Grade 5 Poetry Anthology 2012 - Class of 2019

Cavalcade of Poems

The Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Middle School Grade 5 June 2012 Sivan 5772

INTRODUCTION Poetry is something that captures experiences and holds the meanings in life.

These are the poems written and read by the 5th grade students at this year’s poetry reading in June.

As you wind your way through this year’s poetry anthology, you will be able to see how the best poems are like life itself: introspective and thoughtful, marvelous and graceful, humorous and wild.

We hope you enjoy “Cavalcade of Poems.”

Victoria Ginsberg Humanities Teacher 5th Grade June 2012 Sivan 5772

The Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Middle School in the Benjamin & Esther Gottesman Education Center

114 East 85th Street New York, NY 10028 212-774-8040

www.ramaz.org

What To Wear I try, but I can’t do it I don’t want to look Weird but normal I throw things around but I can’t decide Which one to choose Pink, purple, blue, black So many, but which one?

All so pretty but it is not hitting me Belt, no belt, skirt or pants, Sweatshirt or tee, or maybe a dress, I can’t decide Then she walk in,” Pick the one most comfortable that makes you feel happy to wear.”

That is when I decide.

-- Emily Abraham

NYC People sitting on the street and we walk right by not noticing Roaring fans when we win the World Series We have our ups and downs Two buildings stand straight up and then collapse and hurt thousands Statue of Liberty up Yes, will never fall We have our ups and downs Stinky maybe, amazing definitely Truly remarkable and sad at times But what city does not have these things If you’re not in New York City you are missing out!

-- Emily Abraham

How I Love Wisconsin Wisconsin, the dairy state Dare I say more?

The cheese is scrumptious And the milk too, I suppose.

Oh, how I love Wisconsin.

It’s winter in Wisconsin and the boisterous breezes blow 70 miles per hour at 52 below zero!

Oh, how I love Wisconsin.

The robins chirp, The wood violets sway, The sugar maples sit there; red, brown and gold And Lake Michigan glimmers on a bright autumn day Oh, how I love Wisconsin.

Known for its dairy, Beer maybe so, but I know Wisconsin for its bright cheery glow.

Oh, how I love Wisconsin.

Lake Michigan, one of the great lakes Twinkles in the sun.

The muskellunges are surreptitious as they swim around the lake.

I could spend hours on the beach, the icy spray brushing my face.

Oh, how I love Wisconsin.

Wisconsin is the place to be.

My dear friend, you just must see.

Oh, how I love Wisconsin.

-- Elizabeth Aufzien

Penguins in Tuxedoes I know a bird that lives on ice and waddles by the sea.

It looks so cute in its black and white suit as handsome as can be!

Penguin, I think it must be very nice to stroll about upon the ice.

Night and day, day and night, in a black tailcoat and bright white vest.

To stroll about so pleasantly beside the cold and silent sea, it would really suit me.

I think it must be very nice to stroll with penguins on the ice.

-- Elizabeth Aufzien

201 Every day I walk into One room And it makes me feel‌ Excited Happy Free as a bird Sad Mixed Confused Gloomy Cheerful And amazing!

I do not know why?

Maybe it is the smell of pureness.

Maybe it is the taste of truth.

Maybe it is the feeling of inspiration.

And the sound of genius.

What is it?

What is it?

What is it?

I do not know.

But I do know It is Awe-inspiring!

-- Joseph Babbitt

ASL For Chimps Can we talk to our relatives To our closest relatives Not human but very close.

They are chimps our closest cousins.

They are us But not us.

They can do what we can, but can’t They are us.

They are us.

But not us.

I like talking to them.

I can’t hear them, and they can’t hear me.

But we can talk.

I use American Sign Language.

Buddy uses American Sign Language.

I can talk to him, But I can’t.

We, Buddy and I Talk once a day or more.

He is my friend, and I am his.

We can both understand each other.

We can both Talk, walk, jump, and listen.

We are both animals.

I human, and he chimp, but we are the same.

We are one.

I stand up for him, and he for me.

We are brothers.

He is mine.

And I am his.

They are beautiful. We are beautiful.

That is Buddy and me.

Me and my closest cousin.

Buddy.

-- Joseph Babbitt

Dear G-d Dear G-d, Where do you live?

Heaven? The sky? On Earth?

What made you create the world?

G-d, you’re the reason why we exist.

Dear G-d, What do you do each day?

Watch over us? Thinking about a new planet?

G-d, what would we do without you?

Dear G-d, I pray to you each and every day.

You help us in each and every way.

I believe in you.

G-d, what would I do without you?

--Jacob Bengualid

What a Heart He demanded African American rights His will as powerful as the light of thousands of stars Who am I talking about?

Martin Luther King Jr., of course.

His bold, heroic speech “I Have a Dream” His heart as big as the sun What a heart.

An inspiration Started movements The reason blacks got their rights What a heart.

Speech after speech Day after day Never giving up on his people Why? Believing that someday America would be in order Inspiring people to believe what they believe What a heart.

Unfortunately, he was assassinated What evil person would do such a crime?

As he went outside for air

Shot on the porch of the Lorraine Motel Many mourned…

Many cried…

He shouldn’t have died like that!

He’s still remembered to this day In each and every way.

Martin Luther King Jr. deserves tribute and respect For all eternity.

I still can’t believe that he had such an amazing heart.

-- Jacob Bengualid

The Dishwasher…Again!!

Dish after dish Being put away Why me?

Friday afternoon.

I want to play outside.

Watch television.

Read a book.

But no!

I am stuck.

I walk back and forth Opening and closing cabinets.

Finally I am free!

Oops too late!

There is nothing to play.

Shabbat is here.

The next week comes round.

I hear, “Noa, unload the dishwasher.”

I sigh knowing I cannot refuse.

I reply, “Coming.”

All this Dishwasher Jazz Would be fine If only I could hear Words of thanks.

Dish after dish Being put away Why me?

If only I could hear Words of thanks!

-- Noa Berkowitz

Pass, Shoot, Score !!!

Pass, Shoot, SCORE!!!

I can’t wait.

One day that will be me.

Winning the game for my team.

I know that I can make it.

As long as I put my mind to it.

I practice twice a week But even that won’t Bring me to perfection.

I have an amazing coach He can coach me as long as he wants.

But I’m the only one who can limit myself, Or tell me when to stop.

Sure, People tell me all the time That I’m not going to make it.

But who are they to do so?

I know one day that will be me.

Holding the Gold medal Because I earned it.

I deserve it.

But most of all I wanted it.

And when I hear my fans cheering, Pass Shoot SCORE!!!

Pass Shoot SCORE!!!

I know my hard work paid off.

-- Noa Berkowitz

Cycles The caterpillar Crawling, Creeping in the dirt, Feeding on leaves, Can’t wait to soar through the sky, Soon enough He is very full And decides it is time to become a butterfly.

His cocoon, So cozy, Not cool, Is waiting for him to leave.

Nature is waiting too.

All of a sudden his cocoon starts to crack Is it a he, no.

Now it is a she With the prettiest wings you’d ever see.

She soars through the sky.

Her colorful wings leading the way.

She is free at last but knows she won’t last More than the sunrise the next day.

“Waaa!”

Cries the baby “Yummy!”

Calls the toddler “Toys!”

Screech the children “Omg!” Text the teenagers “Goodnight sweetie” Whispers the parents “Who wants a candy?”

Ask the grandparents “Bingo!”

Call the seniors Tic… Toc… Tic… Toc… Ti“Ugggg how do you stop it?”

“Okay fine, I know I can’t stop it.”

One, two, three, four, five, six

Seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve.

Phew those are a lot of numbers And they just keep on coming.

Again, and again Cycles are cycles And they will never stop They keep on going and going It is hard to catch up Wait, What time is it?

--Elana Bernstein

The City That Never Sleeps Come with me Hope on board We are going riding To the city that never sleeps.

In this city The people are geniuses So I wouldn’t mess with them if I were you.

They are the ones who built the skyscrapers In the city that never sleeps.

What is that smell?

You smell that smell The crispy toasty smell Those are how the cooks in the city cook In the city that never sleeps.

I see your children Are getting bored But there is no problem with that Because in this city we have parks to play in In the city that never sleeps.

You need a ride We have a lot of choices We have cars cabs trains busses In the city that never sleeps.

The places in this city Will shock you!

We have tons of stores and things to do.

You will never be bored In the city that never sleeps.

All of the sights to see And all of the cool shows Lincoln Center, The Empire State Building In the city that never sleeps.

Ohh, The lights at night You better stay to see Go to Times Square it is double the fun In the city that never sleeps.

What is that?

You are getting tired.

How come the city never sleeps?

You will find out tonight at Times Square In the city that never sleeps.

You still don’t know…

Oh no!

I guess I will have to tell you.

The cars don’t stop Not all the lights turn off In the city that never sleeps.

-- Elana Bernstein

My Home Town Palm trees stand tall Like a soldier at attention.

Beaches with blue water Blue as the sky on a clear, sunny day.

My home town where the sun shines bright.

The scorching sun Burns my cheeks and tans my skin Brown as a big, brown bear.

My mom worships the scorching sun.

My home town where the sun shines bright.

Big oranges, juicy and round, Delicious and tart, Grown in this tropical area In orchards along the highways.

My home town where the sun shines bright.

My favorite activities were Boomers, And, of course, our pool.

I swam like a dolphin by the time I was two.

Jumping, diving, splashing, sliding, dunking, swimming My home town where the sun shines bright.

-- Aryeh Bloom

A Year In My Life Summer is over.

We all feel sad.

September School starts again And we will see our friends.

So, it’s not so bad.

A new grade with new teachers I’m excited!

Still got homework to do.

October It’s getting chilly.

Things are settling in.

Homework, homework, homework.

November My birthday!

Thanksgiving!

The leaves are changing colors and falling.

Still got homework to do.

December Wow! It’s freezing!

Snow day!

Presents!

Still got homework to do.

January Still freezing out there!

Gloves and hats are a must.

Snow day!

Still got homework to do.

February Groundhog Day! My mom’s birthday!

Still got homework to do.

March Cold at the start But getting warmer.

Spring is in the air.

The flowers are blooming.

Still got homework to do.

April April Fools!

No eating bread.

Holiday with my family.

Swimming in the ocean.

Riding my bike.

Still got homework to do.

May May dad’s birthday.

Go Mets!

No more jackets.

Shorts all the way.

Still got homework to do.

June Boy it’s hot out there.

Slurpees every day.

Almost done.

Ready to surf some waves.

Still got homework to do.

July Camp Sweaty sports.

Packages from home.

More slurpees.

No homework.

August Camp But it’s almost over.

My sister’s birthday!

Family vacation.

Still no homework.

What a year!

