me.

Dacarianna Curry Grade 12 Leonardo Da Vinci

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Yes (Signed an Angry Poet) Was told that everything I touch becomes worthless So I asked God if I could be breathless He must didn’t get the message Cus I’m still here fighting the battle of the sexes Existence within me, serves no purpose Life, not deserving Death, certainly earned it Last breath, I’m yearning Dacarianna Curry Grade 12 Leonardo Da Vinci

Signs up high for you No matter how far you’ve come from what you thought, People will always remember the things you’ve said and everything you’ve put in your mouth.

And how far we’ve come from habits and activities, They’re going to know it was you with me, those days mentioned.

Looking back on it, even I knew it was me with you.

I never was embarrassed.

Let alone surprised.

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And even though I walk the streets myself.

There will always be someone in front of me, or behind me.

But I don’t see you anywhere near.

In the basements at midnight.

The alleyways at sundown.

The Corner Store.

I never see you anymore.

You die or somethin’?

You faded away so fast, I didn’t get a chance to mourn.

So I’ll pretend for a second.

This is your funeral.

And I’m closing this eulogy off with, Who my friends were, and who they are now.

The existing die once, the questionable remain phantom youth.

I’m going to let a little liquid flow to the ground.

Not because you’re underneath it.

Just because we use to stand upon it, sometimes sit. for hours on end Zena Buckley Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Yet Another Yet another life ended A life not innocent And yet innocent tears are shed Yet another dead Killed over miniscule reasons Yet another child to grow up without a father to guide them Another person to get lost to the streets Yet another funeral date to keep Yet another life taken-maybe life’s not so sweet Yet another being who won’t get to see another day Or see their child grow Yet another who won’t be here tomorrow A promise of death granted early by cause of another Yet another sidewalk to be swept clean of blood and bullets When will it end?

Probably never-humans killing humans But as they say ‘We’re all birds of a feather’ We all have our friends but we die together.

Zoraida Concepcion Grade 12 River Side Institute of Technology

Untitled Angel Roche High School Grade

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In Their Shoes Size eleven and a half on the left And slightly a size 12 on the right…

But I never thought I’d fit into a six again I grew the foot of a woman, and walked in her shoe Even as a youngster I never felt shoes like these though, Very narrow and small, Maybe it was because I’ve once fit into the shoe of a man I couldn’t believe how uncomfortable it was How it felt, I almost cried from the way my toes were bunched, High heels too, so I couldn’t run, couldn’t excel my speed I could only go a slower than normal pace The way my heels treated me, what it did to me They were supposed to make me feel beautiful, But instead they broke and twisted my ankle, I can just barely walk on my own, But I don’t think I’m ready for any new shoes They hurt me once, why buy new ones that’ll only do the same thing The bandages tried to help my foot recuperate But they weren’t enough; I needed to be able to walk outside, As much as they hurt I contemplate on wearing them again, Maybe if I try and paste them together again, They’ll work better and last longer than the last time I used to wonder why women complained about their shoes, But that’s only until I walked in them myself.

Corey Threet Grade 11 East High School

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Fire is His Hero I’m speaking to the world you better listen Eyes looking to heaven they better glisten Like the boy who spilled Pizzen He missin’ The objective that God laid out He was living in a drought But he calls it a recession Smoke blown to the heavens As he deals with his problems The weed is his inspiration The fire is his hero As he kept up Moms said he would be a Zero He’d rather be a 5 No I meant a 10 The girl called him 6 Think what that did to him They teased him it please him to a certain extent He loved the haters But anger reached 110 His listens to his heart beat from the chronic His heart beat faster Racing like sonic He falls in the same street he ran His head hit the can Never knew if that was the plan To faint after the shots 3 minutes after they were popped From the wrong young man That’s not what he had in store And now that boy don’t live no more Donte Trezevant Grade 12 East High School

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911 (From a Muslim Girl ’s View) 911 not only made the headline news It left a lot of people bruised It made a lot of people confused

People don’t know what Islam is really about We encourage peace, but this event lead to doubt

As a Muslim American, am I fighting the war?

