At Ease
Forestville Military Academy
Literary Journal / Volume One
Foreword
This compilation began as an assigned created to give my students an in-depth experience with controlling the English language. Our aim was to by limit their seemingly inexhaustible creativity with words inside the restraints of prescribed meter, form and length.
I will leave each work as close to its original form as possible in order to maintain the author’s purpose and a sense of the communication style. Some errors were not edited and the overall changes are minimal. We also decided to leave some expletives, although sanitized, in the work. For our cadets, word usage is a key in their oral and written expression. I feel that it is imperative that the style is preserved.
This journal will display several poems, a few non-fiction writings and other written ideas that one would encounter in the Ville. These works will give the reader a brief and honest sense of the minds and abilities of the cadets. I hope that the reader can appreciated and enjoy the words that follow.
Sincerely,
Marq C King!
Editor
New Words
Manz (mănz) n. -- close friends. That’s my manz over there.
“Rapping me up” (răp`n mē ŭp) – to hold someone captive through unnecessary conversation. He was rappin me up in the cafeteria.
Bait (bāt) n. – an attractive person, physical qualities to attract sexual attention. That’s my bait. I got that bait.
“Rockin like nuffin” (rŏk` ĭn līk nŭf`fĭn) – a statement that expresses a willingness for combat or disapproval. I‘m rockin like nuffin!
“Some kinda way” (sŭm kīn`da wāy) -- feeling uncomfortable, dislike. She was feeling some kinda of way when he said that.
Smack (smăk) adv. – directly. I went smack at her.
Hopping on (hŏp`pĭn - ôn) v. -- to agree with the comments of another person. You are hoppin on, wipe your mouth.
“Doin Too Much”(Dōō`n) (tōō) (mǔch) – bringing unnecessary attention. Mrs. Smith be doin too much.
Jah/Jai/ (jăh) adv. -- extremely, really. She is Jah cute in them jeans, son.
Baba (bä`bə) pron. -- African, Jamaican, or Caribbean person. That baba always smiling at her.
Cise (sīsé) adv. – to instigate or exaggerate, provoke. He is just trying to cise it.
Wellin (wĕl`lĭn) v. – posturing, act irrationally see “ doing too much”. He was wellin.
Skeechee (skēt`chē) n. – an unattractive female. He was messing with that skeechee.
“Cupcakin tha Smeezie” (kǔp`kā` kĭn)(thē)(smē` chē) – to date a female of questionable character. We saw him cupcakin the smeezie.
Boo Lovin (bōō)(lŭ`vĭn) – to show inordinate affection to a mate. She is on the phone over there boo loving.
Bam Out (bām out) – an irritating display of hysterical emotion. My moms had to bam out last night.
“Guh” (gŭh) adv. – an utterance used to show dislike or aggravation. You are “guh”
Splashy (spăsh`sē) adv. – to act/dress in a manner that will draw attention.
He is splashy with his clothes.
Fry (frī) v. – to use humor to insult and demean. Keep playing, I’ll fry you.
“In/Out the Box” (ĭn/out thē bŏx) – to be a part or nonparticipant in the current conversation. You are out the box.
Besty (bĕs`stī) n. – best friend. She is my besty.
Things Cadets Say to Avoid Work or Responsibility for a Poor Grade
1. Huh?
2. I didn’t know. . .
3. You didn’t write it on the board.
4. You didn’t tell ME that part.
5. I forgot.
6. I didn’t stay at home last night.
7. I work after school.
8. I lost it.
9. The work was boring.
10. I didn’t come to school that day.
11. I did some of it.
12. It’s in my locker.
13. Can I go see the nurse?
14. I’m mad at. . .
15. My momma put me out.
16. I left it on the bus.
17. I’m confused.
18. I don’t understand.
19. Why do we have to do this?
20. I don’t feel like working today.
21. Don’t grade it.
22. Can I do it over?
23. I wasn’t ready.
24. He/She was cheating.
34. He/She got an “A”.
35. I was up late last night.
36. You don’t like me.
37. Can I turn it in later?
38. It was too hard.
39. Nobody did it.
40. Everybody failed.
41. Let me do it over.
42. I’m upset.
43. I need to go to guidance.
44. My friend got it.
45. I left it at home.
46. Did we have to type it?
47. I have a problem with the assignment.
48. You don’t understand.
49. Can I have some make-up?
50. You mean
51. That’s not fair
The Ten Commandments of How To…
. . . get your ex back Lonnisha Locke
1. find new bait
2. make a Myspace page (if you don’t already have one)add your ex as a friend
3. give a cute boy/girl your number
4. ignore your ex
5. call your ex just for conversation
6. make him/ her jealous
7. wait for him/her to call
8. when he/ she does call play hard to get
9. laugh, smile, tell the person how you feel
10. get back together
. . . control your boyfriend Nadine Contee
1. Have the upper hand
2. Slap him around
3. Yell at him
4. Downgrade him
5. Say mean things to him
6. Order him to do things
7. Never beg
8. Intimidate him
9. Mug on him
10. Act like you’re the man
. . . control your money Tyease Miller
1.Don’t spend money on dumb things
2. Don’t eat out when the house is full of food
3. Don’t buy clothes just because you are too lazy to wash clothes you already have
4. Spend money on things you need
5. Have a budget
6. Keep that budget
7. Have a weekly/monthly goal or plan on what you want/need
8. Keep up with this plan
9. Hide your money from yourself when ever you have something important to do
10. Shop at giant once a week instead of Ihop, McDonalds, KFC, Popeyes
. . . control yourself Destinee Mitchell
1. Keep your business to yourself
2. Give an illusion that it’s under control
3. Business & pleasure separate
4. Don’t deal with loud people
5. Stay away from risky situations
6. Remain calm
7. Leave the kitchen when it gets too hot
8. Keep a few truly loyal friends
9. Distract yourself if you must
10. Always have a back up plan
. . . be fake Victoria Gomillion
1. Talk a lot, but don’t do anything
2. Talk about somebody behind their back but smile in their face
3. Keep friends close, enemies closer
4. Ask questions but don’t care
5. Pretend to notice anything they have
6. Congrats when really jealous
7. Offer aid and cause them to fail
8. Act like their your true friend
9. Really wants to fight you
10. Talk a loud and whisper so they can hear you
. . . be a stand up person Denitrices Scott
1. Say what you mean and mean what you say
2. Keep away from drama
3. Don’t play any childish games
4. Handle your own business
5. Being a level headed individual
6. Keep to yourself / Keep your best interest in mind
7. Surround yourself with peers who have the same traits as you
8. Knowing what to say and how to say it
9. Put yourself in the person shoes
10. Make smart decisions
11. Keep your priorities in check
. . . deal with your parents Tiyah West
Don’t close the door when their talking
Never ever tell them you’re not going to do something
Be able to compromise
Spare their feelings
Show love
Stay out their way
Act like an adult instead of a child
Let them have the last word
Make good grades
Do not make a child
. . . skip class Robert Davis
Write a fake pass
Write a doctors note
Use yellow slip as a way to skip
Stay away from security
Tell teacher, you just arrived and write a fake yellow slip
If you arrive to class late, say you were with security
Say your locker was jammed
Go to the nurse’s office
Get a friend to call the office
Never let people who are going to go to class see you
Next class don’t be HOT and tell everybody where you were when you skipped
