Philadelphia Stories Presents Mighty Writers

My Poetic Voice Spring/Summer 2014

Mighty Writers West Philadelphia

INTRODUCTION Get ready for a treat! These pages hold poems by some of Philadelphia’s most eloquent emerging voices, who attended the “My Poetic Voice” workshop for teens at Mighty Writers West in the Spring and Summer of 2014. Some came regularly and also wrote at home, while others could only fit in a few sessions. But all, without exception, gave their very best in order to share their truest selves with you, the reader. In totally unique ways, they wrote of beauty, despair, challenge, triumph, and life’s everyday miracles. And their delight in finding new ways to express themselves shines through!

Special thanks to Annette John-Hall, Rachel Loeper, Rebecca Fabiano, Warren Longmire, and Kat Clark, who gave invaluable assistance during the Summer workshop.

Naila Claudia Schulte, Ed.D.

(c) Mighty Writers 2014. All poems are copyright of Mighty Writers and individual authors.

Cover and back page art by Kenneth Howell.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Poems by Dominic Albright

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Poems by Tyler Howard

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Poems by Kenneth Howell

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Poems by Taylor Hunter

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Poems by Bria Smith

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Poems by Maiya Smith

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Poems by Siani Smith

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Poems by Zoie Thomas

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Poems by Kayla Watson

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Group Poems

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POEMS BY DOMINIC ALBRIGHT

EXILE Dreadful disguise under the dark red sea.

Disease poisons and dies under the dark red sea.

Severed heads speaking in tongues muting horrific screeches begging for mercy.

Death.

Kill.

Repeat cycle.

Emotionless nights no steps to follow cuts and bruises for nights to follow sleepless hollowed-out skulls sitting in my window fearful of my demise.

His leadership was not wise to follow.

My vision of hell is too deep to speak, the smell of instant death is so hard to treat, my lust for feeling deeper than a black hole.

When I die on the corner I will cease to exist.

Black men always die.

Who said I gotta be hit?

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THE INEVITABLE LEAP

When I think of home I hear sirens and screams When I think of home I smell car exhaust and despair When I think of home I TASTE tears When I think of home I touch invisible scars of depression When I think of home I feel sympathy for those without In today’s world I don’t think I will live until 20 In today’s world I don’t think I will get through college In today’s world I don’t think I’mma do better than my father Hell roams the streets Murder runs rampant When I saw a picture of a young black man with a college degree I cried I cried so hard because you can get capped in America without no hero to save you My heart beats shots when I think about my father I been shot at Jumped Arrested You name it My goal is to make Momma Bear happy because Father Bear failed her I just want to leave this neighborhood but it is where I am condemned to I’m only 15 and my life is at risk The jail cell is opened and my name is on the list I just wonder why a black boy gotta be hit?

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ALLEN IVERSON Growing up as a child I used to think Allen Iverson was my real dad Putting balls in hoops living dreams things I wish I had I never had a vivid imagination of how my dad looked all I knew he had cornrows brownskin damn I got many dads Thinking everyman with cornrows could have been my father. praying for a Father figure that could give me guidance See him every now and then never taught me nothing All I knew was that he was some brownskin nigga with cornrows that just gave me his presence never a present on Christmas He decided to move to Philly so I tried to get my self affiliated with his love by moving in Like who is this?! It’s ya son I’m moving in My mom gave me warnings as I was moving out din’t really care as long as I knew what he was about I had a master plan to find out who he was playing call of duty but he missed his call of duty Was feeling like every bullet shot was aiming for a major artery killing me slowly as the weed eats his brain Making me curious to experiment with drugs so I can see how he feel it I don’t care how I feel I just want to have a father that can help me become tough learn how to become a man But I guess that’s not the plan I never had a father figure so I was doing stuff I had no business doing While you was smoking pot Glenn taught me how to ride a bike When the bullying got hard Taj taught me how to fight All the pain and suffering of a 15-year-old Grabbing that knife to prevent me to becoming something like him Dropped and said that’s chalked I don’t gotta be like him I’m so suicide prone these mixed emotions making me think That I’mma be like him Irritated, Frustrated, but still I’m well-mannered I’m not crazy I just want to have a father the type that can toss me a ball on a hot sunny day just like the more fortunate do I just noticed that all of my friends seem to be a Bastard like I Fatherless shadowless have no steps to follow Make us want to grab a gun and say who is my father Have a legacy of fatherless heroes Taking heroin in these dark crafted behind shadowy figures

