the world having a peaceful day

The World Having a Peaceful Day

creative writing by students of Colonial Hills, Dellview, Ridgeview, Walzem, and Wilshire elementary schoolsNorth East Independent School District

in partnership with the Writers in Communities Program of Gemini Inkliterary arts and ideas

Spring 2005

©2005 Gemini Ink

The World Having a Peaceful Day

poems, thoughts, and stories by studentsfrom Colonial Hills, Dellview, Ridgeview, Walzem,

and Wilshire elementary schoolsin partnership with the

Writers in Communities Programof Gemini Ink

literary arts and ideas

Spring 2005

“Today I am as happy as a drawing by Michelangelo,As happy as the world having a peaceful day.”

—from “Today I Am Happy” by Ebony Rose, 5th by Ebony Rose, 5th by Ebony Rose, 5 grade, Wilshire Elementaryth grade, Wilshire Elementaryth

©2005 Gemini Ink

foreword

Did you know that hail tastes like frozen marshmallows falling from the sky? That love smells like chocolate chip cookies? That the TAKS test makes your brain feel like melted crayons, and that curiosity tastes like fresh fruit?

In the spring of 2005, seven poets and writers from Gemini Ink’s Writers in Communities program met weekly after school with students from fi ve elementary schools in the North East Independent School District. Their mission: to explore the power and possibility of words. Together, they looked at the world around them and made some amazing discoveries, which they share with us in this anthology.

In these pages, we are made aware of the richness of sounds around us: the roar of a cheetah, the boom of a roller coaster, the comforting softness of a mother’s lullaby. We are reminded of the mischievous joys of jumping on a hotel bed during vacation or breaking into the chicken dance at a restaurant. We learn the vocabulary of skateboarding, and we discover what the Three Bears really thought about Goldilocks’ infamous intrusion into their home. In these pages, birds and fl owers converse with each other; and tennis shoes, tires, and toothbrushes talk. In these pages, the small, surprising enchantments of everyday life are delightfully chronicled through creative writing.

Also living in these pages, as our title conveys, is the larger magic of universal dreams and profound aspirations.

A student working with a WIC Writer-in-Residence once told me, “Writing poetry makes me pay attention.” Let us all, in turn, pay close attention to these young voices, for they have much to say.

Bett ButlerDirector, Writers in Communities

Gemini Ink

Students’ work has been edited as lightly as possible in order to most closely honor the original voices.

acknowledgments

It takes a village to create an anthology. Along with all our imaginative young writers,the following people made this book possible:

NEISD StaffCommunity Education Director: Becky Stoughton

21st Century Grant Coordinator: Patti Boren21st Century Site Programmers: Yami Camacho, Colonial Hills Elementary

Beverly Mitchell, Dellview ElementaryKaren Shofner, Ridgeview Elementary

Levy James, Walzem ElementaryMarti Nonemaker, Wilshire Elementary

Gemini Ink StaffExecutive Director: Rosemary Catacalos

Writers in Communities Director: Bett ButlerWriters-in-Residence: Jesse Cardona, Xelena González, Diana López,

Beverly Monestier, D. Ellis Phelps, Lisa Poneck, Michele Stanush

WIC Funders/PartnersBexar County Women’s Bar Foundation

Brackenridge FoundationChildren’s Bereavement Center of South Texas

Girl Scouts of the San Antonio AreaMethodist Healthcare Ministries

North East Independent School DistrictSan Antonio Express-News

Tesoro Petroleum

Layout & DesignBett Butler

CoverPatch of Trees watercolor by D. Ellis Phelps

d-zinerzetc.com

Chapter 1Colonial Hills Elementary

Writers-in-Residence:D. Ellis Phelps & Lisa Poneck

The World Having a Peaceful Day l

Good Summer

One summer I went to Washington D.C.It was a great day.I’ve never been there since.We went to the beach and buried each other in the sand.After that we ate at a restaurant.Then we went to a hotel and weJumped on the bed.That is a good summer!

Isaac Schaefer3rd Graderd Graderd

Welcome to the Ice Cream Store

It’s a nice and hot day.I’m walking down the street with my best friend. We are rightby the ice cream store, sowe go in. I can smellchocolate and strawberry everywhere. I can see lots ofpeople eating ice cream. I also seedifferent colored tongues!

Ebony Willis3rd Graderd Graderd

Bad Boy

A bad boy went to aHaunted house onHalloween. HeHeard people screaming andHeard thunder.The Kid in the house isGiving outPoisonous, bumpy, jumpingCandy!

Xavier Rios3rd Graderd Graderd

Untitled

Bones white as steel grey as a stoneA wild saber tooth slams steelMean as a warrior.

Jordon Constancia3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 1: Colonial Hills


Razor Sharp Teeth

Dragon breathes fi reFlies from the mountainSearching for anything like meatWhen he fi nds itHe will burn itEat itWith razor sharp teeth.

Nicholas Jimenez3rd Graderd Graderd

Three, Two, One!

I was in the SBC center.San Antonio Spurs vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.The score was 50-30.Spurs in the lead by 20.Five seconds on the clock.David Robinson made a three-pointer!Now the score was 53-30.“Go Robinson!” the crowd cheeredLoud as a tornado going by.Three, two, one…The game was over!

Justin Deleon3rd Graderd Graderd

My name is Jayme

My color is green.I eat ice cream—lick, lick, lick.I want to be a doctor.I am like a pretty butterfl y.I’m as shy as a rainbow.My niece has bad smells that smell as bad as spinach.I do not want a taste!

Jayme Donovan3rd Graderd Graderd

Wolf

I howl at the moon and Usually I’m gray, Black or brown. I live On rocks and I have good Senses.

Briona Corbeil3rd Graderd Graderd



Chapter 1: Colonial HillsFour Voices

When I walk the earth shakes, thelake shakes,thump, thump, thump.They call me the King of Lizards.

I walk on four round legslike the trunk of a treethat I might push down for food.If my trunk is up, it means good luck!

I live on the mountains,in very tall trees,on the edge of a cliff or in the skywhere I can fl y like a jeta hundred miles per hour.If you come close,I’ll leave my nest.

When you leave me in the bathroom,I whimper ‘cause I’m scared.I need a pad to go potty upon.I will kiss you with my licking tongue.

Group Poem:Samantha Martinez, Erica Guillen,Nico Lozada, Jacob Deleon, Isaac Schaefer, & Richard Ndukwe3rd Graderd Graderd

Sandy Beach

Playing alone at thesandy beach with a pinkish, peachball that fl oats inblue water as blue asBluebonnets.The sun is smiling.

