A Selection of Student Poetry from

The 2013 Palm Beach County Middle School Poetry Competition

~ Guest Judges ~

Richard Blanco

Anastasia Clark

Glenis Redmond

Virgil Suarez

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~ Dedication ~

I am pleased to present the winning entries for the 2013 Palm Beach County Middle School Poetry Competition.

Congratulations to all the students who submitted poems for consideration, and a special congratulation to the winners.

In addition to the poetry competition, this year there was a competition for the cover design and bookmark. Congratulations to Laura Francois of Palm Springs Middle School for her winning cover design and to Maria Valenti, also of Palm Springs Middle School, for her bookmark design. Congratulations as well to Ms. Yorston, their art teacher.

Thank you to Love 4 One Another Charities for their ongoing generous support, without which the Competition would not continue.

This book is dedicated to the students who are published herein and those who inspired them.

Laura Costello, DirectorPalm Beach County Middle School Poetry Competitiom

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~ Judges’s Choice ~

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Richard Blanco

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Richard Blanco, the 2013 inaugural poet, was "made in Cuba, assembled in Spain, and imported to the United States"—meaning that his mother, seven months pregnant, and the rest of the family arrived as exiles from Cuba to Madrid where he was born in 1968, before they emigrated to the United States, settling in Miami. Blanco is the author of four previous poetry collections including, most recently, Looking for the Gulf Motel, and is the winner of the PEN/Beyond Margins Award. He lives in Bethel, Maine.

This poem’s images are spectacularly crisp and original. They evoke a sense of reverence and power that engulfs the reader into to moment.  A very quiet moment made spectacular by the poet’s keen eye and figurative language

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The Forest

The sailboat settles into a nest of brittle branchesplaced there by hands unseenThe twilight sky vanishes silenceand plants whistle their moonlight call

Sails flutter freely with the breezeand shadows of the forest paint the boat,hiding it from the dangers in the bay,growing and shrinking with the stars of the night

Twinkling stars shine like pearlsreflecting off the ebony leaves and back againA beam of pink glow calls sunlight to the middle of the sky, telling the moon to move on and invite the new day

Yellow paint from the boat shines,mocking the sunand emerald grasses squirm with the dying windThe night belongs to the forest

Isabella MontelongoPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 6th GradeI am struck by the poem’s use of extended metaphor—how the tiger represents so much more that a tiger.  Great use of figurative meaning. And the poem closes with perfect pitch and at the perfect moment.

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The Tiger’s Jungle

It is said his stripes mark the years of pain.His eyes are split with worryAnd yellow with shame.

He prowls through the jungle of life,Growling at anyone who comes near.No one dares enter his heart;He lives on cries and fear.

He is a mystery to figureBut worth a try.Who can find the key To his mind? He keeps it shut like a chest,Even closed from himself.The jungle is too loud,Too dangerous to tangle.

His fangs are dull with loneliness,And he doesn’t sleep at night.He doesn’t trust a soul.The chest is still sealed tight.

But sometimes,When the jungle is quiet,And the night is cool,He takes refuge by the falls,And stares at his reflection.

Who am I?

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A man stares back through water,But the tiger still hides inside.

Hannah ButcherBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 7th GradeAnastasia Clark

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Anastasia Clark is the author of several full-length poetry books and numerous chapbooks, including Confetti Stampede, released in 2013 by Finishing Line Press. She has served as Broward County Poet-in-Residence for four years, producing many community based poetry projects. She describes poetry as "the only way to breathe."

This poem stands out because of its bold imagery, original theme and use of poetic devices such as rhyming quatrains and personification. This is the type of poem that one will always remember. Very original, fun to read and yet, poignant. Bravo!

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Flight of the Fruit

Dangling on a green rope, I bask in the sunOff my orange rind the rain runs

On a windy day I buffet in the breezeWhen it freezes, I wheeze

I’ve been here forever, all four seasonsBut for some unfathomable reasonI feel my stem being stretched The pain, I feel the need to retch

But then I’m freedI was taken from my home tree indeedI am placed in a container, hard and plasticThe change I’m going through is drastic

Suddenly, gravity pulls and I plummet to my demiseBut I land in a larger container, this one I despiseMore and more of my family are falling on meThey crowd around like paparazzi

The darkness is closing inNo mobility, I’ve been stuck by a pinForever, it seemed we were stuck thereThen finally I breathed in fresh air

My kin and I are roughly graspedThe calloused hands are a throttling clasp I try to cry out for helpOnly my kind understood my yelps

For the second time that day I fell

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Edging ever closer to the jaws of hellI’m suddenly ripped apart, maimedMy outer shell comes off leaving me ashamed

I lose my solid shapeMy seeds escapeWhen it’s over I feel like the rainFluid, wet, with no more painI am put into a bottleInside it, I uncertainly waddleI guess this is my new homeA cap is twisted on top and I am truly alone

Liam McGuireBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 8th GradeKeen imagery! Economical and refined use of words. Well planned. Deliberate. Excellent message. Love the very last two lines of this poem!

The Lake

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blue sky bleeds into the lakewhile trees dangleon the edgesparkling diamondsglittersailors sail acrossto the other sidechildren play games while fishermen catchtheir favorite fishsunset comespeople leaveno more kidssilence fills the lake and beyond

Genesis MartinezPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Elliot ~ 6th GradeGreat imagery! “Moldy trophy/gold faded to a light brown” is the essence of this moving poem about life. Full of emotion and insight. Consonance keeps it rolling!

Broken

Soggy boxes,

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cardboard drooping slowly,lazily reveals its contents

Moldy trophygold faded to a light brown.Lost accomplishments,reminisces of past wins, losses,and friendshipsslowly rot away

Wooden airplanepropellers bentsagging body dreams oflife spent flying through the skiesin a child’s imagination

Past memoriesbest friendsdying,forgotten andpacked in that old cardboard box

Michael Wang Bak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 8th Grade

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Glenis Redmond

Glenis Redmond is a native of Greenville, South Carolina.

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She is a Road Poet as she tours eight months out of the year. She is a former Poetry Slam Champion and completed an MFA in Poetry at Warren Wilson College. She is a North Carolina Literary Fellowship Recipient from the North Carolina Arts Council and a Kennedy Center Teaching Artist. Her latest book of poetry is titled Under the Sun.

Glenis Redmond, Poet-in-ResidenceState Theatre, New Brunswick, NJThe Peace Center for the Performing Arts, Greenville, SCI found this poem successful, because of the poet’s use of personification. The images come to life with these lines: a mottled monster of trash floats, silver monsters tower, the tallest of buildings slice into blue nothing etc… This poem though full of action is quite quiet while it is busy depicting not just the end of the day, but a statement about the world. With the gaze focused on these specific scenes an

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undercurrent of loneliness and sorrow takes the poem over. The poet does a wonderful job by letting these images speak.

End of Day

A mottled monster of trash floats Cutting the orange, red, blue river thatDances with the traffic on the surface

Silver monsters tower over theLooming lights, nudging the sun To change its course

One lone bus drifts byAnd the surrounding soundsSpread over the weary workers

The tallest building slicesInto the blue nothingTo lock out the setting sunA shadow on a black windowMakes a building lookLike the shadow on the bright moon

The sun setsBut it’s too soonPeople have not gotten home

The sun takes its last breathWaiting for the arrivalOf the lone bus

But the bus drives byTo go to the quiet place Where buses go

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Brady HessPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 6th GradeThis work could go untitled, because of the terrific work that is taking place in the body of the poem. The poet’s eye is on the boredom and the routine of work, but the poem itself is anything but boring. There are surprising and refreshing lines that wake the reader. They are: as you chop off the heads/ of tiny, helpless blades of grass and the last line, the poetic clincher: until you retire and get replaced/ by another sharper pencil tip. I salute the slyness of this poem and applaud the skillful use of wit and

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sarcasm.

A sarcastic view of work Work is the excruciating boredomthat comes betweensleeping hardand playing hard It’s the pools of sweatthat run down you backas you chop off the headsof tiny, helpless blades of grassas the sun punishes you for your sins It’s what comes before you can standand look at the painting you just createdor lucky you, the memo you just draftedor even the PowerPoint on meaningless statisticsthat lulls your co-workers to sleeplike a mother to her child

Workthat mean old crutchbut don’t just sit in your pool of grievancestyping out a draftor plugging in random numbersas the stack of papers get tallerand watching as the minutes of your life blink awayon the old Windows XP systemrealizethat life is a pencil tipand work is writing with itturning your lifedull and meaninglessuntil you retire and get replacedby another sharper pencil tip

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Michael Wang Bak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 8th Grade I like the poetic gaze of this poet especially when the line of vision goes from the external to the internal landscape. The poet first directs us to look at lake house that has been neglected over time. Then the poem evolves into much more as the poet metaphorically shows and tells us that light and love makes all things possible. Stanza 3 is the poem at its best. If a soul braved enough to enter open the small screen door. In other words, if we enter our own ramshackle cottages there is a possibility, if we are brave enough and work hard enough, we can resurrect joy.

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The Lake House

The aged ramshackle cottageRests itself beside the small lakeThe walls that were once painted light blue show decay

It sways, it dances eerily within the nightCreaking to its ownLong forgotten beat

If a soul braved to open the small screen doorThe musty smell of wood polisher and rotten wood wouldRush to the face like an animal finding the food of life

The ancient blue lake house sits aloneThe dark forest and chattering squirrels keeping it companyWaiting

Waiting for a new jubilant ownerTo come and fill it with theSimple joy of life

Jonathon LeeBak Middle School of the ArtsMr. Felt ~ 8th GradeVirgil Suarez

All this year’s poems showed competence, and I think the talented is represented well in your schools and school district.  I really enjoyed all the poems this year.  If I had to make one general recommendation to all the poets it is to

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simply keep layering in more visuals, more details, more descriptions.  Make your worlds more palpable.  My congratulations and best wishes to all these developing and wonderful poets.

Virgil Suárez, Professor of EnglishCreative Writing at FSUEnglish DepartmentThe Florida State UniversityI really liked the atmosphere and the mood of this poem, not to mention all the details.  Very visual, imagistic.  I really like the quatrains, the line breaks.  This poem reflects a talent here, someone whose voice is still developing, but they already have eyes on what is important about paying attention in the world. Congratulations to this poet and her poem.

The Voyage

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Ladies with broad, frilly skirtsand haughty faces,noble men with shiny shoes and dapper suits

Wide ocean views,flowers for your muse,and grand shows that enthuse, are promised on the cruise

Couples on the dance floor glide and twistwith elegant accessories fancy parasols and lacy fans Venturing out into the sunlightthey begin to see the ships in the harbor

Knowing this journey is nearly overthey wave their goodbyesto the ocean of vast size

And the people with whom they have made tiesto go back to their daily lives

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Ashley PaulPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 8th GradeI like the images, and the narrative drive behind this poem. I wish there would have been more development on what this lakehouse represents to the persona in the poem. Good details, good moments.

