phoenix fire fall/winter 2010
DESCRIPTION
Literary Magazine produced by high school students.TRANSCRIPT
36
About this issue…
All the prompts for this issue came from writing contests sponsored
by other organizations. All students who have submitted work here
can now compete in larger competitions with students from all over.
Two of the prompts, Take Five and the general poem prompt, are
both sponsored by Read Magazine and winners in the national
contest will be published and win $100. The prompt about gun
violence is sponsored by Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
Here are the exact prompts:
1. Take Five!
That is, choose five of the six objects:
Letter, Broken Window, Magnifying Glass,
Old Boots, Pigeon, Sand Dune
and use them in a story (fiction) or an essay (nonfiction).
You may include the five objects in your piece in any way
you’d like, as long as your work is no more than 500 words.
Just be creative and have fun!
2.Write an essay or poem explaining what you think the
causes are behind gun violence…
3. Submit your two best poems, any style!
Students interested in submitting to these contests still can. Stop
by your Writing Center for more information!
Also in this issue are the Eleven Word Promises that won our Na-
tional Writing Day Competition and Christiana’s Collaborative
Story, which beat Collins in our first ever school wide competition
between the campuses.
I wish we had room for all the students who participated in
NANOWRIMO, or National Novel Writing Month, but there is a list
of their names on page 35. Make sure to congratulate them on their
commitment and success.
It has been a busy semester, can’t wait to see what next semester
will bring!
presents
nlcphs
Winter 2010 Edition
PHOENIX
FIRE
36
About this issue…
All the prompts for this issue came from writing contests sponsored
by other organizations. All students who have submitted work here
can now compete in larger competitions with students from all over.
Two of the prompts, Take Five and the general poem prompt, are
both sponsored by Read Magazine and winners in the national
contest will be published and win $100. The prompt about gun
violence is sponsored by Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
Here are the exact prompts:
1. Take Five!
That is, choose five of the six objects:
Letter, Broken Window, Magnifying Glass,
Old Boots, Pigeon, Sand Dune
and use them in a story (fiction) or an essay (nonfiction).
You may include the five objects in your piece in any way
you’d like, as long as your work is no more than 500 words.
Just be creative and have fun!
2.Write an essay or poem explaining what you think the
causes are behind gun violence…
3. Submit your two best poems, any style!
Students interested in submitting to these contests still can. Stop
by your Writing Center for more information!
Also in this issue are the Eleven Word Promises that won our Na-
tional Writing Day Competition and Christiana’s Collaborative
Story, which beat Collins in our first ever school wide competition
between the campuses.
I wish we had room for all the students who participated in
NANOWRIMO, or National Novel Writing Month, but there is a list
of their names on page 35. Make sure to congratulate them on their
commitment and success.
It has been a busy semester, can’t wait to see what next semester
will bring!
presents
nlcphs
Winter 2010 Edition
PHOENIX
FIRE
2
Writing Coaches:
Phoenix Fire
Sponsored by NLCP Writing Center
Elizabeth Levinson, Director
Sable Nerette, Director
Mikita Lee Kenyatta Smith India Greer
Anthony Culp Marina Whitehead Dantrell Gibson
Jamice Petty Ashley Williams Joseph Hardentt
Dimitri Crittle Jaylen Winston Quamiq Williams
Debron Powell Shanera Wilson Michael Blair
Evelena Gross Tashara Prince Quartney Taylor
Bianca Churchill Kenshunna Tolliver Katrina Burnside
Kapria Barns Katrina Pipes Shondella Davis
Joy Carpenter Rueben Riggs Montinique Garner
T’Keyah Dean Jazmen McKinnor Jasmin Graham
Robin Hodges Timothy McBride Adrina Johnson
James Jackson Deasia Jones Chantel Jones
Johnique Lowe
Ricky Rush
35
Then he met the love of his life and he had to go to school to get
a job.
After a couple of months of attending Harvard, he decided it was
a mistake; football was what he loved and what he wanted to do.
He then went back home and met up with his ex. His ex was
just released from prison. She was on a killing spree. After they
reunited, she decided that she was tired of the fast life and
wanted to settle down. He agreed. Then she tells him she is
pregnant, and he denies it. She takes him on Maury. The baby
is his. They get back together.
Fin.
NANOWRIMO
November is National Writing Month and here at NLCP,
we had a number of students who participated by pledg-
ing to write a number of words, some as many as 10,000.
These students have something to teach us all about
being committed to the craft
of writing:
Winners:
Amber Jones
Erika Haggard
Tashay Slater
Antoinette Jackson
Participants:
Sharonda Clark
Robin Hodges
2
Writing Coaches:
Phoenix Fire
Sponsored by NLCP Writing Center
Elizabeth Levinson, Director
Sable Nerette, Director
Mikita Lee Kenyatta Smith India Greer
Anthony Culp Marina Whitehead Dantrell Gibson
Jamice Petty Ashley Williams Joseph Hardentt
Dimitri Crittle Jaylen Winston Quamiq Williams
Debron Powell Shanera Wilson Michael Blair
Evelena Gross Tashara Prince Quartney Taylor
Bianca Churchill Kenshunna Tolliver Katrina Burnside
Kapria Barns Katrina Pipes Shondella Davis
Joy Carpenter Rueben Riggs Montinique Garner
T’Keyah Dean Jazmen McKinnor Jasmin Graham
Robin Hodges Timothy McBride Adrina Johnson
James Jackson Deasia Jones Chantel Jones
Johnique Lowe
Ricky Rush
35
Then he met the love of his life and he had to go to school to get
a job.
After a couple of months of attending Harvard, he decided it was
a mistake; football was what he loved and what he wanted to do.
He then went back home and met up with his ex. His ex was
just released from prison. She was on a killing spree. After they
reunited, she decided that she was tired of the fast life and
wanted to settle down. He agreed. Then she tells him she is
pregnant, and he denies it. She takes him on Maury. The baby
is his. They get back together.
Fin.
NANOWRIMO
November is National Writing Month and here at NLCP,
we had a number of students who participated by pledg-
ing to write a number of words, some as many as 10,000.
These students have something to teach us all about
being committed to the craft
of writing:
Winners:
Amber Jones
Erika Haggard
Tashay Slater
Antoinette Jackson
Participants:
Sharonda Clark
Robin Hodges
34
Christiana Collaborative Story Project
Written by over forty students from the Christiana Campus
ONCE upon a time….
A boy named Terry goes to his football game. While at the foot-
ball game, he breaks a North Lawndale record in receiving yard-
age and touch downs. Then, after he scored another touch down,
he made more points. In the fourth down of the fourth quarter,
they said hit the other team with a blitz and they hit Terry, who
broke his leg. He was devastated because he thought it would
be the end of his career. He was rushed to the hospital. In the
emergency room, he waited for the doctor to tell him the serious-
ness of his injury. The doctor walked towards him with a
gloomy look upon his face. But the doctor told him he only
sprained it. He would be able to play in a couple of weeks.
So when time passed, Terry was back in the game scoring more
points than ever. He got lots of awards for doing a great job at
football. After one of his football games, Harvard wanted him to
attend their college. He turned them down because he wanted
to go to a different school. But then a pro NFL team wanted him
to play for them. The Chicago Bears wanted him to join their
team for five million a year. He would be a third string. He had
many other offers but this one offered the most. Terry pondered
over this for weeks.
Terry was a good person. That’s why he decided to join the
team. But after talking to his mother, he decided to go to Har-
vard to get a degree. But after talking to his father, he was
undecided!!
