Poetry & Music Project 24/25

POETRY

& MUSIC PROJECT

24/25

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

Additional partners include:

Funding provided by:

POETRY

& MUSIC PROJECT

Now in its 8th year, the Poetry & Music Project connects student writers and their words with composers to create original scores and explore the connections between poetry and music.

In Fall 2024, Opera Omaha and the Nebraska Writers Collective invited students from Nebraska and Iowa to submit works of poetry on the theme “My Neighborhood.”

Throughout the fall over 200 elementary, middle, and high school students took part in NWC led Poetry & Music writing workshops focused on helping students to add musicality to their poetry.

For the 24/25 Project, Opera Omaha received 66 poem submission from students across Nebraska inspired by the theme “My Neighborhood.” Opera Omaha requested poems that explored how even though we all may be Nebraskans or Iowans, where we come from still has a profound effect on who we are; asking poets to think deeply about what community means to them and how it is formed. Poets ranged from second graders to high school juniors, including first time poets and seasoned writers.

While there were many outstanding poems submitted to the project, in the end, project composer Sidney Marquez Boquiren and hip-hop artist Lite Pole selected 13 poems that inspired them to create original music with the poems as the lyrics.

In Spring 2025, poets and composers along with project pianist, Opera Omaha Head of Music Josh Quinn, and Opera Omaha singers gathered for workshops to collaborate on the original pieces of music. These workshops were a magnificent inspiration for the composers and singers as the students participated in the collaborative process of molding the pieces into their final form through thoughtful questions and energetic responses. These pieces premiered with a concert on May 3, 2025, at the Omaha Conservatory of Music and via livestream. Recordings of these songs are available on Opera Omaha’s website.

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

Contents PAGE 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19

POEMS SELECTED TO BE SET TO MUSIC "Footsteps" by Nora Barth "Fowler Street" by M Bonar "Heart of the Town" by Michaela Brown "Neighbor Behavior" by Addi Bryan "Our Beautiful Neighborhood" by Rishi Chundury "My Neighborhood" by Madison Dornbusch "The Original Denny's" by Maren Ferguson "Flying Home" by Aalyn Friesz "Seasons in North Omaha" by Adeline Olsen "In the land of unknown" by Shevaani Rajith Varman Janani "De Donde Soy" by Galen Ruiz "Invisible to Us" by Madelynn Torson "Omaha’s Embrace" by Jackson Ward

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

ALL POEM SUBMISSIONS "Mi Honduras" by Zoe Amador Chavez "My Friends" by Summer Archer "In My Neighborhood" by Ashlyn Bae "Nebraska City Is New" by Kendall Bailey "Hayward is my Second Home" by Braelynn Behrens "My View of Our Town" by Brylee Behrens "My Neighborhood, City, and State" by Charlie Beranek "My Neighborhood" by Isabela Bernabe "My small Town" by Sofia Bernabe "Wherever You Look" by Olivia Boord "De Donde Soy" by Camila Briseño "I love 4 things, School, Food, Sports, and Fish" by Atlas Childers "Shared" by All" by Reeya Chundury "The Pieces of My Neighborhood" by McKinley Coe "This is My Home" by Raven Cranny "My Scary Day" by Willa Davis "My Cool Neighborhood" by Eli DeLunger "My cool neighborhood" by Mateo Dominguez

39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73

"Cottonwood Leaf" by Sage Doubet "Sonnet for Home" by Julie Ewing "People That Come" by Ivanna Felix Hincapie "My City" by Jade Garner "In My Neighborhood" by Anushka Gupta "Apple City!" by Adrian Gurrola "From Rejection to Belonging" by Keely Halm "The Best Town" by McKenzie Heng "Nebraska City Parts" by Finley Hill "Red Brick Road" by Honor Hopkins "Nevertheless" by Emelia Howell "My Neighborhood" by Frankie Jordan "Artistic!" by Jaxson Knapp "My Neighborhood" by Zoey Koeller "Our Little Town" by Lily Kraft "Before Nebraska" by Evelyn Long "Broken" by Olivia Merchant "The Forest Creature" by Swift Moriarty "Death of a Home" by Killian O’Lone "My Neighborhood" by Minnette Palmer "My Beautiful Town" by Angelique Paredes "I like my town" by Cooper Rufy "Welcome To Arbor Lodge" by Willow Ryan "My Town" by Jaxton Scharp "My Football Team In The Neighborhood" by Timothy Shaw "I’m From…" by Lydia Taylor "My Neighborhood" by Flora Thomas "The Neighborhood" by Leo Thomas "Untitled" by Alice Tripp "The Seasons" by Liam Van Sant "Nebraska City" by Gwenneth Walker "Our town is a Community" by Joshua Walters "My community is always happy" by Lexi Weale "Explaining my blackness" by MajieAhna Winfrey "Which Neighborhood Do I Live In?" by Andrea Zimmerman

Footsteps

By Nora Barth Already in the distant past Lay deep footprints And sled tracks In the snow, long-melted, From our childhood.

Our world was made of doorbells and porches bare feet on warm concrete Adventures across backyards up and down the block.

It was never meant to last, though moving trucks come and go only we remain hunched over in dark rooms our faces illuminated By blue light our bikes stored away, the sleds forgotten.