The Lakehouse

We pulled up in the drivewayUnder the moon’s soft white glow

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Our feet crackled on the gravelOn the way to the door

One foot at a timeLeft, right, left, rightFrom the driveway to the smooth cement sidewalkWe found the key under the door

We sleepily opened the aged screen doorAnd surreally walked in the houseThe sound was muffled and the air was thickAs we shuffled towards our bed

We slipped into musty smelling blanketsAnd closed our heavy eyesLying there waiting forThe clutches of sleep to take us

Jonathon LeeBak Middle School of the ArtsMr. Felt ~ 8th GradeExcellent mood, and meditation.  I think this poem is on its way there.  My recommendation to the poet is simply to put more of himself in it.  I'd like to have move visuals and descriptions of the pigeon.  Again, this poem has great potential.

Life

The pigeon sits still,It sees joy,

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But then the joy crumbles,Sadness and fear attack the poor thing,Then overwhelmed, the pigeon is gone,It fell from the branch,Despair and depression,This causes a dead stop,But the cycle continues,Rebirth in a style none shall know,This is life,A cycle that can’t be stopped,Nor can it end

Ryan HuangBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th Grade

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~ Student Poems ~

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the cat watched the boywonderingwhy so sad

the boystared out the windowhair disheveledin faded yellow pajamas

his handscupping his ears

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as ifhe did not want to hear

and the catwith perked earstriedto comfort him

with petite pawslonging to help and say everything’s going to be fine

outsidegloomy shadows hide behind bushes

insidea light glows pinkand the boy wishes the dayerased

Skyler WheelerPalm Spring Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 6th GradeA Light to the Darkness

I crept into the night,with my hood down weary,where was that wise-old , light fairy?

Venturing now into the depths of its black, treacherous throat, I wonder what this journey might provoke.

Who am I?I cry with a voice so eager

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The wind only whistles the creatures so meager.

Shadows dance and prance about,mocking my sorrow without a doubt.

For the fairy, Oh! How very, clever she is!

I open my heart, The words come true,Oh, please!Wise fairy, what do I do?

Merissa ChuBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeThe Dark

If you close your eyes, then you might just notice the dark.But, you might see something different if you let your mind think far.

Don’t use your eyes. All you need is an imagination.Don’t think too much. That’ll cause aggravation.

You might see a whole other place.

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With unique people living in unique ways.Or perhaps maybe your biggest wish.In the dark it is as “black’ as pitch,

But in the dark all your problems can be fixed.

Cody EloiBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeArthur Ashe

There once was a tennis playerBy the name Arthur AsheWho won lots of tournamentsAnd made a lot of cash

He faced many problemsBut wasn’t going to give upHe wanted to keep goingUntil the discrimination stopped

He started a tennis programCalled NJTL

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For underprivileged childrenThat had a lot to tell

This program brought together childrenOf all race, size, and ageBut he didn’t stop thereHe also fought AIDS

Arthur Ashe was a social activistWho went out of his wayTo give the kidsA home to stay

We can’t thank him enoughFor all that he has doneHe has given us allA place to have fun

Arthur Ashe will alwaysLive on in our livesNot just as a heroBut as a person who strives

Asma’a ShalabiH. L. Watkins Middle SchoolMs. Turner ~ 6th Grade

A Fork in the Road

I was born on this Earth to tell a story A story that moved people's hearts A story that is uniqueAnd my story is just beginning

I am an innocent bystander looking inwatching society as it build and crumplesright in front of our eyes

I have realized that wishes don't always come trueand things don't always go my wayand I know that

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but I take it as a challengeI am determined to make my dreams a reality 

There is no rewind button in lifeso I don't waste time on the Should haveCould haveWould haves

And more on what I 

Should doCan doAnd will do

Our lives will continue to be a balancing act

Forced to pick between love and surrender

A fork in the roadLeading to two separate locations

Both leaving us with a question

Which one will you take?

Mai-Brie ConklinBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeFootball

Football is my lifeIt can be dangerous as a knife

But if you have funAnything can be done

Every minute of itIs worth every hit

Every touch of the ballMakes me recall

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That makes football my soul

Brandon NormanBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th Grade Gone

Where's my boy?He has no toysThere is no planeComing down the lane

I knew I should have never put him on that planeNow I'm filled with sorrow and shameThey said it was okayBut I'm left here to stay

I have to go homeNow I'm all alone

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The jets failedIn the middle of the hail

My little boy was only sixHe had just learned to catch and throw sticksI miss him so very muchI guess I'm out of luck

Breen KielBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeLife Unbiased

Spanning across this vast landPeople studying, researching about lifeExplicably describing what sees ManHowever gross or astonishing what man sees

Others wait, others wonderWhile these men lay siegeThese men experiment and plunderUpon what He, the Lord placed in front of them

What might he find as he tampers with God’s willOr the will of all of MankindOver time the drones of Man have the time to kill

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When others of the advanced variety use that time to tinker

Tinkering with the questions of the UniverseEinstein, Hawking, Newton, and even more yetHave helped Man discover what would seem impossible in this UniverseA lonely planet, where those Scientists who still remain utterly,Unbiased

Collin O’NeillIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Lukasik ~ 8th GradeI think about itAll of it

It be fallingIt be flying

It all comes and goesLike the current of the river

Or the waves that bring the lost backWhether grain or stone

It all ends up the sameLost in the whirlpool where all is equal

All is the same in

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The currents of the lost

Seth Ackerman Poinciana Day School Ms. Shaw ~ 8th GradeSchool Starts

The bell rings for school to startI rush to my class, first comes artWe work on our calendarFor one full hourThe bell rings again, time for classNext it is time for mathWe work on decimals, fractions and percentsNext is reading, where time fliesBut the clock on the wall still got eyedNext is world historyWhat we learned is a mysteryWe just played board games,Like “The Eye of Flames”When science comes aroundWe learn about Mercury town

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When the bell rings for gymWe learn how to swimThen we learn about FranceSuddenly the bell rings,And I get ready for dance

Emma RomanoPolo Park Middle SchoolMs. Sitting ~ 6th GradeMemoires of the Holocaust

We are deadWe are goneOnly our shoes remainWe are deadWe are goneThey called this place humane

One by one they left On the train in black of nightNo one could escapeSadness mixed with fright

Sickness and famine spread throughout the campsMany, many, many diedOnly a few of the lucky ones livedWhile music and art kept their souls alive

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We are the final generation To meet the survivors People pretend it did not happen But the knowledge sweeps the nations

Tayla YoungbloodBak Middle School of the Arts Ms. Alonso ~ 6th GradeTheater

You found me when I was just a little kidBrought me in and gave me a second homeWelcomed me with a family of friendsGave me my time in the spotlight Let me express my emotionsMade me feel like I was safeYou helped me through the toughest timesI learned skills no one else could teachCourage, self-confidence, and dedicationI’ve now recognized what my dreams areTo be with you for the rest of my life24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a yearYou are my all, my everythingWhat more could one person want?Without you my weekends would be such a dragLying in bed with nothing to doBut that is not me I have something special

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A bond made with theater that is unbreakableLike a circle, the bond will never end

Jessica ThurberEagles Landing Middle SchoolMs. Brier ~ 7th GradeThe Lake

A walk down the rugged pathHe sees reds, blues, yellowsThen stops to rest on a dull stone

He watches peacocks strutAnd volcanoes sputter lavaPalm trees drop coconutsAnd a man plays the flute

Ominous clouds blanket the lakeAnd the peacocks scurry to their nestNight falls And colors seem to fade into one

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Wade ParkerPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 6th GradeStart Anew

I would say that my love has grownBut then again I must say the only wish I have is to not growMy withered sole cannot stand the growing painThough I am young my heart is oldI know pain, I know lossBut I have broken through the wall many timesNow my arms are tired, my heart is numbI cannot love any moreI am scared I will crackI may crumble and fallMy heart may break, and slip awaySo I must wait, for my soul to healSo I can start anew, and love again

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Maggie SperryBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Carey ~ 8th GradeWhat Would It Be Like To Live On Mars?

Would it be scary or funny?Would it be cold or snuggly?

Would Martians be nice?Would they be like mice?

Or would they be more like us?

I better know soon,'cause I'm getting close to the moon.

I'll tune in,They're green and have one fin.

Martians are definitelydifferent from you and me

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Gabrielle ThawPolo Park Middle SchoolMs. Sitting ~ 6th GradeAll I want is to go home

Cold eyes, filled with nostalgiaOnly yearbooks and photos,Are left to caress my soul.

Home is not too farBut not close enough to grasp.

I love my friends hereBut was not there for early memories.

I do not feel left out or lonelyJust homesick.

All I want is to go home

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Jake GreenbergIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Lukasik ~ 8th GradeLight a candle don’t curse the darknessbut why do even that?just dance with the darknessdon’t banish it from your sightthere is no need for light when your mind is filled with musicand your heart sways to the rhythmjust dance with it

I know the rain seems like a painbut listen to the pitter patter of the rain dropsand dance to the beat,dance with the darknessand dance with the rainjust dance with it.

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Lily ThomanBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeThe Choice

Joyful,happinessA smileA hint of laughterGrief, Misery A frownA tear shedWhich one are youSome wonder, Some figure it outThe choice is yours

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Kathryn KirchmanBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeTumblr

When you see the big “T”you know the bloggers are there The kings and queens of the web posting the best of the best We’re all brothers and sisters together on the blogging paradise to escape from the cruel world We’re the same like two new born twins We understand each other we’re always there For a joke blog or a self-esteem blog we always come together The pictures that bring us to tears or the gifs that make us beg for air We can reblog anything and everything and it’s all thanks to our God Tumblr-daddy Savior David Karp

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Felicia TuckerPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 8th GradeInto the lightWe all must follow orthe darkness swallows

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Emanuel St. AubinWestern Pines Middle SchoolMs. Sall ~ 7th GradeFor The Love of Hockey

The game of hockey is never a bore,Its especially exciting the moment you score.

Hockey is not a game for the weak,You must be fit and quick on your feet.

Putting the puck in the net makes you feel like a hero,Missing the net makes you feel like a zero.

You must play the game as a team,If you want to achieve your dream.

The game is physical all night,But it gets ugly when there is a fight.

We battle and battle to get the puck,It is a true game of skill, not only luck.

The roar of the crowd is exciting and loud,Motivating you to do well so you can be proud.

Some play for money, some play for fame,I simply play for the love of the game.

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Tyler LillyIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Lukasik ~ 8th GradeAmerica

What is America?A free countryA home for all races and religionsA place that I honorThe home of baseballA place where an eagle stands strongWhere the Statue of Liberty stands tallA flag with thirteen stripes and fifty starsA giant stone wall, with four carved facesWhere the Golden Gate Bridge carries carsA great home for me

That is America!

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Canaan LaParchePalm Spring Middle SchoolMs. Jarzabkowski ~ 6th GradeDown Here

Moving away was a hard taskIt’s a fact that I hate this placeSaying goodbye to my friendsThat I have known for yearsAnd moving to a place where I feel weird

I barely talk down hereI cannot denyDoing nothing all dayLiving such a boring lifeMost smoke and drink down hereBut me, I’m not about that life

I don’t really know anyone down hereLiving every day with a blank face at schoolWaking up every day thinking about schoolThis life I’m living makes me feel like a toolDown here I’m sad and gloomyAndUp there I was happy and cool

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Shayne ClarkBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeLife is so Fragile

A little west of lovePeople believeA body and a soul Working together long and wearily

A heart beating-Lung breathing- Head thinking-And feet tapping

Life is loveAnd love is life-A body working togetherDay and night

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Zachary MoskowitzBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeMother Goose and the iPad

There once was an old mother gooseWho’s screws were very much looseShe was playing on her iPad one dayWhen her children wanted to go outside and play

“Mother, Mother, can we go seeThat bird’s nest with cardinals up high in tree?”“Not now, sweetie, I’m hitting green pigsWith helmets on and suspended on twigs!”

