Poetry & Music Project 2022-2023

POETRY & MUSIC PROJECT

2022-2023

Additional partners include: Supported in part by:

Opera Omaha’s Poetry & Music Project is produced in partnership with:

POETRY & MUSIC PROJECT

Now in its 6th year, the Poetry & Music Project connects student poets and their words with composers to create original music and explore the connections between poetry and music.

In the Fall 2022, Opera Omaha and the Nebraska Writers Collective invited students from across Nebraska and Iowa to submit works of poetry on the theme “Finding Your Voice” focusing on the subthemes Joy, Transformation, Creativity, Empathy, and Overcoming Obstacles. Throughout the fall over 400 elementary, middle, and high school students took part in NWC led Poetry & Music writing workshops designed to help students add musicality to their poetry.

Opera Omaha received an astonishing 134 poems by 117 student poets from across 14 Nebraska counties. This book includes every poem submitted to the project. The poets range from 2nd grade to High School Seniors, with first time poets and seasoned writers.

While there were many outstanding poems submitted to the project, in the end, project composers Gabrielle Herbst and J.E. Hernández selected 15 poems that inspired them and took to the the task of setting these poems to music. In spring 2023, poets, composers, singers from University Nebraska at Omaha School of Music as well as Opera Omaha, along with project pianist Tyson Deaton gathered for workshops to collaborate on the original pieces of music. It was a time for composers to hear the students read their poem in their own voice to see if their music captured the mood and tone. It gave students the opportunity to give feedback and ask questions and make suggestions before the final scores were written. These songs premiered with a concert on May 7, 2023 at the Benson Theater and via livestream. The concert was hosted by Nebraska Writers Collective Co-Executive Director Zedeka Poindexter. Recordings of each song are also available on Opera Omaha’s website.

This book represents a nearly nine month-long labor of love with countless hours of work put in by students, educators, composers, singers, accompanists, and staff from Opera Omaha and the Nebraska Writers Collective.

PAGE POEMS SELECTED TO BE SET TO MUSIC

10. “Un Corps” by Addison Bryant, Anselmo-Merna Public School

11. “I want my voice to be…” by Theodore Bullis, Castle Hill Academy

12. “Capturing the essence of your voice” by Maggie Dendinger, Cedar Catholic High School

13. “Not all of us live the same” by Claire Gunn, Gretna Middle School

14. “You Are Beautiful” by Emma Kaiser, Portal Elementary

15. “I’ll Grow” by Aarya Khobare, Millard North Middle School

15. “Voice Emotions” by Makayla Klinefelter, St. John the Baptist School

16. “I am not Alone” by Lucie Lautenschlager, Palmer Public School

16. “Untitled” by MaKenna Love, Norfolk Catholic

17. “Burning Stars” by Athiei Majuec, Logan Fontenelle Middle School

18. “Joy” by Ava Noecker, Cedar Catholic High School

19. “Universe’s End” by Kylie Remm, Douglas County West High School

20. “Sweet Little Lullabies” by Meyiah Sanchez, Omaha Street School

21. “The Land I Call Home” by Ava Stewart, Cedar Catholic High School

22. “Love, Heart, Kind” by Kim Valquier, Hayward Elementary School

ALL POEM SUBMISSIONS

23. “Running the mile” by Aubrie Birkel, Callaway Public School

24. “The Sports Story” by James Brandt, Hayward Elementary School

25. “Bringing of Joy” by Tyra Brestel, Callaway Public School

26. “VOICE” by Theodore Bullis, Castle Hill Academy

26. “What Brings Someone Joy?” by Gavin Carey, Callaway Public School

27. “Like to Rap (Joy)” by Anthony Cheetsos, Norfolk Catholic

27. “SMART, FUNNY, PRETTY” by Raelyn Childers, Hayward Elementary School

28. “The Kings of the Jungle” by Langston Christensen, Cedar Catholic High School

29. “Voice Poem” by Nicholas Coleman, Cedar Catholic High School

29. “Your Bing” by Charleigh Dewild, St. John The Baptist School

30. “To Stand or Fall” by Chenney Dishman, Callaway Public School

31. “Kind, Dancer, Nature Lover” by Mya Duplantis, Hayward Elementary School

31. “Untitled” by Cameron Dvorak, Sacred Heart Elementary

32. “Poem” by Alex Elks, Cedar Catholic High School

33. “Joyful Voice” by Stephanie Eller, Hershey Public School

34. “Transformation from others” by Stephanie Eller, Hershey Public School

35. “Joy Joy Joy!” by Zane Ellison, Callaway Public School

36. “Kind, Brave, Smart” by Ashtlyn Elson, Hayward Elementary School

36. “Part of Me” by Neil Feeney, Hayward Elementary School

37. “Untitled” by Paxton Feilmeier, Nolfolk Catholic

37. “My Voice” by Christian Fiscus, Cedar Catholic High School

38. “Untitled” by Lauren Fisher, Norfolk Catholic

39. “Day and Night” by Erin Fitzgerald, Callaway Public School

40. “Hearth” by Addison Fix, Cedar Catholic High School

40. “i am from” by Kalissa Flesner, Bryan Community Focus Program

41. “Inner child” by Kalissa Flesner, Bryan Community Focus Program

41. “BENJI” by Benjamin Flores, Hayward Elementary School

42. “Definition” by Zara Fosbinder, Gretna Middle School

43. “Sense of Self” by Zara Fosbinder, Gretna Middle School

44. “ALL ABOUT ME” by Journey Gillespie, Hayward Elementary School

44. “JACOB” by Jacob Griepenstroh, Hayward Elementary School

45. “Softball” by Ava Hahn, Norfolk Catholic

45. “Nature” by Ava Hahn, Norfolk Catholic

46. “What Joy Means to Me” by Nyachay Haidle, Callaway Public School

47. “My Voice” by Isaiah Hajek-Jones, St. John The Baptist School

47. “Uniqueness of the Voice” by Lyndsey Hamilton, Cedar Catholic High School

48. “Untitled” by Addyson Hanneman, St. John The Baptist School

48. “UNIQUE VOICES” by Camryn Hanneman, St. John The Baptist School

49. “Best Friends help each other” by Payton Hetrick, Norfolk Catholic

49. “My gift of voice” by Booker Hochestein, Cedar Catholic High School

50. “We all start small” by Alyssa Hoscheid, Gretna High School

51. “Bray” by Bray Huff, Central Elementary School

51. “My Life Style” by Cassidy James, Hayward Elementary School

52. “The Feeling of Empathy” by Angel Johnson, Callaway Public School

53. “Harper” by Harper Jones, Hayward Elementary School

54. “My Name is Brayden” by Brayden Keeney, Callaway Public School

55. “Burn” by Story Keffer, Gretna High School

56. “Tell Me If You Can Relate” by Thanongsak Keolakhonevong, Omaha Street School

56. “A Chorus” by Aarya Khobare, Millard North Middle School

57. “Empathy” by Peyton Kimnach, Gretna High School

57. “Untitled” by Kimberlee Klinefelter, St. John The Baptist School

58. “Words can be Happy and Depressing” by Makayla Klinefelter, St. John The Baptist School

58. “Untitled” by Ella Kosch, Norfolk Catholic

58. “Opinions” by Max Kristenelli, Black Elk Elementary

59. “Lake Walk” by Isaac Kuehn, Cedar Catholic High School

60. “Transformation” by Lola Lafleur, Norfolk Catholic

60. “The Voice of our Nation” by Kaley Lammers, Cedar Catholic High School

61. “My Voice Is My Own” by Mckinlee Lammers, Cedar Catholic High School

61. “My Voice is Starting to Change:Transformation” by Natalie Linnaus, Norfolk Catholic

62. “They Called The Boy a Monster” by Gavin Luthi, Gretna High School

63. “Crossroads” by Gavin Luthi, Gretna High School

64. “Begin” by Athiei Majuec, Logan Fontenelle Middle School

64. “So young but know so much” by Patience Miller, Omaha Street School

64. “Life” by Advika Namasivayam, Millard North High School

65. “This Beautiful World” by Advika Namasivayam, Millard North High School

65. “Their Loss” by Elenda Nigro, La Vista Middle School

66. “Pictures” by Abiel Nunez (Dominguez), Grand Island Senior High

67. “Broken Mirror” by Abiel Nunez (Dominguez), Grand Island Senior High School

68. “I Have a Voice” by Cecilia Olmer, Norfolk Catholic

69. “Today” by Katelyn Omer, Kiewit Middle School

70. “Heroine” by Katelyn Omer, Kiewit Middle School

71. “Losing Love” by Dylan Pandorf, Callaway Public School

72. “The Joy of Sports” by Conner Paulsen, Callaway Public School

73. “What brings me joy” by Bindi Peters, Callaway Public School

74. “Voices” by Blaise Pfeifer, Norfolk Catholic

74. “God in My Heart (Joy)” by Lexi Pick, Norfolk Catholic Elementary

75. “Silenced and Not Heard” by Savannah Pick, Cedar Catholic High School

76. “Voice of Me” by Graham Potts, Cedar Catholic High School

77. “My Friend Left” by Halle Pummel, Hayward Elementary School

78. “The Bringing of Joy” by Neltje Reiff, Callaway Public School

79. “Colorful Petals” by Kylie Remm, Douglas County West High School

80. “Joe the Doe” by Barrett Roberts, Norfolk Catholic

80. “Les Pois (Polka dots)” by Caroline Rogers, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

81. “Words” by Isabel Rolfes, Cedar Catholic High School

82. “Transformation “ by Addyson Rotherham, Norfolk Catholic

82. “One Day” by Hayden Ruhge, Papillion Middle School

83. “This is me” by Milly Sabo, Hayward Elementary School

84. “As Time Goes On” by Emma Samek, David City Elementary

85. “Voices in My Head” by Tiara Speeks, Omaha Street School

86. “Douse The Shame” by Lauren Stambaugh, Blair High School

87. “Fight or Flight” by Lauren Stambaugh, Blair High School

87. “Me” by Emerson Stanek, Hayward Elementary School

88. “The Silenced Voice” by Joey Steffen, Cedar Catholic High School

89. “Overcoming Obstacles” by Hattie Stover, Norfolk Catholic

89. “Joy” by Hattie Stover, Norfolk Catholic

89. “Humanity” by Ella Stowell, La Vista Middle School

90. “Find Her” by Atalya Swan, Omaha Street School

91. “Where the tide hits the shore” by Natalie Trotter, Callaway Public School

92. “All about Me” by Maria Valquier, Hayward Elementary School

92. “All about Me” by Hunter Vesely, Hayward Elementary School

93. “Me” by Ray Waldron, Hayward Elementary School

93. “Nevaeh” by Nevaeh Welch, Hayward Elementary School

94. “Hudson” by Hudson Weldon, Hayward Elementary School 94. “Untitled” by Breiton Whitmire, Cedar Catholic High School

95. “Nothing” by Ryder Witt, La Vista Middle School

96. “Writer’s Block” by Ryder Witt, La Vista Middle School

97. “The JOY of Cattle” by Kaygan Witthuhn, Callaway Public School

98. “Joy” by Kelynn Witthuhn, Callaway Public School

98. “Just Me” by Greson Womochil, Hayward Elementary School

99. “They” by Esther Woolf, La Vista Middle School

100. “The Drive” by Kighter Wortmann, Cedar Catholic High School

101. “My Voice” by Parsons Chase, Mission Middle School

102. “You are Not Alone” by Parsons Chase, Mission Middle School

103. “Untitled” by Eliza Beisswenger, Central Elementary School

104. “Untitled” by Paxton Ford, Central Elementary School

105. “Untitled” by Aniyah Hounsougbin, Central Elementary School

106. “Untitled” by Bentley Meintzer, Central Elementary School

107. “Untitled” by Matthew Polsley, Central Elementary School

108. “Untitled” by Levi Strong, Central Elementary School

Un Corps

By Addison Bryant

To you,

I’m just an object of desire

Like a pretty house with no eyes, But it feels like it’s on fire

And I’m locked inside, left to die

To you,

I will be just a corpse

I know otherwise

What am I without un corps?