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Making us think we gonna end like that But you see that’s a fail I’mma go ahead and just use this flail Now shut the f--- up and let the needles impale No need for talking no need for emotion No need for riddling since the therapist was not feelin’ him All I need is a good father figure to teach me my wrongs from my rights Rights and wrongs Learning the streets or learning the books But I’m almost grown so what I need that for Nigga you can keep doing your thing it’s gonna be alright Crying night after night, thinking of the fear of not having a dad So I say whatever, I don’t need a dad Telling everybody he’s dead ‘cause that’s my preference I wish I never met him, I wish he never helped birth me, I wish he never tried, I wish he was a man But like I say, Growing up as a child I used to think Allen Iverson was my real dad

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POEMS BY TYLER HOWARD

THE COOL KIDS Oh you’re one of those innocent ones, aren’t you?

Yeah, we’re going to have some fun with you.

We like to live life to the fullest and we never stop.

Taking risks is what we’re all about.

We like the thrill of excitement and danger.

Late at night is when we mostly come out.

We don’t need a lot of friends, we got each other.

We’re the kids your parents warned you about.

The question is, are you in or not?

TAKE ME BACK It was different, yet I loved it An eye to new things that I found lovely Hearing the different languages, yearning to understand Seeing the calm, blue, relaxing water Enjoying when the waves would cover me Touching the exotic flowers that were so filled with beauty Smiling while the raindrops from the rainforest touched me Smelling a scent I’d never smelled before Tasting the food I will never forget Even though I missed the place that I call home I knew I was happy in this special place The people were so comforting and made you feel welcome I’ll always love and remember all the memories Oh, take me back to Puerto Rico

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TWINKLE I want to be a fairy -- yes, that’s what I want to do.

What else is better than helping people’s dreams come true?

Everyone needs a little magic to brighten up their day.

Hey, what makes your problems go away?

I’d love to see the people’s smile gleam in the sky with their bright beams, my biggest dream.

I want to be a fairy – what, what is wrong with me?

Nothing, and get out my fantasy!

THE GIRL IS FRAGILE AS A GLASS The girl is as fragile as a glass, but she keeps her head up high.

She waits to tell the cruel people in her life that she’s hurting and saying good-bye.

Tears would stream down her face and she would still say she’s okay.

Her smile was basically a routine that she would put on every day.

All the anger and hurt, she kept deep within.

It’s not anything new; that’s how she’s always been.

The girl is as fragile as a glass, her tears mid-low.

She is so fragile, if only somebody would care to know.

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POEMS BY KENNETH HOWELL

JUST LIVE

BROTHER

I didn’t think it was true, and all I could see was blue, when I found out about you Then my heart broke in two.

Live for Life Live for who you Love Live not once but twice Live without a push or shove Live in the name of Holy Live for who you are Live like a roly-poly Live ‘cause you’re a star

But when I met my brother, so young that we were toddlers, every journey went farther.

I can’t remember your face, but every time that I’m lonely, you’re filled with passion and grace.

I know you’re here right next to me.

MAGNETIC WORD POEM

Give a wild laugh to dazzle the poison flower.

The sex of the moist liquid bleeds down and the blazing rainbow colors will dance softer, for an angel’s rhythm will heal the darkness in the town.

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WHY? Why, why must you pick on me?

Is it because I’m smaller than you?

Do you feel insecure about yourself?

Would you like a friend, but you can’t express your feelings without violence?

Am I the only one that gives you attention?

No matter what, I’ll forgive you.

I know deep inside of you there’s a big heart; just change your ways and you’ll feel brand new.

Go back to the beginning, go back to the start.

What’s wrong?

All you wanna do is fight.

Just be strong.

Fix all your actions and make everything right.

MY LOVE FOR YOU Drip-drop, the tears on your face.

Why him? He broke your heart.

Let me know what love is from your internal grace.

You might be the one and only on my love chart.

I know you like me, it’s pretty true; I’ll confess my love to you if you love me.

We’re like two cute little policemen in black and white.

I’m your Dewott and you’re my Cherizard, but you’ll always be my sweet little cherry.

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POEMS BY TAYLOR HUNTER

CROSSING US ALL Wet eyes shower my aching skin as I watch you.

I’m glad, losing the soul we treasured the most.

My fingers, hands, legs ache to save her.

I’d help you see her warm smile once more.

Oh I wish, dream and pray that I could save her.

But someone up above wanted her more.

NIGHTFALL And with bright, wholesome smiles under the creeping moonlight and the humming and creaking of invisible creatures watching us from afar, I chase the green, wandering souls, wishing the night would never end.