-- Aryeh Bloom

Sonnet 1 How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways I love thee as high as my Feet can reach I love thee but Nobody told me to I love thee with my eyes shut So I cannot see your beauty God has chosen how I love thee But I have the feeling in me Without sight I love thee Without life I love thee -- Olivia Bourkoff Where Did She Go? Wah! Cry! Newborn here…

It’s a girl! A girl!

Get the camera; she starts walking.

The next day, talking Wearing make-up?

High heels?

She changes so fast…

No more time for you.

Move out of the house As you start to cry.

She never even said goodbye.

Goes off to college Meets a guy I have been disqualified.

And then…

Suddenly…

I hear Here comes the bride.

-- Olivia Bourkoff

Lightning and Thunder Boom!

Like a stomp.

Flash!

Like a light.

No one can stop it From prowling day and night.

It’s raining hard.

-- Shainie Brodie

Butterfly You’re a little caterpillar Small, Deaf, Weak No where to go No one to see Nothing to eat Nothing to do You wrap up into a cocoon Stuck Hanging helpless No way to move No way to squirm No way to shake No way to be released But inside you’re becoming something Something secret.

Now, you’re a butterfly Free, Beautiful, Graceful Flying everywhere Eating Sleeping Enjoying Twirling Dancing All day and night.

-- Shainie Brodie

The Big Apple My city, full of energy and action Moving at a fast pace- like the speed of lightning Listen to the sounds of New York City Horns honking Sirens screeching like wild birds People shouting, laughing and crying The Music of the City The skyline so beautiful at night Lit like a thousand candles Times Square so bright Bright as a thousand stars People, thousands of them.

Good aromas Bad smells The sweet smell of sugar roasted nuts The spicy hot dogs sizzling on a grill Exhaust from cars polluting the air The burning of rubber tires New York City, the home to many cultures Tastes from around the world Sushi, crepes, tapas and pasta My city, a Giant feast -- Stanley Cayre

Where Are You? They say you live up in the sky So very high But if you look up so high in the sky You really can’t see our God, but why?

They also say you live down under the train tracks But if I dig my way down with an axe You won’t be there, even in between all those cracks But I still believe in you

Even though I can’t find you Which makes me feel so blue I wish I could see you Then I would ask you How did you make me and this world?

When I thought about it my head only swirled.

Where are you?

And why won’t you let me find you?

-- Stanley Cayre

Paris, Oh Paris!

Bonjour Au revoir Comment allez-vous?

This is a city where your dreams come true.

The lights of the Eiffel Tower, and the artifacts of the Louvre Have so much power and motivate me to groove.

The food here is so yummy, I cannot believe my tummy.

How come the crepes are so delicious?

It just doesn’t feel like it’s nutritious.

Painters, musicians, and mimes I feel like I’m running out of time.

I want to live like I never lived before.

Grab my camera and snap some pictures as I run out the door.

The burst of the water fountains around the Seine, The lights in the nighttime bring me back again.

To see how wonderful this place is Paris! Oh Paris!

I want to live like I never lived before…

-- Claudine Chabbott

I Don’t Think So… I stand here all by myself Can they see me?

Can they hear me?

I don’t think so...

I don’t understand.

Am I doing something wrong?

Am I doing something right?

What is their problem?

Do they hate me?

Do they like me?

Do they care?

I don’t think so…

I am like an ant on the ground.

They just step right over me.

Why can’t they see me?

Am I invisible?

I don’t think so…

I try to do my best.

But people just don’t care.

Even if I’m a little girl, I should still be recognized.

I want to do this, And I want to do that.

“No, No, No!” As they say.

I want them to see that I can do things.

Everyone can do something, but no one can do everything.

At least I can dance, sing, laugh and cry.

I do have feelings, Don’t I? I want to be recognized for who I am.

Me, no one else!

When I do something good They just don’t care.

They don’t think that I’m good enough for them because I’m a child.

When I win, or when I lose.

Do they care?

Do they see me?

Do they hear me?

Do they hate me?

Do they like me?

I don’t think so…

-- Claudine Chabbott

Honey! Honey!

Come! Come! Lisa come play with me!

You’re weird. I would never play you.

But… But I’m just like you. We’re the same age.

No! You’re disgusting; just like a little rat.

But I thought we were friends.

We? We were never friends.

Because you You were the person that everyone used just like a torn up rag.

Mommy! Mommy! I have no friends.

Oh! Oh! Oh ! Honey!

You have your family that loves you But… But what about in school?

What do I do when I want to play?

Sweetie, you have to try.

Take a risk.

Come! Come! Serena come play with me!

Ewe! Baby girl wants to play with me.

But… But yesterday we sat together at lunch and you were talking to me and we were laughing.

Listen to me. We are different.

I’m fabulous; you’re not.

You’re weird; I’m not.

When people laugh at you it’s not because you’re funny, it’s because they think you’re weird.

Mommy! Mommy! I took a risk.

Nobody likes me. They think I’m weird.

Oh! Oh! Oh! Honey don’t worry.

They’re jealous…

Jealous of what? Jealous of the fact that I’m weird?

Sweetie, you have to believe in yourself.

Mommy! Mommy! I want to give up!

People are putting me down.

Baby! Baby! Oh! Don’t give up. You have me!

Cry on my shoulder. It’s here just for you!

I can’t live my life like this, mommy.

My love! My love! I’m living here for you.

Just for you!

-- Sophie Chabbott

Why Can’t I See You? Hey, Hey God why can’t I see you?

Are you under the trees?

Are you the monster in my closet?

But when I look for you You’re not there.

I pray to see you Night and day My praise for you can’t be expressed in words If I may…

I would like to tell you that you are a great hider Why don’t you want to see?

What’s wrong with me?

But God, I love you!

The disgrace is on me because my task is easy.

But I can’t comprehend.

You give me life.

But do I give you pleasure?

If I can’t see you Can you see me?

Oh! Now I understand.

You’re searching for me, and I’m searching for you!

-- Sophie Chabbott

Where Are You? God, where are you?

I look up in the sky Can I see you?

No guys, not really Unless you’re the one Sitting there in a nest Or a spider from its web Or a fruit flying down Or a plane going home God, where do you live?

Do you live up there?

Oh wait, down there…

Right?

Do you live East?

Or maybe West?

Right?

East?

West?

No wait!

You’re not here or there, or up there or down there You’re everywhere!

God, who are you?

Do you make all the dreams?

Or do you kill them to death?

Do I thank you?

Or hate you?

Do I love you?

Will I forgive you?

Do I trust you?

Or will you lie to me?

Are you the good one?

Or the bad one?

The hero?

Or the villain?

You are the good one The great one I trust you You don’t lie You will make every single dream I have come true Or will you?

-- Sophie Dahan

Hey America, Hey America Hey America, Hey America!

I hear…

All the cars honking beep, beep The wind is blowing The wind is blowing woooo, woooo The construction so loud-- bang! boom! boom! bang!

Hey America, Hey America!

I see…

The train conductors working all day Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Bronx, too!

Hey America, Hey America!

I feel…

Many feelings in New York Happy, sad, mad, glad, anxious, frustrated Hey America, Hey America!

I taste…

Many foods Indian Yum, Chinese okay, Japanese my favorite, Mexican great!

Hey America, Hey America!

I’m happy Home, Home, Home…

That’s where I am And that’s where I’ll stay.

-- Sophie Dahan

America’s Gears I hear the machine whirring Every gear is important If one stops, none will continue I call it America!

Each gear is a different size Each gear relies on the one beside it The Mechanics outside the machine Deciding whether a gear should be there or not The more gears there are the better the machine runs I call it America!

Each gear isn’t forced to turn It turns because it wants to If a gear doesn’t want to turn Why should it be kept there?

But the gear can try to get another spot in the machine I call it America!

Each gear is polished if it turns well If a gear is taken out and it does not get back in It will get rusty It will have a harder time getting back in It will not be wanted It will not be kept in its box But its nice gear friend will help clean it up I call it America!

The Handyman at his section of the machine Gets to decide whether the gears stay He is in control He can give a hard working gear an extra shine He is one of many Handymen I call it America!

Each machine does something different Each gear might look the same But it actually has a job of its own I call it America!

-- Michael Eizak

A Bumpy Road The car has been bought The journey has begun The driver just got his license He is like a bird that just learned to fly His car has a G.P.S. that is used and worn out This is the car Driving down a road to the future The car encounters a bit of a bumpy road But the car keeps on going He did not choose to take this road The G.P.S. told him to The driver is getting better The G.P.S. is getting worse This is the car Driving down a road to the future The car is off that bumpy road He is driving smoothly now but the G.P.S. breaks and the car is put back on a bumpy road This is the car Driving down a road to the future The driver on a less bumpy road is still getting better He discovers that he has talent in driving fast in his car He is then offered a new car to compete in a race The road gets extremely smooth This is the car Driving down a road to the future He then wins so many races that He is chosen to participate in an exciting race It broadcasts on National TV This is the car Driving down a road to the future The driver finally reaches the end of the road He is already in the Hall of Fame This is the car That was driven by Babe Ruth!

-- Michael Eizak

To Pick Up A Pen To Write To pick up a pen To let my hand slide down a crisp, new piece of paper To write the creative words that have been hiding in my head for so long To let out the breath that’s been lingering inside me like a balloon letting out its air.

To let the words fly To write To pick up a pen To let my imagination soar To feel the story form around me To feel the gears moving as fast as the speed of light revolving in my head.

To mouth the words as they come surging out of my mouth To write.

To To To To To To To

pick up a pen let the story sing me its song see the story evolve feel the warmth of the sun or the chill of the wind taste the bitterness of evil and the sweetness of the benevolent smell the flowers blooming or the garbage littering the street write

To To To To

pick up a pen get swallowed up by the story watch events unfold create… characters palaces dumps To let my ingenuity create a world of my own To write.

To pick up a pen If one should ask to take my writing away If one needs the writing for work And if one should think of it as a vocation It is an avocation; it’s love for me It’s my rose To write -- Rita Feder

Sonnet 1 You fill my heart with a feeling I will always cherish.

You fill me with strength that will never lose its power.

You fill me with an energy that keeps my engines running through the Arduous obstacles.

To count the way I Love you that would go on for days.

I love you from the full, scintillating sun, the strip of silver moonlight Displayed high above.

From the ends of my fingertips to the tip of my toes From the wild untamed alligators in the east, to the galloping horses in The west I love you with a passion that fills my soul with life You give me courage and self- esteem You give me Love‌ --Rita Feder

I’m A Writer I’m a writer.

I write poems every day For the world to see.

I think of the words As quick as a cheetah.

I’m a writer.

I write down my ideas And brainstorm.

I am very thoughtful.

Yes, It may be for school, And it may be my work, But it is true, I am a writer!

-- Talia Fouzailoff

Oh America, How I Love Our America!

Oh America, how I love our America!

All the cars honking, beep! beep!

All the people yelling, taxi! taxi!