I am my mind

I am Nature’s design

Now, give me back what is mine

Tear your grip from my hips

Take back what is mine

To me, I’m alright

But I’ll begin

To rebuild my pride

Once again

Erase my sin

Shed the old skin

And lift my chin

Tear until I’m thin

Sound the violins

It’s all within Quoi qu’il advienne1

You are nothing without me, I am a woman

1 Come what may

I want my voice to be…

By Theodore Bullis

want to light my voice up like a torch in the dark, lighting the way for the people I love I want to use my voice to build a chair for the sick and tired I want to transform my voice into a smile from a stranger, the kind that makes your day

I want my voice to give wings to those who are weighed down to free them for a time from the gravity of debt and sorrow

I want my voice to lift others up, and in doing that, I will lift myself up with them

Capturing the essence of your voice

By Maggie Dendinger

I heard your voice in the wind today And I turned to see your face; The warmth of the wind stroked me As I stood silently in place.

I felt your touch in the sun today As its warmth filled the sky: I closed my eyes for your embrace And my spirit soared high.

I saw your eyes in the window pane As I watched the falling rain; It seemed as each raindrops fell It quietly said your name.

I held you close in my heart today It made me feel complete You may have died but you are not gone You will always be part of me.

As long as the sun shines… The wind blows… The rain falls You will live on inside of me forever

Not all of us live the same

By Claire Gunn

Not all of us live the same everyone goes through things differently some people fell like they are given up that they aren’t wanted that they don’t have a place in life

Not all of us live the same trying to find your happy place can be hard when you are lost and can’t find a place to call home

Not all of us live the same but all of us can come together as a whole congregation through our differences and challenges through life but a good thing can come along with, celebration, worship, family

Not all of us live the same but we can all sing the same song

You Are Beautiful

By Emma Kaiser

You are a flower Beautiful flower

Grow to the sunlight

The words may come You may get cut Keep going. The cold may feel unbearable The heat may feel oppressive

Keep going. You may get battered Broken and bruised

Keep going.

You may be BIG You may be small

Keep going.

They may not think you can do it They may not think you can bloom

Keep going.

You are a flower You need to bloom

You are beautiful.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

I’ll Grow

By Aarya Khobare

I’ll grow like morning sunshine, Slowly spreading warmth and joy,

I’ll grow like a flower, Adding a little more beauty to our world,

I’ll grow like dawn chorus, Never too loud, Never too high, And to all the people that say otherwise,

I’ll still gonna grow no matter what, I’m gonna light up the sky, And I’ll keep singing, Till I touch every last heart…

Voice Emotions

By Makayla Klinefelter

Happy voice

Sad voice

Mad voice

I love my voice

I hate my voice

I am not Alone

By Lucie Lautenschlager

That little whisper of voices I can hear Softly singing the melody They may not be standing next to me But I can hear them in the wind Brushing tenderly past me

Slowly and softly Their voices getting louder, Louder and Louder Until I hear their voices Harmonizing with me

The voices we hear Resounding in the forest of people Finding our voices All not alone Nothing will make us disappear

I found my voice, And I am not alone I take on the role, And help others find their voices We are all louder together

I will now be, The whisper in the wind

Untitled

By MaKenna Love

When I first singed I was so happy that I enjoy it and I was one.

Burning Stars

By Athiei Majuec

I don’t know my name I was born from death so my own will free it

Are your eyes open? You won’t look up here Because that’s where we are

I was born from death So please call me your daughter, When the colors clear don’t hit me And don’t tell me this is your end.

You are more than a star More than a mother You are not of days light You were born clear of death And birthed because of darkness in night.

I was born from death So please ask me my name.

Now that I’ve looked closer, I really see That you have been looking this whole time But not for me. I know my name now mom, let me tell you yours

Joy

By Ava Noecker

It’s a place out in a field

With the birds and the trees

The sun kissing the back of your neck

A breeze through your hair

The grass long and green

No site of mankind to be found

Only rolling hills and prairie grass ahead

Your most loyal companion beside you

Tongue out and tail wagging

They too are enjoying the peace the field

After dark it’s just as beautiful

Maybe even more peaceful

It’s lit by the light of a thousand stars

Campfire lit and crackling

Radio playing softly

Nothing could be better than

This summer night of stars the fire crackling and the crickets chirping

It truly is the simplest way to find joy

Universe’s End

By Kylie Remm

A spring never destined to pass, The swift-moving clouds spell the universe’s end

Perhaps in another life, I can see you again-Somewhere, sometime, after the universe’s end

This was something that I always knew, the hands of time What fate does to a life, that I can easily answer The secrets that I knew kept me away from you

As the end draws near, I can’t help but think of what might’ve been-A happiness all to our own, never to let go

Forever, I will never forget your gentle touch

All I can think of now were the memories that you gave me

Fleeting, the time was, but I shall cherish them all the same

Someday this world will change; Maybe then, I can be with you

At the universe’s end, I can only wish

Surely and forever…

These words of hope were ones that I believed in I’ve made my heart stop; death is a friend knocking on the door A dangerous fate kept me away from you

As the end draws near, I can’t help but think of a certain form of happiness

The days we spent together were miracles all to ourselves

Always, I will treasure every second we spent together

All I can think of now were the miracles that we made Fading, I am, but I shall cherish you all the same Someday this world will end; maybe then, I can see you again

Somewhere, sometime, after the universe’s end

Forever, I will never forget you

At the universe’s end, all I have are our memories, our miracles Fleeting, it all was, but I shall cherish it all the same Someday I will see you again

Somewhere, sometime, I will be with you

At the universe’s end, I can only wish

Sweet Little Lullabies

By Meyiah Sanchez

Sweet little lullabies, Playing as I rock my baby to bed. Quietly laying as thoughts race through my head. Mommys can never give up. Big smile on my face as we play all day, sometimes just wishing I did wait, but mommy’s can never give up.

though I am young and times may get tough this mommy can never get enough.

The best of me I see in you And you brought out the best in me, God knew how much I needed you.

The Land I Call Home

By Ava Stewart

The hills of Nebraska never end, Where all the work and time I spend. But underneath the hills and fields, A unique livelihood it yields.

The cities and people are just not for me, I prefer the fields where I can feel free. We are blessed every day, to wake up to the birds, The strong, gentle land, still preserves

A young calf cries in the distance, The wind and all of its existence. Blowing through the corn and dust, And into my mind, it’s a call I trust.

A doe stands, gentle and quiet, Followed by her fawn, on her, it is reliant. The chirp of the bluebird, Its color, unique, rare, unheard.

The powerful essence of peace, Where the hustle and bustle still cease. My one wish, I hope to stay, Where the feeling of freedom will never go away.

To thank the birds, fields and trees, For the stress of reality they seem to ease. Where the deer and cattle will forever roam, And to the land that I call home.

Love, Heart, Kind

By Kim Valquier

Love fits me like a glove, It is always right above. Love is what everyone needs, I love the love inside of me.

My heart is my favorite part, I like the kindness of my heart, I think that’s the best part of me, I think I can be as wonderful as can be.

Kindness is always my line, It is always in my mind. Kindness is always great, I can share it with a mate.

Running the mile

By Aubrie Birkel

Like a new toy on Christmas day Like a little boy who gets to play Little or large Nothing can barge The Joy that my family brings to me every day

I’ll try to return the favor By letting them know How I savor the love they show me

Seeing my grandma’s face Helps me embrace The fire that burns in my heart. For her alone Brings me JOY

Seeing all the smiles Makes me wanna keep going And run the full mile

THE SPORTS STORY

By James Brandt

I like football, I like when the players are so tall, I always watch the twins, And I always like when they get the wins.

I like baseball, And I like when they hit the ball. I always hear dog sounds, And I always see dog pounds.

I like tennis games, There are always aces and flames I like when it hits the racket, And I always wear my jacket.

Bringing of Joy

By Tyra Brestel

Joy.

What brings her joy?

Is it Christmas Day With which she plays?

Delight.

What brings her delight?

I think it is her fancy dancy dog Henry.

Glee. She loves her food as well

Gleeful corn Turkey and watermelon.

Rejoice

This girl rejoices in her music

Harry Styles for sure

She loves so so

It gives her a fuzzy feeling.

Bliss.

What makes her blissful? It is her family For who she loves so much

Her mom

Her dad

Even her brother too

Joy.

What gives her joy?

All these things give this little girl praise For she loves this stuff so so.

VOICE

By Theodore Bullis

Vibrant and unique, it tells people who I am Optimistic or pessimistic, it’s up to me In times of need it supports my view Clever and quick with a joke It gets my point across Establishing connections with friends and family.

What brings someone joy?

By Gavin Carey

What brings someone joy? Is it the smell of rain on a calm day Or the scent of fresh cut hay?

What brings someone joy? Is it a brand new toy Or a father spending the day with his boy?

What brings someone joy? Is it a cool breeze Or some fresh cut cheese?

What brings someone joy? Is it sport cars Or is it gazing up at the stars

What brings someone joy? Is it a

Like to Rap (Joy)

By Anthony Cheetsos

If you like to rap, this might be the song for you. But if you like hop, go find another song.