Samantha Martinez3rd Graderd Graderd

Black Michael

Swims in Corpus—splish-splash, splish-splash, splish-splash.An artist is who I want to be.I am like a tsunami or a title wave.When I smell buffalo wings, I race to the kitchento taste their spicy taste.

Michael Mata3rd Graderd Graderd


Breaks Their Bones

Dragon in a caveWith red smokeWaits on wallsFor hibernating animals toApproachHe circles aroundFlies downGrabs them by the ribsWith super sharp, shinyClaws and breaks theirBones so they can be still

Jacob Deleon3rd Graderd GraderdCheetah

I run as fast as every land animal.I make a roar.I have black spots all around me.I live in the grassy plains ofAfrica.

Nico Lozada3rd Graderd Graderd

Shark, Lion, Monkey, Skunk

I scare peopleTord, tord, tord!I have sharp teeth.I am gray.I live in the water.I am a horrible animal.

I am the king of the catsI have hair on my face.

I eat bananasI swing in a tree.I’m brown.

I am black and white.I stink like trash

Erica Guillen3rd Graderd Graderd



Horse

I can take people places.I have four legs and afurry tail. I run very fast andWear horseshoes. I make this sound:Clickity clack, clickity clack.

Christian Cruz3rd Graderd Graderd


Two Animals

I chase white miceI make a meow, meow, meowI look gray and black with a curly, black tailI live in a nice and cozy houseI know how to hunt birds, and lizardsMeow, meow, meow!

I chase puffy cats.I howl and bark at night.I look brown with ears that are fl oppy.I live in a dog house.I know how to swim and run.Bark, bark, bark!

Adrianna Ramon3rd Graderd Graderd

Octopus

I live in the waterHide myself so I can eat fi sh and sharksI throw out dark stuff and haveEight legs

Richard Ndukwe3rd Graderd Graderd

A Fish Life

I wish, I wish, I wish I was a fi shUpon a dish in a buffet upon a wishI lay in a church I can prayWhen I’m fried, I do not sway.

Dominic Jimenez3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 2Dellview Elementary

Writers-in-Residence:D. Ellis Phelps & Diana LóD. Ellis Phelps & Diana LóD. Ellis Phelps & Diana L pezópezó


Two Cat Stories

A yellow cat hates a rat.The rat hates the cat.One day, the cat and the ratMade up.Ten days later, the Rat ate the cat.

When I see a ribbon I play.I have a tail as long as a baseball bat.I can live in the dark, dangerous alley.I know how to have fun.

Shannon Bemis3rd Graderd Graderd

Soccer Game

Kick a goal.Wish!Goalie tries to catch the ball.No.It’s a goal!Everyone cheersFor me!

Tyler Scheel3rd Graderd Graderd

Drop!

Hot sunny dayWay up high on the RattlerScreaming at the top of yourLungs when youDropBump, bump, bump, bumpBump, bump, bump, bump, bump,BOOM!You see the whole park from here.You smell burning wood when the Wooden tracks go side to side.

Destiny Robles3rd Graderd Graderd Gold

Is droppingTtttttt!Everyone is running To get some.Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!Everyone is happy.Whoooohooo!

Austin Fazekas3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 2: Dellview


My Day At the Beach

At the beachI am making sand castles.Big waves go in the water.Seagulls fl y in the blue sky.Watch out! I hear.And Wow!Wind is blowing.My hand feels smushy in the sand,Also my feet.

Jackie Perez3rd Graderd Graderd

Bat

I sleep in a deep, darkspooky cave. I goeeeekk! eeeekk!I am as black as a black hole withred eyes like a glow stick oran airplane at night andI have wings.I sleep during the day and atnight I look for my prey.

Charles Brown3rd Graderd Graderd

Purple Morgan

Bounces the ballHoopy, hoop, hoop!Seeing people smileMakes me smile.A dancer is who I want to be.The smell of cherriesMakes me sneeze.The taste of doughnuts Makes me sweet.

Morgan Mackey3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 2: Dellview

Snake

I show my scales.I sound like a rattle snake,Shake, shake, shake.The sun refl ects off my body.I live on land andI know when my prey is near.

Jacob Aguilar3rd Graderd Graderd


Two-Headed Giraffe

I’m a two headed giraffe.Part rock star,Part cyborgwith a fi gure-eight shaped head.I play music so loud thewhole school disco dances.I live in a stone anddiamond mansion thatreaches to the moon andplays disco music.I know how to play my guitar so loudeveryone can hear me.

Mikey Kennedy3rd Graderd Graderd

Platypus

I live in a place called Tasmania.My enemies become confused withTwo other animals that I am not.I swim around the pond looking for fi sh.I look like a duck and a beaver mixed together orlike a potato salad.My bill is as fl at as a piece of black paper.I mostly live in water,But sometimes I come outFor fresh air.Flip, fl op, fl ip, fl op!

Steven Ochoa3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 2: Dellview


Worm

A wormLike spaghettiMoving like a waveFishes for a Jellyfi shOr aShark.

Caught it!Reel it.Take it off theHook carefully.Hook another worm.

Eddie Martinez3rd Graderd Graderd

Red Joe

Shoots the basketballOrange as an orangeSwish, swish, swish.A point-guard is who I want to be.I am like a see-saw.I can never decide.I’m as loud as an airplane.The sweet taste of picklesMakes me happy!

Joe Fuentes3rd Graderd Graderd

Monster Jam

Loud soundsSounds like a lot of bricks breakingI see them running over carsAnd jumping rampsAnd trucks racing aroundThe track.

Joey Garcia3rd Graderd Graderd

Untitled

Tree like a whirlwindSwings in the streetScares the hairy babyCrying for food.

Manolo Gamez3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 2: Dellview


Soccer

Black net sitsat the endwaits for a ball.Thinks, “Who will kick the ball?”Little girl shootspassed little boy and We enjoyed it.She makes it!“Yes! We won!”the sun smiles for thelittle girl.

Amanda Zapata3rd Graderd Graderd

Untitled

Witch babyGreen as a lizardFingers popTurns people into frogs!

Angel Mendiola3rd graderd graderd

Splash

I do a cannonball in the pool.It feels cool.I splash in the pool.I summersault and cartwheelUntil I’m dizzy.Then at 5:30,We wait for another day.

Samantha Guerra3rd Graderd Graderd

Four Wings

A beautiful, brightanimal is landing on a big, bright green andred fl ower.It is making a quiet sound.It is small and has antennaes andtwo big eyes andfour wings.And I think it is going home in abig garden and I know it isbeautiful!