3
Table of Contents
I Remember Larrinita Starks 4
Deceit vs. Love Demetria Howard 6
Who Am I? Tationa Triplett 8
What Causes Gun Violence? Monique Robinson 10
Losses for Gains Vincent Reese 12
Untitled — Take Five La’Keithia Davis 13
Lady Phoenix is Unstoppable!! Nia Ellis 14
What’s Love Anyway? Brandon Thorpe 16
Stereotypical Man Deshanique Chaney 17
Your Attributes and Significance Quartell West-Crenshaw 18
Eternal Life Brandon Thorpe 20
Stupidity Eboni Johnson 21
The Damaged Poet Annquinnette Rice 23
Untitled — Take Five La’Niece Wilbourn 24
I Won’t Be Left Behind Amber Lemons 26
How About That? Ashley Holman 27
I’ll Speak For You Tiarra Webb 29
You Did Me Wrong Nia Ellis 30
False Promises Jaylen Winston 32
Christiana Collaborative Story Christiana Campus 34
Look out for 11 Word Promise Winners throughout the
Phoenix Fire!
Winners are marked with a
34
Christiana Collaborative Story Project
Written by over forty students from the Christiana Campus
ONCE upon a time….
A boy named Terry goes to his football game. While at the foot-
ball game, he breaks a North Lawndale record in receiving yard-
age and touch downs. Then, after he scored another touch down,
he made more points. In the fourth down of the fourth quarter,
they said hit the other team with a blitz and they hit Terry, who
broke his leg. He was devastated because he thought it would
be the end of his career. He was rushed to the hospital. In the
emergency room, he waited for the doctor to tell him the serious-
ness of his injury. The doctor walked towards him with a
gloomy look upon his face. But the doctor told him he only
sprained it. He would be able to play in a couple of weeks.
So when time passed, Terry was back in the game scoring more
points than ever. He got lots of awards for doing a great job at
football. After one of his football games, Harvard wanted him to
attend their college. He turned them down because he wanted
to go to a different school. But then a pro NFL team wanted him
to play for them. The Chicago Bears wanted him to join their
team for five million a year. He would be a third string. He had
many other offers but this one offered the most. Terry pondered
over this for weeks.
Terry was a good person. That’s why he decided to join the
team. But after talking to his mother, he decided to go to Har-
vard to get a degree. But after talking to his father, he was
undecided!!
3
Table of Contents
I Remember Larrinita Starks 4
Deceit vs. Love Demetria Howard 6
Who Am I? Tationa Triplett 8
What Causes Gun Violence? Monique Robinson 10
Losses for Gains Vincent Reese 12
Untitled — Take Five La’Keithia Davis 13
Lady Phoenix is Unstoppable!! Nia Ellis 14
What’s Love Anyway? Brandon Thorpe 16
Stereotypical Man Deshanique Chaney 17
Your Attributes and Significance Quartell West-Crenshaw 18
Eternal Life Brandon Thorpe 20
Stupidity Eboni Johnson 21
The Damaged Poet Annquinnette Rice 23
Untitled — Take Five La’Niece Wilbourn 24
I Won’t Be Left Behind Amber Lemons 26
How About That? Ashley Holman 27
I’ll Speak For You Tiarra Webb 29
You Did Me Wrong Nia Ellis 30
False Promises Jaylen Winston 32
Christiana Collaborative Story Christiana Campus 34
Look out for 11 Word Promise Winners throughout the
Phoenix Fire!
Winners are marked with a
4
I Remember…
by Larrinita Starks
Collins
Discrimination, altercations, love, trust, and hate
What is the gender of love is it bisexual, gay, or straight
I remember him lying on the bed soaking his pillow with tears
Trying to remember what exactly it is that he fears
No one would accept him no one cared how he feels
When you’re raised beyond the fake you have no idea what is real
Gay, homosexual, fag in school this is what they would say
He was teased bullied on and beaten almost everyday
People could never take back the things they have did
And from that day moment I knew I would no longer have my best friend
Jan.5th a call came to my phone
I didn’t die by the abuse, hurt, or pain
He died by the bullet inside of a gun
He was in the war with life and sad to say life won
Why couldn’t anyone accept him for the person he was?
Don’t tell me what the bible says did y’all forget the bible also says thou
Shall not judge
So is it fair to bring God in it when you’re doing wrong yourself
You don’t know anyone’s story so how can you have the audacity to judge
someone else
33
courage to look down, but the piece of paper was
blank. Or at least I wanted to believe so. Focusing in, I could
make out small letters on the paper. Reluctantly, I grabbed a
shard of the shattered window; using it like a magnifying glass I
could make out the words, “I love you….but…” The shard of
glass hit the floor as his face forged itself into my mind. My drops of
liquid sadness continued as I looked around at how much of a mess our
apartment had become. Our fight lasted for hours with no sure sign of a
victor. He left without even saying goodbye. Glancing across the room, I
noticed the products of our fight. Over-turned tables and chairs, clothes
and other miscellaneous items sprawled out on the floor, and lots of bro-
ken glass. But his boots remained stationary, untouched. He left so quickly
he’d forgotten his old boots. Staring at his boots, my vision blurred from
the tears, and I decided to wait for him. He couldn’t stay mad at me for-
ever.
They say patience is a virtue. I have patience, but where’s my
virtue?
4
I Remember…
by Larrinita Starks
Collins
Discrimination, altercations, love, trust, and hate
What is the gender of love is it bisexual, gay, or straight
I remember him lying on the bed soaking his pillow with tears
Trying to remember what exactly it is that he fears
No one would accept him no one cared how he feels
When you’re raised beyond the fake you have no idea what is real
Gay, homosexual, fag in school this is what they would say
He was teased bullied on and beaten almost everyday
People could never take back the things they have did
And from that day moment I knew I would no longer have my best friend
Jan.5th a call came to my phone
I didn’t die by the abuse, hurt, or pain
He died by the bullet inside of a gun
He was in the war with life and sad to say life won
Why couldn’t anyone accept him for the person he was?
Don’t tell me what the bible says did y’all forget the bible also says thou
Shall not judge
So is it fair to bring God in it when you’re doing wrong yourself
You don’t know anyone’s story so how can you have the audacity to judge
someone else
33
courage to look down, but the piece of paper was
blank. Or at least I wanted to believe so. Focusing in, I could
make out small letters on the paper. Reluctantly, I grabbed a
shard of the shattered window; using it like a magnifying glass I
could make out the words, “I love you….but…” The shard of
glass hit the floor as his face forged itself into my mind. My drops of
liquid sadness continued as I looked around at how much of a mess our
apartment had become. Our fight lasted for hours with no sure sign of a
victor. He left without even saying goodbye. Glancing across the room, I
noticed the products of our fight. Over-turned tables and chairs, clothes
and other miscellaneous items sprawled out on the floor, and lots of bro-
ken glass. But his boots remained stationary, untouched. He left so quickly
he’d forgotten his old boots. Staring at his boots, my vision blurred from
the tears, and I decided to wait for him. He couldn’t stay mad at me for-
ever.
They say patience is a virtue. I have patience, but where’s my
virtue?
32
They say patience is a virtue. I have patience, but
where’s my virtue?
My thoughts ran wild as I replayed the series of
events that just occurred. My tears began to warm my already
chilled cheeks. The cold autumn night made my breath visible in
the moonlight. I shivered as I turned to the broken window,
letting in more of the autumn chill as the luminous glow of
moonlight shone through. I sat staring out the shattered re-
mains of the window. Staring at the stars, I noticed the messen-
ger pigeon. That bird, I deemed it to be the messenger of my
fate. My destiny. The letter, still torn to pieces, lay in several
remote places. I forced myself not to think about its contents.
Those few little words painted the portrait for the rest of my life.