Red leaves, rainy days The birds flew south together They left the trees— Their homes— And so will we The real question, then is what kind of memories we’ll be bringing with us.

Years from now, Perhaps a new doorbell and a creaking porch will remind us where our hearts were formed— Over the fence on the swing begging as the sun set for ten more minutes in the streets That now echo with our footsteps.

6

Fowler Street

By M Bonar I met an old man on Fowler, his cane wobbled underneath his froggy hands and his legs looked like they were held together by rubber bands He rambled on about sorry men, and the little old house with an address that starts with ten and the new complexjust down the street where the brand new tech rushes to be obsolete and the pigeon place, where the well-meaning ten wish their little goodbyes to their pets.

I met an old man on Fowler, his head was heartily wrinkled like the wilting pink flowers that were never really sprinkled by waterthat kept their color alive, and now their roots can’t pick what they need to survive because this nice little place, where happy kids used to race down the paved gray streets with little bikes, and where they used to complain when their fake swords had spikes and splinters, this nice little place that was once a home is now filled with neat-trimmed grass and garden gnomes.

I met an old man on Fowler, I saw in his eyes the blueberry pies we used to give the new ones in town, that we used to celebrate even when we were down, the ones that are gone now that the city took notice, of a small little plot that looked like a big dollar sign for the city-wide bonus.

7

Heart of the Town

By Michaela Brown In our town, the sun shines bright, Every face a friendly light.

Hand and hand, we walk this way, In our community, joy will stay.

Smiles and kindness all around, In this place, love is found.

Together, we build and dream, In our heart, lies a radiant gleam.

8

Neighbor Behavior

By Addi Bryan The girl across the street is turning cartwheels in the heat The mischievous boy right down the lane is romping in the mud when it rains The girl next door is shooting hoops sweating, she needs ice cream, two scoops The parents across the driveway are blowing kisses to their three year old, making wishes The kid on the corner jumps on her trampoline flipping quietly, never seen I gaze out the window at my neighborhood and I think it has everything it should.

9

Our Beautiful Neighborhood

By Rishi Chundury Within the quiet streets we dwell, Where echoes of children’s laughter resonate.

Each paved path yearns a tale to tell, The happiness could be captured in a blank slate.

Food trucks line the streets with scents of lands afar, Conversations bloom in the paved paths and enchanted parks.

A mural blossoms where a stone wall once stood, a hidden reservoir, Parents communicate with one another while speaking under their dog’s barks.

The corner store glows bright with evening trade, Neon reflections dance as deals are fulfilled.

Teenagers glide down the bright streets on their rollerblades, Points are played at the local tennis court as the players are skilled.

This neighborhood, alive with a burning fire, Transforms the mundane to what we aspire.

10

My Neighborhood

By Maddie Dornbusch The little house I play in The little circle I live on And the little neighborhood I grew up in I remember the laughter of my friends I remember every freshly baked cookie from my grandma's house I remember the sweet summer air The friendly smiles The bike rides The dogs barking from each house The sunny days and the wind flowing through my hair No matter how old or young No matter how small or big People still cared for one another

11

The Original Denny’s

By Maren Ferguson Denny’s is a restaurant that is known to all, But the restaurant is not the Denny’s I recall.

A kindly man lives at the peak of the circle I call home.

His smile is always a comfort to anyone who will roam, Throughout our circle and streets the kids all know his name, For Denny threw the best ice cream parties and everybody came.

I was small and often times in the summer, Denny would ask me to be his runner.

I’d go house to house and announce the occasion, Of the impending ice cream invasion.

Then Denny with his wondrous smile would set up a table, And anyone could come if they were able.

Any kid on the street could get some ice cream.

Denny would smile and if you said please, He would give you two scoops or maybe even three.

So to me it seems quite clear that the original Denny’s started right here.

12

Flying Home

By Aalyn Friesz On any dark and empty night My neighborhood gives me light And every house and every tree Is a special place for me Where memories take flight

13

Seasons in North Omaha

By Adeline Olsen Springtime in the North is like a melody in my heart.

Dewdrops on daisies, the calm and quiet dark.

Summer in the North is light falling on my face.

Summer brings warmth, happiness and grace.

My neighbors in autumn, the kind and silent type.

The crisp air blows when the apples are ripe.

A cold and freezing winter is nothing in compare To a heart that’s full of joy, and good feelings everywhere.

When spring’s song comes again, I smell small buds, still curled.

And smile at my family, my neighborhood, my world.

14

In the land of unknown

By Shevaani Rajith Varman Janani In the land of unknown, We can find the way which is so different Leaving behind crowds like a swarming beehive Foreign words fill every day which makes a headache Also tried and heavy it’s hard to listen It’s uncomfortable but I can manage it I am alone and separated by the wall of words Skies are same but miss my friends and families Also, my school memories which we sit together and eat lunch by sharing our rice Which was unique and cute but can’t get it back Miss a bunch of cultural festival like Pongal, Which was celebrated 4 days long with worship god with belief and love I am so happy that my family reunited It is good to be here so I can learn English much better My classmates & teachers are kind and helpful Learning new vocabulary like belated, extinguish etc.

What would you do if you were going to a new place?

15

¿De Donde Soy?