People look at me to place the blame For their lives that are torn

I was in shock and awe just like you But because I’m a Muslim American People think I knew

I learned to let go of all (of) the anger inside (of) me Because I know that I could never accomplish What society wants me to be

Those terrorists didn’t care about the lives of you and I Most Muslims, afraid to speak out But It is my deem not to be shy

This is an issue that needs to be discussed But you and I can’t make it better without any trust

What about the innocent ones?

Now is it fair to them?

I keep hearing that things will get better, I’m waiting…

When?

Dacarianna Curry Grade 12 Leonardo Da Vinci

Hopeful Girl Dawit Tsegaye Burgard High School Grade 11

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Corrupted World Fear, Sorrow, Careless in this world Cold, Never warm.

Knowledge but thoughtless, I wonder off I look at what is right and what is wrong I sense what people feel, I see, I hear, I face.

This world that we live in shows no faith No courage No strength This world is so weak.

The people who are careless, The screams, The cry, They show no fear, They say we have knowledge, But the knowledge is used towards bad, Even religious matters go wrong, We show no sympathy, The world could soon come to an end, Soon we would all go crazy, Trying to get what we want, Trying to stay strong, We would hunger for the wrongs, We would kill for no rights,

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Those who are religious would hide and wait, And those who don’t believe would drown in hate.

People would be savages, Killing, The world every day, It’s sad to say, That earth, Will become a corrupt world.

Deliana Figueroa Grade 10 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

City Sky Ray Cruz East High School Grade 12

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Poker Darkness follows in shallow minds No one even happy down inside The world makes us change to fit the mold But I’m done trying, I choose to fold You think you know when you’ve got it all But the truth is you better be ready to fall You can’t be perfect so it’s your call You fight a losing battle or you stand tall and stay strong Leave the darkness in the past Walk away and deal a new hand Brianna Vasquez Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Untitled I held out hope for you, My light burned incandescently for you.

For the longest, You were the strongest In my heart.

From the startThe moment I met you I thought it would be forever, and ever, but to have you sever those ties hurt.

Never have I felt a pain deep.

Never have I felt so empty.

In my entire life.

I held out hope for you.

Hear me form these lines.

My light burned incandescently for you.

For the longest You were the strongest in my heart.

Feelings change, Deny me.

And I’ll deny you.

By Asia Battle Grade 11 Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

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Please Tears are made to cry You said it would be the last time We thought you would, but you didn’t try Now your moneys all spent, down to the last dime One night you were drinking beer Next thing you know, you’re in an ambulance When I saw I was in tears You were massively bleeding I wish it would stop This I am pleading Instead of drinking beer, could you maybe drink pop?

So now I am on my knees Saying…..Please Alyssa Schwinger Grade 8 School #81

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Joker Steven McDaniel McKinley High School Grade 9

Suicidal Tendencies You keep telling me you wanna kill yourself And I’ve tried everything I could think of to get you not to I’m so worried one day you won’t show up I want you to see how important you are I want you to see what I see in you I want you to trust these words Cause I’m not the only one who cares You’re much more than you think you are Erin Jones Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts

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Child’s play Child’s play led to panic, fear, and pain on that day.

I scream but am unable to speak in the immense pain I endure. Rushed to fix my clipped wing, I feel unconscious Told that I cannot use the broken limb properly any more. I pushed and healed. Now here I am, my mind and body scarred from the memory where my child’s play led.

Carmelo Gangarossa Leonardo Da Vinci High School Grade 9

Dog Brazil McGee McKinley High School Grade 11

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My Final Goodbye As time passes by, we grow older and older until that specific day comes when we all have to say goodbye. I gave this world all that I was made for and in return it failed. Now I am off to a better place, somewhere different, somewhere where I am alive. Throughout the past years, I listen to the sirens, screaming kids, and political interests. But I have to retire from all of that. As I sit here in my death bed I can explain to you what I felt, but it seems like you know what had happened. My heart had completely fallen, but for life, for this world, I would die for love and peace. Let this message keep you all alive as this is my final goodbye.