There was a knock at the doorThen it fell to the floorAfter the door had been bustA shape emerged out of the dust

It was the sly old foxWho everyone mocksBecause the food that he eatsTastes no better than feet

It comes out of the trashThen goes to his mouth in a flashAs he gnaws on the bonesHe wines and he moans

“I’M HUNGRY!” he roars with his fists held high“PREPARE TO KISS YOUR LIVES GOOD-BYE!”“I’LL EAT YOU ALL IN ONE BIG GULP

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I’LL DRINK YOUR BLOOD WITH A SLUP AND A SLURP!”

All of the geese ran any which wayExcept for Mother Goose, who still wanted to playShe dragged her finger across the screenUnaware of her children’s blood-curdling screams

“Just one minute!” she yelpedAs all of her children cried out for helpThe sly fox chased her children all through the hallsBut Mother Goose was still engulfed in the Angry Birds’ calls

As she launched a red bird to beat her high score, Three of his wolf children burst through the door!One wolf child took her iPad awayAnd when he did, Mother protested like a toddler, “HEY!”

When she looked up, she saw her house was a messAll of her children were eaten, so she had to confessShe knelt down and cried at the foot of the stairs“They showed me the signs, but I didn’t even care!

“Never again should I be so absurdWith such an addicting game like Angry Birds!”

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Gillian GouveiaPolo Park Middle SchoolMs. Sitting ~ 6th GradeRemember When

Do you remember that night,I knew it was right,Watching scary movies holding me so tight.Do you remember that day,We made you stay, Running in the rain near the bay.Do you remember when we first met, Being pushed in the pool,Getting soaking wet,Because we lost the bet.Do you remember the night you left,There was a theft,You stole my heart,And I couldn’t start, To remember when.

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Corena VlahakisBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeThe Sea

Ocean wind blows back my hair,The scent of salt floats in the air,Sun beats down on my face ,Soft, a butterfly's trace.I dance and twirl on the sand,Grains land lightly on my hand,In Mother Nature’s arms,A warm summer breeze,Blows me away, into the sea.The waves crash above my head,As I wait for it all to end,I'm thrown like a feather, into the clouds,Then down, down, down!I smack in the water,As I am lifted to the sun,And I wait for heaven to come,But no, just a boat in the sea,Waiting, waiting for me.

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Finnley SeneseBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeForest

The forest floor is covered,In all these broken leaves.I step over them,And see that the day is almost gone.I should return home,But the autumn breeze draws me back.The trees beckon me into their world,And I follow.Scary shapes in the shadows,My heart beats faster, And faster.So I stop, and return home.I go back the next day,And find it was not as bad as it seemed.The night haunts the minds of many,But you only need to see the light to realize your fears are not there.

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Casey WilbanksIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Lukasik ~ 8th GradeSTUD (Student Tempered Undaunted Diplomacy)

I am a young and positive student trying to make a differenceThere’s violence all around me, so I got to be different.It’s my goal to help stop all the violence,So, I know in my heart I can’t be silent.To deal with the loud mouths, cold-hearted crazies, I got to be a STUD.( student tempered undaunted with diplomacy)I’m a student first, because education is the key.It takes you from the streets, to the places you want to be.Tempering, an ongoing process that gives, balance to you.It keeps you out of trouble and from feeling so blue.Undaunted means, I’m never scared!To stand up for what’s right and without losing my head.Diplomacy separates the ignorant from the learned.Respect given is Respect earned.Indeed, I am a young positive student trying to make a difference. I wish more would stop the non-sense.Say No to violence, guns, and drugs.Part ways with the thugs and join the STUDs.

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Jaylen ThompsonBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeBeautiful

When you wear expensive clothesAll of a sudden you’re the center of attentionBut when you wear “last season’s style,” You’re left alone

A person is truly beautifulWhen they go with their own styleThey don’t care what they wear As long as they are glamorous on the inside

What’s beautiful is: Caring, kindness, self-control, responsibility,Fairness, courage, respectfulness, and citizenship

All these character traitsMake you the most beautiful person Ever

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Erma LabordePalm Springs Middle SchoolMr. Weagle ~ 7th GradeNovember 21st 2009

There he lay on the floorShaking with pain and fear in his eyesI thought to myself, “This cannot be”Is he dying right in front of me ?My eyes filled up with confusion insideWondering if I should just stand there or hide“Is it my fault ?” I said to myselfI heard confusion with my sisters next-door“Brianna, what’s going on ?” I heardI couldn’t tell them, no not right now“Just go call help,” I screamed out loud No more moving as I seeShould I just let him beI did nothing but cry and say his nameMy dad rushed in and sent me awayI was confused and wondering how my mom would take the newsShe didn’t take it very well; she wanted to be left aloneNovember 21st 2009 was the day my grandpa died

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Brianna MartinBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeInspiration

Inspiration, Divine Influence The power that draws to move

To be more than what you are in life

The warmth of the morning sun Inspires

To start the day brand new, Breathe fresh air

Go out and take chances, To inspire To desire

The good things That wait to be held.

Inspiration is everywhere

Find it, And you will see life is worth living

Endlessly

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Jesus M. PerezL. C. Swain Middle SchoolMs. Henry ~ 8th GradeThe Battle

I looked to my left, and then looked to my right.I noticed I was in battle; I had to fight.

At first, I thought it was just a dream,When I found out it wasn’t, I wanted to scream.

I figured I should be brave as I looked my opponent in the eye,I was surprised to see that he wanted to cry.

I wondered how I was going to survive,But no time for that, I had to revive.

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Sabrina Maxime Boca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeMy Mom

There was this woman who carried me for nine months,And I think she’s very tough,To go through all that pain,And have a hundred pound gain.

This woman and I had a magnificent bond,That nobody could break ‘cause it was so strong,She cared for me and I cared for her.

This woman was my mom,The woman I loved.The woman that cared for me,The woman that shared with me.

This woman was my mom She’s the person I’ve been waiting to see all along.

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Markesha McGowanBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeCuba

To the people who live there it’s like a prisonThey are locked up having nowhere to goHe lets only few people Leave under his permissionEvery day they wonder how family here is doingThey may be locked up, But they celebrate with the family they have

They enjoy the view of the beautiful crystal waterSplashing around enjoying each and every secondThe boys playing with tromposThe girls building sand castles on the shore

After a wonderful day at the beach A pig is roasting and the music is onSalsa plays through the speakersOne dancing with anotherSoon the whole street is at the partyCelebrating what they have But still seeking freedom.

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Jazlyn EstevezPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Jarzabkowski ~ 6th GradeThe Company of Nine

A Company of nine on a quest with the fate of their world in the balance,

Though they never would have guessed their journey takes them over and under mountains,

Past parts of their world that are a joy to see,

And others parts that many would not dare to step foot near,

During the journey they make friends willing to die for them,

And enemies willing to do the same to see them dead,

The smallest of items that had caused the greatest of kingdoms to topple was nearing its end,

When the strength of great kingdomsfailed and the Wise could not foresee the outcome

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The killing blow came from the smallest and most unexpected of creatures.

John EdwardsIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Lukasik ~ 8th GradeInto the woods the boy will go What lies ahead he soon will know

With every step he thinks againBut he will not fear what’s at the end

He isn’t scared to stray from homeHe isn’t scared to go alone

If something comes he’ll hold his ground For he knows of the beasts that roam around

For there are beasts not known to menIn the forest which lies ahead

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Louis DiRienzeoPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 6th GradeOne Dream

One dream for my parent’s pride

One dream for the times we’ve cried

One dream that’s got to stay alive

I will surviveOne dream

for the city streetOne dream

for the hip-hop beatsOne dream

oh I do believeOne dream

is all we need

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Lizette FlowersL. C. Swain Middle SchoolMs. Henry ~ 8th GradeThe Chilling Columns

Moss hangs over tall, sturdy columnsand the ladies circlea dark, murky pool

Three wicker chairs, but only two ladies…The remnants of a teatime chat three cups left on the table

One lady lies on a blanket of white, floats in a dreamthe other lady’s hat on her chair.

The old lady stares to the distanceenvisioning her actions, her book abandoned in her lap

And the cane lies on the second woman’s seat, the culprit of it all

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Ashley Paul Palm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 8th GradeThe wind bites at my skin.The cold seeps into my bones.I run. Faster. Faster.I have to see him.I remember we met for the first time in gym.Tears in my eye.They spill over the rim.I turn the corner, almost there.My legs burn.I see him now.Standing near the street.I hear the echo of my pounding feet.He is coming into focus, I slow down.He picks me up and will not let me frown.He holds me for a while.He looks at me and I can’t help but smile.He brushes my tears away with his thumb.“I love you”

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Alyssa Van WalleghemCrestwood Middle SchoolDr. Ealy ~ 8th GradeDon’t care what they saybridged out fenced awaymiles apart

but you still possessed my heartwe grow further apart day by daymy tears represented the call for you to stay

our time spent together I will reminiscein my mind is a continual and violent hissfrom each other we were separated

for you I awaitedan undefeatable loveyour words

were as sweet as an angel sent from above

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Laura FrancoisPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 7th GradeLife

Life is a GiftIt is a Thing to EnjoyThe way it works can Shift-If treated like a toy

It lasts a long time Although not foreverIt might be Scary at the last chimeBut you can avoid it if you are clever

With this, you can accomplish great thingsBut this power is unforgivingYou can be as awesome as the kings Or lose the power of living

Life should be RespectedLike every living thingIt’s like a rocket being ejectedWithout the scientists pulling your strings

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Mikel RolletBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeThe Way of Learning about the Natural World

From stars that are the most enormous objectsmy eyes will ever see

To atoms that make ants feel like overpowering giantsroaming the Earth

We reach to the sky to discover what lies beyondthe space area, expanding

For we and all matter are already made of space, we feel the hard, solid surfaces

The sounds behind are nothing morethan waves floating with desire

Living in a Quantum world is curiously fascinating

The people who you’ve seen but do not see, only existto you as a simple thought

No worries, they may still be in your heartThis is science, amazing

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Adreyn RoquePalm Springs Middle School Ms. Marcarian ~ 8th Grade The Truth

In the dark whiteI see a shadowA shadow that glowsA shadow that criesA shadow that will follow you into the nightWherever you areWherever you flyWherever you choose to show your mightIt will hurt you insideIt will look into your eyesBut it will not kill youIt will do to youWhat you did to itIt will make you admit your lies

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Tiago LopesIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Lukasik ~ 8th GradeImagine Dragons

Imagine dragons, Golden dragonsGolden dragons bursting with hubrisdragons that rely on brute strength and impenetrable leather armor, weapons of pearly white teeth and black talons sharp and long aided by a golden flame as hot as the burning sun

Imagine dragons, Blue dragonsBlue dragons with keen minds, radiating with intelligencedragons that rely on quick thinking and stealth weapons of intelligence, armed with thin, sharp, pink pearly teeth and talons with a breath of freezing ice or scalding water

Imagine dragons, Green dragonsGreen smart, strong, and immensely kind dragonsdragons that rely on minimum strength, intelligence, and strong emotions weapons of glossy white talons and sharp teeth supported by a long strangulating tail, and hypnotizing emerald green eyes

Now, imagine dragons, all dragonsGold, Blue, Green, Purple, Black, White, Brown, Copper, and Silver, all dragons, with polished scales and leather bat-like wings, dragons with bright flames, frozen breath, and profound intelligence

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Now, imagine dragons, all dragons, in all their magnificence

Maria ValentiPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 8th GradeFor Science

I really enjoy science.It doesn’t have much defiance.‘Cause it never truly lies,But you always have to revise,This wonderful world-wide appliance.