Samantha Esparza3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 2: Dellview


She Imagines

Her parents aren’t home.They work.She wants to play soccer.So…She imagines she’s the best.She kicks the ball(a black and white sphere as special as a diamond).She scores at every game.Yes! We won!

Cristal Aguilar3rd Graderd Graderd

Cyclops Ant

The bad Cyclops antlived in the crack on the grey, rough, bumpy, hard sidewalk’s back.He went to school to fi nd some food,found Lianna and bit her arm,caused big harm, it’s true.Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!Scratch! Scratch! Scratch!Screech, “I itch!” said Lianna.The magic water helped her arm and theant never did any more biting harm.

Group Poem3rd Graderd Graderd

Peacock

I show off my colorful, feathery eyes.My voice squeaks like a baby cries—Wah! Wah! Wah!My blue is like the ocean.My green is like a grasshopper’s back.I spread my tail feathersLike a Chinese fan.I call the rainforest home.I know how to act “all that!”My attitude rules.


Chapter 2: Dellview


My Favorite Colors

BlueLight blue, navy blueSky, ocean, dolphins

Sounds like rushing wavesTastes like water

Loves light blue and whiteBlue

RedPink, violet-red

Tongue, heart, appleSounds like fi re

Tastes like hot CheetosLoves pink and scarlet

Red

PurpleViolet, purple mountain majestyViolet fl ower, grapes, black light

Sounds like grapes being squashedTastes like sweet grapes

Loves scarlet and blue-purplePurple

Alexandria Turrubiate4th Grade

Colors

BlackWhite and gray

Looks like TV, sharpies, and pupilsSounds like screamingTastes like brownies

Loves gray and brownBlack

MaroonDark red and brown

Looks like AggiesSounds like birds

Tastes like cookiesLoves red and scarlet

Maroon

India Walker4th Grade

Colors

BlackGray, white

Marker, stapler, purseSounds like Shamu

Tastes like black crayonLoves red and blue

Black

GrayJacket, tape, table feet

Sounds like pencilsTastes like dirt

Loves black and whiteGray.

Krystal Pantoja4th Grade

Chapter 2: Dellview


Preposition Poem

Frog throughthrough logLog throughthrough fogRocks over sandover sandoverSand over landover landoverDog behind logHat behind batCrow outside snowPet outside net

Yerania Garza4th Grade

Zoo Animals

A is for alligators that are very dangerousB is for baboons that have sharp fangsC is for crocodile that is cold-bloodedD is for donkey that has four legsE is for elephant that has a long noseF is for fl amingo that stands on one legG is for gorilla that is muscularH is for hippopotamus that is heavyI is for insect that has six legsJ is for jaguar that’s like a leopardK is for kangaroo that jumpsL is for leopard like a catM is for monkey that hangs from a branch

Brannon Montanez4th Grade

What am I?

I was born in a factory.My skin is made of silver and gold.My favorite food is batteries.I wear leather.My job is to tell time.I sleep in a box.My best friend is a clock.

What am I?I am a wristwatch.

Jose Morales4th Grade

Chapter 2: Dellview


What am I?

I was born in the U.S.A.I’m made of plastic.My favorite food is toothpaste.I wear a brush.My job is brushing teeth.

What am I?A toothbrush!

Nicole Trevino5th Grade

Papa Bear’s StoryI walked in the door and I saw that my porridge was eaten up. Then I went to the chairs and saw that somebody had sat on mine. Then I got mad, so I needed to lie down. But when I looked at my bed, I saw that somebody had slept there. I got so mad, steamy mad, so I broke the bed and ran off to call the police. The police didn’t believe me because I was just a bear. I went home, and I looked at my bed again. It was perfect. I looked at my porridge, and it was full. I got so happy again. I went to Fiesta Texas to celebrate. I got on all the rides. I got exhausted, so then I went home and went fast asleep.

Veronica Nieto5th Grade

Chapter 2: Dellview

The Three Little Bears

I’m Little Bear going on a walk with Momma Bear and Father Bear. As we come back from taking a walk, we are about to eat, but our food is gone and my chair is broken, and a little girl is in my bed sleeping. I feel mad because some little girl is sleeping in my bed. She wakes up and starts to scream, and it hurts my ears. She runs out of my bed and out of my house.

Mark Mangel5th Grade


My Name

My name is Alaska.My mom named me that because she always wanted to go there.I like my name because I’m the only one that has it.Dawn is my middle name.Shane would be my name if I could change it.

Alaska McLemore5th Grade

What am I?

I was born is a car shop.My skin is made of rubber.My favorite food is air.My job is to roll.I sleep outside.My best friend is a car.

What am I?I am a tire.

Amanda De la Cruz5th Grade

Chapter 2: Dellview

Kisses and Sleeps

The shell kisses the sand.The rock kisses the ground.The stick kisses the leaves.The necklace kisses the neck.The cap kisses the head.The phone kisses the ear.The clock kisses the wall.

The shell sleeps on the beach.The rocks sleep on the ground.The stick sleeps outside.The necklace sleeps on your neck.The cap sleeps on your head.The cell phone sleeps in your pocket.

By Priscilla Salazar5th Grade


Preposition Poem

Think before you drinkSeek before you peekTwirl before you swirlFrog below the logCat below the hatLean below and cleanSteer behind the deerPlay behind the hayLand behind the sand

Josie Salazar5th Grade

Chapter 2: Dellview

What am I?

I was born in a factory.My skin is made of rubber.My favorite food is feet.My job is to walk with people.I sleep in the closet.My best friend is a sandal.

What am I?I am a tennis shoe.

Danielle Salas4th Grade

The Jazz Man

I see a guy playing a guitar.He looks like he is going to play jazz.It looks like he is in a studio.I smell smoke because some people are smoking.I smell humidity.I smell cologne in the air because a lot of people wear cologne.I can feel the fan blowing on me.The jazzman can feel the strings on the guitar.The workmen can feel the boxes they are carrying.I can feel the wire under my feet.I hear a man playing a guitar. It sounds like jazz.I can hear clapping.I hear cheering with the clapping.I hear the fan next to the man playing the guitar.

Trinidad Perez5th Grade

Chapter 3Ridgeview Elementary

Writers-in-Residence:Xelena GonzáXelena GonzáXelena Gonz lez & D. Ellis Phelps


Chapter 3: Ridgeview

Swimming

I love to swimSwish, swish, swish.I could drownBut that is impossibleBecause I know how toSwim.It is fun to swimSwish, swish, swish,Swish, swish, splash!Feet peddle.Arms swing up and down.Head gets wet.Nose, water goes in.Eyes burn.Cold body.Wrap a towel around.