And celebrate your voice if you want to, but if you don’t then just work up to showcase your voice. In rap of course, because there’s no better songs in the world that you would like to sing and showcase your voice to the world.

SMART, FUNNY, PRETTY

By Raelyn Childers

I am pretty, can’t you see?

I am pretty as can be. When I walk in people stare at me, They say how is she so pretty.

Smart, Smart, two plus three, That is easy as can be.

I think math is just for me, It is easy as one, two, three.

I am funny can’t you see, Class clown shall I be. I try to be funny every day, A lot of jokes, I can say.

(Knock Knock…. Who’s there?)

(Boo… Boo who)

(Why are you crying)

The Kings of the Jungle

By Langston Christensen

Searching for power

Will only devour

The connection of your brethren And leave your life barren

It takes the flame of a tiger To keep lit your fire A team that is apart Is not a team strong

Countries great and small Can’t last with leaders who stall only strive when they take action keep the people’s satisfaction

Great connection can lead to great success in great success, comes great progress Under pressure can people crumble Nevertheless, pressure can be lifted by a King of the Jungle

Voice Poem

By Nicholas Coleman

Time, the enemy of our voice

Time, the restrictor of words

Time, the limiter of explanation

All could be said about time

Time though, can be ignored

Would you then consider your voice

An enemy of time

Voice, the enemy of silence

Words, limiter of the clock

Explanations, the time waster

All could be said of our voice

Our voice once ignored

Has become acknowledged

Marked as an enemy of time

Your Bing

By Charleigh Dewild

You can blow a trumpet, sing. Your choice, All I know you have a voice, do you see, Everyone can Buzz like a bee, talk, yell, sing All voices have beauty, You can blow a trumpet, sing, or Dance It is truly your choice, your voice

Yes yours, try try try, You have a voice don’t lie

If you try you can Buzz like a bee, talk, yell, sing Everybody has their own special Bing

To stand or Fall

By Chenney Dishman

Heard

If only they would listen. If only my voice Was to be recognized. To be given a choice To stand or fall.

I try to anticipate But sometimes I fall short. So close Yet so far.

Knocked down. Hit hard. Pushed back.

Rock bottom I lie. Forever it seems I have been forgotten.

To call out And have no one answer. Time ticks. Life moves on And yet I’m still here.

A risk. Should I take it? A chance to make it Or another opportunity to fail.

To take it seems impossible. To make it would be everything.

One step closer. Everything counts. Every action matters Will I stand or will I fall?

To move forward And to be pushed back. To gain just one inch would be like gaining a whole mile.

Remember. Always remember. Everything counts. Even if it seems little. Every action matters. Whether if it seems so small.

While everyone moves you back Move forward. Be determined. Let your tree stand tall. Because Everything counts. Every action matters.

Will you stand or will you fall?

Kind, Dancer, Nature Lover

By Mya Duplantis

I’m as kind as can be When I’m kind it makes me feel like me, When I’m kind it makes me feel free People know I’m kind because it’s like tea.

When I dance it makes me super free Dance is my passion, it makes me feel nervous, then I want tea. When I’m Dancing on stage it makes me be me.

I’m a Nature Lover as you can see I pick flowers one by one; it makes me feel like me Pretty flowers are mine, but they are actually free. I feel like a flower and it makes me feel like a bee.

Untitled

By Cameron Dvorak

We must embrace change and make the most of it. We need to be the ones to believe in our community and friends. We don’t to worry about if we are cool or fast. We just need to care about being loving and thankful.

Poem

By Alex Elks

This is my voice And it loves to rejoice But it is a gift And it gives speaking a lift

My voice is unique And is not a shriek But it is not normal And is very informal

It is my distinct voice This is not a choice Every voice is different It is magnificent

Joyful Voice

By Stephanie Eller

I used to speak out with pride and happiness

Everyone seemed so joyful and full of life

But when I grew up people changed Their tongue spit acid hurting others But I still wanted to be kind

The role model for the children

So they never experience the acid I did But they still get hurt and cry

I thought I was doing good They still changed in scary ways

Saying their no longer a child Stop hiding the truth

Why change you let yourself be vulnerable

Vulnerable have I changed for the worse

I’ve built high wall around myself and others

Not letting anyone in

These wall meant to protect crumble down and hurt others still Change can come in many forms

I chose the one that made me feel safe

And forgot to make sure I didn’t change in a way that hurt my loved ones Change will come again

This time I will accept it

And adapt for the better

Transformation from others

By Stephanie Eller

The constant slamming of doors

Interview with no outcomes besides

“Your too outspoken”

“I’m sorry but we found a better fit”

They either let you down slowly or slap you in the face with the hard truth

“Can we reschedule the interview please,” “But this is the third time you needed to reschedule”

“You don’t have enough experience for what we are wanting goodbye”

“Then why say you’re hiring 16 year olds. If you want 20 years experience”

But I’ll keep working to let my voice be heard

I will make it out their no little gig I can get

Wherever I can help

No matter the obstacles I will prevail

People may say that I’m trying too hard after telling me to chase my dreams

Everyone changes to fit into society

But I will change to shine

To bring people joy

“Why keep on trying, Just give up, The world can’t change with your simple speeches, You don’t know what your talking about”

Why whenever I say I want to change things for the better, They assume I want to remake the whole world, Can’t people start small and work their way up, I want to bring joy to the people,

“The world is perfectly fine your thoughts are just twisted”

The fact that you can look around and see hate everywhere is ok than your twisted one

Maybe they are right

I’m nothing special, why did I think people can change

“You really helped me through my dark times by being their thank you”

“I don’t think I’d still be here without you”

I’ve started helping people like you helped me thank you so much”

I helped them… brought them joy

Changed their thinking for the better

They started helping people like I did for them

I can make changes… and transform people’s thinking

It isn’t impossible

Just like I thought one step at a time

To bring them to a better world

Joy Joy Joy!

By Zane Ellison

They bring me joy!

I feel satisfied when I play with them. I hope I don’t have to see my cousin, He lives in illinois, When he is around I feel annoyed. He makes my blood boil. So hot like I am a baked potato wrapped in tin foil.

There is a kid down the street, he is just so spoiled. It’s almost like he is royal. During this winter I hope he slips on ice, Maybe oil. It would bring me joy if he fell, and hit the soil.

Aside from the kid getting hurt, I will just try to avoid him.

Ok enough with all that, Come join me, Live your life, With Joy.

Do it before what happened to Cameron Boyce, Happens to you.

My point is, live your life with joy, Before you can’t.

Joy is a feeling of great pleasure, or happiness. It is a good feeling that satisfies you, Comforts you. With joy you can make friends, You can make a difference, To you and others. Joy is like a virus, It can spread around very quickly.

KIND, BRAVE, SMART

By Ashtlyn Elson

I am kind, I hope you don’t mind, I love to see my friends smile I love being kind so I run a mile.

I am brave, While I’m brave I also behave Being brave is so easy, It’s easy peezy.

I am smart I love doing art, Smart is part of me I am so smart, not to touch a bee

PART OF ME

By Neil Feeney

I’m as creative as can be, Maybe someday you will see A sheet of paper on an easel, What should I draw? An Eagle!

Being imaginative is my style

It’s the way I’ve been for a while A pile of Legos becomes a hill Or make a cat that only trills.

Intelligence is a part of me

Maybe someday you will see I might not act every test, But I do my best

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By Paxton Feilmeier

Voice is sweet

Voice is good

Voice is a beautiful song

It goes here

It goes there

Voice can be shared anywhere

Voices in the air sing to hear a voice to appear that you don’t fear

Voices can be great to anyone that cares

Everyone has a voice that can be used anywhere

In the sky

In your mind

In church

That can be heard everywhere!

My Voice

By Christian Fiscus

My voice is unique

It is a gift

It is very striking This is my voice

My voice is informal

It cheers others up Or helps them out This is my voice

My voice speaks my thoughts

It is kind and soft

It informs a lot over time

This is my voice

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By Lauren Fisher

When I was young, my voice was awful but now it’s really thoughtful! I was young my voice felt dead but now it’s really beautiful! Roses are red, violets are blue. My voice is amazing and so are you!

Day and Night

By Erin Fitzgerald

What brings me joy sunrise the sunset

The night sky. The different shades, the different colors fading in different ways. It makes you unafraid that the sun is going away, or coming back.

The different places to see the sunrise. Sunsets the night sky. Like the beach hearing the waves, calling you every moment of the day. The horizon touches the beach making it look like a fantasy. You swaying in a canopy with the breeze.

The Trees

In the sunset. Making it look dark The water reflections of the trees, Make it look so significant.

Waking up to the sunrise

Looking at the glorious sky. Seeing the world revolving around the beautiful sky. Taking pictures of the sunset. Also seeing the night sky.

The stars with the darkness of the sky, Making the stars from their shapes. Their certain spot makes them unique. The stars neat ways making a big dipper The small dipper too.

The moon making it seem like a big bowl

The stars all combined in one union. Shooting stars looking at it for one glance, Making wishes come true.

Hearth

By Addison Fix

Winter air, flooded with cold

Bitten by the frost, stung by the chill Logs in the hearth that lead you home, A fire that signals a safe beginning.

The heat which bestows kisses upon your cheek, The heat that brings a love unknown.

Flames that dance among the wood, Brilliant like ballerinas across a stage.

The warmth that gracefully envelops the cold

A gentle embrace, a familiar fold.

Lay here and rest for awhile, Breathe, for you are home.

i am from

By Kalissa Flesner

I am from a broken soul, from hiding and panic attacks fighting gasping for air, from starving and exercising til i passout falling to the floor, from not recognizing myself in the mirror, i am from the grass and trees i used to run and climb and the way it made me feel free, i am from long sleeves and tears wanting to escape the dark, from broken consent and broken boundaries, from abandonment and growing up to fast, i am from being controlled and degraded, from trauma and moving on, from manifestation, betrayal, bullies, and burnt out grades, i am from hating to learning to love and respect myself, from roses i relate to the thorns and beauty, i am from silence being taught not to speak unless told, from pushing boundaries trying to find myself when the world pushes me into a box, i am from sleep deprivation and long restless nights, from music blasting to block out the world, i am from heartbreaks and lies, from manipulation, threats, evaluations, and therapy, i am from singing and acting, from writing, feelings, pictures, and memories, i am from lost children, and missing pieces, i am from trust issues, i am from addictions and coping mechanisms, i am from power

Inner child

By Kalissa Flesner

They say as we grow older we get wiser But it doesn’t feel like we get wiser As we grow it feels like we lose touch of things that were once important to us We used to run and play and be free but now we say there is no time or were too busy, we say things are just for kids and were too old, we always wanted to grow up and do big adult things but we lose the inner child inside of us, we let the bright light dim inside of us in fear we will be judged, we can’t be happy if we continue like this, we all have to let that light shine through, make that child inside happy again and do those things were too old for because your never too old to do the things you love. For that inner child

BENJI

By Benjamin Flores

Short is a part of me, So that’s how I like to be. So, I think that’s me And short is what I see.