If possible go to all 3 lunches or rotate
If possible go to substitutes’ teachers class
. . . be a good friend Mercedes Quigley
Know they can turn on you
Have limitations / don’t tell them everything
Get rid of negative ones
Pay close attention to them
Pick friends that you trust
Know them like the back of your hand
Never have more than you can’t count on one hand
You stick with them threw blood and fire
All ways try to be straight up with them even if it may hurt
Don’t try to judge them for a mess up they will eventually learn from
Don’t be jealous over them
Work on trust and honesty
. . . control you girlfriend Robert Taylor
When you first meet her talk to her every chance you get\
Buy her a random gift and say it was for no reason
Call her maybe once or twice after the second week
Tell her you miss her after you just first left her house
Meet her parents
Don’t call her for two days and ignore all her calls
When she ask why just tell her you were busy
Meet her at her house and “lay low”
Tell her you got a new friend even if you really don’t
When she says she love you don’t say it back
to Survive at Forestville Military Academy
FMA aint really bad
Can’t say that for the people
They walk around school
Like their name is grim reaper
I got 10 commandments to tell you
How to be a good FMA cadet, staffer or teacher
Number 1 be precise, don’t look like some trash
Don’t come in here like you be thrown or smashed
Numero Dos, don’t have your “stuff” rocking
Don’t have your breath stanking
Or let your shoes be talking
Number 3, don’t be talking smart to nobody
Or you’ll get jumped by Lodie, Dodie and everybody
Rules number 4, 5, and 6 are super easy
Don’t start drama, don’t smack your mama, and just be brezzy
7, 8, and 9 just have to do with space
Don’t be faking, scared or be in somebody’s face
Number 10, most people don’t do
We all let it slide, focus on education when you come to school
Knight pride comes from inside
You gotta do the right thing before acquiring wealth
Think about FMA and not just yourself
Here’s the 10 commandments and they are not just for your health
Alexis Dockery
Typical Summer
Fires in the room blazing
Afternoon clock bells ringing
Mass sweat puddles accumulate
Stray dogs grazing
Hot water stinging
Old people recuperate
Temperature steady raising
No Alarm bells alarming
No longer need to motivate
The Sun centered, blazing
All the males trying to be charming
Only time to procrastinate
Miya Cox
Untitled
I love the summer
The heat and the breeze
I hate hot chocolate and coffee or tea
I love the heat
From the wind
To the breeze
I love the hot
Because you can do a lot
James Graham
Summer
I love the summer time
I love to go swimming
I like traveling to.
I love when the sun shines,
And the sky starts dimming
And the pool water is blue
I like wearing tank tops
and getting my nails done
and Going to the beach
I slide on my flip flops
and I’m ready to have fun,
Summer is such a treat.
Taneisha Shelton
Season
I love the spring weather
The temperature feels just right
It’s not too hot or cold
It’s beautiful in the night
I love when the sun shines
and I feel thee warm breeze
The flowers are so fresh
Sometimes they make me sneeze
When it’s really nice out
I put on my sun dress
Throw on my sandals
Put on a matching vest
Jahselyn Jones
Untitled
The summer is the best
There is water and fun
Drinking some cold lemons
All the ladies undress
Shoot yungins with the gun
Some of the girls gremlins
Some fellas try to test
Then ya make em go run
Scared like lil stink chitlings
The summer is the best
The time of the year for fun
Man I love swimming
Alphonzo Pearsall
You Want Me Back
We’ve been over
We’ve been through
You want me back
but im done with you
You never ever said a word
but now im on my 1st 2nd
Ooops I mean my third
but I guess you haven’t learned
My heart has been burned
Into ashes that can’t be returned
Jeffery Elliot
Kitten
I really hate my sister’s kitten
He’s small fast stupid and mean
Sometimes he scratches me
I really hate my sister kitten
plus he’s really bad he steps on the table
I chase him off it
He runs into the living room
I really hate my sister’s kitten
When I go to look for him
He’ll jump out and attack
then he will scratch my leg
Next he’ll disappear somewhere
I really hate my sister’s kitten
I look around the house until I find him
He’s hiding under my sister’s bed
He tries to get away but I grab his extra skin
I really hate my sister kitten
Once I pull him out, I pluck his nose
He gives me an evil look and then I put him down
He walks to the doorway then he looks at me
He shoots me an evil glance then dashes out the door
Christina Evans
Sassy Pink
Adorable pink so shiny and light
Brightly shown through day and night
Classy and sassy the perfect delight
Demanded to wear I will always like
Ever so pretty better than fine
Forget about the other colors to
Get a clue perfect for me and you
High class and loud sometimes quiet to
Irreplaceable to me maybe even you
Marisha Chaney
The Best Who Ever Did It
Football is the game he loves
His skills are all of the above
Yes he’s good
I’m talking about Antonio Wood
He knows he’s the one that has to seal the deal
but he doesn’t know until he hits the field
He knows his team needs to win
The opponent knows the have to stop #10
Pre game he’s on the field clapping
The other team running their mouths yapping
He doesn’t talk he just grins
He knows his team is about to win
During the game he’s the one who talk
while the others is quiet and shocked
There he goes with a touchdown again
They just can’t stop #10
The other team is having a fit
They got fired from having the best who ever did it
Antonio Wood
Summertime
Whenever the sun is bright
and yet the day is long
Children still dance and rhyme
When the moon brings the night
and crickets sing their song
While the dogs howl and whine
While heat and cold still fight
Those caught between go on
and these golden rays shine
A mans problems are slight
while the delight is strong
So just sit back, unwind
Thomas Cunningham
Change
There was once this shy little girl
A ponytail in curls
This little Spanish mami left
Her home to take a whirl
Oh, what a great place it is,
She always stayed to herself
Books a many of this great place
Were always on her shelf
Once she left here hometown
She was very disappointed
When she found out this great place
Was all screwed up she fainted
With time she got accustomed
to this great screwed up place
When she comes out of her shell
It’s to scream in someone’s pace
Spanish is what she is and no one can ever change that
No one can ever change that
Spanish is what she speaks
and that for sure is a fact
This great screwed up place, aint
That bad its something after all
She lives in this great place
Hoping nothing will make her fall
Monica Hernandez
Family Equals Friends
Ma dukes yeah she the top of the list
Nick, Nick, Nikki the first H.N.I.C
Ollie O Lil’ Bro escaped the big tree
Pops sometimes a real cool dude kinda
Its family but they’re friends to me
Alphonzo Pearsall
Philaisha Carter
An Endless Love
As the preacher said, “I now pronounce you man and wife”, “go in peace”, the bride sheds a tear. The minute the procession started everyone’s eyes were on her, but my eyes were on the groom to see if he had his eye on his future wife. The bridesmaids look very uniform as they gracefully floated before the beautiful bride.