All the dogs barking, woof! woof!

Oh America, how I love our America!

Taxi drivers driving all day Times Square, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Central Park too.

Oh America, how I love our America!

Looking off the Empire State Building Seeing my house and my school Trying to look for my friends too.

Oh America, how I love our America!

When I walk around New York Feeling so scared Worried about kidnappers and robbers

Oh America, how I love our America!

Now I’m home safe and sound Happy to be where I’m supposed to be.

-- Talia Fouzailoff

Love Breaks Me Apart When I see her, my heart skips a beat.

Everything is in slow motion and I can only see her.

Time stands still I am a fly on the wall I see all, Yet she cannot see me It is only her and no one else; not even me.

I breathe her in She is like a beautiful rose in the morning dew I need her She does not need me I do not exist But to me she is everything!

I really love her; she is my Queen She and I are like honey to bees Her eyes like the sky Bright and blue It’s like every time I see her I fall in love with her all over again!

I need her like a flower needs rain Just looking at her Makes me melt inside Her laugh is so sweet and soft Her hair is wavy like the beautiful ocean I see all Yet she cannot see me But I still love her And I will never stop‌ -- David Gad

The Big Day One day I will get married To the love of my life I will take her to Paris To make her my wife We will sit and laugh And I will look into her eyes Telling her you are the one I want to be with for life I will make you my wife Through good times and bad Hold you when you break And kiss you when you’re glad I will do all these things Because I love you and need you So come be my wife For the rest of our lives -- David Gad

The American Flag It flies in the wind It shines in the light It has three colors burning bright.

It’s a symbol of our freedom Our great strength and might Each day it is lifted to a new height.

Just by looking at it It gets us through the night.

In sad times It might fly at half-staff But in great times It is a symbol of our fight.

No one would ever question Its meaning or its flight.

For America it means unity No matter what battle or fight Because it always gets us through the night!!

--Alex Glasberg

My Perfect Leader Some people often say What’s important to one person May not be important to another What’s important to me though Is what really matters.

I look for certain attributes that are near and dear to my heart Like Like Like Like

Leadership…

Sportsmanship…

Pride…

Loyalty…

Only one person I know Embodies all of these

He is not a president Or the first person you might think of He is somebody I look up to each and every day To clearly show me the way Some might say he is only a baseball player But to me he is much, much more He is Captain of the Yankees His name is Derek Jeter He displays good values to the core.

He runs like a gazelle!

He hits like lightning!

He catches like an eagle!

More important than that Is his constant honor and respect.

No matter what the situation He always keeps his cool Children everywhere look up to him Because he sets ideals and goals To me he is the perfect leader On the field and off‌ -- Alex Glasberg

The Brave King A Spartan born man The man also known as the Brave King Trained all his life to defend Sparta And one day a great Middle Eastern Empire came They threatened Greece Although the Brave King was not intimidated All he did was gather 1000 of his best men He moved to Thermopylae also known as the Hot Gates A path where you must go through two mountains The Brave King went to the path to wait for the enemy He faced 20,000 soldiers Once they came, he defended the Hot Gates A ferocious, brutal, and cruel battle He eliminated ž of the enemies’ army He fought as if he was born for it He lost 500 of his men the first day He let a few leave the fighting!

Around 200 left But it was difficult There were 300 men left behind To give the soldiers a safe path home Leonidas, The Brave King Stayed behind with the 300 Spartans Deserving the title of Hero!

-- David Grinberg

Sonnet 1 I love you more than anything I love you more than life itself There is no one but you I say this through my heart Not on any paper memorized I love you just as Romeo loved Juliet If there was an obstacle I would push it aside And while I say this to your eyes There would never be anyone but you Now let me tell you That you are beautiful no matter what You are the person that brings meaning You are as graceful as a deer You are my only love forever and ever‌ -- David Grinberg

Days Saturday is the first day off of school The day I either have a basketball game or the day when I go to my country house to play sports.

Sunday my favorite day of the week Skating across the cold ice Hockey is so tiring!

Monday is the start of school Learning, playing and computers Starts my whole week.

Tuesday is the second day of school Still do homework even though I have hockey Start my week of hockey.

Wednesday is the third day of school Sometimes my dad picks me up from school and then off we go to hockey.

Thursday is the fourth day of school Today is the only day in the week I have Learning Center Today is the only day I don’t have hockey.

Friday is the fifth day of school It’s the day right before Shabbat Today I have tennis and more hockey!

--Matthew Gurewitsch

The Truth The best advice I ever got Was to tell the truth and never lie.

This has always helped me in my life.

Do you want to be cool? Don’t lie.

If you lie once it will become a habit.

And if you tell one lie You will have to top that lie with another lie.

Do you want to be cool? Don’t lie.

When you tell a lie The person you told will believe it.

But in your heart you know that it’s not true.

Do you want to be cool? Don’t lie.

If people find out you lie You will lose their trust.

How can you be friends with someone who lies?

Do you want to be cool? Don’t lie.

Maybe people lie because they don’t feel good about themselves.

Telling the truth will make you feel good about yourself, Then you can feel proud.

Do you want to be cool? Don’t lie!

-- Matthew Gurewitsch

My Father I look up to you as much as America looks up to the president.

You always make me happy; you always make me smile.

You make everyone in the family feel secure and loved.

You are my father.

You are the light when it’s dark.

The blanket when it’s cold.

The hero when there is danger.

You are my father.

You play sports with me.

You help me with my homework.

You are always there for me.

You are my father.

I love you for all the things you do for me in life.

I love you 24 hours a day; 7 days a week.

I love you when you are close or far.

You are my father.

You are the glue to our family.

You are my role model.

You are my shoulder to lean on.

You are my father.

I love spending time with you.

You are always in my heart.

You are always in my thoughts.

I am proud to say, You are my father.

--Becca Hershkowitz

God I don’t see him But I know he’s there Always there, never left, and never will He is God, the one and only God He is with us at times we don’t notice Like when you have a baby, it’s because of God When your eyes open in the morning It’s because of God God is the one that created heaven and earth The one that created the market on the corner Even the one that created the toothbrush He is God We feel that God is with us With his strength and power He is our ruler He is number one!

-- Becca Hershkowitz

Monticello This is the country; nature all around.

Listen to the beautiful sounds.

Musty, muggy and buggy.

Filled with a serene silence.

You are: Green than the grass Browner than a bear Majestic as an owl Full of mystery and surprise.

Walking through your valleys Pushing away your tall thick stocks of grass.

Looking for my best friends; your creatures.

Found them. Look over there. It’s my friend the hare.

They tell me you are buggy, boring, and should not be bothered.

I partly agree and say, But isn’t that the bold beauty?

If you combine your ear with nature this is what you’ll hear: The sounds of busy, buzzing bees spreading Precious pollen from dandelions to daffodils.

The oval, orange and black- speckled spotted salamanders Slurping their snail supper.

The slithering snakes hissing at their husbands for short breaks.

The bullfrogs blowing up their chest Waiting for when they will ever get their rest.

The crickets croaking playing their violins Owls hooting in the evening sky Birds harmonizing a lullaby.

This symphony of natures’ creatures sharing their instruments Their music fills my ears with the sounds of a Brilliant orchestra.

This is the country Full with frivolous fun!

This is the country, MY country!

-- Noa Horvitz

Super Man Zoom, zoom, whoosh!!

Flying through the air He is strong and devoted Denying death and trying so hard to help.

Zoom, zoom, whoosh!!

Flying through the air People look up to him And see how he cares.

Zoom, zoom, whoosh!!

Flying through the air.

He is a role model, This is his legacy; it is here to share.

Zoom, zoom, whoosh!!

Flying through the air His cape shows his passion To protect all below.

He is much like G-d’s wind Keeping the atmosphere safe with a glow.

Zoom, zoom, whoosh!!

Flying through the air Movies, comics, and branded themes He is always in mind and people’s dreams.

Zoom, zoom, whoosh!!

Flying through the air Up, up and away To the next adventure All is good, another day.

-- Noa Horvitz

Back Because I’m Black As the bus pulled up I walked towards it Almost seven empty seats in the front But I headed towards the back Because I’m black I sat down feeling normal Well at least for a while One stop, two stops, and then Onto the bus came a man Not just any man, a white man He gets on the bus With a face of disgust There are no more seats in the front As if the back for us blacks Are piles of dust He walks closer and closer Rolling eyes at me Does he really think I’m gonna get up?

Just because I’m black?

Why should I have to stand?

I wouldn’t budge For this stupid law I decided to stay strong!

Nothing bad was really happening Until that fat old bus driver got up “Get up!”

“No! this isn’t fair!”

“Get up or go to jail!”

His voice rang in my ears Should I get up?

Deep down inside I couldn’t

That night I slept in an old rusty jail cell With rodents, bugs, and insects Guilty they screamed!

Pay $10 plus $4 more I, Rose Parks have made a difference I became a leader And brought faith to my Nation So don’t you judge a book by its cover And don’t you judge a person by the color of their skin!

-- Danya Jacobs

Bang! Wayo! Crash!

Bang! Boom! Crash!

The construction men’s song I shielded my ears because of the noise I wave and say good morning

I say Thank you and Hi They smile I have made their day Wayo! Wayo! Wayo!

The firemen’s song They work all day long They speed in their trucks To catch a fire Smile, it will make them happier I have made their day!

-- Danya Jacobs

The Clock The clock ticks away‌ Leaving the world timed, tested By who? Yourself.

A selfish world that needs to be mended by the people who are mending it stitch by stitch.

There are very few of those people on this timed, selfish world.

Some mend, while others ignore.

Some mend, while others wait.

Some mend while others in careless motion pass by as if nothing but a rock stands in the place of a mender.

While recognition is not in motion.

But a stitch of light remains because of the well- stitched heart of the mender.

Some mend while the world is timed.

Some mend or at least, try.

Some mend while others thank.

A well mended world that is breaking through trying to be granted its final stitch.

But a beam of selfishness remains leaving the menders unrecognized by those who forget the world is timed.

The clock ticks away, leaving the world timed.

But who can the menders rely on?

But who can stitch the last stitch?

By who? You. -- Talia Justin

Palm Beach The smell of the sea salt in the morning.

The shells that glisten in the light.

The sea as it smacks against the seashore reaching to devour all the pearly shells but failing.

The sun bursts leaving little flame droplets that fall onto your face.

Dissolving in a split second along with your troubles and your worries.

The sand that swims its way between your toes and sucks you down as you sink.

The dolphins that maneuver not only through the rough yet smooth waters, but through your soul as well.

The shine that reflects off the dolphins’ thick coat of love That is weightless.

The cool water that takes you by the hand and lures you into the sea.

The smell of sea salt in the morning.

The sand that swims its way between your toes and sucks you down as you sink.

The shine that reflects off the dolphins’ thick coat of love That is weightless.