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Nicholas PipitoneIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Lukasik ~ 8th GradeClash of Swords

Brothers at arms,Fighting side by side

Wives bid farewell,To the husbands of war

It only takes a sword,To takes a man’s life

The clash of men,Means the clash of swords

For there is only one thing,A bird cannot sing

From a battle cry of a soldier,To the weeping of their families

It only takes the clash of swords,To end a war, so their families can be in crisis no more

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Kyle GrysbanL. C. Swain Middle SchoolMs. Henry ~ 8th GradeLife = Experience + Ambitions + Hope

A game with a goalA path with two, three waysA war that you lose but you earnA drive with twists and turnsA chance that comes and goes

Day by day the cards slip out of your handsYou can’t grab hold of itBut every one you lose you gain one more

It starts out as a seedThen grows and learnsOne by one the leaves fall offBut another one sprouts

The bottle is draining,But be wise with the amount you lose‘Cause there might be no moreOnce the last drop is gone

It is lifeFull of regrets and angerBut it bears more filling Than anything else

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Sophia ZhengBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeUnreal Brainpower

Imagination is a powerful tool,It broadens the horizons of the mind.It can perceive memories vividly,Without a single thought left behind.But some thoughts you think ofAre not as real as they seem…Because perhaps the places (or things) you pictureAre only visible in your dreams.

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Noah MusaBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeThe Ocean

The sea is like my home In the cool, salty water I never feel alone

When I swim in the waterI feel at peaceLike all is right in the world And it’s in perfect harmony

I dive beneath the surface Down to the bottom deepHoping to find some treasuresThat I will forever keep

I float in the water I swim in the seaNo one can be happierIn the sea than me

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Mykalah MooreIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Lukasik ~ 8th Grade4,207 Miles

A bittersweet nightcold and darkThe only light my computerthe Quotev homepage refreshedA popped up notificationannounced a new commentI was sad, lonelybut your words brought a smileto my pale faceWe talked and laughedI never knew you’d be the reasonmy tummy fluttersI never knewon dark days you’d bring a smile to my faceYou made me cryhappy and sadthe tears comeI’ve changed for the bestYou’ve turned my life upside downPeople say we’re wrongthat we’ll never make itthe we’re being dumbbut we don’t give upOur love is pure, sweetand keeps me going

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I never knewa girl could change everythingfrom 4,207 miles away.

Felicia TuckerPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 8th GradeMysterious Marvels

Dusty sculptures border the skylineWhy people visit these relics is a mystery to this brain of mine.

Crumbling, creepy, stone foundations still standing,for all time to beat down by sanding.It is a marvel something simple is so strong,maybe all those who take such things for granted are wrong.

Maybe these temples have secrets of their own,and we are all waiting to be shown, or maybe these are just buildings of stone,resting for ages, for what they are knowntaking the beating of generations to come, seeking their secrets, of which we know none.

All answers are lost to the wind,of all the Great Pyramids.

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Moyra StewartHome School Student8th GradeBoy love

I’m in loveBut does that mean he’s in love with me

No,

It hurts to not have That person in my arms

BrokenheartedNever ends

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Cici ColonPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Scruggs ~ 6th GradeThe Things I Feel for Him Is Gone

There he isOh no, do I look good?He is walking towards meMy heart skips a beat1,3,5,6,7, it’s like a drum off beatI look at him; he smilesI smile backI think he notices meHe walks to give me a hugBut he walks right by meHe gives the girl behind me a hugNow all feelings and love for himIs now gone forever

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Bailey DavisBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeSneaky, Proud, Hostile

Sneakyis a jaguar,high in a tree looking for someoneto pounce on,moving flawlessly through the leaveskeeping away from danger.

Proudis a lion,not caring what challenge it facestrotting through the savanna grasslooking to put an animal in a cast.

Hostileis a hippo,ready to bite someone in halfin a second dangerous, and aggressiveready to attack, strikingbefore thinking.

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Jerry Hicks, Jr.Watson Duncan Middle SchoolMs. Green ~ 6th GradeRaising

The sun raised into theMoonlit skyBrighter than everFlaming, orange, goldenColors warm up the Shadowy blue morning skyLaying on the gritty ocean sand

Watching the sand blowWatching my body slowly shiverWatching the dark sky turn into light

People don’t know I’m hereI like being aloneWith the words of people Coming through my headChanging my thoughtsI’m different than your averageGirl

The sun raised into theMoon lit skyBrighter than everFlaming, orange, goldenColors warm up the Shadowy blue morning sky

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Laying on the gritty ocean sand

Jules FoxBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 8th GradeIn a forest, near TampaWild animals roamedBirds cawed, bears roaredWater dripped from a tree, quietly

The river raced on,And animals came out to huntThe sun rose, slowlyTo meet the roosters loud cry

The tall trees leaves whispered in the slight breezeThe alligators swam in the swampy lakeWhile the scared fish darted awayNight time fell and animals went to sleep

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Brian CopelandBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeMy Home

I have a homeforgetful of cool, wooden floors.No painted concrete walls close me in.No plain rooftops seal the sun away.

Sand massages my slow steps. Salty sea air enfolds me in its motherly arms, calming my worries,and my fragile mind is liberated of haunting thoughts.

Waves crash in harmony with the seagulls’ cry,and crabs dance to their underground burrows forming a sweet symphony.

The sun sets inits cradle beneath the horizon.

I’m without free will.I have to leave.

A car light blinds my sorrow-filled eyes, people push me in their busy hustle, and hostile city life pulls me in its trance.

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I’ll be back.

Yasmin Fonseca Palm Springs Community Middle Ms. Costello ~ 8th GradeFall

Joyous trees dancing in the windI swing on a swingThe air more forceful than ever beforeI run around, jumping in the leavesThe jolly trees have left these here for meThe beautiful leavesTheir color the same as my number two pencilSo bright and colorfulAlmost like a new type of rainbowMy cheer fades as my dad decides to rakeI’ll see you on another windy dayThat day is hopefully close byObviously, autumn is crawling awayYet, I hope I see more leaves to leap in after todayI love fall and all the seasonsThis one most of allfor many reasons.

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Melissa CandalesPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Martin ~ 6th GradeThe Man on the Moon

The man on the moonHas a long, dark pastHe would have told youBut you never askedHe threw a line outAnd got nothing backSo before you start telling liesYou should check your facts

Rumors are what killed himSo now he is all aloneSitting on the edge of the EarthNothing but skin and bonesHe fell apartAnd no one came to save him when we drownedHe lost his soul, his life, himselfHe is lost, but never found

He casts his fishing lineOff the side of the moonWhispering storiesAbout his death and doom

He can’t talk to anyoneBecause they forgot his nameHe’s just the man on the moon

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With eyes filled with pain

Julia BonavitaBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 8th GradeThe Hadron

Stripped of my essentialsI am with without a homeThere are many more beside meBut I am still alone

Accelerating fasterI am forced to the unknownMaybe I’ll escape my fateBut I am still alone

Consumed by utter darknessMy sorrow hasn’t grownAssured by a lack of choiceBut I am still alone

I understand my purpose nowThis awakening hard as stoneI fragment others just like meEnding still alone

90

Connor KearleyIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Lukasik ~ 8th GradeTears

I can feel the chill waterdrip downbeads of fresh anguisha salty waterfall tickling my chinI let it trickle downand watch it splatter against the cold,unforgiving concrete

splinteringpure shards of glasshuman emotionsare the most delicate

Raw emotion, not thoughts, but tearsa crook streams down my cheekit is a meandering rivercarrying its woes to the unknown

I make my oceanit surrounds merivulets of tearsgush from my bodycarrying awaymy strengthmy pridebut also

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my despair

Michael Wang Bak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 8th Grade The Aviary

A perfect little world,Sun-drenched stonesSpreading from a little pool,Lovebirds sing a sweet melody from high above.Scarlet wings beat majesticallyKeeping their owners in the air.The bird feed jumps across the ground,And a flock of rainbows falls to meet it.Birds of paradise snap at the dry little seeds,Rainbows reaching towards a pot of goldAs sunlight shines in throughInvisible glass walls,Keeping the problems at bay.

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Vinay MalutBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 8th GradeRainberry Lake

In the light of the lamp,By Rainberry Lake,She sat by the water,As it began to wake.

She saw it creep up,Almost to her foot,She waited so patiently,For it to bite the hook.

It tugged and tugged,Pulling her near,And with one BIG SPLASH,Water was up to her ear.

She didn’t fight it once,With the water drowning out her thoughts,Never had much confidence,She gave up.

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Erin FortCarver Middle SchoolMs. Tillman ~ 7th GradeL O V ED E A T H We remained, For how long I do not know I cannot tell,A feelingThe ghost in the chair, Inhuman sneerHis thin widening lips,Assaulted me And once I knewThis motionlessAnd diabolic figure Made known its commandsBy its eyes,“Tear your heart, Swear never again Or I will ruin you Utterly,Not now,Evermore.”

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Caylla MartinPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 7th Grade New Age

The people of the new agesquatting over wooden platformssqueaking away with a peculiar instrumenton a thin white piece of paper

How strangenot in the fieldslearning how to move the groundand create food out of sweat and time

How strangecreating swirling shapestalking to each other through this thin rod

How strangethat the New Peoplecan create lightsoundand show past eventsand create themfrom scratch

How strangethat the Free Peoplecan bend the world to their willFlying across the skieswith no boundariesfor wherever they want to go.

How strangeto a Simple People

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that in the futurewe turn to gods?