A gust of wind pushed through the window sending
the torn pieces of paper into disarray. One of the pieces of paper
landed in my lap. I dared myself to look. I gathered up enough
False Promises
By Jaylen Winston
Collins
5
I remember him he was the strongest boy I knew I mean what more could
expect
He made it to the end of his journey by just taking one step
He couldn’t take the pain he held the gun bang, bang then he’s dead
No more harmful words, nothing left said
I kind of wish his life was control like a TV
He could have just turned from the channels he didn’t wish to see
If it was inappropriate for him he could just put it on lock
Maybe get a VCR set so that he could fast forward rewind and stop
Wish there were commercials to warn him what he’s getting into
Maybe even play his life in theaters so you haters can get a better view
Sometimes I look up and gaze into the sky
I know god has his purpose so there’s no need to question why
He just wanted to prove something to this world that yes he is different but
yet in unperfected boy
Even though he’s gone in my heart we are still close
I block out the stress and pain that hurts the most
He didn’t expect pity or sympathy from none of you
That is why he would remain the strongest boy I ever knew
Discrimination, altercations, love, trust, and hate
What is the gender of love is it bisexual, gay, or straight.
32
They say patience is a virtue. I have patience, but
where’s my virtue?
My thoughts ran wild as I replayed the series of
events that just occurred. My tears began to warm my already
chilled cheeks. The cold autumn night made my breath visible in
the moonlight. I shivered as I turned to the broken window,
letting in more of the autumn chill as the luminous glow of
moonlight shone through. I sat staring out the shattered re-
mains of the window. Staring at the stars, I noticed the messen-
ger pigeon. That bird, I deemed it to be the messenger of my
fate. My destiny. The letter, still torn to pieces, lay in several
remote places. I forced myself not to think about its contents.
Those few little words painted the portrait for the rest of my life.
A gust of wind pushed through the window sending
the torn pieces of paper into disarray. One of the pieces of paper
landed in my lap. I dared myself to look. I gathered up enough
False Promises
By Jaylen Winston
Collins
5
I remember him he was the strongest boy I knew I mean what more could
expect
He made it to the end of his journey by just taking one step
He couldn’t take the pain he held the gun bang, bang then he’s dead
No more harmful words, nothing left said
I kind of wish his life was control like a TV
He could have just turned from the channels he didn’t wish to see
If it was inappropriate for him he could just put it on lock
Maybe get a VCR set so that he could fast forward rewind and stop
Wish there were commercials to warn him what he’s getting into
Maybe even play his life in theaters so you haters can get a better view
Sometimes I look up and gaze into the sky
I know god has his purpose so there’s no need to question why
He just wanted to prove something to this world that yes he is different but
yet in unperfected boy
Even though he’s gone in my heart we are still close
I block out the stress and pain that hurts the most
He didn’t expect pity or sympathy from none of you
That is why he would remain the strongest boy I ever knew
Discrimination, altercations, love, trust, and hate
What is the gender of love is it bisexual, gay, or straight.
6
Deceit vs. Love
by Demetria Howard
Christiana
Everybody thinks they know what love is. I have
even fallen into the deceitful trap of phony love. He had my
heart and his wish was my command. This feeling was so real
and it was funny how I felt that it was mutual.
I was a sophomore him a senior. He showed me so
much gratitude just for being myself. He accepted me unlike any
other, and I knew he was the one for me. It seemed at that time
everyone was trying to ruin our relationship but now I know
they were only trying to help.
I gave myself to him because I thought that showed
how much I really loved him. After that things slowly went
downhill. He wouldn’t call as much. He wouldn’t sit by me at
lunch anymore. My mom said “It doesn’t take a magnifying
glass* to see that he doesn’t want to be with you anymore!” I
couldn’t and wouldn’t believe this he had my innocent virtue in
his hands.
His senior year was ending and we grew further
apart. I tried to spend time with him before he left for college,
but it did nothing. My attempts to kiss him failed and it crushed
31
Not a regret
Just didn’t know all you wanted was sex.
When it comes to mind
I couldn’t see
I was blind!
No matter what it is and what it comes out to be
I will always love you
If we had sex or made love
Just leave it alone
I just lost a bone
But it don’t stop my show or my throne
I opened my eyes and saw what it was
Sex seems like it’s all that matter
Thought it was different
My thoughts overcame everything
And apart of me tells myself that it’s not what it seems
Everything you told me floated down the stream
Woke up and found out that it was all a dream!
To achieve is a promise, to fail is a
deadly threat.
-Dyenesha Morens
6
Deceit vs. Love
by Demetria Howard
Christiana
Everybody thinks they know what love is. I have
even fallen into the deceitful trap of phony love. He had my
heart and his wish was my command. This feeling was so real
and it was funny how I felt that it was mutual.
I was a sophomore him a senior. He showed me so
much gratitude just for being myself. He accepted me unlike any
other, and I knew he was the one for me. It seemed at that time
everyone was trying to ruin our relationship but now I know
they were only trying to help.
I gave myself to him because I thought that showed
how much I really loved him. After that things slowly went
downhill. He wouldn’t call as much. He wouldn’t sit by me at
lunch anymore. My mom said “It doesn’t take a magnifying
glass* to see that he doesn’t want to be with you anymore!” I
couldn’t and wouldn’t believe this he had my innocent virtue in
his hands.
His senior year was ending and we grew further
apart. I tried to spend time with him before he left for college,
but it did nothing. My attempts to kiss him failed and it crushed
31
Not a regret
Just didn’t know all you wanted was sex.
When it comes to mind
I couldn’t see
I was blind!
No matter what it is and what it comes out to be
I will always love you
If we had sex or made love
Just leave it alone
I just lost a bone
But it don’t stop my show or my throne
I opened my eyes and saw what it was
Sex seems like it’s all that matter
Thought it was different
My thoughts overcame everything
And apart of me tells myself that it’s not what it seems
Everything you told me floated down the stream
Woke up and found out that it was all a dream!
To achieve is a promise, to fail is a
deadly threat.
-Dyenesha Morens
30
Realizing what’s true.
Damn, how could you.
Is this all you wanted?
Wanted what meant the world to me!
Something worth more than jewelry.
Now that it happened.
We need a break?
Something really did break!
My heart.
It broke into all kinds of parts!
What really mattered to you?
To have me or my treasure?
You said you love me.
I thought it was your heart talking,
but it was the pleasure.
Now, that we’re done nothing continued, but sex.
After this big decision,
I’m wondering what’s next?
How you talk, let’s me know you don’t care.
You care. Just not about us.
Only thing that matters to you is that we fuck.
If that was all you wanted
Why didn’t you just keep it 100.
Now you’re truthful
But when we was in a relationship you was full of bull!
I fell in love with you
But I realized that I’ve been lied to.
What I thought wasn’t true
You Did Me Wrong
By Nia Ellis
Collins
7
my heart like old boots* smashing a malleable can, but his close
warm hug kept me on his leash of deceit.
Today was the day that he was leaving off to college.
I wouldn’t see him again for months, so he showed me affection
to keep me tamed. Before leaving he said “don’t call me I’ll call
you.” 1 month passed no call. 2 months passed no call. 3 months
passed and I got a letter*. His name written on the envelope was
so sexy to me. I hugged it a million times before I ripped it open.
Written sloppily across the paper was
“It’s over.”
No explanation or apology simply it’s over.
This was it the window to my soul was now broken*.
Standing was nearly impossible. The pigeon’s* familiar noise
became impossible to listen to almost like someone scratching at
a chalk board. He couldn’t have ever loved me to do me like this.
Now I know that deceit is only love in guise.
30
Realizing what’s true.
Damn, how could you.
Is this all you wanted?
Wanted what meant the world to me!
Something worth more than jewelry.
Now that it happened.
We need a break?
Something really did break!