Deliana Figueroa Grade 10 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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And You Feared That Tree Branches Were

Monsters At Night Clawing At Your Window and this would be so much more simple if your mouth was sewn shut. if your eyes and ears remained open (for once).

-to you, our vomit is merely a rainbow. today, we’ll press leaves between sheets of wax with smiles that mean something to you, any day can be made beautiful (which is more easily said with a handful of pills).

to you, shadows are just friends you haven’t yet made and your hollow glaze over (again) like snowfall. today, you found your makeshift light-bulb-bowl cracked on the floor (remember when you found your bones that way?) and i failed to mention that i was the culprit (behind both incidents) --

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listen, maybe snorting clouds really isn’t the best option i can only stop your nosebleeds and men your broken ribs for so long (while you stare into oblivion, pressing stars to your lips)

listen, i know there’s always salt clouding your eyes. but i’m begging you to understand: there are things we spew that are so far from rainbows.

Brittany Lucas Grade 12 Hutchinson Central Technical High School

Skeletons Steven McDaniel McKinley High School Grade 9

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Knocking on the Devil ’s Door Standing on the door step of hell, I feel like a dead body that disappeared from plain sight without even a smell.

Knocking on the devil’s door.

Carefully I counted how long it took me to dig my own grave, But as the hole got deeper I started to feel the pain.

Knocking on the devil’s door.

I have to go, I have to leave, I’m at the gate screaming “please take me!”

Awaking at the hospital, Paralyzed from my neck to my knee.

I sit in agony.

Knocking on the devil’s door.

And finally he answered; now he’s got me Dark black smoke filled the air, As my flesh burned, and tore.

I’ve hit rock bottom, and only the devil’s there.

Standing on the devil’s living room floor.

Staring into his eyes, made me realize, That from my ashes, I will rise.

Alisha Ransom Grade 9 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Lady Macbeth Sneaky, evil, backstabbing, and mental Wife of Macbeth Lover of Macbeth, the dark side, and insanity What she wants and the feel of a blade

stabbing her victims.

Who needs to sleep at night and to forget

that dreadful night.

Who gives into her demons.

Who fears the guilt will take her over, The fear that people will see the blood stains on her hand, the murder weapon to the king’s death.

Who would like to see a good night’s sleep.

Who lives at Dunsinane Castle Lady Macbeth Ariana Brown

Mardi Gras Mask Dina Dahlke Lafayette High School Grade 11

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It’s Just Me Frank Williams Jr. Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts Grade 11

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Unknown Future Knowledge is power Power is control Control is law Law is dominance Dominance is Survival Survival is life Life is pain Pain is everything Carlos Williams Grade 9 Burgard High School

Anthony Anthony Carroll South Park High School Grade 10

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Walking in our Shoes Silk, Lace, Chiffon Paris, London, Milan Time will always change But Style and Fashion will always remain Sketching, Designing, and Shopping Price tags, Ideas, Styles are dropping Time will always change But here we are fashion creators remaining One by One new ideas are coming Every Season styles are running As Always time will change But fashion stays here Combining strengths and feelings Silent but Loud, Confident but timid Walking, talking and wearing our shoes proud Tiffany D. Jones Grade 11 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

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Watch My future Watch me fly, Watch me soar, To look back on my past, it would make it too painful to say goodbye I’m not afraid to dream beyond belief any more.

I’m proud of my colors, I’m proud of what I’ve done, I’m proud to represent just what I mean, I AM PROUD. Your hurtful stares The times you haven’t cared The words you’ve tried to burn in me The days you’ve tried to make me see.

Diapprovement doesn’t faze me anymore I know my destiny; I’ll do as I please; I know what I am here for.