Michael Wang Bak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 8th GradeBreakfast

Days begin with a happy tummySitting at the tableWith a plate full of "Yummy!"Scrambled eggs and French toastIt's what I crave the mostNot to forgetThe delicious rest...Warm oatmeal, chopped fruitsFresh muffins with orange juicePB & J and parfaitsThere's so many to chooseEvery single morningEight A.M.I'll happily be feastingIn the kitchen

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Lauran GuzmanPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Bredeweg ~ 8th GradeGreed is unintelligentLove is blindHate hurts the mostFear leaves you behindHope can’t always helpAdventure isn’t lying around the corner;When many were here before youBravery mostly leads to violenceThe top pushes you back down1st place is almost never the one that worked truly hardestDreams only reach for the golden crown Power goes to your headPoor tugs at your heartSorry means what when smilingSmiles may fade to a frownBut when you see the glass half full And the night as bright as the day When you see all humans equalAnd drive all sorrow awayWhen the smiles are started by oneAnd the pain has stopped in allYou see the meaning of life Whether you are rising or feeling the cushion that broke your fall

97

Megan TachevBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradePain

The boy looked with longingAnd took his first few steps outto the beginning of summer He got on his bike with joy The wheels turned as excitement ran through his bodyNever knowing change was due to come

Grammy was there on the day I beganWith hopes of our lives together Joy from the beginning was evident upon her facesharing life and all of its challengesEvery day was spent having fun She was a rose, passionate, and sweet

The boy riding along free his balance challengedCorrecting, the error was out of his controlLike it or not, he was going to fall He wouldn’t know how bad it would be,time seemed to stop

The pain she endured I can’t relateHowever her spirits were highNever letting us know her stateshe tried to rally and everyone prayedShe wore a smile that never faded

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She kept trying to win the fight to the finish

For him the ground was unforgivingthe pain was nothing he likedBut nothing could be changedhis cry would break your heartThis was the beginning to the endA mark remained to forever tell his tale

In the end her death fell upon usTo say we were all shocked is a statement unjustA river of tears were cried And her untimely passing, created a holeOur hearts filled with fear of what’s nextWe love her so much and miss her to death

We all have a scar with a tale to expressAbout a life’s lesson we all will faceBoth the boy and my heart are part of this stressIt might not be easy, but pain will never be erased

99

Jessica CoraDon Estridge Middle School Ms. Adamo ~8th GradeMadness

Ah! How simply life falls from your mouthhow easily your lips may frownas rain dribbles down the glassand you spiral your way downThe walls constrict you, pulling, pushing-- complete the epitome of sin --but you pay no mind, it’s too far goneas you dream ‘bout rivers rushingYour body has a consciousness its ownthe heart beating all aflutterbut you dismiss the hum of boneas you wander through the darknessalone.

100

Brittany DuffeyLogger’s Run Middle SchoolMs. Temple ~ 8th GradeOne With Nature

Peace, silence, serenity. I hear the chirping of the birds in the distance. The water flowing downstream. The leaves ruffling in the distance. I hear the leaves calling out in desperation as they are being trampled on.I sense someone’s or something’s eyes upon me.Should I turn around?I take a deep breath. When I set my eyes upon it, its green sparkling eyes stare at me intensively. As I walk closer it turns back and vanishes. Another night, another dream I did not perceive thisAs I ponder on my thoughts, I feel myself being pulled away.It concludes.But there are no true ends just new beginnings.

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Carlos RomagosaCrestwood Middle SchoolDr. Ealy ~ 8th Grade The Seasons

In the summer, I am the wind.Surging through the sky, so ubiquitous.In the fall, I am a pile of leaves.That has fallen from trees of brown, red, yellow, and green.In the winter, I am a snowman.Standing tall, firmly on the ground soon to melt away.In the spring, I am a flower patchWith roses and dandelions and beautiful chrysanthemums.I am something different in the seasons, so extravagant and still just me.

102

Nephtdie RonnyOkeeheelee Middle SchoolMr. Zach ~ 7th GradeThe Summer Garden, a Mother’s Day Poem

The leaves on the trees sway side to sideAs a variety of royal birds are spiedThe turquoise bay glistens in the afternoon sunWhile the fish in Apple Creek take the salmon on a run

The Acapulco blue retreats from the skyThe sparkling fireflies come out to flyWhen the bungalow brown horse comes for a midnight rideAll the field mice scurry off to hide

The fiesta red apple falls from the tree Oh, how wonderful this would all be if only I was thereBut … “MOM, CAN WE CUT THE DOG’S HAIR?”

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Seth RodgersIndependence Middle SchoolMs. Kerr ~ 6th GradeHome

Home is the place I love to be;It beats movies and beaches, even shopping sprees.

Home is the place with warm company,Including my adorable dog, Evie.

I love its games and music and lots of TV,Also, the conversations with my sweet family.

Once I get home, I’m filled with joy.As I play with my puppy and her small purple toy.

Up in my room, I have a bunk bed,When I sleep I have great dreams in my head.

For there are many places I love to roam,But when it comes to the best, nothing beats home.

104

Hannah KerrPalm Springs Middle SchoolMr. Gosa ~ 8th GradeMore Family Time?

I feel like I should spend it with my dadHe's a very nice personSerious most of the timesSmartest person I've metAnd a very good businessmanI want to go horseback ridingWatch boring endless soccer gamesGet ice cream every other dayHe's making my brother go everywhere I goJust because he's scared someone will flirt with meOr that something might happenHe's always looking out for me and my little brotherThat's my dadI love him very muchAnd love spending time with him

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Barbara CostaBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeMy Little Dreamboat

My little dreamboatTakes me awayFrom the seaOf reality I swim in.

Once or twiceI must sail beyondThrough my thoughtsAnd my sanityMy hopesAnd my dreams.

I imagine many thingsMost I can’t describeBut I can sayThat without itI could not survive.

Through these unforgivingWaters we travelWhere hope can be futileWhere the creatures are hostile.Our ships may sinkWe are lost at seaOur riches are sunkenOn the ocean floor they rot.

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My little dreamboatNever floodsOr tips-even a littleMy treasures are safelyLocked awayIn memory they stay.

My little dreamboatHas no ambitionNo gold it seeksOnly love and courageOnly my dreams.

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Nisa Ilsin,Bak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeGargoyles in the Fountain

murky watersflowing over sidesflooding floorsonce purenow tainted

filthy gargoyles living stonemocking angelsdemented laughinginsane smilingtemporary home

scowling cherubsfists clenched arms crossed silently seatedwatching warilydisplaced spirits

blessed fountainpristine liquidmerged with impure rivers

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Kattrina ErilloPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 6th GradeStarting off My Day

Waking up in the morningFeeling like a lazy bearWith all of my silly chest hairGetting out of bed to get dressedAnd to go feed my brother, the pestFinally walking out the front doorJumping off the tile floorI go inside my carSmoking my cigarThen I drive off to workAnd have a wonderful day

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Alek NigroBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeOur Sun

He looks down at us from dusk to dawn,With the powers of gods in his hands.Spreading his powerful energies,across all the people’s lands.

He gives us the rainbow,the colorful looking stripe.Coming only if the rain flows,beneath his awesome light.

He has been revered as a god,by Romans and Greeks.As Helios and then Sol,their days were never be bleak.

He gives us the spectrum of colors we see,from red to orange, yellow and green.Blue, indigo, and violet as welltheir beauty is something you can't sell.

He sits in one spot as we rotate around,sharing with the seven siblings we've found.He is the father of all life,Causing none of our people great strife.

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Anderson KhochaichePalm Springs Middle School Mr. Gosa ~ 8th GradeOnly Girls Can Be Ninjas

Boys can’t do everythingOnly girls can wear dressesBoys may be princes butOnly girls can be princesses

Only girls can be ninjasOnly girls have the perkOf getting away with doing nothingWhile boys do all the work

So next time you sayBoys are so much betterThink about all the things girls can doThat boys can do never

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Maggie SperryBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Carey ~ 8th GradeNight Cover

A frog rests on a lilylike a guardhe watches every movementand hears each sound

the plants and sun are in reposenow it is the moon’s turn to shineand the stars’s time to twinkle

the dim waters ruffle mysteriouslyand all that is heardis scklick scklick scklick of the cricketsand seen the navy hue of the night

with silver sensation of starsthe mottled foliagedecorates the eerie watersand the pureness of the lilies

add hope for the morningFlorida wetlands

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Savannah LuepnitzPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 6th GradeWhat Would You Do

If I was a flowerPerched on a wallWould you look at meNotice the beauty,Of the tiny thing on the wall

If I was a weedWrinkled and dirtyWould you notice meCrushed in the pavementThe rotten old garbage

If I was an animalI house pet of sortsWould you visit meTell me I'm specialLend me the company

If I was a legendThe one you never forgetWould you treat me differentFrom a flower, or weed, or animalWould you lie to me

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Maggie SperryBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Carey ~ 8th GradeLa Bella au Bois Dormant

Her golden hair cascades down the side of her bedA red rose rests in dainty handsWith a simple gold crown on the crest of her head.

An eerie silence fills the room;Only her shallow breathing can be heard;Waiting for a prince to become her groom.

After pricking her finger, she met her fate.Nothing could protect her from the curse’s graspNow all they could do is wait.

The prince fought hard.He finally slayed the dragonRiding to the castle to get his reward.

A kiss of true love broke the spell;Her eyes fluttered open to meet his.They lived happily ever after and all ended well.

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Desirae MerrittWestern Pines Middle SchoolMs. Sall – 7th GradeDream

In my sleepAutumn leaves And Morning dew Litter the ground.Harvest sun At its peak A Meandering brookWinding down Deep blueTropical fish Jump and flipChildren on a hill Waiting for winter snowCold as ice Rain drops flowA tearMy awakening Will a perfect dream ever happen?

115

Chavous AnthonyPoinciana Day SchoolMs. Shaw ~ 8th GradeStarry Night

I look up at the sky and see a pretty thing.The twinkling stars are as sparkly as a diamond ring.The damp grass is a wet towel when I lie down.In this starry night, I will never frown.

As the night goes by,I stare at the illuminated sky.It is as beautiful as a rainbow light.The starry night is billboard bright.

I gaze upon a dim as fading light star.I can tell that it is very far.I wish it could be more near,so seeing the star would be more dear.

I rest down my head,and the grass is my fluffy bed.This night was as fun as New Year’s Eve.I wish that I never have leave.As I rest in the starry night, I don’t make a peep.My brown eyes are hot cocoa and I close them and go to sleep.

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Lena CroneBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeFate and Destiny

Fate and Destiny are two different things-Cannot be changed, cannot be avoided.Fate and Destiny is a one-way roadTo Fame, Glory, Success, or Death.

Fate and Destiny With sentimental valueHave worked their waysSince the beginning of time.

Without Fate and Destiny we would be lost-In the fabric of space and time.The world hangs in the balance.The world is about to break.

The world would be dead without these two-The Earth void of life.Nothing would live, nothing would grow.The world would drown in an eternal fire.

The world would have been driven into chaos-There would be hunger and strife. The people would be wasted and stripped of all life.Fate and Destiny are key.

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Fabrice Lamour Bak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeWinter Wonderland

My skin wrinklyLike a rotten tomatoIt’s winter in MaineIt’s ten belowThe snow is fallingI’m lying on the frozen groundThe snow is my fleece blanketI stand upI walk to the houseI drink my hot chocolateI rest on the couchWe all go outsideWe watch the snow fallAs if it were Florida rain

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Ciaran DooleyBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeIt Takes Time

Life or death they would all ways be thereThose words were lies I know that nowThey were whispered in secrecy, I believed themToo many years passed, too much time

How could I forgetThe face I saw every dayThe small creatures I swore to nurseTo cherish their love

They remembered meThey knew my name, my waysHow could I let them go so suddenly Now all that is left is memories

Should I cry, should I be strongThe time has come to tryI must let go, try not to rememberIt may take weeks, months, years

They are happier now, or at least I'm toldI will never forget my memoriesBut when I look back thenI will smile and see what good times we had

Don't worry, it will get better

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Maggie SperryBak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Carey ~ 8th GradeElegant Celebration

Fancy hats,Elaborate dresses,Exquisite suits,

Waiters waltzing to take ordersFrom the guests

Sipping happily on drinks Engaging in small talk Waiting on their banquet

They eat and enjoy the viewOf the garden’s plantsAnd towering stone carvings

“Compliments to the chef!” They exclaim

As they finish their meals in bliss

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Ashley Paul Palm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 8th GradeThe Ivories Taunt

The black and white keysTaunt me to playSinging notes Of the song I just wroteAnd I smile

The tones vary With every songThis pleasing contrastMakes me sing

Not a doubt in my mindIs found when I playI have no worries Or thoughts about my day

I hearken To the magical soundFeeling like there’s no one aroundMelodies and harmoniesFlood my eyes and ears

If you try to talk to meI really won’t hearThis beautiful instrumentMakes me overjoyedIt’s really somethingI cannot avoid

And so it sits there Mocking me

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Until I walk down the hall And sit down blissfully.