By Gelen Ruiz En el corazón de Sudamérica brilla Colombia, La tierra de mil colores, Donde el café danza en la orilla, Y el viento susurra entre los amores.

Colombia es pasión, es sabor y alegría, Un abrazo sincero en cada mirada; En sus paisajes se siente la vida, Un país que al mundo enamora.

Cartagena con su encanto colonial, Bogotá que respira modernidad, Medellin renace en un ciclo triunfal, Y el llano extiende su inmensidad.

En el trópico radiante, donde el sol se despereza, Colombia se levanta con un canto de belleza, Desde el Caribe Azul con sus playas doradas, Hasta el Amazon verde, donde la vida es sagrada.

En Barranquilla, el carnaval estalla en colores, Música y danzas en un mar de amores.

Cumbia y vallenato resuenan en cada esquina, Unidos en la fiesta, la alegría se adivina.

Las esmeraldas brillan como estrellas robadas, Tesoros de la tierra en manos delicadas.

Medellín florece con su gente valiente, Transformando el dolor en un futuro latente.

O Colombia amada, tu espiritu es eterno, En cada paso firme, tu esencia es un tierno, Con paisajes que abrazan y corazones abiertos, Te celebro en versos sinceros y ciertos.

16

Where I’m From?

By Gelen Ruiz In the heart of South America Colombia shines, The land of a thousand colors, Where coffee dances on the shore, And the wind whispers amongst the love.

Colombia is passion, it is flavor and joy, A sincere embrace in every glance; In its landscapes you can feel life, A country that enchants the world.

Cartagena with its colonial charm, Bogotá that breathes modernity, Medellin is reborn in a triumphant cycle, And the plain extends its immensity.

In the radiant tropics, where the sun stretches, Colombia rises with a song of beauty, From the Blue Caribbean with its golden beaches, To the green Amazon, where life is sacred.

In Barranquilla, the carnival explodes in colors, Music and dances in a sea of love.

Cumbia and vallenato resonate in every corner, United in parties, joy is everywhere.

The emeralds shine like stolen stars, Treasures of the earth in delicate hands.

Medellín flourishes with its brave people, Transforming pain into a latent future.

Oh beloved Colombia, your spirit is eternal, In each firm step, your essence is tender, With landscapes that embrace and open hearts, I celebrate you through sincere and true verses.

17

Invisible to Us

By Madelynn Torson You may see us In the park, and On the street, and In the shadows.

You may see us, pushing A cart, of All we have, and you Look away.

Either you‘re Guilty Of looking at us, or You wrinkle your nose.

We’re mostly Invisible, Mostly.

It‘s only when you See us at the store, or Next to you, Actually there, That you Yell, or edge away.

As if we‘re animals.

Things.

And all that hate, we start to wonder Aren‘t we people too?

But it‘s when we see The smiles of Children, Happy to give To us, we Maybe think we can be seen again.

18

Omaha’s Embrace

By Jackson Ward By the banks of the mighty Missouri flow, Omaha stands, where dreams still grow.

A city of strength, of heart, of cheer, Where past and present intertwine so near.

From Old Market's charm, cobblestones greet, To bustling parks where families meet.

The warmth of neighbors, a steady light, Guiding through day and into night.

The skyline rises, bold and true, Yet whispers of prairie still filter through.

With art, with culture, and fields of gold, Omaha's spirit is quietly bold.

Through winter's chill and summer's heat, Community thrives on every street.

With open arms, it welcomes all, In Omaha's heart, no one stands small.

Here roots run deep, here futures soar, A city of hope forevermore.

Omaha's story, a tale well spun, A tapestry woven by everyone.

19

Mi Honduras

By Zoe Amador Chavez Mi honduras gente carismática.

Tierra fértitil.

Donde podía disfrutar De un bello atardecer Donde puedo disfrutar Parte de mi nińez.

Donde el amanecer Despertaba con cantos de los gallos así era mi barrio donde pude Disfrutar parte de mi niñez.

Donde quedara siempre Presente la humildad De la hermosa Gente con la que conviví.

20

My Friends

By Summer Archer Lily always brings a smile to my face Arianna makes me smile with grace I pay them with kindness everyday They love to be my friends they say Gracelynn always makes me happy too These are my friends…just a few

21

In my neighborhood

By Ashlyn Bae In my neighborhood, Children Play all day Climbing-Climbing trees in the summer The bruise-Hills in the winter it’s from climbing In my neighborhood, Adults Wave to one another While they brew their morning coffee, “Isn’t the weather nice today?” collect their forgotten mail, “Did you get a haircut?” prepare their children “Rambunctious, aren’t they?” for another day of school, Questions get dressed About everything for work themselves, But the screaming last night, mow the lawn the police car on a hot July afternoon still parked out front In my neighborhood— In my neighborhood?

The ice cream truck The children gather Still comes around All except one Clutching one dollar bills No one questions Hoping they have enough why

22

Nebraska City Is New

By Kendall Bailey Dear old Nebraska City, this town.

It is good as new like the beautiful gown.

But I live in the country and see bees.

This is the city that has trees.

23

Hayward Is My Second Home

By Braelynn Behrens Students in my school, We are all so kind.

We are important as a jewel, We all have a creative mind.

Not all of us are tall, We always play with all.