A couple of hours earlier, as the party was getting dressed, one of the bridesmaids notices a small blemish on the bride’s nose and ran throughout the hotel looking for cover-up. Simultaneously, the groom exits out of the shower and begins to put on the tux and he finds a smudge on his freshly white shirt. Both the bride and groom are worrying about their ceremony going right.
Yesterday, they arrived to the hotel and checked into their rooms and said their final goodbyes. Earlier, the planner got up to find that there was no one to get the cake. The day before at the rehearsal dinner the speech her father said made her cry. No one embarrassed them or said the wrong thing. Two weeks before she picks the dinner and he picks the drinks, she doesn’t know what dress to pick. Their colors weren’t finalized.
The maid of honor was the bride’s best friend since childhood. She cried when the bride told her at lunch that day about the proposal. The groom’s brother, the best man, died last month. The only person left for the opening was his cousin who grew up with them. Last year, after the proposal, they were having problems and didn’t know where the relationship was heading. He wasn’t there when she needed him. The relationship was not new, but still blossoming. For a while, it felt like she was pushing him away.
They met through a mutual friend. Two years ago, however, they both were in other relationships. Before that he was a single man who lusted after everything in a skirt. Before him she had only had a few relationships, but she was not looking for the “one”. They had never known each other had existed until that day their eyes met and that was the start of an ENDLESS LOVE.
Dream
He was once very famous
but he kicked him I the anus
Now he’s locked up in jail
Beat him down right in his cell
The food very nasty
The place is just straight trashy
Released him right on the streets
No clothes or money to eat
He went out and found a job
Although it was very hard
He always held his head high
Chased dreams reaching for the sky
Turned around and got shot 10 times
Now he’s a gangster selling dimes
Bust a nut now having a baby
Can’t believe it his life is crazy
It all started being dumb
Now he’s a broke lazy bum
Never knew he was on that path
He wish he could bring back the past
Learned his lesson from everything
Woke up it was all a dream
Anthony McKoy
Really
Friends, no one really have them
Many can’t withhold the responsibility
Good one’s clash and bad one’s strive
Until the sudden end of friendship
No one can predict the outcome
Velocity, the key player to someone
Who calls themselves a friend.
Denitrices Scott
Confusion Blues
My girlfriend told me
I aint who you think I am
She told me
I aint who you think I am
She said I look like a woman
but baby was born a man
I stomped her out
I put my foot in her ass
I beat her down
I put my foot in her ass
She said baby wait
I said your ass is grass
Baby please
It was hard for me to pretend
Don’t go baby
It was hard for me to pretend
Don’t go baby
It was hard for me to pretend
But it aint as hard as telling you
I slept wit your best friend
My father warned me
He told me about people like you
He told me one day
He told me about people like you
She said, tell your father to shut up
Because slept with him to
Robert Kelley
Lonely
Lonely are nights
Lonely are days
Lonely I am in so many ways
Lonely are the seasons
Lonely are the years
So lonely I am that it brings tears 2 my ears
Lonely is also good
Lonely helps me think
So, lonely I am it also makes me sink
Lonely makes me wake up with a frown
Lonely makes me have big breakdowns
So lonely I am all I can do is pray
Lonely helps me think and pray
Lonely helps me thank god for each lonely day
So lonely I am it feels like I am going down
Lonely needs to be shut down
Lonely, slow down, so I can remove that
Lonely crown, and show people I am around
Maria McCants
Fatty
A fat little small hamster in a small city
was gray and black with big ears.
Fatty was a cute gift that kept me busy.
When he passed away it brought me to tears.
Everyday I wonder why he had to leave.
But in the end I know he’s sleeping peacefully.
Rochelle Stinson
Gone… With You
I can’t fade it no longer
Impossible to forget
I have to be stronger
I hate every minute
Every second seems longer
I have reached my limit
I can no longer ponder
Tell me it’s just a gimmick
I must be with you yonder.
Princess Johnson
Untitled
Denice woke up ready to play
She was determined to have fun today
She looked around the house for her jump rope.
She called Ashley to see if she was home
as soon as she walked outside she felt heat.
Beaming down on her like a ton of bricks.
Sweat rolled down her face like a waterfall.
She needed something to help her cool down.
I need some cold water to quinch my thirst.
Cheronda Thomas
Money
Green, necessity
Stacking, spending, throwing
Gotta have it, we lust for it
Cash.
Teenisha Mozee
Apples or Oranges
I woke up with a taste for fruit
Apples or oranges?
I thought about getting some juice
Apples or oranges?
I went to school with the question on my mind
Apples or oranges?
I went to lunch and had to decide
Apples or oranges?
I went home and had to think about it
Apples or oranges?
So when dinner came I asked 1 more time
Apples or oranges?
At the end of the day I decided apples instead of oranges.
Tre’von Coward
Mary Sue Watson
Mary Sue Watson lived in the city
Her catering business was so busy
Ouey guey chop suey was pretty
Taken, mistaken, eaten poor kitty
Bonnice Gillis
Waiting for Love
I waited and waited for hours.
I wanted to kill you
I’m so angry
I wanted to kill you cooked up this big fancy dinner
and I even wore my Gucci shoes.
The clock, the clock is ticking
I’m going insane
Pacing back and forth
I’m going insane
I don’t know what’s is going on, I hope your okay.
I know it’s a long fight, but did you make it.
Off the plane.
I heard the phone ringing
Hoping your number popped up
I was scared to look but I was
Hoping your number popped up.
Hello! Are you safe? I hope your on your way
Hung up the phone, took a drink out of my cup.
Finally, finally you walked in the door.
Leaning for a hug, but all you got were my fists.
The words I missed you came to mind.
But all you got were my fists.
I started to yell and scream
Until you sealed my mouth with a kiss.
Jahselyn Jones
Alone
I didn’t want to admit it
It was easier to lie
and hide the hurt and emptiness
To smile instead of cry
I didn’t want to face the fact
My life is full of pain
and I long to stop my bleeding heart
and maybe smile again
Cause I feel oh so forgotten
so betrayed and so alone
Without a trace of forgiveness
and no soul to call my own
I didn’t want to admit the fact
I cannot spread my wings
and my happiness has melted
Into tears and other things
Its hard for me to hide the fact
My wishes have no home
and return to anguish
Bow my head and cry alone
Vicky G
Shoes
Shiny, black
Squeaking, uncomfortable, pointless
All day everyday wearing
Bates
Kamesha Holmes
Money
Need, Want
Spendable, dependable, investiable
The best thing yet
Cha-Ching
Mya Selby
I Want Your Daddy
My baby’s gone
Left last Saturday
Don’t know what to do
Now that he’s gone away
Don’t leave me, don’t you let me be
All he wanted was my PS3
He left the kids
said he aint want them no more
Threw the keys on the table
and I ran out the door
Don’t leave me baby don’t you let me be
All he wanted was an image of me
He walks to the car
I’m running to the gate
He put the keys in the ignition
I’m screaming baby wait
Don’t leave me hunnie don’t you let me be
All he wanted was money from me
Now this is it
as I stopped the car
He got out the car
This is going be hard
Please leave me shawty just let me be
All I really wanted was your daddy
Armani McMillian
Yaquanta Epps
Untitled
And then they had got arrested for fighting and for putting others life in danger. Ashley and the girl were put out of the go-go. They had been fighting through the crowd. The girl had a problem with Ashley and had punched her in the face. Ashley punched the girl right back.