-- Talia Justin

A Ruby, A Diamond, An Amethyst or You? Nothing as beautiful as a ruby.

Its striking red color; its magnificence.

It’s almost showing off with that gleaming redness.

Symbolizing the beautiful month of July.

Your redness represents the scorching days in that month.

Rubies are dear and there are many of them.

Many would like one.

But you, you are priceless And there is only one you.

A diamond: so gorgeous, a symbolic stone of happiness Used in times of harmony and peace Its simplicity and prettiness make it so famous Symbolizing the beautiful month of April Where the flowers bloom and the bees buzz Diamonds are dear And there are many of them But you, you are priceless And there is only one you Nothing as stunning as an amethyst Its magnificent pink color, like the roses in one’s cheeks Gives warmth and love to all Symbolizing the cold month of February It provides hope and reminds people that spring is near Amethysts are dear and there are many of them But you, you are priceless And there is only one you But you, you yourself are a gem For after all, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder You are more beautiful than all these stones put together Your beautiful brown eyes, your shiny brown hair Brings light and joy to me You are unique and not everyone is that You, you are priceless And there is only one you -- Natalie Kahn

-- Natalie Kahn

Sunrise At Wartime The first lights of day Come up early in the morning.

They provide a dim light That is just enough to see the rosiness of one’s cheeks.

The pink, purple, and orange colors Fill the sky with radiance and beauty.

They almost seem to push away the stars as if a new ruler pushes away an old one.

The sunlight reflects off the frozen pond That sparkles like a diamond.

Frozen in the snow; lie roses sleeping.

Flowers that will echo the sunrise.

But gore and violence push away the beauty, and there is no time for frivolity and flowers.

The ground soaked with blood as a man falls to the earth.

His heart no longer beating.

The bloody ground hides the sleeping roses.

The tulips and the dandelions The smoke and gun powder Secrete the brilliant sky.

The soldiers hide in the bushes or in trees They cannot see the splendor of the morning.

Their face covered in sweat.

Even though it is the bitter cold of winter.

The wounded, the fleeing, the homesick, running from the glamour of the world, of the morning.

Many will never see the beauty, for by the next morning, many will lay motionless, cold as ice.

The birds that seldom chirp are scared away by the shouts and screams of murder Men shrieking in agony As their soul leaves their body.

We are at war.

Optimism and hope have faded.

Survival is not an option.

It is only a dream.

The once standing proud red, white and blue flag Now falls smudged with dirt.

We are all lost.

The dirt and rocks are our graves.

Never will we return home again.

Never will we hear the birds chirping again.

Never again will we see a tranquil earth.

Never will we see the magnificent sunrise again.

-- Natalie Kahn

The Brave J.R. Martinez He wanted to serve our country.

He wanted to be a hero.

He wanted to be the brave J.R. Martinez.

He was in a jeep and went over a bomb.

He burned his face.

But he was the brave J.R. Martinez.

He went to the hospital, and saw his face, And knew he had to be the brave J.R. Martinez.

He got out of the hospital with his burned face, and pursued his dream of acting.

He acted as the brave J.R. Martinez.

He acted like the best actor in the world.

He acted like nothing was different.

He acted like the brave J.R. Martinez.

He became famous.

He performed on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ He was a star and he was the brave J.R. Martinez!

-- Esther Katz

Jazz Shoes In ballet I understand you need shoes to shine.

In modern I understand no shoes are right and fine.

In tap I understand you need shoes to keep in time.

But in Jazz I don’t understand, and that’s why I wrote this rhyme.

In Jazz the whole point is to point and flex your feet To stay with the beat, But then they hand you a shoe, and think you’ll be no where from blue.

Jazz sneakers are so confusing I say this from the bottom of my heart.

What in the world are the point of Jazz shoes?

-- Esther Katz

My Secret Language With Animals Giraffe, giraffe, giraffe Why are you so tall?

Did you stretch yourself out?

Or were you just born that way?

Do you see the things that I see?

Or do you see them in a different way?

Polar bear, polar bear, polar bear Why do people think you’re so rough?

I don’t think you’re rough Because to me you’re just a normal bear, always hungry And willing to eat whatever you see Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies Why do you always hop around?

Why can’t you just walk?

Do you always eat carrots?

Or do you eat other things?

Dolphins, dolphins, dolphins People say that dolphins have a connection with people I also think that Dolphin’s skin is smooth As a hard boiled egg Birds, birds, birds Why do you always chirp?

Is it because you want to be like parrots?

That can talk whenever they want Or is it because you like the way you sound And would like to hear it too?

-- Gloria Khafif

What is Advice?

There is advice that is Bad, not helpful, And hard to understand but…

I say go Find the good advice Hidden in the bushes Look through the stars Into space You don’t know what you are after Or do you?

Do you know what good advice is?

Do you know how it ends?

Well, I think you should find good advice And when you find it It’s so nice that it stays out of the bushes And never leaves your sight till you Don’t want it anymore…

And know you found it And you’re in love But you never know What your next good advice will be…

-- Gloria Khafif

Only in America I hear America singing The street workers are noisy The baseball players are dirty The 4th of July is exciting Only in America I hear America singing The weather is always different The people are never the same Sounds of talking and chatter fill the streets Only in America I hear America singing The president is the leader He listens to our requests He gives us freedom of speech Only in America I hear America singing Central Park, Statue of Liberty Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building Only in America -- Steven Khaghan

New York A place where people have freedom of speech A place where there are many burly workers A place where you smell smoky hot dogs A place where people are squished together like sardines in a can A place where everybody has their own expressions about different things A place where no one has the same opinions A place where people always try hard and never compromise A place where only some people care about each other

A place where it is‌ Crowded Dirty Beautiful Exciting Noisy And my city -- Steven Khaghan

The Meaning of God God must live high in the sky, Above the giraffes as tall as trees And below the clouds as wiggly as caterpillars.

He lives in a house that floats high above the buildings While He gazes at all of the people both good and bad.

Who stays in this world and who doesn’t is up to him.

God eats no food and has no television like us, but watching us all is like his television Watching us all filling out His chart and taking a brief nap make up his daily routine.

God exists towering over the sky, But not just in the skies visible to you.

God is found anywhere and always spies on anyone who looks directly at him.

He has just one eye himself but uses it wisely.

His one eye big enough to spread around the world and look at everybody at once.

God, I have a question for you.

I hope you’ll listen carefully.

Please perk up all of your ears and let them listen as strong as an owl.

You might have heard this question before.

But this time it’s from your True believer and admirer.

What happened to me in the stupendous previous year?

And what will happen to me in the following year?

Will the year be glorious with a cherry on top?

Or will it be as dreadful as night when werewolves strike?

Tell me now, immediately, promptly God. My mouth is watering to know.

I do not see God or hear him at all.

The room is as quiet as babies except for one little, measly, mere whisper.

Have I been too demanding like a king?

Have I been too polite like a servant?

Please answer me now God. Or else I’ll never know.

-- Benjamin Klahr

Hello, Mr. Giraffe Hello, Mr. Giraffe How do you do today?

Do the spots on your back shine as bright as the moon when the dusky twilight falls heavily onto us?

Where did you get those spots?

How do you feel when people make fun of you for those spots?

Spots as beautiful as the sunset on a bright and summery day.

Bonjour, Mr. Giraffe Does the rain trickle on your fur?

Do the hairs on your back stand as high as the Eiffel Tower when you find a predator sneaking slyly through the twigs of the woods?

Where did your luscious fur come from?

How do you feel when the cold winds Sweep through cooling your fur?

Fur as silky as the gold saris worn by the women in India.

Olah, Mr. Giraffe Do you reach so high when you eat your meals?

Does the food you eat taste as crunchy as carrots when they are yanked and pulled and tugged from the ground?

What do you eat in the tree and is it munchy?

What do you eat in the winter when there are no leaves for you to eat?

Leaves as yellow in the fall as the hay that the horses eat and put into piles.

Nihau, Mr. Giraffe, Is your neck hard to control?

Does your neck stretch out far enough to cover The Great Wall of China, when the people climb on top of that landmark as tricky as a fox?

How long is your neck?

How does your neck help you see those miraculous views?

Views much farther than the soaring bird’s eye could ever see.

Jambo, Mr. Giraffe, Does your tongue feel very moist at the moment?

Is your tongue as long as a frog’s or as short as a twig when it has been stepped on many times and been burnt for a fire?

How long is your tongue and is it more useful than our tongues?

Does your tongue help you snatch the food that’s not so easy to reach?

Food as uneasy to reach as a student trying to reclaim his toy on the top shelf?

Well, Mr. Giraffe, Asking you all those questions has been as glorious as

Sleigh riding down a slippery slope.

But, what is it like being an animal as adored as the Easter bunny?

A bunny with candy as cute and junky as a gummy bear.

How does it feel being the tallest of all the animals of the Tanzanian jungle?

Watching all the other animals pounce on their prey while you eat your leaves?

Does being a giraffe give you as much pride as being a ferocious lion?

Or as much humbleness as one who does not brag when they win an important race?

Or as much happiness as a new mother?

Or as much sadness as the color blue?

Does being a giraffe make you in charge like the teacher of the jungle?

Or does being a giraffe make you a listener and follower like a student of the jungle?

Mr. Giraffe -- Benjamin Klahr

Feeling the Tears Day one of vacation, beyond my imagination My brother, barely a teen, his heart stops in the gym Leave the room I’m told Through the glass it showed They thump his chest; he’s pale Sirens, medics, chaos prevail Feeling the tears slide down my cheek As I watch him helplessly I seek…

A way to help, to bring him back, as I’m dragged away I hear the ZAP The zap on his chest, the screams, the stress, I close my eyes, I’m scared he’s dead Unconscious, flat-lined, hysteria ensues His lifeless body, it has turned blue Into the van and seeking a pulse The doctors hurry, no time to waste Feeling the tears slide down my cheek My big, strong brother now terribly weak Frozen and flown to another place, will I ever see him again?

His smile, his laugh, they seem so dim, what on earth will become of him?

What was to be five days of fun Turned into nightmares of life undone I pray, I cry, I hope he survives I’m left with my grandparents that night Feeling the tears slide down my cheek I’m all alone; it’s comfort I need I awaken from what I thought was a dream, but grandma is sleeping in his bed it seems My heart is heavy, my head confused, so what has happened, is there any news?

He’s alive they say, we’re going to visit Your mum flew in, we leave in ten minutes Let’s grab some food and a few other things She wants you there, it’s all so dizzying Feeling the tears slide down my cheek I need my mother; it’s normalcy I seek I see him now, he’s fast asleep – the tubes and cords, give me the creeps My mother’s arms into which I fell, protect me from this unwanted hell The weeks they pass, he sits, he smiles

My brother’s back, I run to his side The silly, meaningless, bickering fights We had before seem rather trite Feeling the tears slide down my cheek My how our lives changed in less than a week.