Not all of us are small, Sometimes we fall.

24

My View Of Our Town

By Brylee Behrens We’re a community!

We have a lot of people.

We live in Nebraska City.

We have a teacher named Mrs. Kiekel.

She is a fourth-grade teacher.

Everyone here has different features!

25

My Neighborhood, City, and State

By Charlie Beranek I’m born and raised In the Cornhusker State No time to debate About my state Papillion is my home town ‘Til the sun goes down There is no place more old town Than my city’s downtown My teams are Huskers, Vikings, and Chiefs They aren’t falling like our leaves You’ve got to see and believe What we’ve got up our sleeve Sarpy, Douglas, what’s the difference No matter what mayor we have, we’ve got independence We’ve got no time for ignorance With a lot of innocence My neighborhood, city, and state We can certainly appreciate That we know how to create Right here in Nebraska, my state

26

My neighborhood

By Isabela Bernabe My neighborhood is the quietest I have lived in no one talks to each other we are all like strangers.

Everyone are adults and serious the only time we talk to people is when the mail comes and we thank them The one spot that is always loud after every after one is the spot down next to our backyard everyone there is loud well at least some teens And some after none we see people skate down our street or people walking their dogs.

We can hear cars racing or just burning there wheels in the high way sometimes we ahead thing like bombs but it’s a really safe neighborhood we just don’t know were those sound comes from

27

My small town

By Sofia Bernabe Jacinto My small town, It deserves a crown, There are good and bad people, But everybody is equal.

28

Wherever You Look

By Olivia Boord People line the streets, they walk and talk You see children doodling with sidewalk chalk.

Kids swing from the trees, open and free.

One day, they’ll grow, This you know, they’ll move away, but not before they hear you say: Wherever else you roam, this will be your home.

Wherever else you look, this place will always be your perfect storybook.

The colors will flourish, the plants will be nourished.

This place will always be yours.

Oh, won’t you play some more?

Don’t put that sign up in your yard, oh, please say you won’t go far.

You lock your doors, But I’ll say it once more: Wherever else you look, you’ll always have a place in this book.

29

De Donde Soy Camila Briseño Durango, Durango Capital De religion catolica cristiana Durango, Durango ciudad colonial Bendita tierra Mexicana Orgulloso patrimonio cultural Eres cuna de Pancho Villa Tierra tan bendita, tierra celestial De comunidad amable y sencilla O Durango mi tierra natal Valle del Guadiana, tu primer nombre oficial Diste a México el primer presidente nacional Lleno de gente ilustre esta tu historial Olvidarte o no extrañarte sería un pecado Mas hay del agua tu significado Eres parte de mi futuro y mi pasado En ti se encuentra el gran cerro del mercado Soy de la tierra de los alacranes Cultura de leyendas y refranes Donde pa el frío usamos gabanes Y recibimos en lindos zaguanes Llamarte tierra del cine es correcto Tierra llena de costumbres y de afecto Eres tierra de caudillos, de gente de respeto Cada que te pienso, volver a ti prometo Por las noches yo recuerdo ese cerro Y por supuesto tu hermosa catedral Las moreras, magnífica capital Afectuos me despido Durango Capital

30

Where I'm From Camila Briseño Durango, capital Durango Of Christian Catholic religion Durango, colonial city Durango Blessed Mexican land Proud cultural heritage You are the birthplace of Pancho Villa Land so blessed, heavenly land Of a friendly and simple community Oh Durango my homeland Guadiana Valley, your first official name You gave Mexico its first national president Your history is full of illustrious people To forget you or not miss you would be a sin But your meaning is beyond water You are part of my future and my past In you lies the great hill of the market I am from the land of scorpions Culture of legends and proverbs Where we wear overcoats for the cold And we receive them in beautiful halls Calling you the land of cinema is correct Land full of customs and affection You are the land of leaders, of people of respect Every time I think of you, I promise to return At night I remember that hill And of course your beautiful cathedral The mulberry trees, magnificent capital Affectionately, I say goodbye to Durango Capital

31

I love 4 things, School, Food, Sports and Fish.

By Atlas Childers School is cool, We like to fool.

Food is not rude, Do you hear me dude.

Sometimes sports are on courts, Sometimes fish, Need a big dish.

32

Shared by All

By Reeya Chundury It all begins with spring The flowers blooming in their vibrant colors We harmonize with the birds that sing And awaken to a beautiful breeze The children start to delight As the days become long lasting and bright Surprise, the season of summer has arrived Now the houses are lit in a golden glow We prove that our happiness survived And the warmth brings our families together Then the trees start to shed their leaves And we all begin to roll down our sleeves Is it fall or autumn that has just appeared Neighbors decorate their porches in a crispy amber Halloween night is everything we feared And we all carve pumpkins and feast on pie But the rustling winds quickly become bitter And we start to see a frost-kissed glitter At last winter has brought a glacial beauty We share eggnog, gingerbread, and spicy peppermints Roasting chestnuts becomes an exciting duty And the year comes to an icy end

33

The Pieces of My Neighborhood

By McKinley Coe Something to remember Is the tender look of the children's books across the street at the place where I remember the faces of Those people with their friendly looks.

I used to see the make-believe at Harrison Elementary.

Now that was only one aspect of my comfort place, And no one would suspect what would come next.