Ashley and the boy were dancing. The girl had spotted them out in the go-go, because they were both at the front of the club rockin’ to TCB’s latest single, “Bust it Wide Open”. The girl walked up to Ashley and said, “why you dancing with him” and Ashley said “girl”, “don’t come for me like dat”, “he dancing with me”. The girl said, “well”, “this my boyfriend”, “so”, “why the hell you dancing with him”? The girl said to the boy, “why you dancing with her and we both agreed we wouldn’t dance with other people” and the boy said, “but boo”, “its just a dance”.
Ashley didn’t know that he had a girlfriend and that the girlfriend was at the go-go the same time they were. Ashley went to this go-go at the CFE for her Birthday Ashley was light skin, about 139, with long pretty black hair and she was she always dressed real good. A lot of girls didn’t like her because a lot of boys thought she was attractive. Ashley was a very bold and outgoing person she was the type of person who didn’t hold her tongue for nobody. Ashley always got into fights, she was not as innocent as people had thought.
Jayden
Joyful
Active
Younger
Daring
Energetic
Nephew
Christina Simms
Untitled
Cold, frozen in stone,
Alone in a field of grass and open space
Can’t feel the meaning of life.
Denetrices Scott
Untitled
The big tree is tall
Sitting on the side of the hill
Its quiet and still.
Phillip Coles
Untitled
Lonely girl, what’s your problem
Why you sit so quiet and still
Pain in her eyes shows fear
Renee Pearson
208 Blues
Room 208 is where I teach
but the kids don’t listen
208, at the podium I speak
but the kids don’t listen
Lord Jesus, I go home tired to the bone
I don’t know if I can make up for what they are missing
My kids have a difficult time
Bad parents, bad hood, bad school
It aint easy for mine
Bad parents, bad home, bad school
It is clear to me, we all can see
and if you say otherwise, you’re the fool
Tameika’s mother wants to talk about her grade
Here we go
The mother doesn’t like the grade
There she go
Prententious woman, she is really faking
She knows why Tameika got the grade she made
Keith’s father came by the room
He didn’t like what I said
The boy’s father came looking for me
He didn’t like what I said
I told him like I told the boy
He ain’t got home training, going to end up locked up or dead
Ms. Turner is brown and fine
Sweet, sweet woman
Lord Jesus, that woman is fine
Sweet, sweet woman
Yesterday, I grabbed her hand, she gave me a kiss
I’ll do anything to have her be mine
Me and the boys teach by the river
Its close to the woods
We work by the creek
Its close to the woods
Mac is the Bishop, Clay is the good Rev and I watch the plate
Don’t bring your wild ass over the way if you cant be good
Our school is in Prince Georges County
watch what you say
FMA is in PG
watch what you do
Kids run the parents, the parents run the Super, the Super runs Joe Clark
and he runs you, tell the truth and you’ll get sued
I work from Dawn to Dusk
They thro gray hair at me
I work hard all day long
The blues are coming at poor old me
We laugh to keep from crying
I see what the ends going to be
M. C. King
Makita Greene
Mean
Attitude
Responsible
Kind
Ignorant
Talented
Attitude
Gorgeous
Rude
Elegant
Energetic
Noisy
Entertaining
Markita Greene
Tim
There was a boy name Tim
and nobody taught him how to swim
One day he fell off the dock
and sunk like a rock
and that was the end of him
Sade Smith
Lunch
Chaotic Melodramatic, Erotic
Looks like something out of a movie
This place doesn’t seem logic
Brandon Baugham
Untitled
A place without sound
Empty place without faces
Morning neighborhood
Jasmine Newsome
Untitled
I know this dude that use to sell water
Now he moved up to collecting them quarters
Got caught wit da weight and is heading for the border
Before he come back he’s gonna need a lawyer
Richard Fields
Cereal Bowl
Hungry for cereal so I grabbed a bowl
My stomach rumbling I can’t wait
to eat but I gotta pour my milk slow
but now it’s too late
My bowl overflowed
Charvon Hart
Mama P
Jolly old big cheeks
Unmatched love for her little ones
Nobody is as humble
Everyone loves Mama P
Alphonso Pearsall
Untitled
Silentness is a bore
Full of color and emptiness
Lacking any soul
Jacalyn Johnson
Sharonda Merrick
Sadless
Heartful
Analyzing
Relaxed
Honest
On point
Nonchalant
Demanding
Anxious
Malicious
Exciting
Radical
Right-handed
Isolated
Cooling
Kind
Sharonda Merrick
Boys
Boys are nothing but stupid sluts
It makes you wanna kick them in their butts
They make me wanna hurl
They always cheat on us girls
which makes me hate their stinkin guts
Mya Selby
Dust
Dust falling like snow
In the wintery hallway
Snowing on my lenses
Destinee Mitchell
Druniqua
D is for devoted in all that you do
R is for rose beauty that is true
U is for unique laughter and fun
N is for natural such a beautiful one
I is for innocent a heart of gold
Q is for quite a beautiful soul
U is for unfailing love to share
A is for appealing without compare
Druniqua Cheeks
Untitled
While traveling to Peru
I got caught by the police talking to a prostitute
He yelled freeze
and I answered you must not be talking to me
Don’t shoot I’ll lay on the floor after
I take my rubbers back to the store
Joshua Mckelton
Untitled
Timid winds sway tree
Leaves spinning flowers blossom
It’s the time the fall
Jeania Bagley
Untitled
What time is it now?
I see my bus and freedom
I wanna go home
Jimekiah Bell
Untitled
Watching the wind blow
Cars and no one around them
Many kids roaming the halls
Ebony Williams
Untitled
Spring brings blowing trees
Sun shines brightly
Over the freshly cut grass
Meshyla Harvey
Porsche Lamb
Five Guys Fright
There we were, me and the Five Guy’s night shift, sitting on the floor in the Employee Room, wondering what’s going to happen next. The whole situation was my fault.
Here’s how it happened. It was Monday afternoon, Five Guys’ slowest day of the week, all the cleaning up was done and there were no customers. There was nothing to do. We began gossiping. My coworker 7’8 was brought up. We called him 7’8 because he was real tall. Everyone but Kel had heard of the rumor about 7’8 being HIV positive. So, when Jay mentioned it. I co-signed and he believed me. Kel was shocked and started saying that he wasn’t going to work with him anymore. Every since that Monday, Kel would always mention it and tell everybody in the store. It finally got back to 7’8, he was mad and wanted to fight. He stormed through the door past all the customers and started to yell at Kel and he told him to come out back. The General Manager “Big G” was there that day. He was so mad at what happened that he fired 7’8. Big G told him he wasn’t allowed to come back to the store.