My heart.
It broke into all kinds of parts!
What really mattered to you?
To have me or my treasure?
You said you love me.
I thought it was your heart talking,
but it was the pleasure.
Now, that we’re done nothing continued, but sex.
After this big decision,
I’m wondering what’s next?
How you talk, let’s me know you don’t care.
You care. Just not about us.
Only thing that matters to you is that we fuck.
If that was all you wanted
Why didn’t you just keep it 100.
Now you’re truthful
But when we was in a relationship you was full of bull!
I fell in love with you
But I realized that I’ve been lied to.
What I thought wasn’t true
You Did Me Wrong
By Nia Ellis
Collins
7
my heart like old boots* smashing a malleable can, but his close
warm hug kept me on his leash of deceit.
Today was the day that he was leaving off to college.
I wouldn’t see him again for months, so he showed me affection
to keep me tamed. Before leaving he said “don’t call me I’ll call
you.” 1 month passed no call. 2 months passed no call. 3 months
passed and I got a letter*. His name written on the envelope was
so sexy to me. I hugged it a million times before I ripped it open.
Written sloppily across the paper was
“It’s over.”
No explanation or apology simply it’s over.
This was it the window to my soul was now broken*.
Standing was nearly impossible. The pigeon’s* familiar noise
became impossible to listen to almost like someone scratching at
a chalk board. He couldn’t have ever loved me to do me like this.
Now I know that deceit is only love in guise.
8
Who Am I?
by Tationa Triplett
Christiana
I am the one who believe
The one who will move on
Fuck these who said
HA
Who am I?
I am smart, sexy, and talented
The one who writes to tell
And she never fails
To realize all that
REAL
Who am I?
The child, kid the one with a VOICE
The one with a STORY
The one you see
Who am I?
I am me and not you
I am the one that cried, laughed, died and
came back.
29
I’ll Speak For You
by Tiarra Webb
Collins
You are crying inside. It's sunny but not bright in your
soul. Looking for love to warm you up but fire is so cold. "I'll
speak for you," but that's only two years old. You haven't eaten in
three days and you got on wet clothes. "Mommy, where did you go
you left the iron on. I closed my eyes to take a nap and woke up
you were gone! I'm crying for you mommy and I'm dying of starva-
tion. I see you don't care about me drugs are your motivation.
"I'll speak for you," girl that's getting abused at
home. Raped or beaten she cries a river bank when she's
alone. "Why are you doing this to me you're supposed to be my
male figure! I'll stand over you while you're sleep grap your gun
and pull the trigger. Mom you got believe me! You were smart
now you're slipping, do I have to beat you with some hearing aids
for you to listen?"
"I'll speak for you," old lady that just got off of
work. Her feet hurt and she see's a thug trying to steal her
purse. "Young man what are you doing can you just let me be? Do
you not have respect in general or internally? I just got my check
I need to pay my light and gas. I got to feed my grandkids because
their mom is low class."
"I'm walking towards this old lady thinking should I
steal her purse. I do have morals but my stomach still
hurt. Respect can't feed aching pain inside that I feel because I
used to help others now I can't even get a meal! People speak for
you, but who's gone speak for me? Nobody cares about a "seem to
be thug" walking down the street. I used to be a teacher now, I
live under the bleachers. That's why I stop giving because in
return I don't receive. So I started taking, so my pain can be at
ease. I'm not gone take this lady purse. Point of views I have to
see. I think I’m going to church and let the lord speak for me.
8
Who Am I?
by Tationa Triplett
Christiana
I am the one who believe
The one who will move on
Fuck these who said
HA
Who am I?
I am smart, sexy, and talented
The one who writes to tell
And she never fails
To realize all that
REAL
Who am I?
The child, kid the one with a VOICE
The one with a STORY
The one you see
Who am I?
I am me and not you
I am the one that cried, laughed, died and
came back.
29
I’ll Speak For You
by Tiarra Webb
Collins
You are crying inside. It's sunny but not bright in your
soul. Looking for love to warm you up but fire is so cold. "I'll
speak for you," but that's only two years old. You haven't eaten in
three days and you got on wet clothes. "Mommy, where did you go
you left the iron on. I closed my eyes to take a nap and woke up
you were gone! I'm crying for you mommy and I'm dying of starva-
tion. I see you don't care about me drugs are your motivation.
"I'll speak for you," girl that's getting abused at
home. Raped or beaten she cries a river bank when she's
alone. "Why are you doing this to me you're supposed to be my
male figure! I'll stand over you while you're sleep grap your gun
and pull the trigger. Mom you got believe me! You were smart
now you're slipping, do I have to beat you with some hearing aids
for you to listen?"
"I'll speak for you," old lady that just got off of
work. Her feet hurt and she see's a thug trying to steal her
purse. "Young man what are you doing can you just let me be? Do
you not have respect in general or internally? I just got my check
I need to pay my light and gas. I got to feed my grandkids because
their mom is low class."
"I'm walking towards this old lady thinking should I
steal her purse. I do have morals but my stomach still
hurt. Respect can't feed aching pain inside that I feel because I
used to help others now I can't even get a meal! People speak for
you, but who's gone speak for me? Nobody cares about a "seem to
be thug" walking down the street. I used to be a teacher now, I
live under the bleachers. That's why I stop giving because in
return I don't receive. So I started taking, so my pain can be at
ease. I'm not gone take this lady purse. Point of views I have to
see. I think I’m going to church and let the lord speak for me.
28
Visit would put an end to my pain.
How about that?
He came over to visit me and my
Family. Everything was going good
Until I told him we should take things
Slow and then bam! His hand came
Across my face like a bowling ball.
How about that?
My eye is bleeding and I cried out
For help. No one answer.
How about that?
I get up to move closer to the
Vase next to the window where I
Hid my mother’s 9 because I know
Something like this would happen again.
How about that?
Bam! Bam! Bam! No more pain!
How about that?
I promise to let my ears listen before
my tongue speaks.
-La’Jae Wise
9
Who am I?
I am unique
Special,
Crazy in love....... (With my self)
Who am I?
I am the sun
The leaves
The snow
The rain
The girl
The daughter
The world.
I AM WHO YOU WISH TO BE
WHO AM I?
I AM ME CAN'T YOU SEE!!!!!!
I promise to never allow my ethnicity
to define my value.
-Khadijah Pullen
28
Visit would put an end to my pain.
How about that?
He came over to visit me and my
Family. Everything was going good
Until I told him we should take things
Slow and then bam! His hand came
Across my face like a bowling ball.
How about that?
My eye is bleeding and I cried out
For help. No one answer.
How about that?
I get up to move closer to the
Vase next to the window where I
Hid my mother’s 9 because I know
Something like this would happen again.
How about that?
Bam! Bam! Bam! No more pain!
How about that?
I promise to let my ears listen before
my tongue speaks.
-La’Jae Wise
9
Who am I?
I am unique
Special,
Crazy in love....... (With my self)
Who am I?
I am the sun
The leaves
The snow
The rain
The girl
The daughter
The world.
I AM WHO YOU WISH TO BE
WHO AM I?
I AM ME CAN'T YOU SEE!!!!!!
I promise to never allow my ethnicity
to define my value.
-Khadijah Pullen
10
What Causes Gun Violence?
by Monique Robinson
Christiana
Everywhere you look there is gun violence. Gun violence is on
the news, on the radio, even out in the streets. There are many causes of
gun violence. One of those causes would be gangs. Another cause of gun
violence is peer pressure. The final reason there is gun violence is due to,
alcohol, drugs, or money. Gun violence is also caused due to a combination
of the three things.
One cause of gun violence is gangs. Gangs are probably the
biggest reason there is gun violence. People join gangs for many reasons.