If only the explosion of colors could keep its mouth shut.

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POEMS BY BRIA SMITH

I REMEMBER I remember going over to my grandmother’s house and seeing a stray cat.

My sisters and I naming it “Princess.”

We asked our grandmom could we keep it? She said no because she already had a cat.

And besides, she didn’t know if it had fleas or not.

So after naming it and getting it some food, it runs into the middle of the street and gets run over by a car.

LIGHTNING Light flashing cars crashing people getting caught in the rain.

So scared it hurts my ears, the way the sound goes “BOOM.” But I realized it was only a dream and I woke up in my room.

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POEMS BY MAIYA SMITH

I REMEMBER I remember my brother got shot in the head twice, then in his back.

I remember my great-grandmom used to send me to the store for honey buns and a Pepsi.

I remember when she died and it broke my heart into pieces.

I remember going to the hospital to see my grandmom lie on the bed.

I remember seeing her, and crying, and hoping this wouldn’t be my last good-bye.

I remember them telling us on the phone that she had passed away.

IN SUMMER I see the grill, charcoal, and fire.

Fish, chicken, meat, everything I desire.

Summer is here; it’s time to have fun.

Time to pull out your bathing suits and enjoy the sun.

Wake up and smile to the sound of children laughing; it’s time to get out of bed for some arts and crafting.

I’m happy to say school is over so I can enjoy this time in the season called SUMMER!

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SUMMER TIME While walking down the street at a slow pace Sweat started to drip down my face.

Woke up early, I thought I had school Then I heard children splashing in the pool.

Fireworks were in the air Exploding colors everywhere.

I sat down eating a peach; then I thought about seagulls at the beach.

Children were riding bikes up the street Then I smelled hot dogs and barbecue meat . . .

When I see all these things I think about summer.

Happy children everywhere.

I’m ready to play because SUMMER IS HERE!

WHAT IS LOVE? IN THE RAIN My hands started to sweat I started to get the chills When you were around

The rain brings back memories.

The flashes remind me of flashbacks to when I was younger.

The mud reminds me of football season, getting down and dirty, not letting anything stop you.

Thunder reminds me of a roller coaster, when you are at the top and afraid to go down.

But nothing, not even the rain, can make me frown!

My heart starts melting I smile from the inside out You sure make my day I think I love you But then again I don’t know It just feels so real You make me feel good You’re everything I wanted What is love to you??

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POEMS BY SIANI SMITH

COMMUNITY

NO VALENTINE FOR YOU!

While walking down the street all I smell is barbecued meat.

Children playing jump rope, I knew we had hope.

We’re all getting along, I never knew this community could be so strong.

I’m not being your Valentine I don’t care if you scream, yell, or bite I’m not being your Valentine and it’s only right . . .

I’m not being your Valentine I would rather split my spine No Valentine for you!

Martin Luther King, Jr. walked for peace. Does everyone agree?

Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.

Does everyone agree?

Do you think Nelson Mandela died from stress?

Well, we can’t agree on that.

(Based on a poem by Myra Cohn Livingston)

SCARY

How do you think we can pay them back? Well we can’t, just prove them right.

If we all get along and be the strong community that we are, it wouldn’t be as hard.

It scares me It frightens me It makes me go in the house It makes my hair puffy It makes my hair tangled It makes the trees fall It scares little babies It makes a big noise It may give light It causes people to jump It causes CHAOS! It’s thunder and lightning.

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POEMS BY ZOIE THOMAS WHEN IT RAINS IN NORTH CAROLINA

Does it pour down in North Columbine?

Is it sunny all the time?

Do the clouds hang over your head?

Do rainbows come in abundance?

for you to lean back for you to come home.

I scream out your name on a river bank that doesn’t exist.

I tore my heart out for a museum that was closing down.

Forgive me if my emotions cause a hurricane.

Forgive me if my tears make a lake.

And if it does rain in North Couiako, Does it pour like the day you left?]

Does the sky scream in agony?

Does lightning strike the sky?

Do they know you in North Canada?

How you want to work in theology?

How your sky doesn’t only consist of stars?

How your hair is the only thing you can never get right?

I’m looking out at the moon and hoping you’re looking back.

I’m singing songs and hoping you’re singing the lines I leave open for you.

I’m dancing in rivers and hoping you’re dancing the same steps.

I’m looking at the clock begging it to bring you back to me.

Is there a moon in North Coal Mine?

Does it shine like you do?

Does it fade away to your lullabies?

Does it wish you were the man in the moon?