I felt guilty, because because I was part of the conversation that led to 7’8 getting fired. So a couple of days go by and everything goes back to normal. On Thursday I had to work the night shift which was kind of odd because I never worked a night shift before, but I just shrugged of the funny feeling I had. As the night progressed, everything went smoothly.
We closed at 10 and it was 9:56 and out of nowhere 7’8 runs in the store, locks the door and points a gun at us and yells, “everybody in the back!” We all go to the back and sit on the floor. He tells us to empty our pockets and put our stuff in a bag. He takes the manager out front to get the money out the register. When he comes back, he starts yelling, “ya’ll think ya’ll can fire me”! “Huh”! "I’ll tell ya’ll what ya’ll can do”! 7’8 snatches the manager up, makes him get on his knees and puts the gun to his head. Then out of nowhere we hear a big BOOM! We all scream as 7’8 falls face first into the potato sink with a hole in his head.
There just happened to be an off duty police who was in the bathroom when 7’8 came in. He heard everything that was going on and had been waiting to make his move. The police came, we all gave statements and went home. It was a crazy day at Five Guys
Untitled
Cold winter days
The snow melts
Weather remains the same
Anthony Mckoy
Untitled
Oh cold days
Breeze outside
Can’t wait till summer
Johnathan Trowell
Rude Boy
There was a rude boy that lived on the street
He pledged to be mean to everyone he could meet
He got a new neighbor and stomped on his feet
A very big boy that he could beat
So the neighbor got him back, he couldn’t see for weeks
Porsha Lamb
Big Gee
I know a fellow name Big Gee
who just married wife number three
Wife number two
was well over due
and Gee says that just couldn’t be
Gene Cole
Paul
There once was a man named Paul
who was proud to be six feet tall
He got out of bed
and bumped his head
and now he is four inches small
Kenneth Whitaker
Blue
There once was a boy named Blue
he once visited the city zoo
He smelled funky
and looked like a monkey
So now he lives there too
Adrian Walker
Untitled
Leaf less winter trees
Hating the dry windy air
Nothing like winter
Shakyra Cheatham
Football
Brown, pigskin
Swinging slinging sliding
I love the game
Aggressive
Daniel Hall
Love Still Lingers
Your smile made my life complete
Your birth changed my ways
My love growing, like a tree
getting taller everyday.
The love appeared like magic
disappearing in love reappearing in spirit
The sudden loss was tragic
my heart is strong and you’ll always be near it.
While walking, winds whistle, I still hear your cry
and with each steps, those you could’ve made
How I loved you, I wonder why
but, with a lock and key it’s saved
and though you’re gone, you’re my number one
I will always love my lost son
Armani Mcmillan
Mac Crew Rap
This life I’m livin’
It got me next door to prison
I’m hard-headed I refuse to listen
But prison is not in my vision
There’s no cell big enough to hold me homie
My whole life I basically had nuffin
So I figured the world owe me.
At least that’s what my girl told me
Id rather have money and be lonely
Then have homies and broke
True colors show in the end
When them friends don’t have ends for your winter coat
Then you freeze, but like a man I stand
Before you ever see down on my knees
Before I really on another mother lover
I really on streets, put faith in god
Before I really on these beats
Rhymin’ cool but grindin’ better
This fast pace rat race got me
Seeing so much of this quick paper.
Carl Blake
Yea, my name is Aaron but my friends call me Wax
I’ma do dis for a grade but, still I’ll tell facts
I need money like newborn need tits
So, close your eyes and soak up nutrients
You know I work at McD’s. Yeah, sumthin slight
stay eatin McDdonalds keep my pockets lookin right
Truth is I’m not a baller and ain’t neva claimed to be
But, I do what I gotta do to take care of me
I rolled out of moms joint when it was goin down hill
Her and her homeboy was lunchin, so it got real
Eighteen, out on my own doin wat I gotta do
I look afta self, work, and school too
Now, I ain’t gon lie, sometime its gets ruff
But, just like steak I bite down when it gets tuff
So, like I said before, not a baller, not at all
But, da Wax Man keep it on a hundred for all of y’all
Aaron Walker
Since 6th grade I been grindin
I be Rob at the X Games
Never had a bed with a bed frame
Got lied to until I knew
Kept caring for these people ‘til
I found out the truth
These people down low truly making
calls out the lootin. Have to look
out for myself just to get
some affair off the loom. Stepped
on hatas as I made it. Any
one I see I take. Used to
to go home to straight drug dealers
my fellas nad to make. Brown was in
jail for three months best believe that I paid it 3.0 on my report card
made that shit is crazy. Got
everything for myself from socks
to a whip without hittin licks or selling bricks
Richard Fields
Hershey kisses
Milk
Chocolate
Hershey’s kisses
Thy to ken of love
Given to sweet hearts
Faithfulness each couple
Shares of life of devotion
In sickness or health as one
Valentines Day is a chance
to reflect on the business
Tiffani Fuller
Kicks
Kicks are for cute chicks
I got a pretty nice mix
My kicks come on a dozen
I got more kicks then your sisters, uncle, cousin
Size six is what I wear
I got a hundred thousand million pairs
My shoe game never ends
They like my new replacement for a boyfriend
They mean, clean and unseen
Fresher than your hygiene
My kicks are deadlier then gun shot
Yours are too, maybe not
I love my kicks its my new affair
You can’t touch ‘em beware
My kicks roc harder then your whole outfit
You must admit
My kicks ain’t free
But they priceless to me
Mya Selby
Shrunken Blues
O mama, why’d you shrink my shit
what am I going to where to school
O mama, why mama why
now my shirt is ”C” through
O mama, that ain’t cool
It was just a small stain of dirt
using all that wasn’t cool
Mama you gonna make me cry
never wash my shirt while you’re in the pool
I can’t go kick it with my crew
Next time follow the bleach rules
O mama, you bout to make me kirk
O mama, I don’t mean to be rude
Please, Please, mama don’t make me cry
Why did you drop my pie
Now you have ruined my shirt
Today, I can’t go to school
Mama, please gets this dirt
I need you to remove this off my shirt
O mama, I used to be the cool dude
I use to be GQ smooth
Now, I will never be cool
It was just a small stain of food
Daniel Hall
Dad
Just to let you know
My father you are and will always be
You are so special and you meant the world to me
With your signature grin and arrogant attitude
You kept the world laughing through any situation or mood
with that, ever so, sparkling charm in your eyes
Hearing, as well as, coming to every last one of my cries
You were my superman
there for me, to protect and understand
keeping and shielding me from any harm or danger
even when we hadn’t talked and between us lay
So much anger
Lots of disagreements, issues, and dislikes
both always wanting to be right, different ways
but, just alike
Individuals so stubborn, kept hold of any sort
of conversation
Neither one of us bold enough to get rid of the built up frustration
The one’s around us telling us to talk and
show our love like theirs no tomorrow
Not knowing that it may bring pain, guilt, and
so much sorrow
Not knowing when the other will leave unspoken
Leaving the other in disorganized pieces and broken
Broken, left with heartache and so many wishes for the past
Not knowing your days were getting closer to your last
But, this was so unexpected
Proving life can be taken in a second
But, that’s never an excuse to not to tell you love you.