Some people join gangs due to family, protection, fear, and many other
reasons. When you join a gang and a fight breaks out, guns are usually
involved. When you give people with no aim a gun, its recipe for disaster
that affects a lot of people. Add in the fact that drive-by shooting never
workout the way most gang members wants them to and things just get
worse. That is one cause of gun violence.
The second cause of gun violence is peer pressure. When
people think of gun violence peer pressure is not something that usually
comes to mind. Peer pressure does have an affect on gun violence though.
27
How About That?
By Ashley Holman
Christiana
He started off as the perfect
Gentleman. He brought me flowers
Everyday, introduced me to
His family, and even brought
Me the cutest promise ring!
How about that?
Yeah, girl he put a ring on it! On
My finger and soon after around
My eye with bruises on my back.
How about that?
He hit me because he didn’t
Like what I said. When I
Tried to fight back he
Kicked me down the stairs.
How about that?
He did a complete 180 degrees from
The man he once was. He went from flowers and candies to
Bruises and bandages.
How about that?
I want this to end before this thing
Gets out of hand. What should I
Do? I haven’t got a clue. His next
10
What Causes Gun Violence?
by Monique Robinson
Christiana
Everywhere you look there is gun violence. Gun violence is on
the news, on the radio, even out in the streets. There are many causes of
gun violence. One of those causes would be gangs. Another cause of gun
violence is peer pressure. The final reason there is gun violence is due to,
alcohol, drugs, or money. Gun violence is also caused due to a combination
of the three things.
One cause of gun violence is gangs. Gangs are probably the
biggest reason there is gun violence. People join gangs for many reasons.
Some people join gangs due to family, protection, fear, and many other
reasons. When you join a gang and a fight breaks out, guns are usually
involved. When you give people with no aim a gun, its recipe for disaster
that affects a lot of people. Add in the fact that drive-by shooting never
workout the way most gang members wants them to and things just get
worse. That is one cause of gun violence.
The second cause of gun violence is peer pressure. When
people think of gun violence peer pressure is not something that usually
comes to mind. Peer pressure does have an affect on gun violence though.
27
How About That?
By Ashley Holman
Christiana
He started off as the perfect
Gentleman. He brought me flowers
Everyday, introduced me to
His family, and even brought
Me the cutest promise ring!
How about that?
Yeah, girl he put a ring on it! On
My finger and soon after around
My eye with bruises on my back.
How about that?
He hit me because he didn’t
Like what I said. When I
Tried to fight back he
Kicked me down the stairs.
How about that?
He did a complete 180 degrees from
The man he once was. He went from flowers and candies to
Bruises and bandages.
How about that?
I want this to end before this thing
Gets out of hand. What should I
Do? I haven’t got a clue. His next
26
I run my fastest and still I get beat. I’m #1 in my head so why
should I be on my feet? I try to move forward but I’m stuck in
rewind. Why do I keep at it, I WON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!
The harder I’m thrown the higher I bounce, I give it my all and
that’s all that counts in the first place myself I seldom find so I
push to limit I WON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!
Some people tell me you can’t some say don’t some simply give
up I reply I won’t, my power is here locked away in my mind, my
pre-service is my excellence I WON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!
I make the best of each moment the future is son to pass, the
more I tell myself this the less I come in last. Throughout my
competition I learn what’s winning about a pain and clear lesson
giving up is the easy way out.
So every night before I go to bed, I hope in a small way I’ve been
shined tomorrow is a brand new day I WON’T BE LEFT BE-
HIND!
By Amber Lemons
Collins
I Won’t Be Left Behind
Please don’t misunderstand my maybe
as a promise that’s to be.
-Spencer Martin
11
Like peer pressure can make people drink, smoke, and a
bunch of other things, it can also lead to gun violence. People will bring
guns with them to show off their friends. Then if they play around with the
gun and if the gun is loaded, then we have even more gun violence. That is
the second cause of gun violence.
The third cause of gun violence is alcohol, drugs, and money.
Gun violence is also caused by a combination of the three. People will do
anything to get either one or all three of those things. People are being
killed because of or by these three things. People kill other people for
money and drugs. People are also killed by drugs and alcohol. That is the
third cause of gun violence.
In conclusion, I believe that there are three main causes of
gun violence. One of those causes is gun violence is gangs and the influ-
ences that they have. Another cause of gun violence is due to peer pressure
and the effect that that has. The final cause of gun violence is due to alco-
hol, drugs, and money. Those are what I believe to be the causes of gun
violence.
26
I run my fastest and still I get beat. I’m #1 in my head so why
should I be on my feet? I try to move forward but I’m stuck in
rewind. Why do I keep at it, I WON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!
The harder I’m thrown the higher I bounce, I give it my all and
that’s all that counts in the first place myself I seldom find so I
push to limit I WON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!
Some people tell me you can’t some say don’t some simply give
up I reply I won’t, my power is here locked away in my mind, my
pre-service is my excellence I WON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!
I make the best of each moment the future is son to pass, the
more I tell myself this the less I come in last. Throughout my
competition I learn what’s winning about a pain and clear lesson
giving up is the easy way out.
So every night before I go to bed, I hope in a small way I’ve been
shined tomorrow is a brand new day I WON’T BE LEFT BE-
HIND!
By Amber Lemons
Collins
I Won’t Be Left Behind
Please don’t misunderstand my maybe
as a promise that’s to be.
-Spencer Martin
11
Like peer pressure can make people drink, smoke, and a
bunch of other things, it can also lead to gun violence. People will bring
guns with them to show off their friends. Then if they play around with the
gun and if the gun is loaded, then we have even more gun violence. That is
the second cause of gun violence.
The third cause of gun violence is alcohol, drugs, and money.
Gun violence is also caused by a combination of the three. People will do
anything to get either one or all three of those things. People are being
killed because of or by these three things. People kill other people for
money and drugs. People are also killed by drugs and alcohol. That is the
third cause of gun violence.
In conclusion, I believe that there are three main causes of
gun violence. One of those causes is gun violence is gangs and the influ-
ences that they have. Another cause of gun violence is due to peer pressure
and the effect that that has. The final cause of gun violence is due to alco-
hol, drugs, and money. Those are what I believe to be the causes of gun
violence.
12
Surrounded by poverty with corruption in the air, I guess you
have to go through something to make it somewhere. The gov-
ernment tries to cover the TRUTH, but how can you avoid mur-
der, rape, in neglected youth. Equality is in the faith of men, not
to be prejudged by the color of my skin. A product of my envi-
ronment is what people stress, but where I call home could be
stop me from success. Reminisce on past peers but refuse to cry,
Not afraid but refuse to die, striving towards victory although I
been through pain. As EXPECTED you have to take losses for
gains!!!
By Vincent Reese
Collins
Losses for Gains
I, Dantrell, promise to never forget
what has already been forgotten.
-Dantrell Gibson
25
opened my eyes I saw a pair of old boots walking towards me.
She rolled me over and covered my mouth and nose with a chlo-
roform soaked cloth.
When I awoke, I was here. Laying here trapped in
this windowless room, unable to move. Something reeks of urine
and feces, and there appears to be a bed in the corner. Then I
looked straight above me. There was this little thing up there
that sorta resembled a mirror. I couldn’t really see my reflection,
but I saw a letter lying next to me. I reached my arm over,
picked it up and read:
Dear Gina,
I don’t know who these people are, but they told me to write you
this letter to inform you that they are going to kill me. I don’t
want you to forget about me, but always remember in your heart
that I love you, and care for you. I’ll miss you my sweet.