--Daniel Levy

Lion! Lion!

Lion! Lion! Shining bright For when I see you It all goes quiet What about your furry hat Or your jelly belly Which seems so fat Your shiny mane It beams so bright During the very dark of night Your fur is like The golden sun Or a petal from a rose Your strong extreme might Allows you to fight Your prey no match For your keen eyesight Brings you to new heights Like a soaring kite You’re King of your world With your loud majestic roar Commanding those beneath you But if only I could see your core Lion! Lion! Shining bright For when I see you It all goes quiet -- Daniel Levy

Hashem?

Hashem, my G-d, I have many questions for you That I would love to have answered.

Hello? No answer?

Hashem, my G-d, If you’re in front of me and everywhere on Earth How did you get there?

Hello? No answer?

Hashem, my G-d, If you can do everything and anything you want What do you do each day?

Hello? No answer?

Hashem, my G-d, If you created everyone Who created you?

Hello? No answer?

All these questions I have for Hashem May never be answered, but I have to use my brain And try to figure out what I think the answers are myself!

Hashem I think you’re everywhere Because you created the world And you watch over all of us.

Hashem If someone were to ask me to draw you I would leave the sheet of paper blank because I believe that you don’t look like anything, you’re just air.

Hashem I think you do two things each day: Watch over Earth, And make sure the dead have a good afterlife in Heaven.

Hashem I think you can do anything you want Because you’re G-d.

You basically invented those activities your creations do.

Hashem I think that you created everyone, but I still don’t know who created you.

Hashem, my G-d, who created you?

Hashem? Hello? No answer?

-- Naomi Levy

Cheetah?

I was walking in the night Walking alone With no one to guard me Not a soul No guardian No friend Not even a living creature No one I was walking alone for a reason I wanted to explore the world around me That’s when I heard it The sound I’ll never forget Hello? Anyone there?

Show yourself! Please!

There’s no reason you should be hidden Especially not from me!

Waited another half hour Not a single sound Eh… I thought Maybe it was just my imagination Though it got me scared afterwards I continued to walk And that night and many others I had nightmares about what occurred Everyday from that one forth I walked passed that area with someone by my side My family was so confused about the suspicion that was in me These mixed feeling lasted for about another week Until one day…

My mom was very busy she had about 35 guests coming over that night…

Oh no!

I tried to talk her out of it I really did try But no matter how hard I tried I was still forced to walk in that same area alone!

Scared out of my mind I took one step at a time Very slowly…

And that’s when I heard the sound again!

Hello? Anyone there?

Show yourself! Please!

There’s no reason you should be hidden Especially from me…

This time I wasn’t scared Instead I felt a slight sense of confusion If I heard the same sound in the same place Could it be a stalker?

Hello? Uh, come out… please?

I know you’re trying to stalk me!

Well, those last words seemed to work!

The next thing I knew, I saw something come towards me!

What? A leopard? Or could it possibly be… Oh G-d!

I don’t know how But I started speaking the secret language of a Cheetah!

And it spoke to me! A Cheetah actually spoke to me!

I said, “Rech, tuy loh muy wef loh goi megh deayt guyto?”

This means, “Cheetah, did you know that you are my favorite animal?”

We talked some more A lot, a lot, and a lot more…

We talked for the rest of the day Until my mom found out how long it’s been It turns out that it was a female Cheetah with three baby Cheetahs She was flying past me in the same spot because she heard that there was a lot of food there And then she spotted me at the same exact time She was a very kind, loving, and lovely as well.

As I was talking to her, I noticed what a kind creature she was I noticed how much she loved others, especially her kids Most importantly, I noticed the outer and inner beauty in her

Whenever I think of a Cheetah, that’s when I think My favorite animal, so fast and so cunning Yet what I didn’t realize until then was not just her inner beauty.

I also saw the features and what else made her beautiful…

Those eyes, so vicious…

Those ears, really cute…

There was something else that stood out the most to me That fur, such an original print for G-d to put on a creature!

Let’s now travel eight years later…

I still have a bond with the Cheetah She even let me meet her kids Boy, do these kids fascinate me!

Those cute, huge, yet sometimes confused eyes make me want to cry.

Those teensy little ears are gorgeous!

That fur that I just want to cuddle up with That… animal!

About a week ago, I went back to the same exact spot Hoping to see my best friends But that’s not what happened Not at all…

Instead I felt something touch my shoulders I turned around It wasn’t the Cheetah Or her little baby Cheetahs It wasn’t someone I knew It was some random guy Then he did something else to frighten me even more Something that I promised myself I’d never forget He took out a gun Raised it to my head And said, “You don’t give me money, I’ll pull the trigger!”

I didn’t know what to do!

Should I give him what was in my pockets?

Or should I risk the rest of my life And give him nothing?

I said, “Uh… I…um… I’m sorry, but I have nothing.”

Well, that was pretty stupid of me,

So, I closed my eyes, expecting to see what was in front of me for the last time.

I was wrong.

So what if I was wrong?

In fact I was wrong in a good way!

I heard a loud BANG! The next thing I knew A female Cheetah came out with three other tiny Cheetahs They attacked the man, so fiercely.

The Cheetah was on top of him “Let me go!” he said, “please!”

“You touch her again, I kill you,” said the Cheetah.

Wait, what? Cheetah?

She let him go He ran away as fast as cheetah themselves.

I just stood there Confused out of my mind.

“Mrs. Cheetah?” I said, “how did you do that?”

“Oh…well…sorry, gotta go! See you later!”

I could tell she was hiding something from me Something very well hidden…

I was so eager to find out what it was that was hidden So I decided to go back the very next day.

I yelled, I shouted, I exclaimed, I shouted, Yet no answer came.

“Hello? Anyone there? Show yourself! Please!

There’s no reason you should be hidden, Mrs. Cheetah!

Especially from me… uh, your best friend?”

Still no answer What? Why? There were some tears coming down my soft face Coming down very slowly…very slowly…

-- Naomi Levy

The Basketball Game It was a Sunday and I was getting to start my game The game started and all of a sudden my team fell apart The other team was going from a swoosh, to a bank, to a lay-up By the end of the first quarter we were losing 10-0!

The second quarter started and I drove in for a lay-up and got fouled I missed the first shot, but I made the second one Right away, they scored again, and it was 12-1!

I took the ball up the court and drove in for a lay-up They scored again But I answered right back with a swooshed jumper They took the ball up with one minute left and they got fouled They made the first free throw and missed the second Jake, our center, got the rebound and gave the ball to me I took the ball up the court, but they stole it from me The kid and I were neck and neck He with the ball and me trying to block him He ended up getting the lay-up By the end of the first half we were losing 17-3!

We were a mess!

The third quarter started and I was on fire I wish dishin’ and swishin’ like an NBA player I drove the basket and got a lay-up A few seconds later, I took the ball up after their possession And took the shot right away I swooshed it!

When we got the ball back I took it up the court and passed it to my teammate He gave it to me right in the corner I moved from the corner under the basket and made a reverse lay-up I looked at my family and saw them screaming They were so proud of me When we got the ball back I took it up, Shot it right away, and banked it in!

For the rest of the third quarter I kept dishin’ and swishin’ By the end of the third quarter it was 26-20!

We were losing very badly The fourth quarter started and I took the ball up I drove in for the lay-up Right away they scored When we got the ball back I passed and he got fouled

He made the first, but missed the second I got the rebound and passed it out to my teammate He shot it and made it They scored again and again and again!

The score was 30-29!

They scored one last time and the game ended No one seemed to care that we lost All everyone kept saying was what a great game I played I ended up having 26 of the 29 points That was the best game I ever played I still smile just thinking about it!!

-- Max Lewis

I See America Smiling I see men with little food carts smiling when they are giving their customers food And saying America is a land of opportunities I see businessmen and women smiling with their briefcases in their hands And saying America is a land of opportunities I see people at the Empire State Building smiling while reading their brochure And saying America is a land of opportunities I see teachers smiling while teaching their students new things And saying America is a land of opportunities I see people at the Statue of Liberty smiling while looking up at the top And saying America is a land of opportunities I see waiters smiling while giving customers their food And saying America is a land of opportunities I see builders smiling while building houses And saying America is a land of opportunities I see plumbers smiling while fixing a leaky faucet And saying America is a land of opportunities I see chefs smiling while cooking a delicious meal

And saying America is a land of opportunities I see doctors smiling while helping their patients And saying America is a land of opportunities This is a land of opportunities And will always be This land will never let you down It is a land of opportunities -- Max Lewis

Should I? In the early afternoon With the sun shining down I stand on the hot sand of Westhampton Beach The picturesque beach stretches out for miles on either side of me, and the glistening water stretches out for miles in front.

The water is blue-green in the strong sunlight Such a beautiful color.

The water cool as ice Waves like giant claws Wanting to snatch me up The water licks my feet from where I’m standing in the wet sand Should I go in, dive into the refreshing ocean?

Take the leap of faith?

Or should I stay on the beach, and let the water come to me?

I am hot and dry My skin is starting to burn The water is like a lifesaving medicine, but one that could have a potentially dangerous side effect What should I do?

I brave up I’m ready for this Am I? No. Yes. And I dive right in -- Ariella Linhart

New York City My Home, New York City My Love In the USA In the Northeast corner In the south of the state Surrounded by water Lies New York City my home, New York City my love The city that never sleeps The Big Apple The city of dreams The city of broken dreams, too New York City my home, New York City my love With its towering buildings With its bright lights With its bustling people No wonder you make me feel complete New York City my home, New York City my love From the dull gray cement on the ground To the filthy rivers surrounding To the stunted vision blocked off by buildings You are a dirty city, not beautiful in anyone else’s eyes Yet you are New York City my home, New York City my love You are a mean city With your people on the ground Hungry, begging for food And your air thick with pollution But you are still New York City my home, New York City my love You are still so beautiful With your marvelous museums Your square of bright green grass and trees in the middle And your hurrying people rushing down the street Of course, you are New York City my home, New York City my love I love you New York You are my only home It doesn’t matter if I’m in chilly Canada or warm Brazil You are my one and only, where my heart will always be You are New York City my home, New York City my love -- Ariella Linhart

I’ll Let You In On A Secret I’ll let you in on a secret Life isn’t a piece of cake.

It’s not like learning the alphabet.

It can have twists and turns like a slithering snake.

Let me tell you a little something: Don’t you ever give up or turn back around.

Don’t you ever say you’re not fit to be king.

Go ahead, dust yourself off, and get up from the ground.

Come closer, I’m not finished yet Try your best and you’ll get it right.

You’ll be better than before I bet.

It won’t seem hopeless anymore, or as dark and empty as the night.

Now listen to me closely Don’t you back down now.

Don’t you hide there tensely.

Hiding in sorrow, I will not allow.