Rachel Smail Grade 10 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

Arro in Green Carlos Williams Burgard High School Grade 9

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Immature Maturity The three Fates ain’t cut the strings yet So why I gotta end my youth and jump off this swing set I’m not in debt over a ring bet So what is this hard life that nobody can bring wet Like fire that burns through when the Phoenix’s wings met But I control it’s power ever since it was caught in the king’s net A vast nebula of fireflies dancing under a solar midnight Noctowl’s city wings sheltered the mind of a kid right Internally the 28 sings the songs of the legends dream The Dragon filled with Gold came off like none that it seems Walk through the valley of thoughts into the vault of questions Blatantly remain oblivious to the lies of the so called recession The views of an adolescent is the greatest memory everybody forgets The treasure greater than that of Black beards and the Red Baron’s sweat Maturity is often disguised as serious behavioral activity But I’m sorry but being one that has a fun lack isn’t me My childhood is the most precious aging is too far away So I’ll continue to hold the Knight’s and fly Kirby’s star away Corey Threet Grade 11 East High School

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Poem [Keep mouth shut while eating.]

As, it annoys me [Use fork, not hands.]

As, I don’t know where your hands have been [Love manners.]

As, I love them at the table.

[Say thank you]

As, in when I give you something.

[Be pleased.]

As, in I didn’t have to do it

If I didn’t want to.

Destiny Plaza Grade 9 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

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Re-Written I pick up my pencil And I just write Thinking memories Feelings Spelling out words NO Drawing out letters Writing out the words of my life Real Life Reality And I fade away Into a world …

Beyond this pencil Beyond pink decorative paper And Beyond purple, blue, and black ink A place where there are No limits on what’s said Where they way I feel is no rated R It’s rated me Where the line of my life are written out, In this place My past is erased And my future is scripted out in a beautiful ink Every moment or memory Every kiss or touch Are drawn out by this pencil This pencil with an everlasting lead point Or my blue pen with never ending ink And No For my paper will never need more room Because when things screw up I just erase and draw out another life to live Seeking back to that place where Everything is everything Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World 98

Anything you want it to be Where there is not such a thing as failure And my success is always guaranteed It’s written This place where happiness is a fact And heartbreak is there when you need it For a taste of reality But the pain isn’t so bad I wrote it Anyone can live in the shoes of the Barbie And the story of my life This fairytale is mine I told it This is life My story Only I can mold it So the next time things get bad I’ll just pick up my pencil And I’ll write Memories Feelings Spelling out words Nope drawing out letters I’ll write out the words of my life Real life Reality And I’ll fade away I’ll live in a world Beyond this pencil Where my pain is unwritten And happiness is always guaranteed In a place where my life stands -Rewitten A’Dimond Clark Grade 11 Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

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Down the Hall Charles Martin McKinley High School Grade 12

Happiness Though I’m in a prison My minds as free as a bird If flies to happiness Waiting for the body to catch up The body wrapped in pain But there’s a light of hope The mind is tied to it Through ribbons of memories Can’t wait until we reunite The joy is overflowing As my eyes fill with The burning flame of happiness This prison feels like A graveyard for the person I became, and there I shall bloom to who I once was I shall fly into joy I shall run through dreams I’ll breath in my hope And swallow my wishes Now my mind and body meet To enjoy the freedom of happiness And finally live Carlos Williams Grade 11 Burgard High School

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The Saint They ask if the name “The Saint” is worth keeping.

They don’t know that “The Saint” has a real meaning.

I lift up my chin, I stick out my chest The Saint just means that I’m different than the rest.

The ‘S’ means I’m Strong. I will not die.

The ‘A’ is for All the deep thoughts I keep inside The ‘I’ is for the ideology that I consume.

The ‘N; is for my Never-say-quit attitude.

The ‘T’ is for the Times I try until I’m done.

I’ll try, try, try until I get what I want.

So “The Saint” doesn’t necessarily mean I’m holy, But I’m The Saint. Do you really think you know me?

Chris Simmons Grade 11 East High School

Dream Rooms Discovery School #67, Grade 4

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Memoirs of an Uncrowned Queen She didn’t stand tall But she always stood strong She was born as a Libra Good-looking all around and honest That, she was Standing at 5’1, with a caramel complexion, A small frame and a head full of Thin, silky, fine, Indian- like hair Which was the color of salt and pepper.