Dezmeray Hernandez3rd Graderd Graderd

Mom

When I am scared,My mom says, “Don’t be afraid.”When I am tired,She would rock me Back and forth,Back and forth andSing to me.“I’ll love you forever.I’ll like you for always.As long as I’m living,My baby you’ll be.”And she would carry meTo my room.And open the window.And put me to bed.

Samantha Perez3rd Graderd Graderd

Polar Bear

I roll in the snowI grab fi sh with my sharp claw.I’m white and furry that’s all.I live in the cold.I live in the bottom of the globe.Everything is brightWhere I liveAnd white.

Magaly Oliva3rd Graderd Graderd

Me

Purple Kayla dancesZip, zap, zoo!Super star.

Kayla Maradiaga3rd Graderd Graderd


I’m Following This Green Line

Green makes me think of Spring.Turquoise makes me think of paint.Purple colors in Spring, pretty.Orange feels warm, cozy.Blue feels cold, burr.Pink is like pretty roses.Red-orange feels like Fiesta spirit.Yellow is like a banana peel. Yuk!

Lauren Rios3rd Graderd Graderd

Purple Octopus

I stick to rocks.The sway of eight legs,Swish, swish, swishI am purple with two eyes.I live under the sea with otherCreatures that creep and swim in the Blue under the sea.

Monica Puente3rd Graderd Graderd

At the Carnival

I hear rides andPeople shoutingAhhhhhhh!And I smell popcorn, and hot dogs.People riding.Night makes the light shine bright.Sh! Sh! Sh!I see circles of colors.And I hear a roller coaster.People say“Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhh!”

Lianna Cervantes3rd Graderd Graderd

Mom

My mom is prettyShe is very wittyMy mom is a good cookShe reads a good book.Her favorite color is orange and yellow.She has black eyes that twinkle like sapphires.Mommy! Mommy!I love my mom!!!

Ingrid DeOca3rd Graderd Graderd



My Fish

My fi sh swims in hisFish bowlSwush, swush.He pretends he’s Under the sea.He sees a shark.He disappears.He fi nds a place to hide.Then he comes out of Nowhere.

David Mota3rd Graderd Graderd

Untitled

if you dance in classthe teacher says 5,6,7,8if you dance at homeyou might break a vasei did the chicken-dance once at a restaurantbut i fell in the food


Alligator

I creep down low—da-dum-da-dum-da-dumscare everything that livesmy jagged, sharp-as-shark teeth eat meatSNAP!I know how to hide in themisty, muddy, mossy swamp(blending, waiting for prey, almost invisible)and only show my yellow, bigeyes on the sideI’m a mean, green, eating machine.My back is scaly, bumpy, and jade-green black.My tail wags like an angry Stegosaurusor slaps the ground like a person falling dead.I do not speak; I do not roar.My silence terrifi es as I search for prey.


Chapter 3 Ridgeview

Untitled

Yamilet is girly pink.Acting is NOT her thing.NOT. NOT. NOT.Her brown hairLike silkLooks good in a pony tail.As fast as a cheetahShe runs.That’s her!

Yamilet Corona3rd Graderd Graderd


Chapter 3 Ridgeview

A Great Day

I have a dog named Princess, and I’m in New York taking a picture of my canine in front of the Statue of Liberty. I call the taxi for a ride to get something to eat. Then I go home and take a nap. While I am napping, all of a sudden my canine starts jumping and licking me.

“Hey stop that,” I say. When I wake up, I see that he has peed on me. I changed into another shirt. While I’m changing, someone knocks at the door. I say, “Just a minute.”

I open the door, and it is my best friend. “Hey Brittany, I haven’t seen you in ages!”

“Me either,” Brittany says.“Come on in and have a seat.”“Oh that’s okay,” Brittany says. “Why don’t we go to that restaurant

down the street.”“Okay,” I say back. We ride in my hummer limo to the restaurant. My

dog stays home. We eat and talk and laugh. I eat a diet plate and she eats a steak. We both have Dr. Pepper. Then we went home and had a great time.

Courtney Adelsperger5th Grade

Nature

Oh, the fl owers are blooming.The sun is shining.The garden is growing,and the wind is fl owing.

The fl owers are saying,“Water me just water me!”

The sun is saying,“Why can I not have shade?I am burning hot over here!”

The garden is saying,“Look how beautiful I am.”

Oh the wind is saying,“Look at me. I am fl ying.”

Brianna Sierra4th Grade Red fl ower and yellow fl ower and purple fl ower and birds and grass and sunfl ower.

I imagine that the fl ower and bird are talking.

Jessica Mazza 5th Grade



Safari Adventure

One day I was on a safari adventure, and I came upon packs of lions. One of the lions was looking at me and saying inside his mind, “He looks delicious to eat.” He started to charge at the truck, so I told my partner to start the truck. The truck wouldn’t work. He stepped on the pedal as hard as he could, but it still wouldn’t work.

I told everybody to climb up a tree so the lion wouldn’t eat them, but I stayed behind. The lion ate me instead.

Adrian Velazco5th Grade

Sounds

rockvibrationbeneath myfeet.

rapsomeonerhyming withdifferent beat.

Felice Carrizales4th Grade

Outdoors

Birds hummingTrees movingButterfl ies fl yingPlants movingSquirrels in the trees

Gilbert Perales4th Grade

Remind Me

Blackloud rock fl oating in my earsMada lion roaring so loud the planets can hear itRocktells in music what I can’t say in wordsGrandma the smell of beans roasting in the ovenHailtastes like frozen marshmallows falling from the sky

Angie Riojas5th Grade



The Escape

Black feels like darknessfalling over.

The girl is going to get eaten by a snake, and she is scared. The snake came from China, and it was very hungry. The girl tried to run to the door, but the more she ran, the farther the door went. She kept running until she didn’t see any light anymore. She kept on running, and then she ran into a spider web. There was no spider on it...or so she thought. Out of nowhere the spider ran down her face. Then she tripped into a dark hole. She found a match in her pocket. She felt a pinch...

Daniel Cano5th Grade

Me Poem

CynthiaA sister, a swimmer, and a dancer.

Who loves Fiesta Texas, dancing, and playing.Who fears death, spiders, and bees.

Who needs attention, attitude, and music.Who feels loving, lonely, and happy.

Bryan

Cynthia Bryan5th Grade

My Dream

The dream I had was I was kissing a boy, and then I was kissing a snake. He spit in my mouth, and I was poisoned. A man heard me scream, and he came and stabbed and killed. The man I was kissing was the one who killed the snake. He had to take me to the hospital to see if I was going to live and get the poison out of me.