All those places, All those faces, are only a part of my street.

This is my neighborhood.

The faces, places and innocent looks on children's books where I went Almost every day, for seven years.

Now this is the part that will stay in my heart, for seven more years to come.

34

This is My Home

By Raven Cranny Everything I am is here– When I was 10, I learned the meaning of “state pride” Wearing crimson red and stark white every Saturday, And smelling the hops of the beer my dad used to brew with my uncle in the garage.

I remember the chants of “Go Big Red” at the television as I sat on the lawn picking the dandelion’s soft tufts from the green of the grass with my best friends.

This is my home.

Here you sit, with me on the lawn, Still smelling the faint sickly scent of booze, Even though my uncle no longer comes around after his motorcycle accident, And even though our red and white hasn't won a game in over ten years; We have the dandelions fitted into flower crowns even seven years later.

These weeds accent your dyed hair and my brownish-green eyes As the afternoon breeze whips against you Like an insecure lover not wanting you to leave.

I don’t want you to leave, This is my home.

When I was thirteen I learned the meaning of state pride, As suburbs in Omaha turned red with the color of our collective blood, With the color of my blood, Because even though our team hasn't ranked in five years, I bleed red Like I had to relearn what color spills from my veins.

Like you had to see it to believe, That I am still truly made of the corn that grows in our endless fields, and made of the malt my dad used to make his alcohol with.

A truly midwestern thing, This is my home.

My home is so many things, Yet also one thing simultaneously, It is the place where I learned how to walk, talk, and pray, It is the place I learned how to live, and act like I was living When I was truly dying in this Nebraska suburb, Becuase when I was sixteen I remember dreaming of leaving this place, Where red meets yellow, And I see myself in the dandelions and corn we used to pick, And I realized that all I am, is a weed to be picked, Then made into something else.

Omaha is where I went to die, But I still loved it anyway, Because this was my home.

35

My Scary Day

By Willa Davis In a house one evening, a boy and a girl ate their supper.

Suddenly, the tornado alert went off!

Five people went in to the basement!

I was so scared, I almost cried!

My Bible was upstairs, My desk was upstairs, My camera was too!

After the “mini hurricane,” Everything looked different.

There were less trees, We got so many acorns, and the tree next to our house fell over!

And we helped get if off the neighbor’s house.

36

My Cool Neighborhood

By Eli DeLunger Hayward is so cool, Hayward is a school.

Hayward is such fun, I really love to run.

I am a nerd, I love birds.

I am so lazy, I love daisies.

I love trees, I love bees.

I love pop, I can go to the top.

37

My cool neighborhood

By Mateo Dominguez My neighborhood is kind Most of the kids are nine My neighborhood is cool My neighborhood has cool tools

38

Cottonwood Leaf

By Sage Doubet Cottonwood leaf, Sparkles in the sun, Dances with the breeze, Oh, Cottonwood leaf.

Up so high, Watching me grow Down below, Like a tiny ant at its feet.

Always there, always home, Watching over our neighborhood, Watching me, Seeing all.

Till fall comes With trumpets blazing, Painting leaves red and yellow, Announcing to us, that it is a time for rest, A time for peace.

But cottonwood leaf, Cottonwood leaf is caught in a gale, Glittering golden, Tumbling through the sky, So free, so high, Seeing life in new ways, Opening its mind To awe, to wonder.

Till the gusts soften, Cottonwood leaf floats, Gliding down Towards worlds unknown, Towards me.

39

A Sonnet For Home

By Julie Ewing cars driving down our small busy street the sound of clinking glasses from bars Where our intricate mural is neat on so many different walls, colorful bright stars And it travels from this game to that game And the flowers, when they grow, oh, they grow It is always changing, never the same You never know, stick with the status quo I find our neighborhood so breathtaking Though the trash clutters the bushes and yards And the leaves, when they fall, so heartbreaking To see the glasses and bottles from bars Intoxicating, from where we shall roam Writing that captures us, Sonnet for Home

40

People That Come

By Ivanna Felix Hincapie My Neighborhood is always busy Sometimes it makes me dizzy New people come every year They come from far and near

41

My City

By Jade Garner My city is cool, So, I love my school.

Mom likes the park, But, not when it’s dark.

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In My Neighborhood

By Anushka Gupta I live in a place where the parks are near, A neighborhood full of love and cheer.

It’s safe and joyful, comfort all around, With friendly faces, peace can be found.

My neighbors are kind, they wave hello, Together we make the streets aglow.

The sound of laughter fills the air, A place where everyone truly cares.

I feel at home, I feel at peace, In this great place, my worries cease.

The days are bright, the nights are calm, Wrapped in the neighborhood’s gentle charm.

The streets are lined with trees so green, The houses are cozy, and the gardens serene.

Children’s laughter echoes in the park, And every evening leaves a lasting spark.

The local shops are always busy, Offering everything, warm and fizzy.

The cafe’s warm, we laugh and share, In this neighborhood, life’s without a care.

The sun sets low, the stars shine bright, This neighborhood feels just right.

Neighbors gather, and families unite, Creating memories in the soft moonlight.

With friends by my side and love all around, In this place, my heart’s unbound.

We share our stories, our hopes, and dreams, Our lives are woven into one endless stream.