Each strand of gray represented Every moment of stress she held & the 3 wrinkles on her forehead Told the story of a painful past, Left far behind Her hands were small and wrinkled, Which represented the years That she spent raising the children that she bred 3 girls and 3 boys The time and patience The love and faith And the 2 sons that she lost No more than 1 year apart This showed a heart Taken over by strength and courage But she wasn’t just important to her family But to many others as well And she not only represented a woman

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With wisdom and much class But a strong African-American woman, With wisdom class and so much more To many she was that But to us she was a savior On her lips lay every strong and meaningful word spoken to us And on her shoulders and chest laid the heads and tears cried of many people whom she had consoled and comforted As well as the weight of the world she once carried And yet she still walked with her head held high, As if every step she took was being taken on gold In her heart rested the trust, from many secrets told to her And kept just as well A’Diamond Clark Grade 11 Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

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The interview Heart pounding Taking some tic-tac Hands are clammy

Did I floss,

Waiting in the line

Am I ready?

Here he comes He asked for my name We shake hands

All that time

It was quickly done.

Job is mine!

Josh Ward Grade 9 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

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The Coast Doh Moo Burgard High School Grade 9

Untitled Jordan McCarter Bennett High School Grade 10

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It’s Love It’s the feeling of high, without the drugs.

It’s the feeling of comfort when you’re warm and snug.

It’s the blush on my cheeks from the sparkle in your eye.

It how when you’re around, I don’t have to try…

Try to be happy or try to fit in.

I just have to be myself and that’s how I win.

I have no need to impress or worry that I’m lame because you and I are one in the same.

It’s like feeling high, without the drugs.

It’s seeing your smile or feeling your hug.

It’s knowing I’m happy, that I’m not alone, That it’s not just your words, but what you’ve shown.

It’s what has healed many wounds and stopped the hurting.

It’s when you told me I’d be okay when I wasn’t certain.

It’s what helped us get through problems that went wrong.

It’s the best feeling you give me, better than any drug…

It’s the feeling of love.

Yvonne Mitchell Grade 12 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

Swan Brazil McGee McKinley High School Grade 11

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Dear Mr. Jackson Your kiss Your touch, I love you so much Your trust, You make me blush I’m addicted to you, And cannot get enough, This four-letter word is so strong, That’s why I ask Is this love or lust?

Or maybe it’s just The heart of the game that lives in us, Love and basketball truly explains us, But will that interfere With the feeling that we have for each other, Is this for now?

Or will we be together forever?

Two athletes, One is you and one is me Mr. and Mrs. Jackson We both share the same hear bet, Through thick and thin We still remain But I have to know Can you feel for me the, Same way you feel for the game?

Am I as equal as ball as you claim??

Tiauna Young Grade 12 East High School

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Untitled Niall Gribbins Fredrick Law Olmsted School

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Untitled Angel Roche McKinley High School Grade 11

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Well…

I love you, Well, that’s a big word Although it’s true.

Maybe I do and maybe it’s not true, but I’m confused.

Love never dies, Well, that’s what they say Until it’s goodbye.

It’s really hard to say goodbye when maybe, I love you.

Khrissmyra Vargas Grade 9 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

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Satisfied I’m not fashionable My hair always So unusual I don’t wear makeup I don’t have a cell phone My skin isn’t flawless I’m not skinny I don’t fit in I don’t try to I’m anything but normal But I like me Just the way I am It’s not the outside Its how you’ve Always been Its being satisfied With who you are And not wanting more Than what you need And I’m satisfied Mercedes Pompey Grade 9 Burgard High School

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Perfect Day The perfect day in the life of Joe would have to include sports and food.

You must pig out and spend your Saturday watching college football with dad.

You must toss the pigskin with your brother in the yard.

You must get mom to make a huge turkey dinner with potatoes and gravy.

You must get your sister and her little friends out of the house.

You must end the day watching the SportsCenter as you fall asleep.

Joe Denecke Grade 9 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

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Horrible Day Sally came home from school crying and highly upset.

Her face was beet red. Her nose was dripping snot.

Her eyes were puffy and blood shot, her shirt soaked from tears.

Her mom asks her, “What’s wrong, did you get in another fight with your boyfriend?”