<3 Love Ethan
I broke down and started sobbing. Then the woman came into
the room, helped me up and laid me down on the filthy bed. She
began touching me in places I’d rather not say. She kissed me
here and there, and then she stuck the handle of a magnifying-
glass inside me. I tried to scream, but no words managed to
come out. She continued and continued and after so long I
started to get the feeling back into my body. I shoved her off me,
took the wet handle of the magnifying-glass and beat her over
the head with it, until she bleed out.
After I made my escape I never modeled again. I
moved to a place called Pigeon-town Mississippi. Here every-
thing was really weird, and quiet. No one really talked to each
other People always stared at me like I was an alien. So that
made me wondered what I had gotten myself into.
12
Surrounded by poverty with corruption in the air, I guess you
have to go through something to make it somewhere. The gov-
ernment tries to cover the TRUTH, but how can you avoid mur-
der, rape, in neglected youth. Equality is in the faith of men, not
to be prejudged by the color of my skin. A product of my envi-
ronment is what people stress, but where I call home could be
stop me from success. Reminisce on past peers but refuse to cry,
Not afraid but refuse to die, striving towards victory although I
been through pain. As EXPECTED you have to take losses for
gains!!!
By Vincent Reese
Collins
Losses for Gains
I, Dantrell, promise to never forget
what has already been forgotten.
-Dantrell Gibson
25
opened my eyes I saw a pair of old boots walking towards me.
She rolled me over and covered my mouth and nose with a chlo-
roform soaked cloth.
When I awoke, I was here. Laying here trapped in
this windowless room, unable to move. Something reeks of urine
and feces, and there appears to be a bed in the corner. Then I
looked straight above me. There was this little thing up there
that sorta resembled a mirror. I couldn’t really see my reflection,
but I saw a letter lying next to me. I reached my arm over,
picked it up and read:
Dear Gina,
I don’t know who these people are, but they told me to write you
this letter to inform you that they are going to kill me. I don’t
want you to forget about me, but always remember in your heart
that I love you, and care for you. I’ll miss you my sweet.
<3 Love Ethan
I broke down and started sobbing. Then the woman came into
the room, helped me up and laid me down on the filthy bed. She
began touching me in places I’d rather not say. She kissed me
here and there, and then she stuck the handle of a magnifying-
glass inside me. I tried to scream, but no words managed to
come out. She continued and continued and after so long I
started to get the feeling back into my body. I shoved her off me,
took the wet handle of the magnifying-glass and beat her over
the head with it, until she bleed out.
After I made my escape I never modeled again. I
moved to a place called Pigeon-town Mississippi. Here every-
thing was really weird, and quiet. No one really talked to each
other People always stared at me like I was an alien. So that
made me wondered what I had gotten myself into.
24
Untitled — Take Five
by La’Niece Wilbourn-Cooper
Christiana
Laying here trapped in a windowless room, unable to
move. Something reeks of urine and feces and there appears to
be a bed over in the corner. All I can think of is how the hell did
I get here and when will I make my escape.
Wait let me go back to the beginning. I was modeling
in a Victoria Secret fashion show, and I had just gotten my big
black fluffy angel wings, and my magnificent boyfriend was in
the audience cheering me on. The next girl walked out pass me I
saw my boyfriend’s mouth drop open. He was practically drool-
ing over her. I got so heated, so after the show I confronted him
about his actions. We got in the car and were on our way home
when Ethan got a call. I couldn’t completely understand what
was being said on the phone, but I did hear something about a
kid-napping leading to a death. Ethan hung up his phone and he
looked worried. I asked and asked what was troubling him but
he never said anything besides: “We’re going to be okay, all we
have to do is make it home and we’ll be okay!” suddenly I began
to panic. I was frantic, and I was beginning to worry about our
lives.
We got home and saw the broken window of our front
door. Nothing was missing from what we saw, but someone had
definitely been in there, and they still may be there. We were
trying to figure out who had called and told us all of this, and
then I heard footsteps coming from upstairs. Ethan and I quietly
went upstairs and headed towards the bedroom and a woman
jumped out of the hall closet. She hit Ethan over the head with
steel baseball bat. Before she could get to me I took off running.
I got to the stairs, tripped, and fell. I bumped my head on the
floor really hard. When I opened my eyes I saw a pair of old
boots walking towards me.
13
Untitled — Take Five
By LaKeithia Davis
Collins
I had a dream about me fighting pigeons. All I could
see were the colors grey, black and white. A man walked pass
and heard me and the pigeons talking about my past. The man
looked at me like I was crazy. The pigeon and I started walking
in the other direction. I started crossing the street and car flew
down the street towards me. The pigeon and I got hit by a red
and green truck. That's when I noticed that I had broken a
window in my room. Glass everywhere, all over the floor. I
jumped up to check for any clues to see if I could find some evi-
dence but couldn't get off the window. I went down stairs to get
my magnifying glass to make sure they didn't leave any finger-
prints. So I checked for a second time and I found one finger-
print but I did not know how to take it. I ran back down stairs
to call the police to tell them I have been robbed when I noticed
a note on the kitchen table that said "I have stopped back
through your house signed the man who see you talking to the
pigeon." I ran out the kitchen and the robber was sitting on the
couch watching TV with his old boots in the doorway.
24
Untitled — Take Five
by La’Niece Wilbourn-Cooper
Christiana
Laying here trapped in a windowless room, unable to
move. Something reeks of urine and feces and there appears to
be a bed over in the corner. All I can think of is how the hell did
I get here and when will I make my escape.
Wait let me go back to the beginning. I was modeling
in a Victoria Secret fashion show, and I had just gotten my big
black fluffy angel wings, and my magnificent boyfriend was in
the audience cheering me on. The next girl walked out pass me I
saw my boyfriend’s mouth drop open. He was practically drool-
ing over her. I got so heated, so after the show I confronted him
about his actions. We got in the car and were on our way home
when Ethan got a call. I couldn’t completely understand what
was being said on the phone, but I did hear something about a
kid-napping leading to a death. Ethan hung up his phone and he
looked worried. I asked and asked what was troubling him but
he never said anything besides: “We’re going to be okay, all we
have to do is make it home and we’ll be okay!” suddenly I began
to panic. I was frantic, and I was beginning to worry about our
lives.
We got home and saw the broken window of our front
door. Nothing was missing from what we saw, but someone had
definitely been in there, and they still may be there. We were
trying to figure out who had called and told us all of this, and
then I heard footsteps coming from upstairs. Ethan and I quietly
went upstairs and headed towards the bedroom and a woman
jumped out of the hall closet. She hit Ethan over the head with
steel baseball bat. Before she could get to me I took off running.
I got to the stairs, tripped, and fell. I bumped my head on the
floor really hard. When I opened my eyes I saw a pair of old
boots walking towards me.
13
Untitled — Take Five
By LaKeithia Davis
Collins
I had a dream about me fighting pigeons. All I could
see were the colors grey, black and white. A man walked pass
and heard me and the pigeons talking about my past. The man
looked at me like I was crazy. The pigeon and I started walking
in the other direction. I started crossing the street and car flew
down the street towards me. The pigeon and I got hit by a red
and green truck. That's when I noticed that I had broken a
window in my room. Glass everywhere, all over the floor. I
jumped up to check for any clues to see if I could find some evi-
dence but couldn't get off the window. I went down stairs to get
my magnifying glass to make sure they didn't leave any finger-
prints. So I checked for a second time and I found one finger-
print but I did not know how to take it. I ran back down stairs
to call the police to tell them I have been robbed when I noticed
a note on the kitchen table that said "I have stopped back
through your house signed the man who see you talking to the
pigeon." I ran out the kitchen and the robber was sitting on the
couch watching TV with his old boots in the doorway.
14
Lady Phoenix is Unstoppable!!
by Nia Ellis
Collins
How can you?