So have fun in North Columbine, North Coal Mine, North Eakes, North Colorado, North China, North Korea, North Caribbean, North Coppertown, North Charlotte, North Cills, North City, North Kit Kat, North Caller, North Cobbler or wherever.

Your lips are pink; like roses; like a cold nose; like Valentine’s Day.

Your scent will still cloud my senses and your baritone voice will still ring in my ears.

Your 8-pack pressed against my zero pack still resonates.

So yeah, unrequited love sucks but so does a flower just starting to bud in the middle of the harshest winter.

Your eyes are endless; like tarturas like stars like infinity.

Sometimes when I feel pathetic I lean against the window waiting for you to call my name

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CLOUD They called her Cloud.

She was always somewhere in her head.

Never sitting still for very long, just drifting among her friends.

They screamed Cloud.

She wanted to fly, someday even touch the sky, leave everything she knew behind.

They whispered Cloud.

She was sick of the place.

She had to leave and so she disappeared, just like a cloud.

BEST FRIENDS ARE FOREVER

Best friends synchronize outfits to complement each other.

They drip liquid color on trimmed nails while they giggle about the cute boy they saw yesterday.

Secrets are whispered upon eager ears to be locked in hearts and never discussed again.

So what were we?

Our outfits always clashed like a wrecking ball and a wall.

The liquid rainbows we painted dried and crusted over, leaving nothing but ugly stains everywhere we went.

I love the way I barely told the words before you whispered them down the line.

So yesterday I threw away the headphones you gave me.

I used them until they were broken beyond repair.

Sound familiar?

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DEAR ZOIE I didn’t cry when I heard you died My brain was like wet electrical wires, fried There was no funeral for you because no box could contain you Everywhere I looked you were there The sea was your beauty: clear and perfect until people polluted your mind with their ugly thoughts The grass was your personality: always listening to the wind but staying rooted You were always the grass and I will always be the dirt When you died I had boxes to pack I had to make sure all your friends were all right The weight of the world was suddenly put on my shoulders Little did they know I could barely lift a feather I finally packed away the last of you and that’s when I fell apart I tore apart my skin looking for just a piece of you to hold on to My heart broke in half with a resounding snap and I hit the floor with a dangerous bang Even though you’re gone I’m still shackled in your chains You left me throwing a temper tantrum and talking to the walls Banging on the sky and screaming underwater calling your name Threatening to jump but I couldn’t Now I’m falling apart just like you did I catch it in the looks of pity from strangers The looks of worry from my friends And the pleading looks of my family Begging me to stay Just hold on please Only a little bit longer I promise Sometimes I feel you inside of me Only in little bursts of determination and confidence Those are the times when I really break down I’m trying to tell your story but I don’t know where you began and when you truly ended It doesn’t get better and missing you aches like a cavity I can’t afford to get fixed I’m dying to get you back

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TORTURE

DEAR PETER PAN

Torture (and all the days in between).

I can’t decide which day is worse: Monday or Saturday.

Sunday starts off the week with hopes and crashing dreams.

Hearing the birds chirp outside on the swaying branch, feeling the sun upon my face, inside I’m dying. Weekdays fly by.

Let Sunday go.

Monday starts my scholastic torture: The sound of the period bells screaming until my ears bleed.

Never-ending hours and sleepless nights.

Monday, please slip away.

Tuesday leads to Wednesday and so on until days blur together.

Looking in the mirror breaks my heart.

I pick out the face people want to see and place it over the cracked one.

My mind and body are starting to fall apart.

Drawing with silver but it always comes out red.

Warm tears trickling out of cold, lifeless eyes.

Maybe this time I can fade away with the weekdays.

Dear Peter Pan why did you fly away?

After all the times I begged and cried for you to stay.

I would have flown away with you but now I’m in despair for now you have left me with my thoughts, a nightmare

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POEMS BY KAYLA WATSON BLUE GLASSES

I MISS HIM TOO

Hey! Blue Glasses with Monster Inc. sign,

I know, Auntie.

I miss him too.

I always thought he would come home soon, but when three army soldiers showed up at your doorstep I knew what would happen next.

You know what I see in you?

I miss him too.

I wish he could come back but because of Iraq my adopted most caring cousin and brother is actually dead.

The person who could make me laugh is now all in my past.

Courage for being blue, Out-goingness for being you.

Silent.

You have two handles so someone can put you on.

Just don’t cry.

He is always next to me and you.

He made me laugh and never cry.

This is why I never say die.

I can tell you one thing, you are pretty darn cute!