Nice is how I am So nice is my jam. And I can’t stop being nice, Nice rhymes with rice.

Smart is a part of me, So smart is to be Math is for everybody, I am not a nobody; I am a somebody!

Definition

By Zara Fosbinder

1 by 1 we are quieted

One by one we are shut down People put others down, Others who are unique No can define you, but they can try You might assume that definition But it isn’t accurate

You are your definition.

We are put into many groups by Religion, Ethnicity, Wealth, Age, Gender, Looks, Intelligence We are pressured and coerced into those stereotypical boxes. How many of those groups, Of those boxes, Do we choose?

Those who don’t understand us Will try to box away our differences

Our boxes don’t make us who we are. We are different than them That scares them.

1 by 1 we are stripped of ourselves

They remove any part of us that is different Our personality, our sexuality, and our opinions among others We are different And that scares them No one can define us

But they will try

They may silence us. They will try to hide us. Do not let them! But we must rise above those who quiet us To keep our names clean of coercion. Speak your voice

Let them hear you

Be your own definition

Sense of Self

By Zara Fosbinder

I’m different than those who know me

They are different than me

They may be rude

She may be nice

But her niceties aren’t less than their rudeness

They may be fancy

He may be simple

His simplicity isn’t greater than their fanciness

They may be athletic

I may be clumsy

But their athleticism isn’t greater than my clumsiness

They may be confident

She may be unsure

Their confidence isn’t comparable to her unsurety

Their identities can not be measured the same as my identity

We all have our ups & downs

My ups may be their downs

My downs may be their ups

I’m different

You’re individual

She’s original

He’s unique

Their distinct

Different from others

Alike ourselves

ALL ABOUT ME

By Journey Gillespie

I am creative as you can see, I can draw a pretty tree. Here I go drawing away… I hope you have a great day.

I am kind as you can see, I can imagine you playing with me. Your brother looks so nice, I can see us playing dice.

I do sports as you can see, I can teach you and me, She’s can play and so can he’s Ok, I am leaving, Uh Oh, I forgot my keys.

JACOB

By Jacob Griepenstroh

I am tall as can be I stand at 7’3” When people say I’m tall, I love to fall.

I am funny as can be, People laugh at me. My jokes are funny too, I love to “Moo”

I love to play video games, I make up game names, I love games outside and inside, I love to take a car ride.

Softball

By Ava Hahn

Softball, Softball

Having fun. Getting to be with friends

From strangers to teammates to friends. Getting hit by pitches. Someone there to comfort you. Running home, Getting high fives, Saying cheers For the fun of it. Softball!

Nature

By Ava Hahn

Nature is fun

Nature is calming

You can sing with the birds Buzz with the bees

The rivers and trees And everything in between. Mother nature is there just for you. Calm down. Breathe in fresh air. Exhale. Watch the rabbits jump And the fish swim. That is nature.

What Joy Means to Me

By Nyachay Haidle

Joy is great pleasure, more than just Happy. A feeling inside that makes You want to jump up and down. Joy is excellent jubilee and delight. The things in life that really make You feel radiant. Do you know what Makes me feel jubilee and delight? Family. The amount of love and grace they show Me every day is amazing!

Joy isn’t something that just comes about, It is a choice of emotion you must determine And a quality that is contagious when It is spread. Joy is a bond that connects People together—bringing unity and oneness. When I wake up in the morning, I think “Today I Choose joy, to make my life and others better through My attitude.”

Joy is what comes about when we Realize the virtue in life. Joy can Be such a marvelous and beautiful thing. Joy is realizing you can change, the Path to being grateful and loving what Is there. When I realize the many blessings I have in life, a feeling of joy sweeps me. Joy is life-changing.

My Voice

By Isaiah Hajek-Jones

I can use my voice to speak

I can use my voice to listen

I can use my voice to:

Speak

Listen

Help

Work it out

Share my talents with the world

Whatever I do

It’s my voice

and I found it

Uniqueness of the Voice

By Lyndsey Hamilton

The voice is truly unique

Everyone has the voice to express themselves. Everyone has the voice to stand up for themselves Some people maybe have just not found their voice yet.

As a child, it used to be so easy. Yelling, Laughing, Nobody judging you because of your voice. In today’s society, it is harder to use your voice in public. You can get judged very easily.

Everybody has voice

Everyone should be able to use it. No judging anybody. Let’s go back to when it was easy to use your voice.

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By Addyson Hanneman

A Bear Lost his voice and used sign language for a long time until he found a poison to cure his voice and sing again! And have his voice again!

UNIQUE VOICES

By Camryn Hanneman

Ukulele Note

It is unique Quiet

Unison

Echo Voice

Octave

It is more unique than anything

Chant

English Horn

SO beautiful

Best Friends help each other

By Payton Hetrick

I hate when people make fun of others. I really don’t like when people put you down. I have gotten put down before by my best friend. It really did not feel good because now we are not friends anymore. I am very sad because she was my only friend. She was getting yelled at and I stood up for her. The person went away. If someone hurts me and my friends I will stand up to them.

Shut down Voice

Overcoming obstacles

I hate when my voice is shut off by others. It makes me mad and sad, even if it is my friends, I will yell back at them. I will say, “you better back away.” I do not like that it just hurts. I hope nothing ever happens to me and my friends.

My gift of voice

By Booker Hochestein

My voice is a gift

It is something that only I can possess

It is what makes me who I am

It is like a fish to the sea, And a bird to the sky, It is something that in a world where everything changes, It will always remain

My voice is a tool

It can be used to help others Or tear them down

My voice is unique

It is strong

My voice is a gift

To me only it only belongs

We all start small

By Alyssa Hoscheid

As just a speck

A small speck of star stuff floating around in the soup that is time and space

Some stay star stuff, others shift to black holes, and others still burn out completely

They all have a story

A start and stop and combination of circumstances all their own inbetween

Some find a way to tell it, other don’t, and others still never get the chance

A voice can only carry so far

But a voice has limitless power

A voice is a decision

A decision to reach beyond

A decision to connect

Oh

Do you see it now

How voices reach and touch

How they vibrate bones and rattle hearts

A voice is so broad, so all encompassing, that sometimes one has to listen

For if they don’t they shall simply implode

Such a lascivious thing it is, to waste away

A voice is a balm to an aching heart

A heart aching from war

From isolation

From loss

Hunger

Apathy

Desire

It is a balm on the soul

The soul which flies always

Searching always

For other souls to tether to

A voice makes those connections

Ties together souls that touch

A voice is marvelous

Dull

Cold

Warm

Raspy

Smooth

It is never just sounds

It is being

It is the feeling behind it

It can be written

It can be drawn

It can be played out on a violin

And it can be plucked out of an old guitar

A voice is never alone

We all end up together

Star stuff on star stuff, merging and mixing

We all end up large

BRAY

By Bray Huff

Bed pillows are twins

clouds stretch above as I read Calming me to sleep

My Life Style

By Cassidy James

When I was born, I was welcomed with happy tears. When they brought me home, the first animal I saw was a deer. Then I learned the farm rules, My Dad showed me all of his tools.

I watch Dad clean the grain bins. I feel sad when Dad gives away my cow friends, Mom and Dad say I can name more cows, and make them my friends. I know when my cow friends aren’t here our friendship will never end.

Soon I was getting a brother. I wanted nothing other. Then I told him all of the farm rules. I went to the barn very quiet and I showed him Dad’s tools.

A few years later, I was getting another one So I hung out with the baby, oh fun. I fell in love with him, I wanted to call him “Tim”.

So I told him the farm rules, And showed him Dad’s tools, He had a big breathing problem, it was scary. He was fine in a few months then he wouldn’t stop eating strawberries.

My other brothers are farmers like me. The farm is noisy.

The Feeling of Empathy

By Angel Johnson

Empathy throughout the world

The feeling of loss and joy

Shared with family and friends

You can feel the emotions seeping Out from everyone around you

When can empathy be enough Feeling alone can be rough Secluding yourself Not knowing who to trust With your thoughts and feeling

When can empathy be enough Joy floats throughout life

When you can feel it coming by It can come in the form of even a little butterfly

Finding your best friends

Through sharing joy or even loss

Knowing someone feels the same things You choose to surround yourself with Those positive feelings of fellowship

Empathy throughout the world

Joy and loss are a part of life Going through life feeling

A rollercoaster of emotions

HARPER

By Harper Jones

I am smart, I’m also good at art, My brain is good, I am really good.

I am kind And I don’t mind. If I found money, I’d share it like honey.

My name is Brayden

By Brayden Keeney

I like to be creative every single day. like playing with legos and also draw with pencils. Like also having fun at the creek making forts with my feet in the water, oh isn’t that cold water Down there sometimes if you’re lucky You even see some otters, swimming by, When they look at you You know

you want them to say hi. Sometimes I can shoot a bb gun, a crossbow, and even a rifle too I can be creative with everything that I do.

I can drive, I can play I can also be creative when watching a movie on the TV I can watch home alone and when really bored. I can watch the one with the kid and that magic sword in that large stone. As you can see when being creative there are many possibilities.

Burn

By Story Keffer

My endless stream of consciousness Is an endless monotone chatter

A fire that crackles with ideas and opinions

That burn those exposed

When I open my mouth to puff the embers out A planet-sized lump in my throat

And burning in my eyes

Snaps it shut

Snuffing out the fire in my belly

I fear that my tears will extinguish the spark in my words Where I see a campfire by running water

Others see a forest fire extinguished by the rain

But my fire is too great to hear the sizzle

My emotions do not tame my fire, instead they add the fuel

Roaring louder, spreading out wider

My sparks demand to be released

Regardless of who has been burned

Tell Me If You Can Relate

By Thanongsak Keolakhonevong

Tell me it’s gon be okay

Tell me I can change today

Tell me if it goes away

Tell me I wont see the gates

Tell me if it’s just the pain

Tell me if there’s better days

Tell me I will keep your say

Tell me if you can relate

A Chorus

By Aarya Khobare

I can hear this soulful sound, Rising high above the crowd,

It starts off so small and alone, And then it grows.