I’ll let you in on a secret Life isn’t a piece of cake.

It’s not like learning the alphabet.

It can have twists and turns like a slithering snake.

-- Esther Menaged

Snake Snake, snake, as fast as light Burning through the night I wonder what hides behind that sly grin Reveal the mysteries that hide beneath your skin.

Where are your legs? Where do they hide?

Were you left to slither from side to side?

Did G-d give this to you as a punishment?

To you and all the other serpents?

Where comes that venom from your teeth?

Your fangs clutching on your prey beneath.

You can kill a person with one bite When people see you, you fill them with fright!

You slither on the dirt from dusk until dawn

You are like the king of the ground and dust You lurk beneath the sand and rock Not knowing the secrets you can unlock.

People say you’ve got no beauty But not meG-d created you as such a beautiful, mysterious creature Similar but different than all of the other creatures From a butterfly to a vulture Snake snake as fast as light Burning through the starry night I wonder what hides behind that sly grin Reveal the secret that hides beneath your skin.

-- Esther Menaged

Thunderstorm Boom! Boom! Pow! Goes the thunder.

“Eeeeeeek!” I scream.

Flash! Flash! Blink! Blink!

The lightning is scaring me!

Zipping through the rain, Darting over puddles, Dodging tree branches, What if I get electrocuted?

I sprint inside quick as lightning.

Jog upstairs straight into the shower Warm as the sun.

Then into my pajamas cozy as a blanket.

Boom! Boom! Pow! Goes the thunder.

“Eeeeeeek!” I scream.

Flash! Flash! Blink! Blink!

The lightning is scaring me!

I go to the window to check the storm.

I see lightning.

I hear thunder.

I worry about my family.

Where they might be in this dreadful storm?

I look out the window again.

I see a car pulling up to my door.

I don’t recognize the car though.

For sure not my own.

Slam goes the car door.

Someone is getting out.

Who could it be?

Suddencly another flash of lightning.

I hear the front door open.

Then my mother’s voice, “Hi sweetie, we’re home.”

What a relief.

Boom! Boom! Pow! Goes the thunder.

“Eeeeeeek!” I scream.

Flash! Flash! Blink! Blink!

The lightning is gone.

--Elsie Moche

My Home in CT On my way to Connecticut I see Children playing games with each other Jumping, running, hiding, bicyclists puffing up the great road Cows swinging their tails at each other On my way to Connecticut I hear Birds chirping their sweet cheerful song so the world can hear them Cars stuck in traffic honking their horns as loud as church bells Cows mooing in their deep voices On my way to Connecticut I feel The cool breeze on my face The sun beating down on our car The head of my sleeping sister on my shoulder When I arrive in Connecticut I see My house awaiting my arrival My garden tended with the loving and caring hands of my mother.

My father’s truck, big and strong ready for action.

When I arrive in Connecticut I hear Woodpeckers pecking the trees as if sending messages to each other My footsteps on the ground crunching the crisp grass with each step My sister yelling across the property to my mom When I arrive in Connecticut I feel Free like a prisoner just let out of jail.

The soft leaves of the lamb’s ear plant Refreshed as if a splash of nice, cool water On my way home from Connecticut I cannot see. It is dark.

There are shadows, the headlights of all the other cars.

On my way home from Connecticut I cannot hear I am sleeping…

I am listening to music…

I am talking to my dad…

On my way home from Connecticut I cannot feel My hands are under my lap My brain is sleeping The outside air is numbing my hands When I get to New York I go straight to sleep after a long weekend of fun!

-- Elsie Moche

Good and Bad I see babies, moms, dogs and friends.

They are all so happy and joyful.

The dogs walk with pleasure.

The babies are quiet and busy Which makes the mothers happy.

I see people that are not happy.

Homeless people People without enough money to have a job.

And I see children with parents that have no money.

I see in America, Our country Public schools Where every child gets a free education and adults can start over So they can make a better life for themselves and for their families.

-- Samuel Mukamal

Woof! Woof!

Woof! Woof!

I kept on going.

Woof! Woof! It got louder.

I turned around and saw a cute, small, fluffy dog.

He said to me, “Are you just going to leave me here?”

“I guess. I do not know you.

You belong to someone else.”

“But I want to talk. We could be friends.”

“Okay, but just for five minutes.”

“All right, five minutes, I promise.”

“Do you have a dog?”

“Yes, I have a dog.”

“What is its name?”

“His name is Muky.”

“Why don’t you drool or stick out your tongue?”

“Humans do not get out of breath that easily.”

“Wow, very interesting!”

“Do you also eat Wellness food?”

“No! I eat hamburgers, hot dogs, and spaghetti.”

“Ew, you eat dogs for food?”

“No, it is just called hot dogs; it is actually meat.”

“Do you also eat Wellness treats?”

“No. I eat chips, chocolate, cookies, fruit, cakes and candy.”

“Yummy!”

“Have a good day, And tell your dog that Jacob said, hello.

He’ll know me.”

-- Samuel Mukamal

Smart, Aqua, Blue Animal Nature is beautiful There are so many sights to see!

But you dolphin You are special Yes, you are a smart, aqua, blue animal Oh dolphin! Oh dolphin!

You are so beautiful How did God make you so beautiful?

I wonder‌ You breathe air And if so How do you sleep?

Half of your brain is awake And the other half is asleep You are a wonder of nature!

How did God create such a smart creature?

You know who to trust And who not to trust You are like a big bright star in the ocean You are as blue as the ocean itself You look at me in your smart eyes And I think to myself‌ How did God create you?

You, smart, aqua, blue animal Are amazing You swim so beautifully Your tail moving up, down, up, down You are the highlight of the ocean You look at me with your cheerful eyes When I feed you I absolutely love you!

Smart, aqua, blue animal -- Noa Ofek

My Role Model He is my hero My inspiration I am always happy to see him I love him, and he loves me When he was about 50 He couldn’t walk normally So he went through surgery The results weren’t good though His legs were paralyzed He understood That he can’t change the fact But he didn’t let the fact put him down He didn’t give up He kept on trying to do everyday activities on his own He kept his frustration to himself And he decided that he would learn how to walk Even though people had told him he wouldn’t be able to He went to a place where people taught him How to walk with leg braces Sometimes he fell, but he got up right away No matter how hard it was He woke up in the morning, got dressed, and went to work He didn’t want to ask for any favors And even now When we go to places where you need to walk He doesn’t complain I admire him for that And for who he is He is the greatest Role Model And I hope he knows that…

He is my HERO!!

-- Noa Ofek

The Season Cycle Ice falling upon my face Cold winds whistling at night Snow blanketing the ground Winter Rains fall and dazzling flowers emerge Birds chirping in the green trees Baseball season begins Spring Hot sun blazing Long days on the warm beach Camp and fewer rules Summer Leaves turning orange, red and yellow Chilly early mornings Back to school Fall The change of seasons Breaking up the long year!

-- Jack Ottensoser

One Big Family When I look to the left I hear Times Square screaming.

To my right I see the Hollywood signs.

As I look up I see the skiers skiing.

Heading down south I see the Alamo in Texas.

I go down to Miami And feel the sun on my shoulders.

Onto Utah And feel the cold breeze on my face.

Down to Phoenix I step on a cactus “ouch!.”

Back to Wisconsin Smelling tangy cheese.

Back to Boston Hearing Fenway Park roaring!

To lonely Kansas To see the no good baseball team Royals.

All I see is one big family Called the United States of America.

-- Jack Ottensoser

The Glove I see beauty in one special thing My baseball glove No one else sees it but me Its brown leather is so soft Although the padding is very rough The glove is small Just how I like it It squeezes like a pillow and is shaped like a sculpture It has strings to keep it that way I am the only one I am the only one to see beauty in my glove People say it makes them sick They don’t see what I see The plays I have made with that glove!

It smells like a skunk It is dirty as mud and as bland as a wall But my glove performs like a pro!

The one thing it cannot do is learn to throw I wish that it could So no one else but me Sees beauty in that beast I don’t know why they don’t see its beauty but I know that won’t change what I see -- Michael Perl

Oh Jackie!

You played everyday No matter what you went through You were spit on You were hit But you never stopped You never retaliated You had lots of skill No one else was like you But you never stopped They showed no respect They treated you like a bag of garbage But you never stopped You were faster You hit better You fielded better They showed no respect But you never stopped So why did you continue?

You were hurt You weren’t treated well But you never stopped For Jackie Robinson -- Michael Perl

Weather Report It’s about the same…

Rainy, humid, and patches of fog They float onto the little cat’s feet And then it leaves.

-- Asher Powers

An Anthology of Love Shall I compare thee to a ruby, a diamond or a gem?

You are my love.

You are in my heart.

Can I compare thee to a summer’s day, 101 degrees!

You are beautiful like a rose, and will stay a rose forever.

How do I love thee?

Too many ways to count.

I will love you to death Then miss you long after.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and in my eyes you are a beauty.

I took the road less traveled by and I loved you.

That has made all the difference.

-- Asher Powers

Rainbow Red, orange, yellow, blue, So many colors like the birds in the zoo.

Bright and bold no one will forget you.

-- A.J. Raiken

Super Mom Mom, you’re a wonderful mother.

So gentle, yet so strong.

The many ways you show you care Always makes me feel like I belong.

You’re patient when I’m foolish.

You give guidance when I ask.

It seems you can do most anything.

You are the master of all tasks.

You are a source of comfort.

You’re my cushion when I fall.

You help in times of trouble.

You support me whenever I call.

I love you more than you know.

You have my total respect.

If I had a choice of mothers You’d be the one I’d select.

-- A.J. Raiken

Thanks Thanks to all teachers out there for making the future.

Thanks to all parents out there for setting examples.

Thanks to all the garbage men for keeping our streets clean.

Thanks to all the fire fighters for heading into a burning building when everybody else is running out.

Thanks to all the soldiers for keeping us safe.

Thanks to all the factory workers who produce tons of things for us.

Thanks to the zookeepers for showing us fun animals.

Thanks to the doctors for keeping us healthy.

Thanks to the dermatologists who help our skin.

Thanks to the president for running this country.

Thanks to the lawyers for helping people solve their problems.

Thanks to the lunch ladies for serving us food to keep us active.

Thanks to the construction workers who build the things we need.

Thanks to the waiters who serve us when we are hungry.

Thanks to the chef who cooks for us so we don’t starve.

Thanks to the artists who fills the world with creativity.

Thanks to the musicians who entertain us with songs when we are sad.

Thanks to the farmers who grow wonderful crops for us Thanks to the scientists who create all sorts of crazy things for us.

Thanks to the dentists who help us with our oral hygiene.

Thanks to everybody for creating this world the way it is.

Thanks!!

-- Oliver Rein

Little Tuxedo Man

Oh little penguin why do you wear that little tuxedo?