The doctor told me and the man that I was going to live. A couple of months later the man and I got married. When I woke up I felt tall, but I was still a child.

Erika Velazco4th Grade

Chapter 4Walzem Elementary

Writers-in-Residence:Beverly Monestier & Michele Stanush


Chapter 4: Walzem

Mexico

In Mexico there are markets. Also, in the market they sell meat tacos, and you can put cilantro and onion on them. They also make pork rinds and sell different colored chiles, like green and red, yellow. They also sell slippers, posters, and toy animals. In Mexico there are also stores and restaurants like McDonald’s and H.E.B. In Mexico they set off fi reworks when it’s your birthday and also when it’s a festival day. In Mexico you can rent a huge balloon to jump on, but that’s only for parties. In Mexico when it’s your birthday they sing “Las Mañanitas” in Spanish.

Michael Díaz3rd Graderd Graderd

My Rapping Battle

If I were a rapper I would have a rapping class. We would rap against other people. We would have a great time rapping. I would have my uncle to help me. Then we would go against other teams and win. We would go celebrate and have fun.

Chatanique Brown3rd Graderd Graderd

Superhero is Sub-Zero

He is cool because he freezes the bad guys and kicks their butts when they’re not moving. And when he gets ready to fi ght, he’s like a ninja.

Justin Perez3rd Graderd Graderd

God

My superhero is better than any superhero.He is a person that can save anybody,He can even save the whole world at once.

April Aguirre3rd Graderd Graderd


Chapter 4: Walzem

I’m a Queen

If I were a queenI would rule the world.

If I were a presidentI would make good choices.

If I were richI would buy everything.

If I were mayorI would be nice.

If I were godI would let people live forever.

If my friend were prettyI would make her popular.

Janet Reyna3rd Grade rd Grade rd

Curiosity

Curiosity sounds like a mystery that can’t be solved.Curiosity smells like a BBQ that you just can’t fi nd.When I think of curiosity, I think of the color orange.Curiosity looks like you don’t know what is going to come next.Curiosity feels like you just want to know. Curiosity tastes like fresh fruit.

Brianna Williams3rd Graderd Graderd

The Stuff of Summer

I like summer a lot because it’s the time to have a lot of fun. It’s also the time to enjoy good ice cream. My favorite kind of ice cream is vanilla and strawberry. Summer is the time to get out of school. Also you could go to other countries. But the best thing for me about summer is to have fun!

Miguel Fernandez3rd Graderd Graderd


Chapter 4: Walzem

Mars of Death

I would like to go to Mars because Mars is a far place in space, and it would be real cool to go there. I learned that is has a big red storm and it is the 2nd planet that is hot. Plus, you can’t land on it, and you can fall inside and die in fi re. I can’t wait to see how big it will be in 1,000,000 years, and I know it will grow a ring in 5,000 years. Mars in the best place in the galaxy.

Prem Patel3rd Graderd Graderd

Easter

I eat Easter eggsand Easter bunniesand mow the grassand mow the grass more.

Robert Sanchez3rd Graderd Graderd

Love

I feel love because of Valentines.Love feels happy. Love tastes like chocolate. Love looks like a buffet and looks like a whole new world. Love smells like chocolate chip cookies. Love sounds like my mom giving me kisses.Love’s color is yellow because it is so bright. Love’s thoughtfulness reminds me of jumping in the pink and red roses.

Bianca Cortinas3rd Graderd Graderd

Blue and Red Rose

Red Rose has a best friend named Blue Rose,and they talk a lot and they play paddy cake.

Mirian Hernandez3rd Graderd Graderd


Chapter 4 Walzem

Ladybugs

Ladybugs everywhereLadybugs on the wallLadybugs everywhereEverywhere in fall.

Paul Wilson3rd Graderd Graderd

Super Hero

My super hero is Jet Lee, because he’s got good moves. Every night I dream about my superhero trying to get me away from the bad guys. He is even cool.

Joe Nguyen3rd Graderd Graderd

Saturn

I want to visit Saturn because Saturn has beautiful rings.Saturn has all kinds of colors. Saturn has interesting things.

Ashley Garcia3rd Graderd Graderd

Nighttime

At nighttime everybody will be sleeping. Not one person is peeping. You can’t even hear the cat creeping.

Mishernik Whitley3rd Graderd Graderd

Stars

Stars come out so bright.You see the moon. You see planets, too. The skyis really beautiful.

Quanise Massey3rd Graderd Graderd


Shyness

Shyness sounds like it’s scared.Shyness smells like weeping. Shyness color is cold-blue.Shyness looks like the windblowing away all your braveness.Shyness feels like a chewed up leaf. Shyness tastes like bitter melted on your tongue.Shyness is like when you just get to somewhere new.

Tanya Thongkam3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 4: Walzem

The Flashlight (that Joe Made) Wins!

There has been an electrical storm. My dog Jewel, the little one, is whining and barking. Wshhhhhhhh-- go the leaves. When I look outside, the trees are bending. There has been a blackout! Then, suddenly, my fl ashlight comes on. It looks like an angel from above, shedding light in my room.

DARK: Aren’t you scared?JOE: No!DARK: Why aren’t you scared? JOE: Because I have my fl ashlight.DARK: You have put me out this time. But I’ll get you.JOE: No, you won’t, as long as I have my trusty fl ashlight. My fl ashlight will eliminate you, Dark Lord! DARK: NO!!!!!

Joe Sandoval5th Grade


Mommy

My mom is a hero because whenever I fall and get hurt she helps me get up. And when it’s bad, my mom takes me to the hospital. Then we’re done, and after that, I go home and go to bed.

Jordan Gorman3rd Graderd Graderd

Sad

It sounds like when you’re ill. It smells like throw-up.Its color is black.It looks like you’re mad. Feels like it hurts people.Tastes like blood in your skin. It is like someone was stabbing you. You are scared and afraid. It opens to a sad world in Pluto. It is not fun to be sad, but if youare in the world on Pluto, you will be sad.

Mariana Aramburo3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 4: Walzem

Skateboarding Factsby Kyle a.k.a. “Element”

—“Switch” means you go through the “goofy” mode. —“Goofy” means that you switch positions.—“Kick-fl ip” and “J-fl ip” are fl ip tricks —If you bring the left foot like this, and you bring your right foot up with a pop, you would have offi cially done an “ollie.”

—“That was so radical, dude,” means “cool.” —“That was so vertical” means you fell.