One, by one, More voices join in, They laugh and they sing, Growing till you can hear from miles away,

You can hear the cheer in their voices, So contagious you can’t help but join,

And so I too, bring forth my voice, To contribute to this melodious chorus, Another instrument to their sensational symphony

Empathy

By Peyton Kimnach

Empathy is the feeling of being led through a murky fog, scorching and searing thoughts that engulf you. These feelings that aren’t really your own, but you choose for them to inhabit your mind—a buzzing swarm in your head. Empathy is a sponge that absorbs the sadness and pain from those you love, but also the pride and joy. Empathy is like pulling someone up from the bottom of the ocean only for you to drown in their place. But it is also like flying through the air over the world and seeing things from a new point of view. Empathy is a complicated not-feeling that can either bless your subconscious or consume it and leave it in tatters.

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By Kimberlee Klinefelter

Dandelions are white so are clouds. Clouds are in the sky and dandelions are in the ground. They fly in the wind to one day meet the clouds. Dandelions are unique so are clouds. They are both so different in so many ways.

One flies in the wind one is in the sky. One makes really pretty sunsets. While one makes your child go crazy when they see them in the ground.

Words can be Happy and Depressing

By Makayla Klinefelter

My voice is Dead to me

My voice is gone

My voice is not here.

Oh my voice is not in ME.

Oh my voice oh. My oh my voice.

I have finally found my voice

I LOVE my voice

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By Ella Kosch

When I was a kid my voice wasn’t very good. It was not cute, but it got better and better. Soon it was amazing. I love my voice now and it is not boring.

Roses are red, violets are blue I love you! I hope you do too because I improved.

Opinions

By Max Kristenelli

You should always be true to yourself

If you don’t you’ll end up following everyone else

Giving a fake version of yourself

Never meeting your true self

Only hurting yourself

You’ll eventually lose yourself

Being true to yourself

Opening up to yourself

Opens up all the possibilities

YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!

Lake Walk

By Isaac Kuehn

It’s a cool evening. Not too hot but also not too cold. The sound of leaves crunching. The smell of fall and rain. The deer running through the fields.

A walk by the lake. The boaters speeding through the current. The carp flying through the air. People casting their poles.

The sun is going down the horizon. The planes leave a clear white stream. This is a walk by the lake. Walking back can be a thrill. The hills become easier going down. The sun is gone and it’s darker in the trees. The animals start coming out more. Acorns falling off the tree.

The weather is starting to cool. Still not too cold.

Better hurry before it’s time for a jacket. You get in your car. You turn on a warm heat. You head home.

The walk at the lake was fun.

Transformation

By Lola Lafleur

I have been using my voice for years. Talking to my friends and having fun. Finally it’s starting to change

It’s transforming it sounds better cleaner. It did not sound bad before but not good. Now I love my voice. It sounds great. My voice will always change no matter how old I get it will always transform. Everyone uses their voice no matter what, it will change.

The Voice of our Nation

By Kaley Lammers

Be loud. Be strong. Be mighty. Be clear. Others need to be able to hear

Showing your love for a friend, Your voice cannot be condemned

Lincoln, Muhammad, Earhart

All went down in history

Using their voice

As their weapon of choice

Don’t hold back your truth

It is crucial for today’s youth

Stand up for what is right

Use your voice to fight

Do not be afraid

Your voice will not fade

Be the light in the dark

The voice of our Nation

My Voice is My Own

By Mckinlee Lammers

My voice should be shown

It should be heard

I am proud of it

I use it to show my ideas

Trying to spread what I have to say

Getting myself heard

My ideas should be respected

My voice isn’t like everyone else

Everyone has different ideas and plans

We shouldn’t be just put into groups and ignored

We should all separately be heard and understood

But sometimes, we aren’t

You yourself cant be heard by keeping ideas to yourself

You need to make an effort

Make you voice heard

Make what you have to say important

Put your ideas first

Your ideas are yours and only yours

You very own concept

Show your ideas

Spread what you have to say

SHOW YOUR VOICE

My Voice is Starting to Change Transformation

By Natalie Linnaus

I use my voice every day to talk to my friends. Now it’s starting to change. I think it will sound good. I do not know if it will sound bad. I think it might be good enough to be a professional singer. I hope it will not keep changing. I like how it is. Once it was bad, but now it is good. It’s getting a little bit deeper, but it is getting easier.

They Called The Boy a Monster

By Gavin Luthi

They called the boy a monster

So by age 8 he had grown rough skin

Why they did this he did not know at all But it still hurt anyway

They called the boy a beast

So to fight back he grew sharp fangs When they spit he fought back But it only made things worse

They called the boy a demon

This hurt most so he grew sharp horns No longer would they hurt him They would pay for all they had done

From fist fights, with yelling and screams Sent to parents, teachers, principals, and all in between A mean word, a clash; a slur, a scream

His entire world crumbled down in a fiery wail

Along his crusade, he came across a mirror

He gazed into its sheen It’s sight horrified him Who stood in there was not himself

The anger and the hate, it hid his face Darkness dimmed his eyes He had become what he had most feared So he fell to the ground and cried

The tears gripped around him He soon became water-bound It was in his grief that he accepted All he could do was drown

To rock bottom he fell

He could not see the light

Though he stood in a great abyss He did not fear the fall

In the void, a hollow gaze Shadows danced about That stalked around him him Rushing forward to meet his gaze

There were other kids like him, monsters and misshapes alike

The boy meet this mirror

But the reflection did not scare him He embraced the new home

They still called the boy a monster But it did not matter anymore When he and his friends stood together They felt like monsters no more

Crossroads

By Gavin Luthi

The morning sun whispers nothing the early mist smells sublime The path diverges here stop, hold your breath, it’s time

The steady trail breaks open two ways which you could go What’s right and wrong are beneath you yet the choice still brings sorrow

Though many have a similar query yours must be different from the rest Theirs’ a simple gambit where yours’ a mighty test

But does the choice even matter what’s to come will pass Nonetheless what stops you also from traveling off the long beaten path

What a hollow tragedy it is that such a choice you befall Do you really think that you could fight not embrace the fall

Toes curled, feet shift time is running out Shove away all doubts and choose your forever route

And just like that the choice is done you’re feeling quite so regal A flood found endorphins brings a calm that knows no equal

The midday sun sparkles high the blue birds share their songs But wait, another split wrecks the path your tumultuous journey is prolonged

But why, oh why, must this be you already made a choice so grand My friend, don’t you see, this is how it goes there is not just one tough choice, life forces many hands

Now don’t be foolish and think you’re done more crossroads are to come again But with steady wit and reason you’ll choose what’s right and it’ll turn out fine my friend

Begin

By Athiei Majuec

I met the girl she told me of. I never knew she was there. “I glow in the dark,” were not just words she told me, but a demand that told me, “Prepare.”

“Don’t wait for the night to turn.”

“The moon is always there.”

So young but know so much

By Patience Miller

So young but know so much

At 16 I’ve experienced things I shouldn’t

Forced to grow up

But yet I have to much courage

Wondering why a 16 year old has seen so much

But manage to survive it all

Questioning my ability to speak up

So young but know so much

Life

By Advika Namasivayam

The greatest blessing

Enjoy it while you have it

It can be fleeting

This Beautiful World

By Advika Namasivayam

watching people rushing around helping others doing work listening the birds chirping the hum of machinery voices of people the world is a complicated place everyone in their own space and in my place i am watching i am listening to this beautiful world

Their Loss

By Elenda Nigro

Powerful that is what they don’t see Kind that is what they don’t hear Hurt because you blamed me Their loss, their choice, their funeral. Powerful is something only they can be Kind is something they think I can’t see Hurt is something only they can feel Their loss, their choice, their funeral.

Powerful is a badger not a snake

Kind is not reality only a matrix Hurt is real but fades with time Their loss, their choice, their funeral. Not powerful but poison

Not kind but condescending Not the wound but the dagger

Their loss, their choice, their funeral. They twisted the knife deeper not feeling the blade They shot the bullet only hearing the bang They say their perfect and do nothing wrong So it’s their loss, their choice, and their funeral. But that is what both sides say…

Pictures

By Abiel Dominguez Nunez

You spend all your time

Hiding all your lies

So no one finds the real you

But trust me I do

You post yourself with all your rich friends

In your daddy’s nice green benz

But it’s all fake

It’s all just bait

All those friends

Are just your decoys

They don’t have a mind of their own

Their just there so you’re not alone

Your hiding in your pictures

So no one knows how you hurt because your post say your smiling

When I know your lying

Your pictures

They only know the truth

Pictures

They hide everything for you

So you aren’t a perfect barbie

Because Barbie isn’t so crazy

For all this attention you need

To be the girl of peoples dreams

So go ahead and take all those pictures

You know you need them to be like her

So go ahead and brag about all the nice stuff

You know you got them but don’t have real love

But I guess everyone can fall for your bluff

Your pictures

Yeah they are the reason your you

Your pictures

You know you need them to be cool

So keep on posting I’ll keep learning

Broken Mirror

By Abiel Dominguez Nunez

You shattered me apart And ruined my broken heart By not giving me your love And making me feel im not enough

But I’m pulling the sword out of the stone And accepting a life alone Without you Making me do the things I didn’t want to do

I’m picking up the pieces of me left And finally learning to accept Me for me

And I can’t be perfect

I’m no longer going to be your broken Mirror Reflecting myself to what you like to make you happier Im putting me back together

Until i can no longer remember What you did to me Made me feel Insecurity

Just for you not ot be happy

I thank you so much For making me feel not enough Because at least now I have self love

I’m no longer your broken mirror Now I’m doing whatever makes me happier

I can’t say I’m over you A piece of me will always still be blue But there’s hope for me

To be someone else’s dream

At least now I won’t make The same mistake

On being your broken mirror

I Have a Voice

By Cecilia Olmer

I have a voice I like to use. When I do I feel proud. I have a voice That likes to sing. When I do it’s loud. I have a voice That likes to talk. Sometimes it likes to walk. I have a voice That is my life. I have a voice. Shouting, singing, talking, and whispering That is my voice.

By Katelyn Omer

Maybe you think one must be naïve to believe in better things for this falling world. So be it.

Maybe you think I’m just a little girl who likes to rhyme in poems that aren’t worth the time it takes to read ‘em.

But I just wanted to say that today hope is light without cost. Believing is seeing beyond all we’ve lost, and it’s worth it, every day.

We will all make mistakes. It’s whether we give more than we take that matters in the end.

Maybe you think you’ll never see the light, that you’re set to lose every fight in this life.

Maybe you think I can never understand where you stand, what you’ve gone through. That’s probably true.