Like us, Father and daughter should always do
or have done
Like my mother the moon, you were my sun
I tried my best, to show you my best and shine
Pushed and tested on my succeeding path
time after time
Now this has got to be a punch in the face and a
stab in the back
Bleeding painfully, I can’t breathe and strength
I lack
You were suppose to walk me down the aisle,
but now on that day, it’ll be kind of hard to smile
for you I’ll stay strong and on top of my game
I’ll keep shining for you like nothing’s changed
It’s still the same.
I just wish I could see you again
able to hug and feel your skin
Look into your eyes, while you make me laugh
Loving you with my whole heart, never half.
Able to tell you how my day went
Giving you details on how it was spent
But, now I can only call and listen to your
Answering machine.
and through my pen and paper, tell what you mean
That night, all I had to do was call
that’s it, that’s all.
But, to keep me from crying I laugh at the memories
While the biggest smile on my face it sure leaves
Moments I’ll keep safe, and store deep in my
heart
Even though you’re gone, with them I’ll never
part
With you It was like danger didn’t exist
my own superman, gone, he will be missed
But here today, I hope, I’m not too late
but better late, than never on this date
So, I want to let you know I’ve loved you always
And will forever...
Jamesha Williams
Jasmine Newsome
Ain’t Nothing Like Love to Make and Break a Gangsta’
The grey clouds overhead poured their sorrows unto the Earth. It was almost as if they could almost feel the overwhelming sadness radiating off this particular young man. It was one of those moments when it felt like the world had stopped turning. His footsteps seemed to make the only sound as he approached the fallen figure before him. Everything around faded to black. All he saw was her.
Bijon fell to his knees at her side, feeling breathless. His chest felt heavy, like a ton of rocks had been loaded on him. Shaking, he took her in his arms and his eyes moved rapidly, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. The eyes of the one he loved were closed and raindrops trickled down her soft skin. No air slipped between her lips, which were slightly ajar. He was instantly reminded of the times he was graced with feeling those lips against his.
Still shaking, he grabbed her hand. It was already cold, vastly contrasting to the warmth they once gave. He brought her hand to his cheek, remembering how many times she stroked it, telling him how beautiful he was to her.
Where was his so called beauty now? Because of him her heart had stopped beating and she was no longer acquainted with life.
She didn’t do anything. If anything, he should be the one lying there dead. “You’re so stupid…” he muttered as he continued to shake uncontrollably. “Damn?”
He could never understand what she saw in him. He was one of the roughest people around and yet she still thought he was a good person. Where would she have been now if it weren’t for him? He didn’t know but he felt with all certainty that she would be alive if she hadn’t known him Why did she have to fall in love with him? And most importantly…why did she have to die?
“WHY???” his thoughts exploded to the heavens, drowned out the approaching sirens and for the first time, in a long time, he unleashed a river of tears.
“What do you mean you quit?”
Bijon stood there, not intimidated by the question. “I can’t do this anymore. This ain’t me.”
The gang leader, Ray, laughed, but it was not in a humorous way. “I can’t believe this…” he ran his hand over his face in exasperation. “You of all people…”
Bijon turned to leave when he suddenly felt something against his head. “Don’t be stupid B”. “You know the rules,” Ray said harshly.
Bijon didn’t say anything.
Ray, was holding a pistol against his head, shook his head. “Tch,” “and here I was thinking you were one of the smart n****s.” “Well, you had it good while you were in,” “now your dumb a** is about to be out.”
His finger was on the trigger. Bijon closed his eyes and just stood, seeming to accept his fate. He had planned on trying to dodge his capo. However, whether or not he got shot, the police would be there soon to handle Ray. He had called them in advance.
Ray’s finger pulled the trigger more. Bijon thought of escape. However, something happened that he wasn’t ready for.
“NO!!” The scream seemed to come out of nowhere and then everything seemed to pass in a blur. The trigger was pulled and before he even realized it someone had pushed him out of the way. The sound of the gunshot echoed through the air. Ray cursed when he realized what he did and walked away.
Bijon was still in a state of confusion until he looked on the ground and things clicked into place.
His girlfriend Fria had ran to him, found the strength to push him aside…and took the bullet meant for him.
He had never known that the fall into despair could be so quick.
“WHAT??”
“Yes it’s true…”
Fria looked at her best friend, her eyes wide and her body shaking at the information she just heard. Anita looked to the side and whispered, “I thought you knew…”
Fria was still taking a moment to process what she just heard. When she finally found the will to speak again she said, “So you’re telling me…that if he tries to leave the gang, they’re going to kill him?”
Anita nodded.
Fria shook her head, still not believing it. “I…can’t let that happen…” she whispered. “Are you serious?”
Bijon nodded. “I can’t take you for granted anymore. This gang stuff is not only dangerous for me, but for you as well. You’ve loved me in spite of myself, but now I’m finally going to try to be the man you want me to be. And I’m going to start by quitting the gang.”
Fria quickly wrapped her arms around Bijon’s neck, feeling overjoyed. “Oh baby, I’m so proud of you.” “But, you don’t have to do it for me…”
Bijon looked deep in her eyes and said, “You’re all I have to live for.” “You had hope in me when no one else did.” “You believed in me”, “stood by me.” “You gave me light when I was in darkness.” “And I really don’t deserve it.” “But for all the hurt I’ve given you”, “I’m gonna make it up to you.”
“Oh baby…” Tears came to Fria’s eyes as their lips met. Her boyfriend had finally come to his senses and was going to do to the right thing.
Bijon sat down to eat breakfast. He was deep in thought, going over the decision he made. He wouldn’t regret it and he knew it would be for the best. Also, it would make his girlfriend Fria happy.
He glanced at it for a moment before deciding to read it. He was never that interested in them, but Fria was. Maybe it would be coincidental and say something about how the big decision he was going to make. And it did…
The newspaper sat on the table next to his plate and the section with the horoscopes was folded to the front. Bijon drifted out of his thoughts, they were the first thing he noticed.
He looked for his sign and read the passage.
Making big decisions can come with consequences and rewards. Consider well, the decision you make today. It will be both a reward and a consequence for you and someone you love. Be careful how you go about making this life-changing decision. Remember, once it’s made, you can’t take it back.
The one thought that ran through his mind at that moment was “What the hell…?”
Summer
Dag it’s hot,
Drinking me some water
Cold Slurpees and sodas
Long pants, not
Booty shorts and tank tops
Make you pop, lock, and drop
One piece, I got
Shawdy need to slumber
Trying to get my number
At the Go-Gos a lot
sensual, sexy summer
Riding in your boyfriend’s hummer.