Neighbors help each other, side by side, In this community, we all take pride.

In this neighborhood, I am free, A perfect place for you and me.

In the mornings, we greet the dawn, With the strength of love, we carry on.

Through every season, we stand tall, In this neighborhood, there’s room for all.

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Apple City!

By Adrian Gurrola Apple picking is the best.

But I hate the pests.

But I feel like I’m going to destroy a nest.

In this orchard I’m a guest.

But apple picking is still the best.

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From Rejection to Belonging

By Keely Halm Up the sprout sprung Taking its first breath So excited to be born Excitement bubbling out Wait.

Stop.

Graffiti letters sprawled across the page We don’t want you here!

Be gone!

Leave!

But here is the opposite Even though we have had dark times in our past We’ve changed We are welcoming Kind and Including So, every little newborn face Has its home With friends and family A community Caring together Cursive letters across the page We are so glad you are here!

Welcome!

Hello!

That is what makes a community And now the sprout has its home

45

The Best Town

By McKenzie Heng It is so easy to find a good place in town.

Since I’ve been here, I’ve never been down.

It is cooler when you go deeper in town.

I feel like our town needs a crown.

If it’s your first time here you will never feel like a clown.

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Nebraska City Parts

By Finley Hill Nebraska City has a pool, Nebraska City is so cool, Nebraska City, is oh so old, Nebraska City gets so cold.

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Red Brick Road

By Honor Hopkins My neighbor has Two dogs. That all Keep Barking. In the Night, I can hear as everything slows down.

Till I too, I fall into a dream.

Sometimes in the Fall, I decide to ride my bike.

Scared to be lost, I never strayed too far Until I found a Land Mark.

Connecting my house to a grid Like an endless fight Of places. Subdued to stay forever Until they fall.

I am afraid no more To lose my way.

As the red brick road would find me.

And bring me home.

Everyone has a special place to Go back to.

In the Storm.

Understand that you can go.

And understand that you can fly.

It’s okay, don’t lose your way, you are okay.

Just follow your Red Brick Road, And you will be safe.

A safe port that connects us Empowers us, helps us, My neighborhood.

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Nevertheless

By Emelia Howell The snow has come to our town We are all forced inside The cold bites at our noses whenever we dare wander out But nevertheless We know Spring will come The budding flowers have come to our street We venture outside Smelling the new life in the air But nevertheless We know Summer will come The heat has come to our city We go back inside to the cool, cool air The sun beats down, withering plants But nevertheless We know Autumn will come The falling leaves have come to our home We step outside to a kaleidoscope of colors The life in the air starts to retreat But nevertheless We know the cycle repeats

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My neighborhood, my life

By Frankie Jordan My neighborhood is my home.

My neighborhood is full of wonderful people, places, and natural beauty.

My neighborhood is lively with friendship and bright with uniqueness.

My neighborhood is and can be sad at times, like when the tornado hit.

My neighborhood is my home.

My neighborhood is my heart.

My neighborhood is full of friends and peers who are kind and trustworthy.

My neighborhood has people who respect and care about me.

My neighborhood is my heart.

My neighborhood is my brain.

My neighborhood is full of guides who teach me life lessons I would have never learned from my family.

My neighborhood is full of places where you can learn about your passions and not be judged, it is my school.

My neighborhood is my brain.

My neighborhood is my story.

My neighborhood is bursting with seasonal traditions, like the 4th of July fireworks and past memories that we think about on the day that the memory occurred.

My neighborhood is bubbling with various experiences like our neighbors' pickleball tournament.

In my neighborhood we do and try with pride in our interests.

My neighborhood is my story.

My neighborhood is connected.

My neighborhood is full of people that would do anything to help each other in a time of need.

My neighborhood will support each other, like when a brutal windstorm hit our neighborhood.

It knocked out a bunch of trees, blocking roads, and hitting homes.

My neighborhood is connected.

My neighborhood is my home.

My neighborhood is my heart.

My neighborhood is my brain.

My neighborhood is my story.

My neighborhood is connected.

My neighborhood is my life.

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Artistic!

By Jaxson Knapp Nebraska City is very artistic.

My town’s about to go ballistic The statues look like trees But they don’t freeze

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My Neighborhood

By Zoey Koeller My neighborhood is my happy place Friendly smiles on every face Beauty in all sights I see That fills my face with looks of glee My neighborhood is full of fun The children laugh till dinner’s done They go outside and play with friends In my neighborhood, the fun never ends My neighbors show they care I’m thankful for the love they share I haven't known them from the start But they’re always family in my heart My neighborhood is my happy place The families full of love and grace Beauty in all sights I see A part of that beauty will always be me

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Our Little Town

By Lily Kraft Our town may be small, But, wanna play ball?

Of course, you can, but we may get hot.

Need an ice cream, we have a lot.

Oh, I forgot we have a pool, That may keep us cool.

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BEFORE NEBRASKA

By Evelyn Long On my busy street just past noon, I sat in my windowsill spinning a loom.

With the sun so high and the cars so low, I watched them go by as the lights flickered low.

When dinner was ready, I started to wonder what would happen if we lived somewhere else, such as Nebraska or maybe somewhere near the CELSS. But, I think those places won’t have good prunes, so I’m happy I’m here spinning my loom.