But I just wanted to say that today. We are here to wipe away a tear or if your fear keeps you on the ground. We will be around to help. You will be found and you never have to be by yourself.

We all fall, but after that comes the flight and that’s what matters in the end.

Heroine

By Katelyn Omer

You’re a heroine in a story, a bold beautiful benevolent girl in a wicked whirlwind world full of worry.

Adventure is waiting, though you may not see it. What then? Oh, our heroine, you must go and be it. Climb that mountain, see all that lay beyond. Do not doubt, though there’s no doubt, your journey will be hard and long.

Go, have hope, though you will face trials, cruel enemies and scorn. For it’s in adversity stronger spirits are born.

You are just as capable as the fictional women you admire. Never stop to turn your dreams into reality aspire.

You will fall, but do not be afraid. It is not a final fate unless you fail to have faith that you can get up again, call for a little aid.

Every heroine has side characters, even you on your journey will find friends that will help you save the world until your story ends.

Do not be dreading the last page, but dream about how your next story will start. Your adventures are timeless, not forgotten by age. Your story will always resonate in my heart.

The best part? You’re not just the heroine, you’re the author. No one else can control where your story goes. Maybe there are things about you no reader knows.

Don’t listen to your enemies, they can’t decide what you do. Oh our dear heroine, the only person who can do that is you.

Yourfans await with bated breath, every action, every step. They love and encourage you to keep going until the end, then pick up your pen and write again.

Losing Love

By Dylan Pandorf

Most would travel miles for who they love

Besides for those who sit above Suddenly lost they create a hole

Sad and dark as coal

Some may succumb

Though some may overcome

But unlike the last hurdle on the track

This obstacle will hold you back Bring you down

Tear you apart

Only the strongest of man Can keep heart

The only way over This vast boulder

Is to share the Lord’s grace

Then you will have the will to face This mighty boulder in your tracks

And if the Lord’s grace is not clear

Never falter

Come before the altar

Then you will know our savior is always here

Cause all To falter

So today I sit Before the altar

The Joy of Sports

By Conner Paulsen

Nothing gives you more joy than sports. The games played on fields and courts. Games that give you joy in different sorts.

Football the game of collision

Every play has to have precision. To get to the goal Six points.

Basketball the game of poetry in motion

Every move almost in slow-motion Give it your all to win it all.

I run the hundred meter dash. They call me the flash. My jumper is wet like splash They call me Steve Nash And on the field I clash

Setting goals

Accomplishing goals

The competitiveness

The teamwork

Sports are clearly an art work That brings me joy.

What brings me joy

By Bindi Peters

I’m here to live, not to make people happy, but to please myself.

To please myself is quite hard to do but when I do, it brings me joy.

Joy comes to me when I am with cows. That is what brings me joy.

The best cows to me are red and white. The red and white cows are what bring me joy.

The red representing beauty Yet also representing orneriness. The white standing for an angelic heifer Who helps me pass each day.

I never expected my best friend to be Ruby the annoying heifer. The only thing I will forever love.

Ruby the scooby. My forever mysterious best friend. Showing her during fair, Forever a mystery how she will act.

Running around, Being chased. Oh my ruby, really do be Super goofy.

Showing at fair, Ruby will be my new pillow. Ruby forever, Will never judge me.

Voices

By Blaise Pfeifer

My voice is strong and quiet. His voice is big and loud.

Her voice is small and high pitched

We all have special voices that when put together can make a great song, We all have different voices that make us special. If everyone had the same voice, songs might not exist.

God in My Heart (Joy)

By Lexi Pick

I have God in my heart.

I can show it in many ways, even through art!

And I will stand up for people who are getting bullied. I will stand up for people who are nervous, and I will stand up for those who are sad.

I will always be good, not bad. And I will always be there for people with God in my heart! He will show me which way to go.

He will show me the way through all the highs and lows.

I love God and helping people all the time. I would really rather help people than leaving them all alone.

God is there for me and I will always stand up for people, that’s what makes me happy!

I love God and helping people.

That is what makes me glad, and I can do everything good, with God in my heart!

Silenced and Not Heard

By Savannah Pick

I’m not heard nor seen in a billion ways; Many people don’t care or don’t even acknowledge me For what I have to say.

It’s like I’m invisible to so many people, And I try to speak louder, But I still get cut off and silenced myself. When people ask why I don’t talk anymore, I want them to go through what I went through. What it is like being silenced and not heard; nights turn into days sitting in my bed wondering why me? Why does this happen to me, how do I stop this and be hear by others?

If I don’t stop this soon will it keep going on, or will someone finally notice me? Questions always going through my head trying to silence them; Just shut everything out and you’ll be okay, I hear one voice say. But will I ever be okay?

Voice of Me

By Graham Potts

A voice is something special, Found in all of us. It may take time to find, For others it is natural, As smooth as butter, As easy as 1, 2, 3. All voices are different, All with their own tone. Some rough as gravel, Others are as smooth as silk. My voice is somewhere in between, Some parts of the country in me, Some of the music inside. They mix like a beautiful painting, Together like it was meant to be. It comes out quietly, Lika morning sunrise. It can be beautiful, It if wants to be. It can be special, Or plain and gray. It my voice, Inside of me.

It is my voice, The voice of me.

My Friend Left

By Halle Pummel

I am funny, Funny like a bunny, I love to laugh Until I’m bent in half.

I am a joyful girl Joy is like a pearl, I like to swirl. And I like to twirl.

My friend went to a different class so I am sad. When she was around, I was glad. When she left, I was kinda mad, I miss her really bad.

The Bringing of Joy

By Neltje Reiff

What brings me joy? The smell of the rain before it hits the street? Or watching the sunset on the beach in the backseat?

Joy is a feeling of jolliness

Listening to my favorite songs brings me happiness And lying in bed on a Saturday morning with the feel of silk bed sheets.

The comfort of homemade food is such a delight. The every bite of food I eat I’m reminded of how loved I am. The memories that I have made are really quite magical and will be cherished forever.

Joy is one of

The best feelings in the universe from the food that brings me joy to the feeling of that it brings and nothing can ever replace that.

Colorful Petals

By Kylie Remm

Earnestly, the flower that’s my heart will bloom Its petals will dance through the wind and lead back to you

My gratitude will definitely reach, I’m sure of it Be patient but believe me

If I were to indulge in the present rather than the past, perhaps I can hold my head up high once again I want my heart to soar

I want those petals to fly toward you

Those lonely days are nothing but memories now, drifting away

What matters now is this moment

From today onwards, I won’t be that wilted flower With colorful petals, my gratitude will find you This is my present to you

Sincerely, my heart wants to connect with yours If they can meet at a crossroads, then I’ll know for certain that this connection is special They will definitely meet, I’m sure of it Be certain, I know you believe in me

If I could live in this moment rather than say goodbye, then I’d say my gratitude for the rest of our lives My heart will bloom

Those petals are but a breeze away

Those wonderful days will forever be with me, drifting closer

What matters now are the feelings that I have Moving forward, I won’t be that flower missing the sun With big petals, my gratitude will reach you

This is my sparkling present to you

The sprout that was once a seed will grow and grow into a beautiful flower It’s my heart you see; this is only the beginning

Wait for the petals, they’re but a breeze away

Those lonely days have become wonderful thanks to you My petals are drifting earnestly through the breeze Moving closer, they say goodbye to a once-wilted flower The rainbow of my petals, their color will bring them to you

This is my present to you, sparkling and shining

Joe the Doe

By Barrett Robertst

Joe a doe ran far away from home. He ran, he ran tell he went ka-blam! He stopped and thought, “where is my home? Joe the doe walked all the way home.

Les Pois (Polka dots)

By Caroline Rogers

A sandwich of love, she’s right there in between the years with empty rooms, and feeding myself through shallow blooms. I can’t want to go to the In Between— where the halls held vibrance because then, those Beetles— (that don’t really need me) they sleep alone, above the ebbing skies, as I imagine they have a crab in their sleepy eyes. Les

Pois, Les Pois, Les Pois.

Take the smallest bite you can— four fickle feathers aren’t enough to last. Finally, solitude is a word to make good. Tame my list for presences, fast— although, the gist of it is, I’ve never seen this Side of the Sky before. I’m more connected to the world from afar, where Lady Bugs crawl over my fingers. I’ve remolded since the last time you asked, And next Sunday Morning is close enough to linger. Les

There’s a Dread that can’t be questioned, and though the future won’t be secured My pages thicken by the day.

Phrases to be proud of, music to show the shallows, but a strange applause that comes with it, a matching pair. Sitting next to science might be enough— but outlining a history is something never finished. Lonely once, lonely twice— thrice is a song that by now, I’ve memorized, being right is a game I’ve been tired of having to win.

Les Pois, Les Pois, Les Pois. Feel the art and see my heart, Show a candle in the dark. Sit alone and whisper to the bone, Who knew it was always to be so stark? Les Pois, Les Pois, Les Pois.

The Dead come knocking, (feel the floor)

but with every page Turned, I Turn them further away. (slam the Door).

Les Pois— throughout my perception, clouding the wooden Faith in front of me,

A practice, occurred in a sullen haze. Is being astray such a mercurial thing? I like myself, and so do they (because they must). If not— down to the Grass I go.

Pois, Les Pois, Les Pois.

Words

By Isabel Rolfes

Something that is usually silent

Over a text message

Written on pages of a book Big and bold on billboards Adds that pop up and frustrate you

How many come out of your mouth Do you communicate verbally Everything seems to be based off of the internet Constantly in use everyday In school at home

As I’m sure you heard many times Your voice is a wonderful tool That is getting used less and less But those who do use it Those people can make a difference

Some might not know how to use it yet But when you open your mouth and speak Be heard Don’t whisper, shout Use this instrument Use it to your advantage

Transformation

By Addyson Rotherham

I use my voice a lot, talking to friends and family. Over the years my voice has gotten better and now I love my voice. I have used my voice more than once, I talk to my best friends every day. My voice has been changing and it will always change no matter how old I will get.

One Day

By Hayden Ruhge

I speak a language that no one else knows I write countless stories that no one will hear I hear music that only I can compose To everyone else, I just disappear

I paint several pictures of faraway lands That no one has ever discovered or found ‘Cause no one in this world will understand I try to explain but I don’t make a sound

But if nobody knows now, that’s just fine with me I know that someday they finally will One day this will end, one day I’ll be free One day my one goal will be fulfilled

If they’re not ready, I’ll sit here and wait Until they can respect who I am inside Until I can write, ‘til I can create ‘Cause I am who I am and I will not hide.