It’s an adrenaline rush. You have to act fast and do it perfect.

Kyle Virga5th Grade


Chapter 4: Walzem

A Little (Imaginary) InterviewWith a Big (Imaginary) Quarterback

Jason Gonzalez: Reporter for Sports, New York Times49ers vs. Patriots, Super BowlSan Francisco, California.

I see the Bay bridge under my plane while I land. A whole bunch of Super Bowl fans pack the city. I meet my tour guide and he takes me to the newspaper place, and I begin my story. I can look out the window and see the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is not really golden, but it has a gate, and it’s a bridge. The day is nice and sunny. A good day for the Super Bowl. So far, neither team has lost a game yet. It’s going to be a good one today. I’m about to interview 49’ers Quarterback Ricardo Alfredo Gonzalez. He comes in—running away from a big group of fans. He walks like he owns the world. He looks like he’s kind of Mexican and El Salvadorian. He has black hair and big hands for the football. He’s been working part-time as a lawyer. I found out that he has a son named after me. His wife has cancer and his mom just died. So he really needs to win. “So,” I ask, “what do you do to get all the pressure off you before the big game?” “Well, Jason, I usually go eat a carne guisada taco to make me think of how good the taco is.” “Good strategy, Ricardo. Thanks for your time. I think that’s a wrap.”

Jason Gonzalez5th Grade


Chapter 4: WalzemThinking of Chilly

His bark sounded squeaky. His claws kept clacking on the ground. Chilly, my dog, would slip in the kitchen because of the tile fl oor. I would get a string and tie a bone at the end, and Chilly would slip trying to chase it. His ears would be pulled back, and his tail would be wagging.When I went to bed, I would put Chilly by my feet, under the coversI would curl up like a snail. And in the middle of the night, he would be on my face. And dog hair cannot be on my face or else I throw up. That is why I had to give him away.

I cried a lot and I slammed my door.

Dawna Caballero4th Grade

I Wish...

…I was at a Spurs game wearing a black, white, gray sports jersey, feeling very happy.I would sit right next to the Spurs players and talk to them and get autographs. Also I would be in the half-time show playing against Tony Parkerand I would win. I would get to be on TV. I would win prizes from players.

Aaron Albiar5th Grade


Chapter 4 Walzem

Thinking of Blue

I can smell fl ea medicine. I can hear him tearing up the kitchen fl oor. I really wish he was still here with me, in my hands. He was a tough chewer, but still my friend.

My dog Blue, I had to give him up. He was my favorite dog. In the inside of me, I was bursting out with tears. If it was weather in my head and stomach, it would have been a terrible fl ood. Outside of me I was pretending I was okay, but I really wasn’t. If it was weather, it would be sunny, but partly cloudy.

Did Blue die? How old is he now? Is he happy right now? Does he have a friend? Is he a father? Did they change his name?

Cheyenne Williams4th Grade


Chapter 4: Walzem

Making Enchiladas

My mom goes back and forth, like somebody doing a race to the counter to the stove. She rolls the enchiladas carefully as she is doing the beans and rice. My mom makes the enchiladas with love because my grandma made them super-good for my aunts and uncles. They are the color of red brick, and sometimes they look like an orange sunfl ower. I feel hungry when they are still cooking—and I feel stress because I AM SO HUNGRY!!!! I eat with my mom and dad. I can see the steam coming out of the enchiladas on the plate. I can hear the bubbling. They smell like cheese and beans—like a cheesy and beany enchilada.

The enchiladas taste so good that I am in hog heaven.

Ashley Bargas4th Grade

After the TAKS Test

I’m exhausted, tired, and my brain hurts. I’m worried. If I were an animal,I’d be a sloth. I would move slow.

Michael Madrigal4th Grade

The TAKS Test

The TAKS test made my brain feel like:—a blender making lots of noise—melted crayons —a stampede of mad jungle animals. —a full auditorium.

Group Poem4th Grade


Chapter 4: Walzem

My Great-Grandmother’s FuneralI think God took my great-grandma because it was time for her to go. I wonder how she felt—if she knew she was going to die.

When I went to my great-grandma’s funeral, I was frozen. I did not know what to do. I felt scared because my great-grandma had let go of me. Everyone was quiet. It made me feel like no one knew what to do. My great-grandma was one of those people who cared about everyone and God. She always hugged me when I would visit her. She made me feel so great about myself until she got lifted up to the stars.

When my great-grandma’s funeral was over, we went to her house and she had kind of separated things of hers for us. I got her jewelry box with all her jewelry and inside the box there were necklaces and her favorite pins. There was a necklace with a green clover. She also left me a necklace with my birthstone on it. A couple of months later, my house burned down and the jewelry box burned too. I was sad. I cried and tried to open the box. The fi refi ghters could not even open the box.

I was always sitting in the dark by myself-—terrifi ed. I wish my great-grandma was still here to tell her, “Take me with you to the stars, and up with God,” but I can’t. She has left me forever. Most of the times I feel like she is always by me. I will always remember my great-grandmother! Know I feel torn apart because she left me. But she knows I love her forever and ever.

Lauren Moreno4th Grade


Chapter 4: Walzem

Larry: The Reporter Guy (Screen Treatment)

Characters: Larry (dad); Michelle (mom); Crystal (sister); David (brother); Pan (baby sister); Chris (co-worker)

Lead Song:Larry the reporter guycha, cha, cha cha cha cha cha cha. Larry the reporter guycha cha cha cha cha cha cha cha cha err

EPISODE ONE: It all started in the morning when daylight savings came. So Larry woke up an hour late and missed the juiciest story of the day. Larry hopped up and got out of bed, took a shower, and dressed—but really couldn’t stay awake. So he went to get some coffee, but he was all out. “Michelle, where is the coffee?” shouted Larry. Michelle quickly jumped out of bed. “What happened?” asked Michelle. “The coffee, Michele!” “The kids found it.” The kids brought the coffee to Larry; he took one more look at the clock, and he had to leave. On the way to work, Larry ran over a rabbit, nearly killing the rabbit. But instead, he shattered its ankle. Larry stopped to help the poor critter out, but then he remembered that he was already late for work. Larry had no time, so he chunked the rabbit into his blue SUV. Then he got on the road again and about three minutes later, he ran over a deer. This time Larry broke the deer’s left antler off. Larry stuffed the deer into the SUV, and got back on the road again. Larry was so furious he started to go 100 miles per hour in a school zone. A cop turned his siren on and chased Larry down Newport Street. When the cop caught Larry, the cop said: “Do you know how fast you were going?” “Yes, I know. I woke up late, my kids took my coffee, I ran over two animals and stuck them in my SUV.” “So that explains the U.F.O.—Unidentifi ed Freaky Object—in your trunk.” The cop gave him a ticket. Then Larry took off. Ten minutes later, Larry’s trunk popped open and the animals burst out of the SUV. Two minutes later, an 18-wheeler came by and ran over the animals and fell over and nuclear waste spilled all over the city….To be continued….