Claudia CartayaPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 8th GradeStray Cat

The day is coming to an end,The sun disappearing down the trees.The moon appearing in the sky,The animals going to sleep.

I live in the middle of the street,Hiding from human beings,I am a stray cat,that most people wouldn’t like.

I once had a family,A home to keep me warm,A bowl of food when I wanted,A place I could call mine.

People liked me in those days,But one day my family left.They left me alone in the house,and they never came back.

I waited for them days and months,Wishing that they would come back,Wishing they would feed me food,And wouldn't let me be a stray cat.

But they never came back.So then, I left the house,To forget the memories,

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The memories that still haunt me now.

Atia MohammadgharibaniBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Bender ~ 7th GradeA Nightmare

It's hard to dreamWith nightmaresSmothering your thoughtsThe monsters of imaginationCreeping into your head

Rainbows and bunniesI yell to my mindBut the death and despairEcho backTaking over my brain

Why won’t they go away Why do they torture meAm I really that badCould I have changed thisAnswer me I call

We are youWe know your innerFears and truthsYou’re not scared of monstersOr clowns are you

You’re scared of yourselfYou created useYou need use

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Don’t you, they sayI know it’s not true

I don’t need youI try to convince myselfI only need myselfRight, right, rightOr do I

I sound insaneBut I long for companyFor someone to Never leave my sideEven if they are monsters

Am I a monsterIf they really are just meCould I be this thingThat haunts meOr is it just my imagination

I am a monsterAnd you know whatI like itThe thought I couldAt any moment be….

A Nightmare

Maggie SperryBak Middle School of the Arts

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Ms. Carey ~ 8th GradeLaura

Her voice unique as Golden FleeceHer skin powder whiteFine metals adorn herBeauty is her right her right Hair a sheet of fireHer eyes piercing jadesShe dances on a wireWith feline grace Her confidence is power She makes no mistake She acts like a BarbieAlthough no Ken awaits Given whatever she asks forThis world she roams aloneOf amour, uproar and lore Isn’t hers to own

Laura

Sofia GrossoBak Middle School of the Arts

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Ms. Alonso ~ 6th GradeForevermore Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee"

I never did believe in love at first sight.Perhaps that's why I made you chase me for so long,Why I never returned your smiles.I made you run if you wanted to catch me.

I didn't expect you to follow through with it.I thought you would leave me.But you always did love a good game.I thought that was what we were.

Our jokes,Our laughter,I thought it was all a game.I thought that that was what you thought, too.

I will never forget the day,That you told me you loved me forevermore. You met my eyes,And held my hands.

And I said it back.

Laughter became more meaningful.I was happy with you.It became less of a game,And more of my life.The angels, I knew,Were jealous. They had always hated me.

I had cheated death,Evaded them,

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Multiple times already,And they still wanted me.

And then, there was another day,That I will never Forget.It was so very cold that afternoon.

The rain,Born from fresh angels' tears,Soaked me,To the very bone.

But no waterCelestial or not,Could douse the flames that lived in my heart,And flared only for you, my love

We were young,They said.Yet they didn't realize,That love knew no age.

Neither does death.

And so my highborn kinsman came,And bore me away from you.Shut me up in a sepulcher,In our kingdom by the sea.

My last words to you,My love,Were;"My name is Annabel Lee."

Zoe TernerCarver Middle School

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Ms. Tillman ~ 7th GradeThere’s a timewhen we cryand need someone by our side.

The only thing that we need is a shoulder to plead.

When you’re aroundI try to hide,So you won’t see this face of mine.

You put your arms around me, but all I say is I’m okay, its fine.

You know this isn’t mebecause I alwayshave a smile from cheek to cheek.

I think to myself you’re the one for me,but on the outside I’m just a girl looking for love

that I’ll never know.

Shania Castro Palm Springs Middle School

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Ms. Hreschak ~ 7th GradeUnder the Canopy

As I lay under a canopy of trees,Eyelids drooping feeling the breeze.

As I daydream under the cluster of clouds,Absorbing their gray in surrounding shrouds.

As I stare in awe at all of the lights,Casting away worries into the night.

As I gaze up towards an array of stars,Drowning out the noise of faraway cars.

Realizing that I will never see it all,Gives me a feeling a being very small.

The sea in its entirety being so vast,The predators in the plain needing to run fast.

The world is so big, and I so small,Hoping that one day I will see it all.

Nadia SialEagles Landing Middle School

129

Ms. Bloom ~ 8th GradeA Cloudy Day

Gregory was in the park.The cats meow and dogs bark.

It wasn’t too nice outside, rather cloudy.He sees a yellow Camaro and a blue Audi.

He just got new shoes, and a nice shirt.They came from his mom’s boyfriend; his name is Curt.

The clouds were so puffy, puffed up with pride.The squirrels land in trees, after they glide.

He’s so mad, he just stepped in clay.That’s what’s going on, on this cloudy day.

Ezra ArcherBoca Raton Middle School

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Ms. Sapio ~ 8th GradeSummer Camp!

Kids sweatKids bet.Children act sillyThey give each other wet willies.

Some kids fall Some kids can’t even catch a ballSmart kids write Grumpy kids fight

Some kids are short Some kids are tall,Some are a shape of a ball

Some kids are skinnySome kids are fat,There are kids skinnier than a bat

Kids walk around with dirty feet,When they hear music,They dance to the beat

I tell the kids to go to sleep But instead they mock me with sounds of sheep. Some kids want an orange to get some Vitamin C,The counselor says to avoid the humongous bees!

This is the end of summer campHey kid. Why did you break my lamp?

Jonathan BoutrosPalm Springs Middle School

131

Ms. Elliot ~ 6th GradeWritten in the Stars

Written in the stars is a story beyond Venus and Mars.A story of love and faithA story of a winner and a story of an apeStars have engraved in them the stories of many.But in this one star on this one nightMy story is being written.My future and past are all in this one star.This glowing sphere that surrounds us in many formsWhen a star’s story has ended, It goes to the Mother Sun and disappears into the huge glowing ball of fire.There are things we don’t understand written in the stars,But our stories go on.What do you see written in the stars?

Lorein MonesBoca Raton Middle School

132

Ms. Sapio ~ 8th GradeI Know You’re Okay

I know what you’re thinkingI know what you’re feeling I know what you want to say Don’t tell me that you’re okayWith that fake smile on your face I can see right through you.

Keep your back turned away that’s just fineYou might think that no one cares, but just turn aroundYou say that no one has walked a mile in your shoesWell that’s very true but what’s the point of Walking a mile in the same shoes? If you want the best in life Then get a different pair.

Why do you make yourself feel so worthless?It’s not your fault, keep your head up!And just keep going.Keep going and look straight in front of you

DON’T LOOK BACK!

Your past is behind youAnd that’s where it will stay.I know what you’re feelingI know what you’re thinkingI know what you want to say

Now I know that you’re okay

Miya Hamil

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Palm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Hreschak ~ 7th GradeThe Bridge

There it was, the gargantuan bridge,Standing 120 feet tall.It was meant for me.I jumped, plummeting 120 feet,Feeling like I got punched in the face with cold reality.Astounding pain emanating from my heel,Causing me to keel,In the end it was all worth it.Aside from the pain, a rush of exhilaration sped through my mind,Faster than the speed of light,Because without pain, there is no gain.

Dane Chapman

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Boca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeLunar Vision

All is quiet in the dark of nightLights are dim, the world out of sightTiny scattered pinholesAcross the land in the black of nightStaring out a window no larger than a plateGlancing back to home so far awaySeems like eternity until the breakOf crisp new dawn and the light of daySo far from home, but so much to learnIn this noble, brave endeavorHeading into the wide expanse of outer spaceFrom family, for a time, I have to severFloating free in this confined spaceWithout gravity to hold my body to the groundIf I scream here, there will be no soundFor I am a spacewalker cascading through the airWithout gravity to embrace meA new perspective, a new way of lifeI have experienced, lived, and foundI place my fingers against the glass so coldAnd look at the spherical blue-green glass marbleThat my two fingers can hold, EarthAt once, fragile and strong, impressive and smallThis spectacular home I call mineAt this instant, this moment, this point in timeIn the great vastness of spaceAll intricately designed like a piece of laceCelestial boundaries I have broken throughAnd made my mark upon youFor as a female spacewalkerBreaking boundaries is what I do.

Sarah Palumbo

135

Eagles Landing Middle SchoolMs. Bloom ~ 8th GradeThe night sky fell,and everyone raced inside,and street lights busted on.

Two boys inside,eyes stuck on the window,saw objects coming by.

Distracting loud noises,rockets by the end, fly far outside.

Space shuttles came,and the boys had fun,Imagining them close

Watching all night,till by the end, leaving,never seen again.

Hoping the nightwould not end,they were entertained.

David Castro

136

Palm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Elliot ~ 6th GradeBeginning with the first sight,Unknown by the worldThen from four legs to twoEntering the unknown world of geniusMoving to a four-wheeled device, Taking you from place to place.From there you get your ups and downNew sights to see,But all good things have to endEven if you don’t need it to,Even if it is only half way.But everything has its logic behind the meaning.Though loved ones may want to join,You are stuck,From above to below,Forever incased in the cage of death.

Callista Payne

137

Bak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeThe Garden

Like a skin of loose silkblown against a wall, she is walking by the railing of a path in Kensington Gardens.She is dying piecemeal of a sort of emotional anemia.And roundabout there is rubble of the filthy, sturdy, unlikable infants of the very poor. They will inherit the earth……Orphans sob having nothing to eat,And cry to their mothers, saying “Feed me please?”

Chase Chapman

138

Boca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeApart

Though for now we will be apartTake all of my heartKeep it safe each and everydayUntil we meet again someday

I'll give it to you in returnBecause it's a gift you have earnedUp until now you couldn't seeBut thank you for giving life to me

In times of sorrow and in times of weakI will forever be with your beatTrue love shall live foreverIn a new life togetherLiving out our happily ever after

The chances of finding you may be smallBut I'll give it my allAfter all we've been throughNo matter where we end upThe one I love will always be you.

Yanileth Martinez

139

Palm Springs Middle SchoolMr. Gosa ~ 8th GradeYoung girl, short and thinwears pink purple green and blacksits on the floor right next to the door with her bowl full of snacks she eats all her beats then snacks on some jacks all that is left is a bowl full of white that spins in circles with a spoon like the moon

She drops the spoon, it’s almost noonshe puts her head down low and licks the bowl

When she is done all that is left is an empty bowl, and a not empty girl.