Is it cause it keeps you warm? or since you want to make animals jealous how fancy you are?

Why don’t you wear a tie?

Is it cause you don’t want to choke when you swim?

Or cause you don’t know how to tie it?

Why don’t you ever fly?

Are you afraid of heights?

Or did you never learn?

How do you speak?

Do you use a secret language?

Or do you use symbols with your wings?

How do you drink?

Do you pour it in cups?

Or slurp it like a dog?

What kind of animal are you?

Are you a bird or an alien?

Oh little penguin do you like that tuxedo?

Or do people make fun of you for it?

--Oliver Rein

My New York City As I am lying in my soft, warm, cozy bed I hear the honking, bonking, of the cars on their way to their destination at this late hour.

I hear the baker getting ready and singing his French, comforting, lively songs.

I hear a boyfriend and a girlfriend saying their romantic goodbyes.

I hear the baby crying next door I hear the buzz of the TV next door I hear the sweet soft lullaby of a mother and father Singing to their baby girl All of these songs are the New York lullaby.

If you ask me if there are murders and robberies I will answer yes.

But even more important There are people who are willing to help and rebuild what was destroyed.

When I wake up from my slumber I smell the aromas of the exciting, fascinating city.

I smell the bakery’s morning breads and pastries Waiting for somebody to take a bite out of them.

I smell the restaurant’s food ready to be sold I smell the fresh beautiful spring air I smell the cherry blossoms on the cherry trees outside my window I smell New York City waking up.

Sometimes I sit in Central Park The home of relaxation; the home of beauty; my home and think about how honored I am to live in thy New York City.

It is not perfect, but nobody’s perfect That’s what I love about New York City.

-- Julia Rose

Papu Papu had the courage to leave his home, Turkey And everything he loved and knew To travel across the sea with his family, to his beloved United States.

Papu stayed cheerful and positive and always had a smile on his face.

His father was there waiting to squeeze him in his arms, Since he had come first, and he was sending them money.

He was working in an umbrella factory Papu stayed cheerful and positive and always had a smile on his face.

Papu did not know the language He went to night school to learn English, so that he could communicate and find employment He was a shoe maker; he wasn’t used to the equipment.

Even that didn’t stop my brave Papu.

Papu stayed cheerful and positive and always had a smile on his face.

Papu had always laved Fani, his cousin.

He had to wait until he had a proper job, and he was settled in with his new life.

Finally after four more years of waiting his dream finally came true.

Papu stayed cheerful and positive and always had a smile on his face.

After a year of more waiting, along came Morris, their first baby boy.

Three years after, they had their second baby, Irving, but at the young age of one and a half, baby Irving passed away from pneumonia.

Papu stayed cheerful and positive and always had as mile on his face.

They were in painful mourning, but even a tragedy like that didn’t stop Papu.

Three years later my grandmother Clara came along.

Six years after, they had Irving who was there to stay.

You can see that my great grandfather Papu made a huge difference in all of our lives.

He was brave, kind, smart, determined and the best Papu that he could be.

Even though he is not here today, The good that he did will always stay in our hearts.

-- Julia Rose

New York, New York, What a Wonderful Town New York, New York, what a wonderful town!

Vrooom! Vrooom!

Oh, just the plain old cars passing by Beep! Beep!

Oh, no worries just the cars’ horns New York, New York, what a wonderful town!

New York, New York, what a wonderful town With all the hard workers All I see is hard workers The fireman, The police officer, The neighborhood’s nanny, Annie, Oh, and there is the plump plumber New York, New York, what a wonderful town!

My neighbors: Pennsylvania Vermont Connecticut Massachusetts And New Jersey Are so jealous We’ve got the five boroughs: Manhattan Bronx Queens Brooklyn and Staten Island too!

Oh New York, New York, what a wonderful town!

-- Shireen Sakhai

My Blanket Cheeka My blanket Cheeka I never thought I could live without her, But now, I do.

My blanket Cheeka A pink blanket with dirt and holes. who I took everywhere.

To school, the bookstore, the park…

I couldn’t sleep without her If I did I wouldn’t fall asleep until 10:00 pm.

My blanket Cheeka I had her since I was born Until I was 4-1/2, and the incident happened.

It was a Sunday afternoon.

I was at my mom’s friend, Debbie’s house.

I brought my Cheeka with me, and left without her.

I wanted to go back, but it was too late.

The renovations were the next day!

I haven’t seen my blanket ever since!

My blanket Cheeka I used to not sleep well.

I had nightmares!

Even though I was big, I missed my blanket Cheeka -- Shireen Sakhai

Deal It is a small town Not so far from here It is a suburb No tall buildings just plain simple houses It is New Jersey I love New Jersey I always go to Deal A place in New Jersey In New Jersey it smells prettier than a rose It is cleaner than soap The sand on the beach is hotter than the sun New Jersey makes me feel free There is always something to do outside Playing basketball, going to the beach, swimming in the pool and ocean, And playing fetch with a dog I love running on the grass New Jersey is the place to be!

-- Hank Shalom

Captain Pierce He is a basketball player He is a team captain The way he hits the game winning shots just makes me happy His name is Paul Pierce He plays with grace The way he moves up and down the court Every shot is nothing but net He truly is a team captain The numbers don’t lie People say he is old Not to me I see him as a player in his prime People say he is the worst People say he stinks People say he is a fossil; he is so old Well, I say he is in his prime!

He moves as fast as lightning As the ball swishes through the net It sounds like a wave crashing upon the shore He is the one who brings the team together He is the captain He He He He

is is is is

the the the the

one who brings us to the playoffs one that allows us to take a step forward to the championship one who gives us the championship captain of the Boston Celtics!!

-- Hank Shalom

The Seasons It’s dark and gloomy, Silent and bitter cold, White crystals begin to drop from above, Soft like fluffy white clouds, The crisp clean air lets me know Winter is here.

Springing forward to itchy allergy season, as the colorful flowers start to bloom.

Sneezy, stuffed up and drippy.

But I welcome the happy, playful, joyfulness that comes along with the amazing scents.

Slowly, the warmth turns into heat Heat that makes you sweat like you’ve just exited a sauna Summer has brought the beach, sand, and blue ocean.

Such freedom, fun, and great times With smiles as big as mountains!

But then it all starts to mellow down When the playful season ends and the leaves begin to Fall.

Red, orange, green, and purple colors I see all around.

It is holiday time with family and friends and then it starts all over again.

-- Harry Shams

New York – The Concrete Jungle COUGH, COUGH… Smoke, gas, grease.

There is a place like no other, with all its smells, It’s a city grander than any other.

They call it the BIG APPLE. It is a place where the greatest baseball team plays.

A stadium so crowded like a swimming pool on a hot summer day.

With fans who are as noisy as a group of cackling hens.

At Yankee Stadium you can find A rowdy crowd tasty food and fun souvenirs to buy.

The adrenaline rushes through your veins The loud construction, busses, and trains When you walk down the long, dirty, crowded streets.

Somehow the newsstands and shops make it so charming To be in the city that never sleeps!

The happiness and joy you feel When you’re in New York, the GREATEST city in the world.

Its high spirits keep you up through the night.

The lights and frantic energy make it New York, the concrete jungle!

-- Harry Shams

The Special Ticket The ticket to my first game My first Knick game that is.

The ticket that I hold dear to my heart The ticket on my bulletin board The ticket that my eyes behold The ticket that no one can see the beauty in For they do not know what it’s about It is crumpled It is dirty Only I can see its beauty My birthday is stamped on the outside, December 13, 2000.

For that is when it happened.

The day of my birth.

The day I became a human.

The day I looked at my family and thought, “Wow, how lucky am I!” The ticket that I adore.

Even though it isn’t good looking The ticket that I love Even though no one notices it; As beautiful as a rainbow.

The ticket to my dream The ticket that explains who I am.

The ticket that makes me be me.

For if it did not exist I feel like I wouldn’t be here.

-- Aaron Shapira

This City is My City This city is my city and I love it!

I was born and raised here.

And if I had my way, I’d want to stay.

The city is my city The Empire State Building Standing 1,246 feet high Scraping the sky.

This city is my city The lights of Times Square From the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden All the way down to Broadway The city is my city The Statue of Liberty Standing tall and proud on Liberty Island A sign of hope; a sign of freedom!

This city is my city Beautiful Park All of its breathtaking nature from the birds chirping, to the leaves rustling in the wind This city is my city It’s the biggest, brightest, and best city anyone could wish for So, if any living soul tells me New York’s no good Well, they’re in a lot of trouble!

-- Aaron Shapira

Can You See Me? Can I play coach?

I’m as quick as a hawk And as BIG as a giant But not to you To you I’m invisible.

Can I play coach?

I can jump like a kangaroo I can play like a star But not to you To you I’m concealed at the end of the bench.

Can I play coach?

I can pull the ball in like a magnet I’m pretty good But to you To you I’m not!

Can I play coach?

When I look to the left nobody is there Everyone is playing but me But they can’t Jump…

Catch…

Run like I can…

The game’s over I guess the answer is No! I cannot play!

-- Tom Shemia

Staying True He worked hand in hand With one of the greatest at what he did He was like Robin to Batman Did he care that he wasn’t recognized?

He wasn’t a fan favorite Some overlooked him He was like Pepsi to Coke Did he care that he wasn’t recognized?

The cheers in the crowd often went to others Did he care?

No! All he wanted was his team to win.

He was an outstanding player But not compared with the great one Did he care?

He stayed strong He was loyal to his team And stayed with them All he cared about was that his team was winning.

Larry Bird got all the credit You would think Danny Ainge would have quit But he stayed true to his team Today he is the General Manager of the Boston Celtics And now he is recognized!

-- Tom Shemia

Nature As I walk through the park With the long pieces of grass tickling my feet I realize something I never knew before.

Nature has a special spark.

I don’t think it’s just the air, the colors, or the plants.

I believe it’s the mix of all my surroundings United into one.

I skip past a big bundle of flowers: Yellow, red, green, pink, blue, orange, purple and white Sparkling beneath the morning air’s shadow.

The pretty picture they make While bundled through vines is exquisite.

The way the aroma swims towards my nose Is like music to my ears.

Up above I see some trees.

Fluffy green leaves as bright as the sun.

Like a lime-colored cloud.

I notice the chocolate branches Are perfect for climbing.

As if they were especially designed to fulfill that active purpose.

Everything here is natural.

No blueprint here.

I suppose that is why this is where I go When I just need a hint about who I want to become.

Each object is unique and grows whichever way it shall choose.

Whenever you are feeling stressed and nuts I highly recommend you visit a park To distract you from feeling all brittle and frail.

With its soothing and calm atmosphere With a kick of energy and cheerfulness With all its magical beauty.

-- Hannah Slager

Crazy Stripes Hey Zebra, It’s me.

I was um, wondering, Where did you get those crazy stripes?