This is me

By Milly Sabo

I am funny, I like to be funny I like to be “punny” I like to eat honey I spent all my money I am sad like my dad I don’t even care, because I am sad.

I am quiet, like my mom I don’t even care because I’m strong.

They think I’m wrong but you will find I know what’s inside of my mind I like to shine in the light, it’s so white I’m scared of heights.

As Time Goes On

By Emma Samek

As time goes on We watch our little siblings grow older We watch the climate change And the snow go away We watch the leaves turn orange And fall to the ground

We watch our parents grow old And our grandparents even older

We get more pets And lose even more

We buy a house We have a family We grow old

Just as our parents and grandparents have done before us We can’t change that We have to let that change us

And lots of time, Change is a good thing

And once again, We watch our little siblings get even older We watch the climate change We watch the snow melt We watch the leaves turn orange and fall And we will never know When it is the last time

Voices in My Head

By Tiara speeks

Voices in my head

Mom

Dad Grandma

None of these are mine

Who am i? some people call me tt

But in my head

i’m a totally different person These voices in my head

Am I crazy?

Maybe

But only because people made me

Voices in my head

Still trying to figure who are they Maybe it’s me

But is that a good thing?

Telling myself all these insecure things

These voices i my head

Maybe i’ll figure them out Douse The Shame

By Lauren Stambaugh

Burning raging uncontrolled Fire freely roams

Sinking feeling taking hold Flowing through your bones

Shear panic stabs your heart

Spreading like the flames

Shakiness begins to start Only hear the shames

Then a voice shoots from the dark Soothing as the rain

Their words put out the spark Hope you do regain

Slowly rise from the ashes

Of those who betrayed None can relight those matches I refuse to fade

Douse The Shame

By Lauren Stambaugh

Burning raging uncontrolled Fire freely roams Sinking feeling taking hold Flowing through your bones

Shear panic stabs your heart Spreading like the flames Shakiness begins to start Only hear the shames

Then a voice shoots from the dark Soothing as the rain Their words put out the spark Hope you do regain

Slowly rise from the ashes Of those who betrayed None can relight those matches I refuse to fade

Fight or Flight

By Lauren Stambaugh

Best not let them hear a sound True expression remains drowned For earless is society Except if seen as profound To be unaccepted Misunderstood One must speak out From under their hood But to hide away And please the world Is to let yourself die Your identity curled To purposely shine And neatly throw out Others disdain For what your about For if plants can run And fish can fly Then without a doubt So can I

Me

By Emerson Stanek

I’m creative as can be, When I am creative, I do it like me. I like to sing and dance, Now it’s time to take my stage stance.

Funny is a part of me, Funny is how I can be. I like to be silly and tell jokes, Let’s tell jokes to all the folks.

I can be kind, that’s what I do. But if I am kind, I don’t go “Boo”! I can be kind because I see people smile, If you want to see mine, just follow my style.

The Silenced Voice

By Joey Steffen

I feel like a dog, A dog with a muzzle Not allowed to be heard For my opinion of a leader

Hoping to persuade my parents To vote as I feel is right But yet I have no say in the vote For I am too young to vote

I feel as if I’m silenced Silenced from my opinion My opinion of a leader

I know I’m too young Too young to vote I feel as if that is wrong Wrong to keep me silenced

I feel as if I’m old Old enough to vote for a leader For I feel as if I shouldn’t be silenced Silenced from my opinion

One day I’ll be old enough Old enough to be unsilenced Then I’ll be able to give my opinion

It’s temporary silencing, but frustrating For as I feel as if I’m old enough

Overcoming Obstacles

By Hattie Stover

Your voice is beautiful. And I know it, even if people say it is not. Don’t believe them. God made your voice beautiful. Ignore those hurtful comments, don’t even say anything back. Just walk past knowing you are beautiful, smart, and your voice is really pretty. I bet you will grow up and be a beautiful singer. You will overcome obstacles but you will beat those obstacles. And you will grow up to be a singer, and I know it for sure!

Joy

By Hattie Stover

Your voice is beautiful. It can sound any way and it would be beautiful. You can sound like a monkey and it would still be beautiful. Don’t be afraid, just sing! Sing high, sing low. You can play the trumpet, theremin, and saxophone! Don’t think your voice is bad. You just have to find your voice. Just keep on singing. You will find your voice and you will be famous! And, your voice is BEAUTIFUL!

Humanity

By Ella Stowell

Humanity. There is joy, there is life. There are opportunities, there is empathy, and there are obstacles to overcome. There is evolution, and in evolution there is growth and learning. For in every human being, there is the ability to grow beyond what our minds think us capable. But the human mind isn’t without its boundaries, is it? People say that we can never stop learning, but what is the limit? The sky? The clouds? Love? Hope? Friendship? What is the wall that separates us from our dreams? The only reason we can’t find out our own greatness is the walls and limits we set for ourselves. If we tore down the walls, those tall, menacing walls, I believe humanity could be a sort of utopia. Social, emotional, and physical walls, all torn down. People roaming freely, without the concern of unacceptance, without the barriers between different races, groups, religions. There would be peace, love, joy, bliss. All without the walls. But some of humanity decides to split us apart. They like the walls. Why? The walls have never brought anything good or meaningful! We have to tear down the walls, not build them higher! If not a wall, there is a wobbly bridge, above a deep gorge where none can come out of. If not crossed, we will never reach our dreams, never reach the place where all are welcomed and accepted. A place we need desperately to be. It is a beautiful place, a lovely place, but there is fear that holds us back on the side where progression seems backwards. Do not stay on that side! We will never reach beauty if fear of the unknown and dangerous holds us back! Break free of the confines that keep you here! Go to where there is joy, and light. Go to where all are held equal. Go to where your dreams are within your grasp. Go to the place where there is light, there is love, and there is life.

Find Her

By Atalya swan

Finding her.

A girl trying to find herself

Did she find her?

A girl trying to find peace

Did she find it?

A girl trying to find selflove

Does she love herself?

A girl finding herself

She did it!

A girl that found her peace

Does she love it?

Yes yes she does

I don’t think I should add more or not?

As the tide hits the shore

By Natalie Trotter

Over and over again I think to myself, who am I? Slowly, I begin to find myself. Knowing the journey wasn’t easy. My head is a worry. everything all blurry I try to hurry to finish my journey.

Life is almost exactly like an ocean’s strandline. Leaving its mark behind. From periods of time I can feel the tide. Side to side with much pride, I hear the ocean roar inside.

Composing its mark on the coarse sand extending its shoreline to the faraway land. Almost how a person will transform, the mark left there forever stillborn.

The mark left permanently forlorn, knowing you were warned, Even being forewarned, You continue your journey feeling torn.

As the tide hits the shore, the ocean roars. When the ocean’s tide leaves the shore, the mark forevermore, until the unknown shore.

Transforming can be such an Agonizing thing. Hiding from friends, being hurt, a new mark begins, now alert.

All about Me

By Maria Valquier

I’m as beautiful as the sea. I can be as beautiful as I can be. I love to read and I’m serious, I love to dream and I’m curious.

I’m tacky and I love candy, I love taffy and I’m dandy. I am light like the sunlight When everything is bright.

I like to run And have fun, I like to play, I like the day. I like animals And mammals, I like mice And dice.

All about Me

By Hunter Vesely

I am athletic as you can see, I run fast into a tree. I also ran into a bee, Then I fell into the sea.

I’m funny as I can be I make my friends laugh as you see, Once I tried to be friends with a tree, But the tree did not agree.

I’m kind as you see, You should be nice like me, Sometimes I’m too nice as I be, But I’m nice and that’s the key,

Me

By Ray Waldron

Strong is a part of me, Strong is cool as can be, Strong is my style, I can run a mile.

I can help my mom, My mom is the bomb. I can help my dad My dad is always glad.

I am brave in the night, I am brave when it’s bright, If you give me a dollar I’ll hide it in my collar.

Nevaeh

By Nevaeh Welch

I’m the bravest you can see, I’m the only me that I can be. When I see me, I wonder “Am I the only me?” As you can see I am the only me that I can be.

I’m so honest, I’m honest a lot. I can’t help it I say every thought. You might miss me if I am not there, Even when I say things you don’t want to hear.

Hudson

By Hudson Weldon

Being smart is a part of me Dumb I will never be I Could do math on a pile, I can read for a mile.

I am very strong I’m as strong as King Kong, I can’t play pong, cause I’m too strong I’m as strong as a man named John.

I can run so fast I can travel to the past, I run so fast I’ll never be in last. I’ll run so fast they will eat my rubber They’ll even get three layers of blubber

Untitled

By Breiton Whitmire

Standing there, deep in silence, Worrying, no guidance Filled with fear, the unknown Friends standing there, disown They make me feel exceedingly dejected As a person, rejected I try to speak up, to be heard My words have flown by them, a bird There must be something I can say For them to grasp where I’m coming from They don’t, they can’t They don’t know what I can become

Nothing

By Ryder Witt

This poem is about, well, Nothing. Nothing at all. Absolutely Nothing. But can Nothing ever truly be Nothing? Because there will most always be Something. Take for example, an empty room. You may say that the room has Nothing in it, but really, that can’t possibly be. There will always be Something in that room.

The paint on the walls, the dust on the floor, and the air in the room as well. See? There will always be Something. You can’t do Nothing either. You will always be doing Something. Laying down, sitting, staring off into space, the list goes on. You will forever be doing Something. Everything will be doing Something. Forever.

This poem is about Something. Something for sure. Definitely Something.

Writer’s Block

By Ryder Witt

“Next stop, Writer’s Block.” the Train Conductor said. “Most boring place on Earth.” I then thought inside my head. But then suddenly the train came to a grinding halt.

I grabbed my bags and looked outside, and then became appaled. Stretching out ‘till yonder, in all of the directions; A sight so bizzare, that I couldn’t make connections. For, everywhere I looked, and believe me, I didn’t lack.

I saw one lonely color, and that of course, being black. I looked down at my ticket, searching for a description. But, to my dismay, not a single word was written.

I see the Train Conductor, walking down the aisle.

I just sit in my seat, waiting all the while.

I hear the Conductor’s voice, speaking right above me. I turn my head to look at him, escaping the dreaded misery. From the words I can remember after being in this Hell; If you want to know what he said exactly, that I cannot tell.

“Excuse me, mister, sir, but I believe this is your stop.”

I guess this is the place that people call Writer’s Block.

As I step out into the void, my conscious goes all blank. I forget how to write, and my minds an empty slate. And, so my friend that’s all, you’ve heard the full story.