Brittany Mills
Untitled
I hate the winter time
But, I love the summer
Temperatures are just right
although many people whine
The 22s always tight
they attract the wine fine
Some say it’s a bummer
because all girls don’t bite
Simply because bedtimes nine
still getting them numbers
So the girls can fight.
Durrell Simms
Untitled
I wonder, I wonder, I wonder
What’s life like with me
Helping people lie me
I wonder, I wonder, I wonder
What’s life without me
Am I missed enough to be there.
Watch people move on there own
I wonder, I wonder, I wonder
How life is without me.
Ronald Braswell
Gogo’s
Party’s wild
Bouncing, chopping, fighting
So much I love
C.F.E.
Robert Davis
L-Burna’s Got a Baby
He sits in his chair thinking what to do next
The look on his face, and thoughts in his mind are both vexed
Where is he to go, what should his next move be
A couple minutes go past and he receives a text
His text read what are we going to do, this is a big step.
He replies I know, when you first told me, I almost wept
Scared is not the word, to describe the emotion they both feel
That night he ran around, ate, everything except slept
Soon a young baby will be in store for the two of them
With no job, the recession, the chance for survival is slim,
This baby is the last thing these teenagers need in their life.
Aaron Walker
Untitled
I been missing you
ever since you missed bail
I’ve been thinking of you
ever since you been in jail
Those collect calls just aren’t the same
Writing those letters can’t ease the pain
I miss how I feel
I’ve been missing your touch
I miss your embrace
Missing those hugs and such
if only I can reach through the glass
instead of talking through the glass for an hour and a half
I’ve been so lonely
I keep thinking if you I’m so alone now
missing my boo
Tears on my pillows from the nights that I’ve wept
waiting by the phone to push ‘zero to accept”.
I’ll be waiting for you boy
You’ll be greeted with a kiss
cause I’ve been waiting for you
Got to show you how much you’ve been missed
I close my eyes and imagine that day
you get out on the second Tuesday in May.
Destinee Mitchell
Shoes
Nikes, Jordan’s
Walk, run, jump
Cool, fresh, new, stylish
Sneakers.
Kyle Anderson
Untitled
I am a phenomenon
One of my kind
Chase paper and get dimes
One of my kind
Young man with big plans
One of my kind
Cute face that don’t play
One of my kind
Look out for family and fight for friends
I’ma goon till the end.
Richard Fields
Untitled
Know In that you have to do it
On the corner with a jay lit
Baby mama always trippin’
Cops just rolled up caught me slippin
It’s hard out here for a black man
With courage in my heart I can
But growing up with no father
Getting out the hood don’t bother
Born a innocent little boy
Running round the house with his toy
Mom has a future for her son
Look at him now her dreams are done
Mom always workin all day and night
Always teachin him to do right
With mom havin no time to spare
Lookin to the streets for his care
So he start selling bags of green
Disloyalty was all he seen.
Keishawna Gray
Destinee` Mitchell
Unsterbliche Liebe
Jim Furlough sits in a warm comforting chair in an ice cold room. The mood of the scene is just as cold as the room. Jim, a 48-year old neurosurgeon, sits facing a window with chairs lined up on the other side. He watches the family of his wife, Susan Marie Furlough, trudge grimly into the room on the other side of the window and sit into the vacant chairs. Etta and James Carter, Susan’s parents, sit tight-lipped in the front. Ann and Brian, Susan’s younger sister and brother, sit behind James. Then Michelle, Michael, and Nathanial Furlough sit beside James. Jim takes a look at his children and allows one tear to fall from his eye. This will be the last time he will ever see them again.
Three months before, Jim was prosecuted for first degree murder of his wife. In court on a rainy October morning, the prosecutor had all evidence pointing to Jim Furlough. A grief counselor admits to the jury that Nathanial, Jim and Susan’s youngest son, knew about the affair between Susan and her former student of Idaho University. All three children witnessed the arguments and increasing tension prior to Susan’s death. Idaho University reveals that Jim had unlimited access Procardiaz. Jim is offered life in prison, but he knows the dangers of living with imprisoned men. Jim Furlough requested to be sentenced to death.
Brian Davis, an aspiring forensic scientist, examined the major organs of Susan Furlough before sending them to the university where she worked. Upon scanning cells of the cells of the heart, Brian noticed traces of Procardiaz. There were high concentrations of Procardiaz in not only the heart, but also in the brain. Brian was aware of Susan’s surgery three weeks ago, two weeks before she died. The coroners told the forensics team that Susan died of a heart failure in her sleep. Even if Susan had undergone surgery almost a month ago, a normal dose of Procardiaz would have dissipated after three weeks. There were still dangerous levels of the drug in her heart and brain at the time of the inquiry. Brian sends Susan’s body and his report back to the autopsy team.
After a long day of work, Jim hurriedly leaves Idaho Hospital. He enters his five-bedroom town home on Druid Hill and marches up the stairs. Susan gets up from bed and greets Jim with a hug and a kiss. “How are you feeling, honey?” Jim inquires. Susan pulls away from the hug and looks away. “I’m still a bit ill.” “I’ve been in bed all day” she responds, while crawling back into the bed. Jim takes a long shower and when he gets out, Susan is sleep. Her back faces him. Jim kisses his wife on the forehead and whispers In his native German “unsterbliche liebe”. Jim pulls out a small brown translucent plastic bottle of Procardiaz and places a droplet directly onto Susan’s lips. Procardiaz is used to relax muscles during surgery. If not properly administered, the drug could cause the heart and brain to slow down and ultimately stop. Jim has been doing this for months. He watches as his wife’s body relaxes. In a half hour, she will probably be dead.
The previous day, Kinston Charles stays in class 223 after the rest of his classmates leave. He tells his friends that he needs to stay after class in Mrs. Furlough’s class to talk about a bad grade in Human Anatomy. His friends smile and snicker; they know the real reason why Kinston is staying after class. Susan locks her door and attempts to kiss Kinston. Kinston backs away from his Human Anatomy teacher and sits down. Susan, noticing her student’s discomfort, says “baby, what’s wrong?” Kinston puts his head down, looks up to Susan and responds “Mrs. Furlough---I mean Susan… we have to talk. This- Us… is wrong. You’re married! “I feel like a home wrecker”. Susan sits on Kinston’s desk. She sat there with her face down for what could have been forever. Kinston said “Susan, talk to me”. After what felt like an eternity to Kinston, Susan gets up and wipes her eyes. As she heads to the door, she says to Kinston, “I understand if you don’t want to do this anymore.” “We can put this behind us . . . but!?” Kinston, also headed for the door interrupts her, “Why? You have a family at home”. “You don’t feel guilty!?” Susan looks Kinston in the eyes for the and says, “I can’t live without you”. “No matter what happens”, “I have an undying love for you.” They shared one last kiss goodbye and went their separate ways, not realizing Jim furlough twenty feet away, watching the entire scene from his car.