You always make things much worse!
Why do you do such dirt?
Do you want everybody to hurt?
Is this a mistake or do you do it on purpose?
But is it worth it?
Throwing everything away
The only true friends that you had
You even pushed us away
The things you do force us not to stay!!
The lies you tell
You put us through hell
Don’t know what all the stories mean
Everything you do hurts the team
We had love for you
But the things you do
Not only hurts you, but it hurts us too
This isn’t acceptable
We have a bond
23
The Damaged Poet
by Annquinnette Rice
Collins
The damaged poet has a lot that she would like to say,
So she writes it down and expresses it that way.
The sadness and the tears represented rhyme,
From all the pain in the heartbreak that occurred over time.
It's fine.
Just because she's damaged doesn't mean she's no good.
Just as long as the message is clear and understood.
The hood, in which the damaged poet grows,
Makes her get high whenever she reaches her lows.
Suppose, she never ever experienced the bad,
But then she couldn't relate to the things you had.
It's sad.
It takes pain to create such beauty,
So it's better to let it out than to be so gloomy.
They'll doom me,
Saying, "Is her mind set?"
So she stays very distant,
She doesn't believe in love because it's gone in an instant.
For instance,
What will make you laugh will make you cry.
But if you never laughed before then this does not apply.
It'll be ok.
Happiness just hasn't found you,
But the damaged poet says, "Even when you're happy,
It's sadness all around you.
Life grounds you, ironically as you get older,
You will be screaming and crying searching for shoulders.
But colder and colder the world just gets,
You can't stand up against it nor can you sit.
Bull Sh**, is all the damaged poet sees.
I know all of this because the damaged poet is me.
14
Lady Phoenix is Unstoppable!!
by Nia Ellis
Collins
How can you?
You always make things much worse!
Why do you do such dirt?
Do you want everybody to hurt?
Is this a mistake or do you do it on purpose?
But is it worth it?
Throwing everything away
The only true friends that you had
You even pushed us away
The things you do force us not to stay!!
The lies you tell
You put us through hell
Don’t know what all the stories mean
Everything you do hurts the team
We had love for you
But the things you do
Not only hurts you, but it hurts us too
This isn’t acceptable
We have a bond
23
The Damaged Poet
by Annquinnette Rice
Collins
The damaged poet has a lot that she would like to say,
So she writes it down and expresses it that way.
The sadness and the tears represented rhyme,
From all the pain in the heartbreak that occurred over time.
It's fine.
Just because she's damaged doesn't mean she's no good.
Just as long as the message is clear and understood.
The hood, in which the damaged poet grows,
Makes her get high whenever she reaches her lows.
Suppose, she never ever experienced the bad,
But then she couldn't relate to the things you had.
It's sad.
It takes pain to create such beauty,
So it's better to let it out than to be so gloomy.
They'll doom me,
Saying, "Is her mind set?"
So she stays very distant,
She doesn't believe in love because it's gone in an instant.
For instance,
What will make you laugh will make you cry.
But if you never laughed before then this does not apply.
It'll be ok.
Happiness just hasn't found you,
But the damaged poet says, "Even when you're happy,
It's sadness all around you.
Life grounds you, ironically as you get older,
You will be screaming and crying searching for shoulders.
But colder and colder the world just gets,
You can't stand up against it nor can you sit.
Bull Sh**, is all the damaged poet sees.
I know all of this because the damaged poet is me.
22
When he slaps you across your face and deep down
You want the pain to go away, but you say, “No baby please
stay”.
Don’t you feel stupid?
Getting pregnant by this clown
Only so he could be yours.
Don’t you feel stupid?
To find out that the girl who beat your ass,
Your so called man is now tapping that ass.
Yeah you feel stupid,
Because all along your man was fucking somebody when
He wasn’t with you, and like you he got another baby that’s
going on two.
Well at least you didn’t get the bad case of HIV that was being
passed through,
But I almost forgot he fucked you too.
Now you feel stupid.
I promise to follow the goodness before
I lead with greatness
-Steven Calhon
15
But the lies you told washed our sister ship
Down the pond!
All I ask is why?
Why do you do us so wrong?
We were suppose to be strong
Now that the lies are gone
We’re a team again
Lets go out there and win!!
One band, one sound
Now that we’re up
There isn’t any holding us down
Lady Phoenix come through flood the whole town
No competition, everybody going down!!
Dwell among what society perceives to
be socially unacceptable:
An individualist
-Jaylen Winston
22
When he slaps you across your face and deep down
You want the pain to go away, but you say, “No baby please
stay”.
Don’t you feel stupid?
Getting pregnant by this clown
Only so he could be yours.
Don’t you feel stupid?
To find out that the girl who beat your ass,
Your so called man is now tapping that ass.
Yeah you feel stupid,
Because all along your man was fucking somebody when
He wasn’t with you, and like you he got another baby that’s
going on two.
Well at least you didn’t get the bad case of HIV that was being
passed through,
But I almost forgot he fucked you too.
Now you feel stupid.
I promise to follow the goodness before
I lead with greatness
-Steven Calhon
15
But the lies you told washed our sister ship
Down the pond!
All I ask is why?
Why do you do us so wrong?
We were suppose to be strong
Now that the lies are gone
We’re a team again
Lets go out there and win!!
One band, one sound
Now that we’re up
There isn’t any holding us down
Lady Phoenix come through flood the whole town
No competition, everybody going down!!
Dwell among what society perceives to
be socially unacceptable:
An individualist
-Jaylen Winston
16
What’s Love Anyway?
by Brandon Thorpe
Christiana
I lay awake at night, sometimes past twelve, listening to the old
love songs my mom and dad used to play; now finally under-
standing their meaning—love?
Blinded by agonizing pain and old flames still flickering I looked
pass you,
Looking for the worst in all situations, I hindered us from pro-
gressing.
I play the songs over and over again desperately trying to visual-
ize your face in my head, but that’s when I get stuck and asked
myself, “Who am I visualizing?” I have no one special.
No one to call late at night and whisper I love you then wait for
her to say it back before we hang up. I don’t have that special
one in my life.
One asked me, “What’s love?” I felt mortified as if my heart was
vacant; I couldn’t answer her.
What is love anyway? Isn’t it when one feels like he or she’s
never felt before with their mate? Or is it when two are in a
relationship for awhile and neither person feels inferior or supe-
rior to the other; they’re both equals? No hierarchy’s?
But I wouldn’t know I’ve never felt this before. Could this be
why most people flirt with a lot of different people or have multi-
ple soul mates? Is this their virtual cry for help?
Who knows? I don’t? What’s this thing everyone calls love?
What is it anyway?
21
Stupidity
by Eboni Johnson
Collins
Don’t you feel stupid?
You barely been out the womb for 12 years,
And you giving this dude that’s twice your age the time of day.
Don’t you feel stupid?
When you ain’t even in high school yet,
And your dude is mentally in the same grade as you.
Don’t you feel stupid?
You sneak him in your house only to find
A hickey on his neck that he say’s is a scratch from the cat
Don’t you feel stupid?
When you accept all of his weak ass apologies,
knowing that he doesn’t mean it.
Don’t you feel stupid?
When you keep telling him that you love him forever,
But he only loves you for the moment.
Don’t you feel stupid?
You fighting this girl over what you claim is yours,
And you end up getting your ass beat.
Don’t you feel stupid?
16
What’s Love Anyway?
by Brandon Thorpe
Christiana
I lay awake at night, sometimes past twelve, listening to the old
love songs my mom and dad used to play; now finally under-
standing their meaning—love?
Blinded by agonizing pain and old flames still flickering I looked
pass you,
Looking for the worst in all situations, I hindered us from pro-
gressing.