She says, “No, I killed a worm.”

Alexandra Lance Grade 11 Leonardo Da Vinci

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Japan I’m as cultured As a mixed mutt.

Loving my culture, But wishing to have another.

Fascinated By the taste of Onigiri And intrigued by the Sound of visual kei Wondering if I would be Looked down upon if My name was Momoko Am I betraying my race?

A strong black female Falling in love with The Japanese culture.

Where do I fit in?

Loving the skin I’m in, But confused to Be a blasian.

Oh---I wish I was in Japan.

Catilin Blue Grade 9 Leonardo Da Vinci

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His Necklace It’s not on him but a piece of decoration on me.

It is not nor would ever be in a place where it shouldn’t be.

It’s like the hole in my heart that is missing.

The veins that show his blood in me, It’s not in the sky with him where all the angels can see me.

It’s on me to show how much he really means to me.

Deliana Figueroa Grade 10 Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts

Japan Catilin Blue Leonardo Da Vinci Grade 9

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A Question of Identity More elusive than yesterday’s dream, With the sincerity of a well-told lie.

Brighter than a window’s gleam, More to me than meets the eye.

The target of misconception, Receptor of forgotten dreams, Arrogant in my perception, Always heard but never seen.

I lurk just around the bend, Always just out of reach.

I’m impossible to apprehend, And never one to preach.

This is a question of my identity, Not of my ability To solve this mystery And be set free.

Reneé Staples

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Confessions of a High School Student I walk through these halls like a zombie I try to ignore the pushing and shoving Wishing I could blend in with the lockers Wishing and hoping to just disappear I walk further and nearly trip I feel graceful as a bull walking in those halls I feel like I’m going to burst One more push and maybe I will I make it to where I’m going I sit waiting I zone out knowing soon I’ll be back Only hoping I make it without falling over myself Aliah Hybicki Grade 9 Leonardo Da Vinci High School

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No Use For a Name She says the hidden must be found And the shattered must be repaired But the one who disobeys her Will find only but a frown But when she finds her peace All shall be calm Because they were constantly together All along Alenah Robins East High School

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Everlasting Peace Everyday is a different fight A fight to live Or a fight to die Some in constant pain As they ask God why Pretty hair, make-up, and shoes These things help cover up he truth Smiles mean nothing because most smiles are lies They cover the pain of what’s felt inside Some take shelter and run and hide Others go out blazing and die with pride Then the day comes when all goes wrong When every second is filled with misery And “I love you” makes ears bleed When lies become the truth And the truth becomes lies When darkness falls and the sun will never rise When children shriek and yell awful cries When jumping in hot lava is your only prize When every time you talk there is no one there to listen When there is no more moon or stars to glisten Then there is silence A sound never heard No heartbeat, no snorting, no killing, no screaming, no fault, no pain, no heroin in veins, no people, no hurt, just peace on earth

By Brandi Alexander Grade 11 Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

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Untitled Lalita Rai Riverside High School

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Work out of the House Jordan Tate Smalls Burgard High School Grade 12

Meet The Editorial Board of Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World

Hey, my name is Alexandra Lance, A.K.A Marilyn Monroe/Barbie/Elmo.

I am 17 years old and I’m a junior at Leonardo Da Vinci High School. This is my first year doing Speak Your Mind and Shape Your World. I love it because art amazes me. I like looking at the many different and creative ways people create art. In my spare time, I am usually reading a book, doing math problems, dancing, or messing with my hair. I dye my hair like every month, always-crazy colors, and I am always styling it different ways. In approximately a year and a half from now, I will be on my way to college, hopefully Duke University, majoring in Architecture. Only time will tell!

Hi! My name is Brazil McGee. This is my third year as an art editor for Speak Your Mind & Shape your World Journal. I am currently a 17 year old junior at McKinley HS and I major in advertising art.

I love skating, singing, belly dancing, playing sports, and hanging outside with my friends. I also like to go to GLYS (Gay Lesbian Youth Services). I am usually an upbeat person and in a great mood. And I have God and love ones to thank for that. Especially my gram, my best friend Sierra, and my baby Dally.