Jordan Decker

140

Palm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Hreschak ~ 7th GradeAna Who

Ana Who asks for candy and help,Who is as bright as the sun,Who is mysterious sometimes,Whose hair is like golden strawIs too sweet and kindWho tells me that we are best friends foreverWho tells me that we will never speak againWhose little body is too small for the size of her heartAna who is my best friend.

Ashley De La Cruz

141

Western Pines Middle SchoolMs. Sall ~ 7th GradeMy house flew over the seaOh, dear, oh my, Oh me!The book had come aliveYet I wasn’t prepared to flyThen the room began to tiltAs my strength began to wilt

As we flipped,

And we turned

My book sat in my lapAs if magic could’ve used that!But the room was like its pagesBlack, white, and plainStriped, patterned and flowyAll as I sat in my chairWatching the adventure unfoldMy eyes opened wideAs we flew higher in the skyThe room was just a jumbled messOf drapes, shelves, pots, and carpetsThen we droppedDOWN

Into the sea

Laura Dunlap

142

Palm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Costello ~ 6th GradeThere is a place by the river

There is a place by the river,where imagination runs freenot bound by the iron chains of stupiditywhere humanity isn’t guidedby a burnt out torch in the black tunnel

There is a place by the riverwhere the rain is not blooddrawn from menby their brothers

There is a place by the riverwhere the beach is not coatedwith grey sticky muck,washed up from the polluted oceannor where the ashy smog-filled skyweeps as we clog up her lungs

There is a place by the riverwhere factories aren’t called schoolschurning out perfect, identical studentskilling creativity

There is a place by the riverwhere you aren’t judged by what you look likebut rather who you are

Where is the river?

Michael Wang

143

Bak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Samons ~ 8th Grade I’ll Go On

When I arrive, I hear what you say.You say the most horrible things.Your words are cruel,Low, nasty, vile, and offensive.I could go on and on.The things you say are about me.You think it hurts me, but guess what?It doesn’t.It actually puts a smile on my face,To know you take all of your time to talk about me.Let me ask you, are your words supposed to kill me?Are they supposed to destroy my self-esteem?Or are you just trying to let me know that you don’t like me?I don’t care if you don’t like me.My mother didn’t give birth to me for you to like me.Your acceptance means absolutely nothing to me.So talk about me until you don’t have a single breath in your body.I’ll go on and be happy either way.

Naelle Lespinasse

144

Boca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th GradeBeach by Night

The sun has set, I wave goodbyeSeagulls fly away in flocksThe sand leaves the ocean floor,The fish swim to the end of the seas The sun has set, I wave goodbye

The cool air wipes across my face The moon makes its grand appearance I stand in awe at the beautiful view I see no star in sightIt's the moon and I The moon is making its grand appearance

I hear the ocean’s roar, defeated once again by gravity I see a fisherman in the moon’s bright glow I feel the cold night sand in my toes The night creatures pick the remains of food buried in the sand I hear the oceans roar, defeated once again by gravity.

Gabrielle Resnick

145

Bak Middle School of the ArtsMs. Alonso ~ 6th GradeMy Heart

You locked up my heartdisplayed for me to see like art

It taunts me, I will never get it backyou've held it too long for me to act

I have nothing in my chestit's like you're giving me a test

Playing a game

Do you like me?

Who will ever know?

Never give me time to showthat I can love you 'til the end of timeI see you everydayyou smile and I didn't know what to say

But here’s my love, that’s all that I can give away.

Briara Jones

146

Palm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Cichewicz ~ 6th GradeHuntress’s Sport

An eerie howl sliced midnight like a bladeAn icy chill spread throughout the silent gladeDarkness enclosed the hunters and their tracksA titillation penetrated them and their mighty packsNot a second elapsed before the beasts spotted their preyThe hunt began, on that frabjous starlit dayThe sound of Artemis’ hounds could have been heard from Olympus they say,When a snow white buck led the glorious chase without further delaySilver streaks, and gleaming teeth surrounded the poor, beaten stagThe noble creature, begrudged gave in, dignity gone, and only a wound on its scragThe mistress came forth, eyes brimmed with mirth, and put the beast out of its painWith a hymn of thanks, the hunters melted into the darkness, as the air grew colder with bane

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Moyra StewartHome School Student8th GradeFloating Frogs

The fishwatched my friends and I float in the air,

surrounded by cattails while the sky watched over us,

and blues, greens, and purples all bled into one,

and we the frogsplay

Jurni Juergen

148

Palm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Elliot ~ 6th GradeOn the Edge

I’m at the edge of a cliff,Far away from the past.It’s familiar, but is it really better?I don’t know.That’s what scares me,The unknown…Which is exactly where this cliff leads.The wind blows a little bit,I tilt.I’m almost off.I look down and see fog.Miles and miles of dark,Clouding my brain.The wind blows again.Here we go...

Sophia SnellingBoca Raton Middle School

149

Ms. Sapio ~ 8th GradeOnly the Shadows

The girl screamedA church bell tolled its songAnd pigeons flew awayThe boy and girl ranTo distance themselves from meThere the father in his graveAnd soon the mother tooI sat on a horseKiller I amEnjoyed their runI hid the poison in my pocketAwaiting their return Dark shadows leak black and gray DingDongDing Nothing will be saidOnly shadows will remain

Willow AbrahamPalm Springs Middle School

150

Ms. Costello ~ 6th GradeThe Way I Play Soccer

Sweat streams down my faceand my skin turns redunder the watchful eye of the sun

The sound of cleatspounding the earthis deafeningas my enemies chargedown the field towards me

I can sense the shooteris going to miss

All at oncethe ball collidesinto my chest

Screams of victoryroar across the fieldand the grass stainedgame ball rests,lovingly,between my hands.

Jean Phillip BernatePalm Springs Middle School

151

Ms. Elliot ~ 6th GradeMother

The one who holds me at night.She saves me from any fright,We talk and dance,And do anything with a chance .Mother .

The one who cares for me,Even out in the sea.We sing,But that’s how we cling Mother

The one who makes me healthy, To stay fit and be wealthy.She doesn’t spoilShe’s a good friend and loyal.Mother.

The one I love, Like a daughter and a mamma dove. She gives a hug and kiss,That I’ll always miss.Mother

The one who gave me life, And is teaching me to be an outstanding wife.No matter the weather,She will always be my Mother.

Yesleny MartinezPalm Springs Middle School

152

Ms. Hreschak ~ 7th GradeUp So High

I touched the bright, blue skies,My, oh my…I’m up so high.Forgetting about my life’s problems,Smelling the crisp air in autumn,I wish I could feel this for a lifetime.The air sounding like silent wind chimes.But all of a sudden, the skies darken,My life flashes,My fantasy crashes,And burns to ashes.That’s when I wake upMy face in disgust!I don’t believe what I’ve seen!I shout and scream,It was all a sick dream!

Dorie MarcelinBoca Raton Middle School

153

Ms. Sapio ~ 8th GradeDusk

The cold autumn galewhips through the cracked, bare branches,as the golden crisps slowly flutter to the ground.

The crisp pale wind glides through the street with an empty rustledisrupting the settling dusk,as the pinkish-orangish streaks settle down in the distant, infinite horizon.

The dark ink of night slowly blots out the pinks,and the oranges,and the blues,replacing them with a velvety purplish canvasstars winking, shining, gleaming.

The street lights flicker onone by one,marching to defeat the darkness of the coming night,slowly illuminating the crumbling asphalta lone raven speeds though the blanket of skybarely visible, cawing.

The trees stand bare against the night skyunwavering,watching the starspeacefully waitingfor the sun to rise again.

Michael Wang Bak Middle School of the Arts

154

Ms. Samons ~ 8th Grade The Girl in the Mirror

I told the girl in the mirror I didn’t like her hair.I asked the girl in the mirrorWhy she was always there.

I reminded the girl in the mirror Not to look at me that way.I asked the girl in the mirror Why she never had anything to say.

The girl in the mirrorJust stared at me with sad eyes.Every time I look at her,The more and more she cries.

Now the girl in the mirror Is no longer my best friend.Sometimes I wonder If I should put her to an end.

Yureki SalgadoPalm Springs Middle School

155

Ms. Cichewicz ~ 6th GradeGame of Survival

You have me thinkingIs this a game

Just part of the planTo love the girlWho is of flames

Native to the sandOr is it real

What you feelFor the girl of District 12?

No time to trustFear of betrayalEmotions become nonplussed

Snuggled inFor the press

No true loveThough you seemed blessedJust for now

Until the endAs long as weDo not descend

Susan GuzmanPalm Springs Middle School

156

Ms. Bredeweg ~ 8th GradeThe War

I used to be strong and brave,But now I stand by his grave.Standing tall, large, and proud,Oh how I missed that he was loud.He was ready to battle and fight,But he put a lot in his might.He tended to not be able to run and escape,Now I stand by his crown and cape.He was a soldier,And as his friends hid behind a boulder.He jumped out and fought,And then he was shot.I stood there and cried,Knowing that he died.That night I couldn’t sleep, I stood there and would weep.And to this day I always cry,I wish I can say one last goodbye.

Taylor CarlockBoca Raton Middle School

157

Ms. Sapio - ~8th GradeUntitled

The shadow cast a single thingNever seen and pulled by string.

It stands alone in middle place,But only shadow, cast with grace.

I sleep alone, no care, no pain.But monster’s identity shed grain by grain.

The light has silence, no noise, no sound.It’s light, it flickers, dying by power.My drums, in my ears, starting to pound.The invisible monster, approaching by hour.

I awake to the vision of blank textured walls.I thought it my canvas, colors sheeting the walls.

Some call me crazy, demented or twisted.My pictures, they startle, I’m listed.

I try, and I try, expecting a difference. The crowd never changes, I need some assistance.

The mural is bending, distorted, it’s art! They say it’s my mind reflecting from this.The same crowd insulting my heart.The insults draw closer and titles I bliss.

Alas, still judgment, pictures of death,My emotions are swelling, until my last breath.

Frustration, anger, hate and shame.The human anatomy’s mind is to blame.

But calling of demons from songs that you sing.Oh, insanity, it is a beautiful thing!

Alex QuiggleWestern Pines Middle School

158

Ms. Sall ~ 7th GradePeacock

A blue princeStriding the evergreen palaceSpreading its wings gracefullyFlashing the rainbowHidden beneath its tailWalking with eleganceEnchanting every stepA beautiful crownResting on its royal head

Where does he go?No one knowsWhen he stops creatures stareJealousy peeking here and thereCalling its mateWherever she may beTo join his palaceOf happiness and peace

Lauren GuzmanPalm Springs Middle School

159

Ms. Bredeweg ~ 8th GradeThat One Person

I have never had this feeling before,It felt like I wanted her and nothing more.At first I didn’t care much for her,But as I got to know her, I began to desire her.This had been something I never thought would occur,She was the only one that I couldn’t let go,Her smile was my sun.All I could think of was that one person.That one weird feeling I had was for that one person.She didn’t care what people thought,She didn’t care what people would say, even if it were someone that they didn’t like.This odd feeling made my heart pound.This feeling was love,And I only would feel this towards that one person, that one girl.But my heart was torn asunder, when I told her.She had taken my heart and ripped it to pieces.She had told me that we should stay friends.Even so, I couldn’t get rid of this feeling.She would always stay on my mind.That one person was the one I couldn’t forget.I would think of her whether it was day or night.I will not stop loving her becauseLove is stronger than might –That one person

Redrick Horton-SchittkoBoca Raton Middle School

160

Ms. Sapio ~ 8th GradeMy Place

I want to go to a placeother than the store. A different kind of place,one where I wouldn’t be so bored.