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Broken

By Olivia Merchant Kinship killed through cold blood Cut heart and vein broken and shunned Heart and mind cursed to dust Couldn't run yet they must The river of blood ran quick Death like a blow brutal and thick No way to escape the bombs they blew Heart and mind gone askew

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The Forrest Creature Swift Moriarty As the dawn peaks above the great forest With trees massive and old A strange man Searches for gold He has no name No face, no defining features The only thing men know him by Is the great forest creature He moves at night he takes flight Doing what he might But ever single night why he steals all the gold few know But many men think because of greed or power untold It is in fact something quite the opposite to keep the evil and greedy not able to hold it But thank him very much For the great forest creature is not what he seems You should keep out of his touch Because he will eat you for lunch And as the sun goes down dawn Thank the forest creature right And do truly little wrong wrong Or else by morning you might be gone

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Death of a Home

By Killian O’Lone I see that this place, A basket of hope, dreams, and love, Has become decayed, rotted, soiled No longer is it intricately knotted and twisted with stories and incantations The walls have been stripped of their lives Floors have shed their skin Peeled and battered, torn to shreds Those windows no longer sleep, painfully staring day and night Ghosts and phantoms run wild Their Visions are hazy, sort of spurs of mist Swallowed by the appetite of the empty rooms My home has died, and with it, my spirit and my pride

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My Neighborhood

By Minnette Palmer The neighborhood has big open space for backyards that children play in, happily.

You can ride bikes around on the road and in parking lots.

Where you can see nature growing and lots of people ready for fun.

My brother and I ride to the fire station that keeps our neighborhood safe.

Where we sit on a bench and watch the American flag fly, where many neighbors can see it, too.

Then we remember how important the American flag is to our country.

We say the pledge to the American flag soaring high up in the sky all on its own.

When I see the flag fly, I wish I could fly, too.

So then I could watch the neighborhood grow.

We see a creek with many animals that are all part of our neighborhood, Low and high, where the trees keep all of them safe.

But the place that keeps me safe, Is my comforting, loving neighborhood.

Full of loving people that want to make our neighborhood more beautiful!

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My Beautiful Town

By Angelique Paredes Our town isn’t so small anymore, We eat the apples to the core, We always shut the door at the end of the day, The horses go nay, The town goes yay!

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I like my town

By Cooper Rufy My town is cool Like a pool My town is bright Like a light

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Welcome to Arbor Lodge

By Willow Ryan Arbor Lodge is an awesome place to pick apples.

We picked some apples and ate some pineapple.

It was good, we should have brought some water.

I was so thirsty I started to totter.

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My Town

By Jaxton Scharp Nebraska City is my town, Home of John Brown, John Brown has a crown, John Brown is not a clown,

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My Football Team in the Neighborhood

By Timothy Shaw Football is awesome and cool And I like to go to the pool My football team is the BlueJays.

The team I’m against is the Red Rays My coaches are cool, especially Coach Brown.

My section has a lot of sound The football is round.

The football weighs about a pound Football doesn’t have a mound.

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My Neighborhood

By Flora Thomas My friends and family All of them dwell here.

My brothers and sisters in Christ We gather near.

We help and we learn Along the way.

And every day is the Best day.

I hear my neighbor’s Dog barking at morning dawn, And I think how lucky I am As the day goes on.

The best times and The greatest times, They are all here In my small, yet sweet, neighborhood.

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The Neighborhood

By Leo Thomas In my neighborhood there are lots of people.

In my neighborhood there is joy.

In my neighborhood everybody loves God. In my neighborhood we have hope.

In my neighborhood we fear God. In my neighborhood we are good.

In my neighborhood we are strong.

In my neighborhood we pray to God.

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Untitled

By Alice Tripp I walk through my neighborhood With houses made of bricks, and fences made of wood Green grass sprouts out of the ground The air is full of lovely sounds Big and small dogs bark From the tree sounds a lark Lawn flamingos dot the yards Standing as if silent guards As the sun sets in the west People will lay down to rest Cats will roam the streets at night Silently watching out of sight The street lights will all turn on One by one to light the lawns The stars will come out and glow At the happy earth below But soon the stars will go away To clear a path for another perfect day

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The Seasons

By Liam Van Sant What we see we admire the seasons When it’s summer It all happiness Water splashes everywhere Green is all you see Fall Orange is the new green Water become leaves Piles of leaves is all Winter White is everywhere Hot chocolate always around the corner Fresh cookies is all you can smell All you can see is wrapped presents under your tree Winter is the jolliest time of the year

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Nebraska City

By Gwenneth Walker Nebraska City can be cool, Nebraska City has a pool, Nebraska City has some snow, Nebraska City can glow, Nebraska City can be old, Nebraska City can get cold, Nebraska City is so kind, Nebraska City has a mind.

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“I’m From…”

By Lydia Taylor I am from this place that’s warm and fuzzy with friends all around but it has this place no one else Knows about.

I’m from Christine, Holly, Herbie And Bobby. Parents who I’ve always heard cuss, father who’s always in the fire.

I am from a place where everyone knows everyone. Trees I hung on no matter which house. Friends west and east, north and south. The wheels turn when all the kids meet in town. This one circle everyone would go to have fun no matter the season. Leaves on the ground the sun blazing on our skin, out till the street lights go out.