Hey! My name is Chelsey; this is my first year on the Speak your Mind staff.

I’m currently a sophomore at McKinley High School. I’m an advertising art student and have been drawing all my life. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I also enjoy writing. I write stories and just started writing poems last year. I LOVE to shop and music is a major part of my life. I’m hoping to act when I’m older, or even get a book published. This summer I’ll be reading every book in the library and seeing as many plays as humanly possible.

Not much to say I guess…I’m an ambitious writer whose only dream in life is to spread the word of true peace throughout the Earth, through any means necessary. I’ve been studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses for years and my mind state is heavily influenced by the brothers and sisters in the congregation. Most know me for the poetry, the stories, the music, the artistry. I am Corey Threet…the second coming.

Hey I’m Rachel, and I’m Bi and proud. I row at WSRC and am part of Buffalo Select Chorus. I’m a writer and a singer. I love my friends. I respect most people. My motto is “what doesn’t kill us is making us stronger.” I’m fun to be with when you get to know me. I also love sports and anything that involves a good time and fun people.

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Hey it’s ya girl Dacarianna Curry but no need to struggle with that pronunciation (da-Car-ree-Ah-na) because most of the homies call me D.Curry or DORA! I am on the Editorial Board for Speak Your Mind and Literary is my thang thang! I cut class at Leonardo da Vinci High School and have been doing so for the last four years (for all those who feel that math needs to grow up and solve its own problems: I am a Senior; yay class of 2010!!) I love writing poetry, singing, and TRYING to dance.

Nothing is better than hanging out with friends so I tend to do that often; chilling, movies, or the mall with my peeps keeps me sane. My phone is always by my side, my iPod touch is my best friend, Facebook is my current addiction and Twitter is my daily medication so I suppose you could say that “technology is helpful” (in an old creepy voice :D). Dora just so happens to be the best chica out there (SHE IS REAL OK!... just like Santa), she’s pretty cool and my obsession with her ( nothing stalkerish) is how I got my nickname (and they say we look alike, but I don’t see it).

Anyways, I want to go to college to study languages so that I can be a translator. Aside from the three languages I can speak, I have three words that translate pretty well: I AM AWESOME!!

I don’t contain the stereotype of The average black man cause I’m more mellow laid back Calm cool and collected Not forgetting I’m very socially connected I own my own dance crew, called Undefined D.I.C.E and East High School are all combined D.I.C.E is Diverse in Creative Entertainment East High School is my place of business

This is not a poem Why do you think it is?

I worked with who are now my friends This ain’t the show biz We connect to each other Even though we act a fool That makes us one That makes us Cool

-Donte Trezevant

My name is Elizabeth Kendrick, but most people call me Lizzy. I am currently a senior at Leonardo da Vinci High School. I am 17 years old. This is my first year on the Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World editorial board. My plans after high school include moving to Vancouver to attend fashion school. There is no specific reason why I am going to Vancouver besides the fact that the further away I am from my family the happier I am (just kidding). I plan on creating my own line of clothes for everyone to wear. So in the future, if you see my name on the tag you should buy it because you love me and you should want to support me!

Hey! I’m Sierra Wilson and this is my second year at Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World. I’m a junior at McKinley High School and carpentry major.

I love writing and hanging out with my friends and my dog Skyler. She’s the cutest little thing! My favorite colors are green and gold and I love football.

I can’t wait to go to college and become an English major and an English teacher or journalist.

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Congratulations to the students of Speak Your Mind and Shape Your World

Medaille prepares students for a lifetime of learning and personal growth, with: - Quality Academics - Hands-on Learning - Extensive Internship Programs - Student-Faculty Ratio of 17:1 - Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees - NCAA Division III Sports 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY 14214 (800) 292-1582 www.medaille.edu Speak Your Mind & Shape Your World admissionsug@medaille.edu 124

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Student Editorial Board 2010 Chelsey L. Brown Dacarianna Curry Elizabeth Kendrick Alexandra Lance Brazil McGee Rachel Smail Corey Threet Donte Trezevant Sierra Wilson