Amanda Wilson and Joshua Thomas4th Grade

Chapter 5Wilshire Elementary

Writers-in-Residence:Jesse Cardona & Michele Stanush


Numbers

1 is one black cat playing with purple yarn.2 is two cows sitting in a big red barn.3 is three snowballs in a snowball fi ght.4 is four purple bananas dancing in a blue basket.5 is fi ve whales eating Krispy Cremes.6 is six ladybugs dancing to a rap and jazz remix.7 is seven frogs ribitting and dancing to a slow jam.8 is eight houses moving from hill to hill.9 is nine rubber bands slinging from place to place.10 is ten teachers yelling, “Stop, Stop!” at the kids.

Xandria Pollard5th Grade

Chapter 5: Wilshire

Today I Am Happy

Today I am as happy As a hammer hitting a nail,As happy as a box with 1,000 Snickers.Today I am as happy As an old man riding a bike,As happy as a truck delivering crayons.Today I am as happyAs chalk writing on a chalkboard.Today I am as happy as a paper clip.

Marquisha Nellum5th Grade

Strange Sleep

The sleep of a chocolate cake in the oven.The sleep of a wrench in a tool box.The sleep of a ball in a toy box.The sleep of a Duncan jersey in a locker.The sleep of a spark in the fi replace.

Joseph Campa5th Grade

My Life as a Chalk

As a chalk, I write all day,But after school I never stay.The kids give me a fright,So I party all night.

Stormy Villanueva5th Grade


Chapter 5: Wilshire

Today I Am Happy

Today I am as happy as bubbles fl owing in the air,As happy as purple balloons at a child’s birthday party.Today I am as happy as a cloud soaring through the sky,As happy as a bracelet on a little girl’s wrist.Today I am as happy as a drawing by Michelangelo,As happy as the world having a peaceful day.

Ebony Rose5th Grade

I Am Surprised

I am Surprised by hurricanesPleased by TVAmazed by animalsPuzzled by Silly PuttyThankful for my motherAngered by ratsBored by bugsScared by metal scraping against metal

Josh Villagran5th Grade

My Life as a Necklace

I am bling blingAnd when you go to the cash registerAll you hear is cha-chingAnd whenever people wear meI like to look cleanAnd gleam like a beautiful stream

Angela Rios5th Grade

Last Night

Last night the sunset made my eyes go blind.Last night I saw the clouds cover the moon.Last night a strong breeze nearly knocked me over.

Kassie Morales5th Grade


Chapter 5: Wilshire

Strange Sleep

The sleep of a taco in a restaurantThe sleep of a rock in the front yardThe sleep of a chalkboard in a classroomThe sleep of a pencil in a deskThe sleep of paper at Offi ce Depot

Carlos Hernandez5th Grade

Once I Was

Once I was a kid,Now I am a preteen.Once I was a potato,Now I am a chip.Once I was a tree,Now I am paper.Once I was milk,Now I am yogurt.

Gabriela Lopez5th Grade

Today I Am Happy

Today I am as happy as a box full of balloons,As happy as a fi shing pole with a fi sh at the end.Today I am as happy as a horse that has just won a race,As happy as a beautiful bluebonnet.Today I am as happy as a playground with bunches of children.

Kirstin Hartshorn West5th Grade

The Mall

The mall is the bomb!Its clothes say, “Wear me!”The pants say, “Wear me! I love you!”The malls say, “Come in, please!”I love the mall!

Jacklyn Miller3rd Graderd Graderd

I Have

I have a dog named Chiquita.She is a Chihuahua.I have one doll.It is a Polly Pocket.I have a PlayStation 2.It’s better than the old one.I have 13 stuffed animals.I have 10 dollars for my allowance.I have a pink purse.I like pink a little bit.

Allison Trujillo3rd Graderd Graderd


Chapter 5: Wilshire

I Have

I have a God and so do you.I go to many churches.I have parents, Cindy and Jimmy.My parents take care of me.I have a sister.She talks in helium.I have a home.It keeps me warm.I have a hamster.His name is Ham Ham.He bit me once.I have a classroom.I learn there.I have Mr. C.He helps me write.I have learned to work fractions.Now I can cut a piece of pie in equal parts.I have a papier-mâché jar.I made it when I was seven.I’m hiding it in my room for my momFor Mother’s Day.I have a family.I’m lucky to have one.

Elena Caballero3rd Graderd Graderd

My Poem

My poemWill be a juice burner.It will turn off lights.My poem is bling bling.It will fl y high in the sky.It will explore Pluto.My poem will be smooth.

Mark A. Medellin3rd Graderd Graderd

Last Night

Last nightYou were in a dreamI dreamed you were singingInto a microphoneImpressing the crowdAnd I was singing with you

Sarea C. Alexander3rd Graderd Graderd

Suppose I Were an Elephant

I’d be sad For sure,ButI wouldn’t be afraidOf mice.I’d be braveee!

Diana Castañeda3rd Graderd Graderd


Today I Am as Happy

Today I am as happy as Darth Vader,As happy as money.Today I am as happy as the playground,As happy as a cartoon person.Today I am as happy as TV.

Luis Castañeda3rd Graderd Graderd

Chapter 5: Wilshire

My Pool

My poolIt is so funI like to swim in itIt is fun to swim across itWater

Alix Nash3rd Graderd Graderd

The Teacher Has Laryngitis

Miss Michele’s voice soundsscratchy and gentle, like the feathers of a robin; croaky, as croaky as the frog in the moonlight;like Mickey Mouse is in her throat, and she ate him;like a Mars rock, broken up into pieces;like Puss-in-Boots; like a toad is in her throat and speaks for her; like there’s a brain and some liver in her throat;nasty, icky—like a truck on gravelandI think you have something in there that you don’t want to tell us.

Class Poem4th Grade

My Dream Volcano

My dream place is in a forest with lava pits and trees. Lava falls and trees, trees, trees—All grown on a volcano. To be here makes me feel free. I can go wherever I want on the volcano.