He was there for me just like he was there for you.

I miss him too.

But it’s too bad no one notices him but me and you.

I miss him too.

I miss him too.

You have a cup behind you!

Clear and silent as you.

But it doesn’t have a big heart like you.

See, this cup holds liquid.

But you hold grace and intelligence!

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COURAGEOUS

MEXICO

I tell people BUILD up your CONFIDENCE STAND UP for What’s RIGHT In your COMMUNITY, HOME Or ANYWHERE Because, I think It’s ‘bout time You take back your Life from WHOEVER DECIDED to take It Or take back Your PRIDE, DIGNITY, and Spirit I ain’t saying Be Mean I said STAND UP For yourself SHOW people What YOU Are made of DON’T ever Just stand And say I CAN’T Do nothing Because you CAN do SOMETHING Be a LEADER Not a FOLLOWER

Mexico was fun even though I was only there for about four days.

I went to a wedding in Mexico, enjoyed myself between our bags getting lost and the people not having our room together.

It was fun: I went to the pool, ate a whole bunch of food.

Fell asleep last, ran around the building knocking on people’s doors!

Enjoying that ocean view which was excellent.

Almost drowning in the ocean, but Momma was there.

My cousins being rude and talking about my height and how I used to be fat, and how no one will ever like me.

All I did was turn the other cheek and tell their parents.

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WHAT I SEE

SOUNDS

Every time I close my eyes (Whatcha see, whatcha see) I see my name in shining lights.

Sike!!

I don’t see my name in shining lights.

Do you know what I see when I close my eyes?

I see a girl who tries to move forward but can’t.

She’s stuck.

Wait! No, no I ain’t.

Because what I see when I close my eyes is a girl fragile and afraid to fly.

But nobody else sees that girl.

They see a girl confident, secure, and never backing down.

But always standing up for what’s right!

When my house creaks I’m scared and I don’t feel well.

I feel unsafe, like somebody or something is watching me.

It starts at the door, then goes upstairs; like a ghost it travels, leaving me scared.

Why oh why must it scare me?

But I have a feeling it doesn’t care.

It wants to tear people apart and make them scared.

But not me; I ain’t scared no mo’.

So every time I close my eyes (Whatcha see, whatcha see) I see a girl in a big disguise.

WHO DO YOU LOVE? Who do you love -yourself, someone else, or your family?

So ask me what I see, what I see when I close my eyes, or else!!

Well let me tell you, I love all.

I love my family who gives me courage and strength.

And I love someone else because they remind me that I can love again

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THAT BEAUTIFUL AND PHENOMENAL GIRL

INDEPENDENCE DAY The Fourth of July you’re supposed to have fun in the sun all day long, just run!

Run till you can’t run no more or pass out!!

Not up to me, it’s up to you!

Enjoy that sun because it enjoys you.

Look at her, she is pretty.

That beautiful young woman she keeps her hopes high, so far up in that sky.

She’s human just like the rest of us!

So she has feelings?

That Phenomenal Girl She is so compassionate no matter what happens to her.

All that talent. where could it come from?

Has no problem sticking up for people.

Have fun with family, play around because on this day, this Independence Day, we give thanks.

She is courageous: Loves sports, a pretty, beautiful young lady who loves sports.

Oh I see, talented.

You can always rely on her.

You got the awesome cookouts, music, gatherings, and since it’s a hot day all the water we need to keep us decent and refreshed.

So what you’re saying is that she’s a good person to talk to.

She won’t allow anyone to hurt her.

Always expect drama.

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GROUP POEMS

GOOD-BYE WINTER THUNDERSTORM HAIKU

Good-bye Winter, here comes Spring.

Good-bye glittering crystals lying on the ground; good-bye snow falling out of the sky.

You’re just too cold; this frosty wind will be your last good-bye.

The snow will melt and start to cry.

No more rush of sledding down the hill; the friends I built are melting away.

I’ll miss sliding down on a trash can lid.

But the air got colder, day by day, and it always washed the smiles away.

Caught in a strong wind Pushing, pushing, pushing me . . .

Where will I end up?

* * * People’s hair blowing Trees are swaying back and forth Food flies everywhere

PICTURE HAIKU Leaning towards the sky Golden clouds over the sea Alone and serene

MOSQUITOES

Needy like a baby Making me go crazy You suck blood like a vampire The more you suck, the more I get tired You sneaky mosquito

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1501 Christian St., Philadelphia, PA 19146 (267) 239.0899 Mighty Writers West 3861 Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267) 244-4005 www.mightywriters.org

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