(Endless days and nights of playing in the yard with the dogs the ash falling onto you while you’re sitting in the chair talking about who knows what. The golden marshmallows and the smell of chocolate.)

I am from the field of trees. Everyone rides their bike down builds forts and plays truth or dare.

I’m from corn on the cob, deer shoot in the cold middle of winter. We ate with a delite maid by all Sunday family dinners with all the good food in town and we sat on the lake, the kids building sand castles, the playhouse we all knew and loved, but that would all come to an end rather we liked it of not, the family turned on each other all because of a loved one's grave.

From my mother who works night and day to give us all that she never had. From a father who works so hard to not give us the guilt he grew up with. From a stepmom that has always treated us as her own with the same love. From a stepfather who always just tries to make us have fun. From a best friend that I lost all too soon I learned to not take things for granted because you won't know when they could all be gone.

I'm from losing too many loved ones at a young age losing at least 1 or 2 every year I'm not sure what to do.

I’m from we are proud of you no matter what and will love you no matter who you are. I will never give up. You're strong, believe and love yourself because you'll never know when it could be all gone.

I’m from annual fish fries and target practice with all the family and every other holiday with Mom or Dad. I'm from where we all are known for never giving up and being strong.

I'm from my mom's side of the family. From a family that travels the world by boat, plane, and car.

From a family that loves to travel, and bake.

I'm from my dad's side of the family. From a family that hunts, shoots, and loves to be outside.

From a family that loves to hunt everything, loves to fight.

From Iowa a family of military, fire fighters. Moved from house to house when I was younger 9 and I can remember. My parents separated but always got along unlike my grandparents when they were too far gone. Acres of farmland, horses, pigs, cows, and sheep are where I'm from, the farm is where I belong.

Although I may not be there it's where I'm from.

From many hours in my room, where I slept, cried, mourned, had joy, and all the above.

I'm from these moments.

I'm like a rose IN bloom I'm bright but I also pass and come back alive. I'm prickly just like my trauma that caused so much drama I may hurt you if you touch the stem but after I have bloomed and up at the top, I'm beautiful but I still have my stem which is and will always be part of me.

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Our Town is a Community

By Joshua Walters Our town is a community Community starts with Unity.

Unity is people working together Working together forever.

That’s how community starts Being a united community is in our hearts.

Community, Unity, Community, Unity We have a united community.

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My community is always happy.

By Lexi Weale In my community, There’s some toxic positivity.

It makes me Feel utterly fake glee.

That toxic positivity, Taunting me, Yet pushing a plea For an easier, happier scene.

That silver in the lining, Making fake smiles start lighting.

Those vile smiles, Told, “It is better to let go and be happy, Than to let your emotions run free.”

Those whispers make the loud Become small But all in all, Make more tears fall, More brick walls come crashing down.

In my community, Positivity is a calling.

The means to be “normal” But to me, All I see Is some toxic In some well-meant positivity.

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Explaining My Blackness

By MajieAhna Winfrey black is great but let's clarify what it is and what it ain't black isn't chains black isn't slavery black isn't gangs black is fame black has no shame black is more than just “unique names” black glows, radiates from our crowns to our soles in our souls black isn't a crime black people, we just don't have time but black, oooo black is so divine black is loud black is sticking out in a crowd my black is non-optional my black isn't a state of mind black hurts sometimes and yet my black is still one of a kind

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Which Neighborhood Do I Live In?

By Andrea Zimmerman Which neighborhood are you talking about?

The ones so peaceful where you see kids running around screaming happily, Or the neighborhoods where you see kids scream in terror. The ones where you buy ice cream off, or the ones where people sell other things. The rich or the poor. The old and abandoned or the luxury. Cabins or villas. My neighborhood is none of those things.

Just as simple as can be.

A peaceful breeze can lead to many things. Anything from happy cheers to quiet screams.

Not of terror or abuse, but the silence behind the trees.

It seems as the trees hide many things, But in reality all it hides is my neighborhood, my street, my home.

The neighborhood where it homes many strays and where children come to lay their weary heads after long hours.

The neighborhood where it comes together when trees collapse, or even for a simple garage sale.

This neighborhood might be hidden from the rest, but it should never be excluded from the rest. So when you think about this question “which neighborhood do I live in”, don’t be afraid to tell others where you come from, for only you can share your community's name and what lies in the hidden streets.

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ABOUT THE POETRY & MUSIC PROJECT PARTNERS

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, self-discovery, kinder discourse, and opportunity for all.

Visit operaomaha.org for more information.

Nebraska Writers Collective

Founded in 2008, Nebraska Writers Collective (NWC) is an Omaha-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization that fosters self-empowerment and community-building through creative writing and performance poetry. 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.

NWC helped identify the theme and created prompts for the Poetry & Music Project, and NWC Teaching Artists designed and facilitated poetry workshops for over 200 middle and high schoolers across Nebraska and Iowa.

Visit newriters.org for more information.

American Opera Projects

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 composer Sidney Marquez Boquiren who is an alumnus of AOP’s Composers & the Voice opera writing fellowship program.

Visit aopopera.org for more information.

The views expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect the view of Humanities Nebraska or the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

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