Thomas Henao4th Grade


Chapter 5: Wilshire

Some Thoughts from Craig: Future Movie Star (Maybe)

Can I ask you a question? Do movie stars have a lot of bills to pay? They get a lot of money, but you never know. There could be high bills. If you live in a mansion, you still have to pay your light bill. Your water bill. If I were a movie star, I would keep things clean and in order. Because most movie stars, they put stuff on the ground. And they don’t pick it up. I’ve seen shows where that happens. I would either ride in a cool car, or a limo. I’d wear a necklace with a dollar sign on it, and a stripped shirt that’s buttoned up. Blue faded pants, white shoes that are Jordons. And a watch. A silver one. But I would help other people who wanted to be movie stars and couldn’t quite make it. I think being nice, and being patient, are the most important things in the world. And taking care of people you love—your family. If I won an Academy Award, I’d say: “I worked so hard to be this smart, and I’m proud that I won it. I thank my mother, my dad, and my two brothers because they taught me right. And I appreciate all their help for making me this way.” I would have one girlfriend. And she would follow her dreams. She wouldn’t be like most movie stars because they keep stuff on the fl oor. If she didn’t set a good example—because other people would want to be just like her—I would have to go fi nd another girlfriend.

Craig Calloway4th Grade


Chapter 5: WilshireMy Interview with a Singer

This is a surprising story about a girl who loves to sing, and yet has a tiny voice. Even during the interview I could barely hear her. She said: “Sometimes I open my mouth to sing, but nothing comes out. I feel like the people don’t like the fact that they don’t hear my beautiful music. I try to sing the simplest song, but my voice cracks, I start to sweat, and my heart starts pounding. I hear my heart instead of my voice.” But even though this happens, she still sings. Like I said: she still sings and she said sometimes she feels this great voice inside and it just comes out—and when she is fi nished the crowd roars and claps with joy and happiness to hear such a wonderful voice and song. Her voice is as loud as a lion. As loud as an elephant. As loud as thunder. As joyful as a rabbit hopping.

Yvette Muniz4th Grade

I Was Hyper Because…I woke up in a happy mood. If I was asked to get something, I would hop, skip, or run. I was very loud! Then I got upset, and I was quiet. My teeth were closed so tight my cheeks started to cramp. I was slouched down in my chair. My skip, run, and hop turned into a slow drag.

But it didn’t stay like that for therest of the day.My energy turned up at recessand I was hopping, skipping, and running just like before.

Samantha Rose Wellington4th Grade

Curious

I feel curious because…In class, I didn’t know what we were doing. At reading time, I didn’t know what I was reading.At patrols, I didn’t know where I was going. Now, I don’t know what we’re doing, or why I’m writing this. My legs feel a little wobbly. As wobbly as a baby deer learning to walk.

Tun-Ju Tsai4th Grade


Chapter 5: Wilshire

The New Hero

Have you heard of the new hero, Super Girl? She has a safe house underground. She saved three people that got attacked by a gorilla that escaped from the zoo. The gorilla was big, black, and mean. The people that owned the zoo had to call the SWAT team. The gorilla escaped the zoo by using its arms to break the cage. As she was saving the people, Super Girl got a scratch on her left leg and it caused her a lot of pain.

Super Girl said she was Super Scared. But she got over it.

Marcus Hack4th Grade

Tale of a Gecko

I have been stuck inside a crack between two bricks at Wilshire Elementary all day. The sun has just gone down…

Now I can get out and fi nd some delicious bugs and reptiles that I can eat and I can—uh-oh!—I’m about to be mashed potatoes. Scatter me! Scatter plat! I will be in animal heaven if you need me because I am dead, see. Call me when you need me. I will still be on his shoe, but in animal heaven.

Danielle Gonzalez4th Grade


Chapter 5: Wilshire

A Rainy Day

I heard a drip, and I heard a drop.So I ran downstairs to see what it was. As I went outside, I felt water on my nose. So I thought to myself: “Oh, no. Why does it have to rain today?” As I walked into the housemy head drooped into my shoulders. As I got to my room, I looked out the window. The sky was gray. Inside I asked: “Is it always supposed to rain on my good days?”

Zh’chariah Everett4th Grade

Another Rainy Day

A raindrop fell on my nose!Splat! It felt as if I were in the shower. Splat, google, plop, swoop!The raindrops were blue.As blue as the sky. As blue as if I were sad.

Alarik Yount4th Grade

When I Grow Up…I’m going to be a principal‘cause I’d get to say: “No running in the halls!” “No playing with your food!”“I’m going to call your parents!”I would be 18 years old.Wear a work-shirt and work-pants.And I’d send bullies to the offi cefor calling people names.

But I’d have pizza parties for all of us.

David Serna4th Grade

Safe

I feel the safest in my mom’s arms. I feel like the sun is inside me.

Selina Khan4th Grade

GEMINI INK is the only community-based center for literary arts and ideas in San Antonio and South Texas. During the past year, GEMINI INK is the only community-based center for literary arts and ideas in San Antonio and South Texas. During the past year, GEMINI INKwe served more than 4200 readers, writers, and literary performance-goers representing a diverse sampling of our community’s population. Four programs currently serve our mission:

•Each spring and fall, the Autograph Series presents writers of national and international stature in a community-wide public Autograph Series presents writers of national and international stature in a community-wide public Autograph Seriesprogram. Previous Autograph Series writers have included Annie Prouix, Margaret Atwood, Grace Paley, Tim O’Brien, and Phil Levine.

•The University Without Walls (UWW) offers three semesters of workshops, classes, readings, and events led by recognized The University Without Walls (UWW) offers three semesters of workshops, classes, readings, and events led by recognized The University Without Walls (UWW)professional writers, as well as artists and scholars whose work relates to writing.

•Dramatic Reader’s Theater (DRT) features professional actors interpreting literary works in a reading format, often accompanied s Theater (DRT) features professional actors interpreting literary works in a reading format, often accompanied s Theater (DRT)by original music.

•Writers in Communities (WIC) sends professional writers with specialized teaching experience into a wide range of community Writers in Communities (WIC) sends professional writers with specialized teaching experience into a wide range of community Writers in Communities (WIC)settings to work alongside students of all ages, needs, interests and abilities. WIC writing workshops have been offered in schools, justice settings, neighborhood community centers, and healthcare facilities, among many other venues. While in residence, WIC writers help students create dynamic writing projects, often refl ecting their own lives, that challenge, celebrate, inspire and enlighten. Most WIC residencies culminate in the publication of an anthology of participants’ work and a celebratory public reading.

For more information, visit www.geminiink.org;or call 210.734-WORD(9673). Toll-free: 877.734-WORD(9673).

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