The energy you provide the world Is warmer than the humid African savanna.

You’re like a burning candle bringing light to the globe Or a flaming stove cooking a meal to satisfy a hungry family.

You charge through the deserted and patchy fields.

The mud is a faded chocolate color While the grass is a washed-out green.

I blink my eyes and in a flash you’re miles ahead.

Are you, A cheetah?

A lion?

A hyena?

No. You’re just a crazy old zebra!

You soar through the air, Bolt towards your target, Whoosh through an enchanted spell, Like you have connecting wires that make you so electrifying.

Look at you sticking your nose in my face.

It’s a dirty shade of grey, But with that frivolous way you shake it There’s no doubt I have a sparkling grin on my face: Side to side, Side to side, Each sway with a perfect rhythm.

You’re a choir A composer A choreographer I’m thumbing my head With zebra rhythm, With zebra speed, With zebra warmth, But I still can’t lay my mind on Where, oh where, did you get those stripes?

Did an artist paint them?

Did you wish on a golden star for such a funky body?

Did a little fairy grant you them?

Or were you just born that way?

Hey Zebra, it’s me.

I dream…

I wonder…

I wonder where did you get those Crazy Stripes?

-- Hannah Slager

Sonnet 1 Who could compare thee to anything?

My daddy is everything Who could compare thee to the sun?

No one No one could; no one should His hugs are like food to the poor They are only given when he desires Even when they are not given I still know his love for me did not retire He makes me happy in every way that he can I love him every day that I have Who could compare thee to a million dollars?

No one could; no one should Because my daddy is not for sale -- Yasmine Sokol

I Am Me, I Am Myself, I am I Should I be me or what they want me to be?

Should I be mean like them or nice like me?

Do I have to change just to earn their friendship?

Could I make us all fly together like a space ship?

Do I have to hate her to make them like me?

Can I just be the girl I want to be?

Can’t we all just come together and be a family?

Why did you hate me? Why was I always left alone?

There is only one girl who has made me feel known.

Why can’t we just get along beautifully?

No, I won’t change. I will be me happily!

I will live life wonderfully!

That one girl who was nice to me is my best friend.

Our friendship will never end.

She was the only one who helped me stay me confidently.

What if they are mean to my best friend?

I will not let our friendship end!

I will stick up for her just like she did for me.

I will help her stay lovely.

Now those mean girls love me.

They love me theoretically because I stayed me.

Right now we are all together as one.

Now we are all having fun!

It’s better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for What you are not!

-- Yasmine Sokol

Is He Really There?

I know that G-d is there Don’t get me wrong I’m a big believer But sometimes I wonder. Is He really there?

Everyone has always told me that G-d is everywhere Watching us… Seeing us…

But sometimes I wonder. Is He really there?

There are so many questions I can ask.

Why can’t I see Him? Is he is so awesome?

Why can’t I feel Him? If he is there? Is He really there?

I pray to him every day and I try to pray with so much concentration and focus.

I know he is hearing my prayers.

But sometimes I wonder. Is He really there?

And if he is hearing my prayers Why don’t I hear the answer?

Why is this a one- sided deal?

And I wonder. Is He really there?

I know all about the Torah and books of law I know all about the Covenant with our forefathers But sometimes I wonder. Is that all true?

People say to me, “How do you know that He wrote those books?”

And truthfully, I have no answer.

Because I’m still wondering. Is He really there?

But I have thought about this a lot and have realized There is no real answer.

No living person is ever going to know the answer So everyone will be wondering. Is He really there?

This question will have to go unanswered If I find out the answer I’ll tell you.

But until then, I will just sit here wondering.

Is He really there?

-- Lia Solomon

The Jewish Holidays The nights, oh the nights The happy nights Each holiday When sounds of laughter and joy fill the house.

The winter holiday Candles burning bright We thank God with all our might And sounds of laughter and joy fill the house.

Skip forward to March We disguise our face And celebrate the salvation of our race.

And sounds of laughter and joy fill the house.

When April flowers bloom We celebrate the leaving of slavery And Moses’ acts of bravery And sounds of laughter and joy fill the house.

Come May, We celebrate our bible A holiday that is very vital And sounds of laughter and joy fill the house.

In July We are solemn and sad because the destruction of the temple was very bad And sounds of laughter and joy don’t fill the house.

In the fall We sit in booths A favorite for the youths And sounds of laughter and joy fill the house.

After this last holiday We start all over again From the beginning And sounds of laughter and joy fill the house.

The nights, oh the nights The happy nights Each holiday when sounds of laughter and joy fill the house.

When sounds of laughter and joy fill the house.

-- Lia Solomon

Unique Yet United A A A A

universe… planet… continent… country…

One of many, yet strong and stable Stripes and stars for every state Places and people, Unique yet united!

Mountains…

Valleys…

Wide open spaces…

Rivers…

Lakes…

Oceans…

Water rushing…

Skyscrapers…

Buses…

Getting to work…

People rushing…

Places and people, Unique yet united!

Gushing and chirping The flapping of wings An echo…

Howling and roaring…

Wind whistling…

Vendors yelling…

Horns honking…

Motors and engines humming…

Sounds of sirens…

Cell phones ringing…

Peaceful, disturbing the peace…

Unique yet united!

Feeling of freedom, religion and speech Proud of your country, to be an American A feeling of belonging…

Appreciation of differences…

Power to choose a leader…

Alike and united!

The Solar System…

Planet Earth…

North America…

America the Beautiful…

From the Pacific to the Atlantic…

Opposite yet similar Unique yet united!

-- Brooke Stonehill

I Dream To Fly I dream to fly To soar in the sky To see the view Of mountains, cities, and valleys I dream to fly To feel free No one can pull me down And this is me I dream to fly Gliding through the clouds Right above the ground Because the sky is the limit I dream to fly To hear the wind whistle through my ears To hear birds chirping and flapping To hear the airplanes and helicopters zoom by I dream to fly My face to the wind As it blows in my face Relaxation flows over my whole body I dream to fly I dream to be me Wherever the wind may take me I will go Because I am living my dream -- Brooke Stonehill

Four Seasons Fall Windy With leaves gently falling from their trees Winter Cold and desolate All streets covered in sheets of crisp white snow Spring changes April shows bring May’s exquisite flowers Summer Boiling the street under the hot sun All in the four seasons!

-- Hannah Vorchheimer

Coach I’ll tell you to practice hard I’ll tell you to run like the wind I’ll tell you to throw the ball as fast as light But whatever you do Do not give up!

If you feel frustrated If you feel mad If you feel angry Whatever you feel Do not give up!

I’ll tell you the truth Sometimes I feel like I want to give up Sometimes I feel like I just want to sit down and rest But I think I can’t give up now!

You may want to run You may want to hide You may want to just close your eyes But you have to think I can’t give up now You may not want to listen to me But you should never give up!

-- Hannah Vorchheimer

The Majestic Creature One day while I was walking In a dark and lonely field A spark of light emerged from the sky I was frightened; I almost lost balance What happened I did not know But when I looked up there it was A dazzling bird was at my feet Whistling a melodious tune Hearing him sing just made me smile And illuminated this gloomy field All I could do was listen to him His voice, his song, his spirit He started to tweet like a whistle Over and over again And for just some reason I understood him Without even knowing I could I started to answer him by chirping First high and then low He answered me with a long hoot Saying, “Thank you, you actually listen.�

I felt so grateful I had a friend But not like any before There was just some feeling he gave me He understood me like no one before He spoke to me so beautifully In a gentle, soothing tone That was music to my ears He was just like an angel With those wings, the voice, and the power The power and strength he gave me To do my best in everything and anything Tweet, Tweet he said Saying that it was time to leave To leave me for a while So he was saying farewell Oh, I hoped that he would go I wish he could accompany me for longer And speak to me much more

For he has just gotten here But knowing how he needs to go To travel the world and live a good life I doubted if he should ever return But I never forgot that bird, angel and friend -- Meira Weinstock

Sonnet 1 My love for you is much much greater than I love to sing Sing beautiful songs that bounce off the walls My love for you is a big love that outnumbers the stars in the sky A love that is bigger than an elephant wandering by And my words are true So don’t leave me and go wandering about For my love is stuck to you and will last forever and ever Because me and you, you and me, will live on Don’t go now and leave me hanging here upside down I’ll get confused and won’t know what to do I trust you with all of my heart Because I know you won’t go, right?

So please, stay with me for eternity For my love is a love that will never disappear -- Meira Weinstock

Sonnet 1 Shall I compare thee to a flower?

Shall I compare thee to a diamond?

I love thee because you answer every one of my questions Without difficulty You help me study for my tests You encourage me to keep working hard You give me advice whenever I need it You correct me every time I’m wrong You help me with my needs You give me respect As I give thee I love you…

As you love me You are the best parent who has ever lived!

-- Yonatan Weitzner

O’ Mr. Washington!

O’ Mr. Washington!

We have defeated our enemies.

Our soldiers are full of glee.

Our soldiers are glad to win the war, as you can see.

We have won our rightful independence.

We have won the right to have our own laws.

We have defeated the evil English king.

America thanks you, Mr. Washington.

You are the reason we have won the war.

Now your name shall be remembered…

Remembered for defeating the all mighty English Empire!

O’ thank you Mr. Washington, thank you!

O’ Mr. Washington!

You are as strong as an ox.

You are as brave as a knight.

You are as smart as a fox.

Whatever you say is usually right.

Mr. Washington! The war has gone by.

The English Empire has left with a sigh.

We must now lead our beloved country.

We must protect our country from all the harm that shall come her way.

O’ thank you Mr. Washington, for helping us to be free.

O’ Mr. Washington!

We have elected you as our president.

I always thought you had the ability to be America’s rightful leader.

You were always an ingenious man.

You were always alert.

You would take any precaution on the battlefield.

O’ Mr. Washington that shows true leadership!

O’ Mr. Washington!

How have you liked your job?

I’m sure there’s nothing that makes you sob in your job.

How has the first year in office gone, Mr. Washington?

Has anything bothered you?

Do you have an advisor?

How good is he?

Has America’s status excelled in the years? It has?

O’ thank you Mr. Washington, thank you!

O’ Mr. Washington!

Your 8 years in office are done!

Are you going to run for candidate again, sir?

I hope you win.

Our nation has benefited from you; it’s true!

Because ever since you battled the English people with your crew People in America have had pride in you.

O’ I hope you win the election, Mr. Washington!

O’ Mr. Washington!

Why don’t you want to run for another election?

Why don’t you want to be in office for twelve years?

Everybody in this nation loves you!

What did you say?

You said you wanted to let other people have a chance…

To be the President.

But why? You’re the best president that has ever lived.

But perhaps you’re right.

Other people do want to become president.

O’ thank you Mr. Washington…

For being the best president who ever lived!

-- Yonatan Weitzner