A place filled with friendly sunsetsand a warm sunrise.It’d be a place where I wouldn’t want to cry.

My place, my world, the one I’ll call my own.

Yasmin FonsecaPalm Springs Community Middle

161

Ms. Costello ~ 8th GradeControl Z

Now I own the moment foreverFlowing, moving, like tiny little stories, vignettes, sewn together

Savor the dramaEach angle and shotThe moments, suspenseful,Romantic,Hilarious

Each moment’s every aspect intricately pre-crafted

No time to mess up

Always in a rush, missing this or having too much of that

Take 1...Take 2...

The greatest part?I can redo life if I mess upLike a real-life “control-z”

Matthew NadelSaint Andrews School

162

Ms. Miller ~ 8th GradeThe Puzzle of Life

Life is like a huge puzzle.Every day you fit one piece at a time.Each time you fit a piece, you get a better picture of your life.There will be days when you can fit pieces in,And days when you can’t fit any pieces at all.Those days are your pain, suffering, or you are just lost.There will be times when you think it’s all over and your puzzle of life breaks.That is the puzzle of life.Just find the pieces and fix your puzzle again.It may take awhile, but that’s okay.Take your time, but don’t give up.Life is hard, but that is life.That is your puzzle of life

Maria PhamBoca Raton Middle School

163

Ms. Sapio ~ 8th GradeLight of my Life

Waking in the morn, horses prance bursting through the horizon. Apollo, jubilant, drives his Chariot of Sun across the dawn sky, scorching the canvas a flaming orange, casting light on all whom without him would be forlorn.

He rises on spring morning’s melting frost,warming the world like a fire on a cold winter night joy and light from his presence without cost, all the world soaks in his light.

Working and playing we welcome his light upon us, Apollo, the candle of our world, the fire that never dies. If he never woke again, the world would be a muss. He is the illumination of our lives.

He brings us the seasons and the time, and we would be lost without either: Apollo the rhythmic god of rhyme.

To have darkness as day or the moon as the sun I would dream of neither, but to spend the day on a rolling hill of green. The sun fondly smiling down upon me would seem, as if I would never want to leave and never care to again be seen.To live my life under the wonderful sun on that rolling hill of green, that is my dream.

Moyra StewartHome School Student

164

8th GradeThe Brother I’ve Always Wanted

My dog is like a brother to me,Something a lot of people don’t see.Sometimes he’s mellow and sometimes he’s crazy,He’s five years old and still acts like a baby.There are no bad things about him,And if you ask me if I don’t like him,That is something I will never agree.

Alex TwistBoca Raton Middle School

165

Ms. Sapio ~ 8th GradeLove

Love is the color of divine red roses.It sounds like the thumping of your heart.It tastes like the richest of chocolatesAnd smells like fresh pastries cooking in Italy’s streets.Love looks like the faces of newlyweds.It makes you feel numb in the heart.

Zachary BottomsWestern Pines Middle School

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Ms. Sall ~ 7th GradeJudgment

If you’re going to give your opinion About my hair, and my clothesOr my smile, or my weightPlease don’t open your mouth.I don’t want opinions on what I did wrongBecause it’s not my job to please you.

I don’t want to hear your opinions about meBecause when it comes to who I amAnd who I will be, The only person that matters is the one staring back into the mirror

And trust me,That opinion isn’t very nice either.

Yazmine Rosario Palm Springs Middle School

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Ms. Marcarian ~ 8th GradeA Novel, A Writer

The ink spillsHands batteredPaper tearsThat’s a novel

Head hurtsFingers acheSore eyesThat’s a writer

Plot twistsCharacters misbehavingWriter’s blockThat’s a writer

Late nightsComputer screensKeyboard flyingThat’s a writer

Ayse DemircanBoca Raton Middle School

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Ms. Sapio ~ 8th GradeMy Life

My lifeis like a foggy maze of sufferingif I go one way I am lost Gone

ForeverI hope for something better,but all I get is a crashing and screaming thrill ride

when a good thing is coming my waybefore I get to it,I am pinned by a bunch of needlestears of suffering and painflow through my eyes like a river

If I take another step in life I will be ripped apart Forever

Ariel Ferguson Poinciana Day School

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Ms. Shaw ~ 7th GradePain

Wake up to pain,And feeling insane,Is there something wrong with my brain?I should go see my uncle in Maine,But I don’t have enough money for a plane.It hurts to see the fear,But I know it is near.When will it ever be good?When will I eat some food?I have a life, but no wife.I guess I should get a job,And stop being such a snob.It hurts so much I might die,But I believe what I say is not a lie.

Kerlens DavilmaBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th Grade

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Sports

So the Ravens play Sunday nightThey and the Forty-Niners, it'll be a fightRay Lewis's last seasonIt could be for a good reason

Hopefully he walks out in New OrleansWith a ring on his fingerA smile on his faceAnd someone new to take his place

David HemoBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th Grade

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Abandoned

A girl,Always happy,Big smiles,Showing her white teeth,With a glint in her eye,Laughing aboutWith her friends,Today,She stood alone,Without a friend by her side,Abandoned,Ditched,Now,Confused,Without a clue,She wasn’t laughing,Frowns appeared,Instead of smiles,She sat in the dark,Lonely,Creating the only thing in her eyes,Tears

Amber HoayunPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Hreschak ~ 7th Grade

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Scratch That

I am the ordinary,the everyday,the familiar

I am the complicated,the elegant,the beautiful

My family tree is so extensive, so complex, no one person knows of its entirety

I am a symphony of human activity

To start, a logger cuts a cedar tree in the Pacific NorthwestHe seems my most immediate ancestor,but what about the saw and everyone who made it?The rope? the bags? The trucks?

Transported now. I go to a factory, get combined with graphite and lead and rubber. And ferrule. And clay. And wax. And heat from a kiln.

Then I go to a store. Or a school. Or an office. Or to help a logger cut down a cedar tree.

Still. There is an absence of a mastermind. No one watching over my every stage. I am the absolute result of people organizing voluntarily to unconsciously, spontaneously cooperate to cater to human need.

I am set down on a desk now, used to fill out forms, take an order, draw a blue print, do long division.

How nice I feel in the hand of my owner, loved, warm, useful. I make a friend, a sharpener, who helps to keep me useful and loved, my entourage.

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Soon, I meet yet another friend. I tend not to talk with him very much, though my owner seems to love him.

A computer. That is what he is called. His face flashes, lights up, and dims. Soon, I almost never get picked up, feel cold, and get quite bored.

One day, my owner is using her computer next to me. Her elbow knocks me off the desk. On the floor I lay, waiting for a savior to warm me up in her hand again. It never happens.

Soon, from the floor, I see new guys come into the room: tablet, iPod, iPhone, e-reader. They are all loved, cherished for their every aspect.

TV. TV is next. Some men come to install him. Careless, exhausted they were.So much so that they did not recognize my brilliance. They stepped on me!

I no longer lay on the floor, really do not lay at all. I am crushed.

I have been physically broken, but my presence remains.

All those scraps, Post-Its, Letters in the diary. They’re all still there.

I am still there. I, the pencil.

Matthew NadelSaint Andrews SchoolMrs. Miller ~ 8th Grade

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Time is a Killer

Like the shell of a person,She is hollow like a vacant house,She walks among time,Watching herself as she slips away,In a frenzy she is trying to hold on,But she is losing her grip,Gone and then gone.

Sarah GibsonBoca Raton Middle SchoolMs. Sapio ~ 8th Grade

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Blind Eye; Bird Nose; Bent Lip

The look of scarcedThe breath scent of hard laughter…The horrifying feeling I get when they look at me…I AM BEAUTIFUL.Is what I tell myself.Some people say I’m nothing but an ugly shady girl.But…I. AM. BEAUTIFUL.Just like Christina says, “I am beautiful no matter what they say, words-can’t-bring-me-down…”They judge me by what they see… But what they don’t know…Is that I AM BEAUTIFULNo matter what my Blind Eye; Bird Nose; & Bent Lip Looks like

Jenna CaplandiesPalm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Marcarian ~ 8th Grade

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Perception

I walk briskly on the solid cement, my feet sore with oozing blisters resulting from unlimited mobility.They throb my legs.

The sewer air escapes into me, a loose hinge bursting open, forcing me into a deep exhale. I choke on a cloud.

The echoes of cars chase us with their checkerboard sidelines, BBBEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPP!Their rage intimidates us.

A feint breeze from a long gratelicks my shy ears, blowing its minute whisper of air,My body shudders.

The beaming signs shock my eyes, and puncture my brain with excitement, Outspoken and indescribable,I am blinded by my surroundings.

Two gold medals,Clanking around my neckembellished golden winged keyMy soul explodes

The odor of over salted hotdogs penetrates my nose as I capture the breath of the city,And bottle up my perception.

Seanna HarrisBak Middle School of the Arts

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Ms. Carey ~ 8th GradeBasketball

I walk into the locker room The pump up music blastingThere’s the jerseyOn the hangerWith the name on the frontMore important than the name on the backIt’s game timeI can hear the crowd alreadyCheering for who they wantI walk on to the courtAnd nothing else mattersNothing but how I feel, and how my team feelsWe are a familyWe win together and we lose togetherI walk to the circle for the tip offIntimidated by her heightI show no fearThe whistle blowsAnd the ball is thrown upMy love for the gameHas started all over again

Alyssa BialakisBoca Raton Middle School

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Ms. Sapio ~ 8th GradeThe Everything Doing Machine

You ask me sir, “What does it do?”Well here you go, I’ll tell you.

I bought it sir from a Dollar StoreIt will work at any chore.

Homework, bills and more to boot,Your train broke? Well it can toot.

Polishing your favorite shoeWhile cleaning up the cleaning crew.

Cleaning cars and also dishes.Saving lives and granting wishes.

Fixing phones and your guitar.Bending that big metal bar.

Stopping babies from ever crying.You don’t want it? Well I’ll keep trying.

Painting, drawing, plowing, farmingCleaning, washing, taking, givingBreaking, fixing, anything else that ends with “-ing”

Do I hear a one? Do I hear a two?For whom is this? For you, or you, or you?

I’m not sure what you’re saying mister Yes Father, that is my sister.

Nathaniel Auld

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Palm Springs Middle SchoolMs. Bredeweg ~ 7th GradeColors

Colors swim around herGreen, black, white, And her hand cradlesThe deep blue of the ginger pot

The mid afternoon sun Captures her in cameo And lush leaves overhead cool her

She smiles and a light falls on her face Kind eyes are framed by her black hairShe stands radiating her beauty

The colors belong to herAnd bring peace In this serene place The colors are her

Shatashre Das

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Palm Springs Middle School Ms. Costello ~ 6th Grade

The Palm Beach County Middle School Poetry Competition is a 501(c)(3) Association.

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contact: pbcmspoets@gmail.com

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