I play the songs over and over again desperately trying to visual-
ize your face in my head, but that’s when I get stuck and asked
myself, “Who am I visualizing?” I have no one special.
No one to call late at night and whisper I love you then wait for
her to say it back before we hang up. I don’t have that special
one in my life.
One asked me, “What’s love?” I felt mortified as if my heart was
vacant; I couldn’t answer her.
What is love anyway? Isn’t it when one feels like he or she’s
never felt before with their mate? Or is it when two are in a
relationship for awhile and neither person feels inferior or supe-
rior to the other; they’re both equals? No hierarchy’s?
But I wouldn’t know I’ve never felt this before. Could this be
why most people flirt with a lot of different people or have multi-
ple soul mates? Is this their virtual cry for help?
Who knows? I don’t? What’s this thing everyone calls love?
What is it anyway?
21
Stupidity
by Eboni Johnson
Collins
Don’t you feel stupid?
You barely been out the womb for 12 years,
And you giving this dude that’s twice your age the time of day.
Don’t you feel stupid?
When you ain’t even in high school yet,
And your dude is mentally in the same grade as you.
Don’t you feel stupid?
You sneak him in your house only to find
A hickey on his neck that he say’s is a scratch from the cat
Don’t you feel stupid?
When you accept all of his weak ass apologies,
knowing that he doesn’t mean it.
Don’t you feel stupid?
When you keep telling him that you love him forever,
But he only loves you for the moment.
Don’t you feel stupid?
You fighting this girl over what you claim is yours,
And you end up getting your ass beat.
Don’t you feel stupid?
20
Eternal Life
by Brandon Thorpe
Christiana
I was always taught the good goes to heaven and the bad goes to hell...
Where will my everlasting soul go?
How do I tell if I'm adequate enough for heavens broad golden gates?
Or if my fallacious past has already shunned me, I'm just hell bait.
Lord give me a sign! Is the route to hell my only lifeline?
Am I on the right path? Or living a lie?
Am I fighting to live but living to die?
But then again everyone has different beliefs, how do I know what I
believe is real?
How do I know what I feel is not fake and what others feel is real.
Will this dictate where my afterlife will cultivate?
Lord give me a sign, a reason! A reason not to commit a breach in my
faith; treason.
Give me some motivation, some inspiration, not to loose my vitality if my
mortality will take me on the highway to hell.
Why fight a fight when the outcome will be the same if you win or loose?
Why walk through a tunnel when the end isn't in sight? I'm lost— con-
fused!
What will my eternal life hold-sunny meadows and rainbows?
Or dark, foggy nights, accumulated with snow?
Lord give me a sign! What does my eternal life behold?
Whatever it does, judge me off my new— not my old.
I'm saved, revitalized, so let me improvise so I can someday die and spend
my eternal life in the sky.
17
Stereotypical Man
by Deshanique Chaney Christiana
There that N-word goes it’s a word often used in too
many flows everybody wants to be a role model but nobody mod-
els the role. Shorty on the block selling rocks making sales.
He says Lil’ Mike and K only ones supportin’ me as
well he thought life was good and everything was fun until one
day he got jumped on making runs.
It’s only way to handle this and that’s like a man
walked up to Jay with a gun in his hand. Shorty think twice
before you take a life away. Do you go to jail? Or be a man the
right way.
He says I can’t let that slide I’ll look like a punk you
better think twice you only live once. He said yeah I got you um
startin’ to understand the reason for so much gun violence is
everybody wants to be a man.
20
Eternal Life
by Brandon Thorpe
Christiana
I was always taught the good goes to heaven and the bad goes to hell...
Where will my everlasting soul go?
How do I tell if I'm adequate enough for heavens broad golden gates?
Or if my fallacious past has already shunned me, I'm just hell bait.
Lord give me a sign! Is the route to hell my only lifeline?
Am I on the right path? Or living a lie?
Am I fighting to live but living to die?
But then again everyone has different beliefs, how do I know what I
believe is real?
How do I know what I feel is not fake and what others feel is real.
Will this dictate where my afterlife will cultivate?
Lord give me a sign, a reason! A reason not to commit a breach in my
faith; treason.
Give me some motivation, some inspiration, not to loose my vitality if my
mortality will take me on the highway to hell.
Why fight a fight when the outcome will be the same if you win or loose?
Why walk through a tunnel when the end isn't in sight? I'm lost— con-
fused!
What will my eternal life hold-sunny meadows and rainbows?
Or dark, foggy nights, accumulated with snow?
Lord give me a sign! What does my eternal life behold?
Whatever it does, judge me off my new— not my old.
I'm saved, revitalized, so let me improvise so I can someday die and spend
my eternal life in the sky.
17
Stereotypical Man
by Deshanique Chaney Christiana
There that N-word goes it’s a word often used in too
many flows everybody wants to be a role model but nobody mod-
els the role. Shorty on the block selling rocks making sales.
He says Lil’ Mike and K only ones supportin’ me as
well he thought life was good and everything was fun until one
day he got jumped on making runs.
It’s only way to handle this and that’s like a man
walked up to Jay with a gun in his hand. Shorty think twice
before you take a life away. Do you go to jail? Or be a man the
right way.
He says I can’t let that slide I’ll look like a punk you
better think twice you only live once. He said yeah I got you um
startin’ to understand the reason for so much gun violence is
everybody wants to be a man.
18
Your Attributes and Significance
by Quartell West-Crenshaw
Christiana
As I stare into your eyes, the brown compliments your mind.
Your benevolent attitude makes it feasible for people to extol
you and show gratitude.
Good girl, but I doubt there’s anyone as bad as you.
Meticulous swagg, an urbane person, every other woman should
envy or be mad at you.
I’m just glad to have you boo.
See with you in my life I feel so great,
That Q+J equal sign heart shape, shows all the math it takes.
You beautiful face and Colgate smile,
Boxing with your love? I’d rather throw in the towel.
You got me! My hands down.
Come punch me with your love. I’m addicted to your every thing,
like an addict to a drug.
Can I be the one to touch your mind and nudge your thighs?
Close to the truth, but far from the lies.
Always show love and get praised, but never despised.
Look me in my eyes and you will see the meaning of my words.
Your love is blinding, so my vision might be kind of blurred.
19
I feel how cold your love is making me want to say: BURR.
Like a metal detector locates metal,
I want to locate your heart with my mind.
Our love is forever in repeat, but never in rewind.
I walk with life fast, but for you I’ll take my time.
I promise to never let a human being
destroy my dreams.
-Antoinette Johnson
18
Your Attributes and Significance
by Quartell West-Crenshaw
Christiana
As I stare into your eyes, the brown compliments your mind.
Your benevolent attitude makes it feasible for people to extol
you and show gratitude.
Good girl, but I doubt there’s anyone as bad as you.
Meticulous swagg, an urbane person, every other woman should
envy or be mad at you.
I’m just glad to have you boo.
See with you in my life I feel so great,
That Q+J equal sign heart shape, shows all the math it takes.
You beautiful face and Colgate smile,
Boxing with your love? I’d rather throw in the towel.
You got me! My hands down.
Come punch me with your love. I’m addicted to your every thing,
like an addict to a drug.
Can I be the one to touch your mind and nudge your thighs?
Close to the truth, but far from the lies.
Always show love and get praised, but never despised.
Look me in my eyes and you will see the meaning of my words.
Your love is blinding, so my vision might be kind of blurred.
19
I feel how cold your love is making me want to say: BURR.
Like a metal detector locates metal,
I want to locate your heart with my mind.
Our love is forever in repeat, but never in rewind.
I walk with life fast, but for you I’ll take my time.
I promise to never let a human being
destroy my dreams.
-Antoinette Johnson