I’m certain it ends here, if not I’m kind of worried. But wait a second, what is that? Is that some sort of rumbling? Is there some giant beast in here, who’s stomach is a’grumbling?

Hallelujah! My salvation! It’s, at last, another train! Maybe after all I can finally get home, warm and safe. As the train comes to a halt, very similar to mine.

I see it’s now or never, there may not be another time. I scramble into the train car, my thoughts come back again. I can read the read the writing on the walls, I don’t care that they’re insane. The train begins to chug away, taking me along.

I don’t care the destination, I don’t care if the ride is long. I have to hold this secret, keep it under key and lock. I guess that was the place that people call Writer’s Block.

The JOY of Cattle

By Kaygan Witthuhn

In the spring in the fields of green you see groups of two walking by a mother and baby a spring born calf now playing along in the sweet blue grass where they romp and roam the rolling canyons hold this herd we gather the group and move them to the corral for their spring check up and branding of the new babies ear tags clipped and shots given the herd is now ready for pasture once more

Summer waves the calves are strong the sun beats down causing a blazing heat the herd moves in a group to find the water tank at the windmill and some shade in the trees they spend their days grazing and swatting the flies hoping for a break from the sweltering heat hoping the rolling clouds in the distance bring some rain to cool and water the plains when a storm rolls in the cattle no they huddle together like they know something will blow

In the fall as the leaves change so does the herd as mothers and babies are no longer together the babies are no longer small and have moved on to their own herd the ranchers get ready for that horrible winter to come fixing fence and letting the cattle graze the cornfield of scraps the cows are bred and the new heifers too waiting for winter before they welcome their new calves

The first frost chills the plains as the first signs of winter show the cows are big and looking very pregnant walking through the first fallen snow they realize they have a long winter ahead the rancher must come end break ice every morning making sure his herd is both watered and fed the seasoned cows who’ve done this before know exactly what’s in store as for new heifers who are first-time moms they do a good job as instinct takes over In the cold the rancher finds little babies dotted in the field end keeps count of them every night make sure they make it to spring the herd now doubled in size all ready for spring as the final frost melts and the first blade of green grass grows the cycle continues the life of a rancher some years good and some bad but they do it for the love of calves

Joy

By Kelynn Witthuhn

Joy [joi]

noun a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Such as many things bring joy.

Kids, Bring me joy with their little smiles. Family, The light that they put in my eyes.

Puppies, The happiness that they give.

Christmas, The time of the year.

Sky, The significance of the loved ones in heaven.

Stars, The greatest lights in the sky. Sunrise, The morning light that’s so pretty. Sunset, The beautiful light disappears at night. And many more.

Such as the person in your life. Him Funniest, Nicest, Kindest, Person ever to be.

The one who taught me how to be me.

The one who helps me With anything.

The one who can have fun Whenever.

Just Me

By Greson Womochil

I love to be so kind, Being kind is on my mind. I love to see people’s faces When they smile in my spaces.

I like to be cool like a mule, Cool is like everything to me. I am super cool, It’s super fun to me.

They

By Esther Woolf

Be more creative is what others say Come up with something new to play That art is the best I’ve ever seen You’re so great though just thirteen You don’t ever make a mess And you’ll never ever do less You’re so smart that you’ll go to Harvard But my opinions are never heard

They expect way too much of me They expect my success is a guarantee They expect me to be creative and smart They expect me to be the best at the start

Wait, just who is this they Who won’t just stay away What if I told you that them was me It was myself that was keeping me free

I expect way too much of me I expect my success to be a guarantee I expect me to be creative and smart I expect me to be the best at the start

Everybody tells me to not pressure on myself I could just put my worries on a shelf What if that shelf holds too much It’ll hit me all at once and I won’t have a crutch

I know that overall it doesn’t matter My metaphorical shelf will shatter I’ll try to fix the shelf and put it near the ground But then nobody will see the things I’ve found

Everybody will then say I can ask for it That one thing that I can’t admit They just won’t allow me to yelp “Hey, I need some help!”

The Drive

By Kighter Wortmann

As I drove home from the gym, I couldn’t help but remember the game, It was hours ago but still feels like seconds.

The cold breeze scratched at my fingers and toes, My body is cold but warm from the adrenaline, The game was tied and everyone on edge.

The Seniors were calm but tense, This could be their last game, One point and we win.

The kick is up and flying, The bench is praying their hearts out, The kick goes in the field goal.

Disbelieve in the opponents eyes, Everyone goes crazy, We won the game.

My Voice

By Parsons Chase

I see others

Others that use their voice for good Others who change the world with words Others that I dream to be.

Quirky, that is my voice

Quirky, is what I will be for life

Quirky, something I use for my voice

Something that is my voice

Quirky, a glimpse of me

Quirky, that is my life

Empower, something I see others use Empower, something that changes lives

Empower, others use it, I use it

Empower, that is my voice

Empower, a glimpse of me

Empower, that is my life

Life-changing, a way of speech

Life-changing, an attitude

Life-changing, a way of life

Life-changing, the way I see life

Life-changing, a skill I use

Life changing, a glimpse of me.

Life-changing, that is my life

Three glimpses, Part of a whole

Three parts of me, Three parts of my voice

The voice of my life

The voice for life

My voice

I like my voice

My voice, a glimpse of me.

You are Not Alone

By Parsons Chase

We are many but united under one

We are separate but together

We are different but under the same umbrella

Rupaul Andre Charles

Barbara Gittings

Audre Lorde

Lisa Power

Marsha P. Johnson

Billie Jean King

The nearly 1.8 MILLION LGBTQ YOUTH that think about suicide

Me

All different sexualities

All different identities

All different

All the same idea

All the same fight

All the same

We all fight

We all live

We all love

We are all the same

We are the voices that breach the gap

We are the voice in the corner

The voice that creeps from the crevasses to the top

We are the voice for change

The voice for equality

The voice for life without fear

The voice that wants to live

The voice that fights

We are not alone

We have stories

We have lives

We will not go unheard

Despite the imperfections

Despite the gender

Despite the race

Despite the sexuality

Despite the story

Despite the story

We are one.

By Eliza Beisswenger

By Paxton Ford

Dog by Pax

Perro

By Aniyah Hounsougbin

Aniyah

Love

Kind

Sweet

By Bentley Meintzer

sadgotthey ninebyWining justscoredthereonlydownbytwo

butmadwas

By Matthew Polsley

By Levi Strong

Levi

Opera Omaha

Opera Omaha is a growth-minded, high energy, and innovative company with a demanding mission: producing opera performances in multiple formats and styles and co-creating artist-led programs for a variety of community service organizations. We believe the power of opera is transformational, and as a result supports the creation of an inventive, creative, empathetic, and inclusive community that inspires joy, selfdiscovery, kinder discourse, and opportunity for all.

Visit operaomaha.org for more information.

Nebraska Writers Collective

Founded in 2008, the Nebraska Writers Collective (NWC) is an Omahabased 501(c)3 non-profit organization that fosters self-empowerment and community-building through creative writing and performance poetry. The NWC facilitates interactive workshop-based programming throughout the Midwest at schools, businesses, and correctional facilities, and provides paying work for more than 50 local writers and poets each year.

The NWC helped identify themes and created prompts for the Poetry & Music Project, and NWC Teaching Artists designed and facilitated poetry workshops for over 400 middle and high school students across Nebraska.

Visit newriters.org for more information.

University of Nebraska Omaha School of Music

The University of Nebraska Omaha School of Music is one of three schools within the College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media. It is located in the newly renovated Janet A. and Willis S. Strauss Performing Arts Center, which is nestled near the focal point of the campus, a campanile that houses a carillon of forty-seven bells. The complex itself boasts a tunable 420 seat concert hall and 100 seat recital hall, impressive acoustic isolation, recording studio, and well-equipped classrooms and rehearsal spaces. The center serves as a nexus of musical activity not only for the university, but for the city of Omaha as well.

The School of Music has a faculty of 45 full and part time members and is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Degrees offered include the Bachelor of Music degree in performance, the Bachelor of Music with K-12 certification and the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree with concentrations in music studies, jazz studies, music technology, and entrepreneurial studies in music.

Five UNO music students workshopped and performed six of the original songs for the Poetry & Music Project.

The American Opera Project

The American Opera Project’s mission is to develop and present new and innovative works of lyric theater, provide a creative home to emerging and established artists, and engage contemporary communities in a transformative operatic experience.

AOP has been at the forefront of the contemporary opera movement for over thirty years through the commissioning, developing, and producing of opera and music-theatre projects, training programs for student and emerging composers and librettists, and community engagement.

AOP helped identify Poetry & Music Project composers Gabrielle Herbst and J.E. Hernández, who are alumni of AOP’s Composers & the Voice opera writing fellowship program.

Visit aopopera.org for more information.

Themes for Poetry Submissions

Finding Your Voice

JOY: Celebrating your voice and its uniqueness

TRANSFORMATION: Exploring how your voice is continually forming

CREATIVITY: Capturing the essence of your voice

EMPATHY: Connecting with others by using your voice

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES: Examining the way you respond when your voice is silenced

Suggested Writing Prompts

JOY

Your voice is a gift that only you get to give. Check out the poem “I Am Offering this Poem” by Jimmy Santiago Baca in which the author gives the gift of his voice, describing it as things like “a pot full of yellow corn” and “a warm coat when winter comes over you”. Write your own poem where you give your voice as a gift and describe what that looks like.

TRANSFORMATION

Finding your voice isn’t always easy and sometimes we have to leave others and even our old selves behind. Consider the poem “The Journey” by Mary Oliver and write a poem where you tell the old things that have held you back “Goodbye”.

CREATIVITY

Netflix uses an algorithm to give every movie and show a three- or four-word tagline. For example, The Matrix’s tagline is ‘Mind-bending. Dystopian. Dark’. Rick and Morty is “Absurd, Quirky, Irreverent.” Pick three or four words that best describe you or how you communicate. This is your tag line. Write a poem in which you explore your voice, how you want to use your voice, or how you want others to hear your voice. Try starting each line or each stanza with one of those tagline words and explore all the ways it relates to you.

EMPATHY

Sometimes your voice is meant to sing solo and sometimes it’s one of many in a choir. Read the poem “This Is Not A Small Voice’’ by Sonia Sanchez. Pick a group of people that you belong to and write a poem about how although you may not sound the same, you are all singing the same song.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

We don’t always get to choose how our voices are heard and often our voices are silenced because of a specific group we are lumped into. Think of times you weren’t listened to or weren’t allowed to speak. Think about the poem “Elliptical” by Harryette Mullen and write a poem that responds to all the categories you do or do not belong in that people use against you.