Inauguration
The inauguration of Barack Obama wads very historical
On that day the question of how people felt
About having a black president was often rhetorical.
No matter your race, skin color, or ethnicity.
We all knew this day would go down in history.
Being on the national mall the day was the experience of a lifetime
And I never thought I would see this day in my lifetime.
Because situations like this are often thought of as miracles
Even to this day when we think of it it’s historical
To know that after 44 terms of presidency
A black man is in the white house finally.
Treveon Blue
Untitled
Life today was the same
Seeing niggas die ok get shot in da game
Their life is not going anywhere is what I say
Their life is going to stay still and break like hand clay.
But not me because I have to stay strong
And stay in school where I belong.
But not me because I have to stay strong
And stay in school where I belong
But there are some things that we need to make clear
You belong there and I belong here
There are some things that are meant for you but not me
But you have to choose who you want to be
Teenagers having babies
With these niggas that’s acting shady
People dying left and right
With these so called hoods that just want to fight
Babies crying throughout the night
With these mothers that’s just not right
Wanting to win
Its so hard by not giving in
Niggas on the block
Sitting there holding there cock.
Vaneisha Mintz
In the Dawg Days of Summer
In the dawg days of summer
We shine under the sun
The smell of pine and leather
Pitchers showing off the gunner
A team that plays as one
Stick together like bird feathers
Within a week, they wonder
How championships are won
By teams who play together
Bow driving their hummers
They reminisce about great fun
Is the days of summer forever
Anthony Hooker
Untitiled
Anyone could see how cute he was
Benny just laid there
Caring about nothing but sleep
Don’t step on his tail
A whole other side will come out of him
Today was very hot
That popsickle hit the spot
I decided to to sit down
But my popsickle fell on the ground
Now I had to get another one
that one melted in the sun
My mom prepared dinner in one pot
But it turned out to be a lot
I ate without making a sound
She makes the best food in town
to top it off I had a toasted bun
That filled me and the meal was done
Cheronda Thomas
Little Young One
Waking up in the middle of the night
Mother, no where in sight
Sitting by the window
Yelling ma, over and over
Still she’s no where in sight
Events taking place for years to come
Being left at train stations
Waiting for her to show
A young girl, trapped with no where to go
A mother disowning her prize possession
She’s taking no notice on the pain she’s causing
The young girl grows into a young woman
Able to recognize al of her mother’s faults
Hatred begins to develop
Mother now knowing the pain she caused
But still no change in her actions
Love lost between the two
Scars that cant be healed
No apology ever spoken
No apology ever heard
Just unhealed pain of the young girl
Denitrices Scott
Untitled
Aqua blue strives and refreshes you
Bold and black stands out like a sore
Cool greens goes with brown beans
Deep red rolls out like a pull out bed
Easter yellow stays low and mellow
Jasmine Rollerson
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Trying to make myself better everyday
Making choices that will pave my way
Doing good deeds to boost me up
Feeling like I’m better than luck
Resisting people that will hold me back
No matter what they do, I wont attack
Came this far, wont give up now
After this is over, I’ll take a bow
Love my friends and fam, their the world to me
Without them don’t know where I’d be
I don’t care what people say
I’ll just go and brush it away
Acting is what I want to do
If I was to do another job I would be blue
No one will change my mind
Because I know I’ll do just fine
support is what I need
to face the challenges and upcoming greeds
I’ll practice because it’s a must
I’ll leave the other competitors in the dust
I have to get myself together
Even through all the stormy weather
I try my best
I know I’ll be blessed. . .
Charisma Faucette
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A blazing fire
Burning hot stovetop
Candy-painted cars
Delicious foods we eat
And they’re all colored red
Anthony Hooker
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Day in and day out
From sun up to sun down
For this love I’ve found
My heart I lay down
If only you knew
Exactly how I feel
Then I wouldn’t cry blue
And together we could chill
When I see you in school
My heart skips 3 beats
But what should I do
I can barely breathe; let alone speak
Invisible I am
Almost a shadow to you
I think I can, I think I can…….
But words never comes through
Day in day out
I dream dreams, never nightmares
Only if I could open my mouth
And voice how much I care
But I guess this is it
A shadow crawling a star
I might as well quit
Your light doesn’t shine that far
Ester Oke
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There was a park in which he use to go to play
Me and mah mans Verne who was cool
I’ve been rockin with this dude since back in the day
My only speed competition when we were in the pool
We use to run all the time to a place any-which-way
Kyle Anderson
My Life
I enjoy my life
Everyday & night
Different things happen every day
Especially when I’m around the way
My life is full of events
A lot of them I can prevent
My attitude towards things change a lot
They make me think and plot
A lot of things happen over and over
Each day I grow older and older
I stay fly
Clothes prices always high
Hair stay done
Especially after a long day of fun
Love my friends
They closer than keens
Always at the go-go
Then money be on the lo-lo
Take care of my own
Cuz, I’m oh so grown
Stay texting
Fingers never resting
Love the haters
They make my life greater
Different attitude everyday
Always step out the house in a different way
Long hair don’t care
Swing my hair everywhere
People stare standing in a circle
They know my favorite color purple
Everybody say I got the bait
But little do they know I don’t even date
I’m the only child so of course I’m wild
My parents real strict
If I do wrong they’ll hit me real quick
I like Betsey Johnson
Bestfriend’s last name Thompson
People think I’m mean
Cuz, that’s the only side they’ve seen
I’m not a fighter
Cuz I’m very brighter, always speak my mind
Even if it’s at the wrong time
A lot of people know my name
Like I’m in the hall of fame
Gotta few people to look up to
Cuz, they know what to do
Can’t wait to get out of school
So I can start acting a fool
Everything I said is so nice
Cause this is my life
Malayssa “Bigg Cuntree” Smith
Zakiya Shaheed
Child Is Born
A child is born. Fifteen hours of hard labor. A stressful ride to the hospital made me nervous. My heart pounded and my adrenaline began to rush. Memories began to flood my mind. My water had broken in the middle of the meeting. Earlier, I went to work to finish up a few assignments, even though I should have been on bed rest. On Tuesday I started feeling contractions. I went to the doctor for a check-up. At eight months, I decided that I wanted to know the sex of the baby. I lay there anxious for the results of the sonogram. I saw myself walking into the doctor’s office and signing in. I had called my gynecologist to make an appointment to see the sex. At seven months, my doctor informed me that my baby was in breech position. I laid there with the cool gel on my round stomach, feeling the baby move inside me.
I enjoyed my surprise baby shower which was thrown at my father’s house. I was anxious to know what the big surprise was. I decided to rest for the remainder of that day to regain a little energy that the pregnancy was draining out of me. That Saturday, I went to get the baby crib. That morning, my husband woke me up with breakfast in bed.
At six months, I was just starting to feel the movement of the baby. It was a feeling that made me a little sick. I called the doctor to ask him a few questions. I sat on the phone, impatiently waiting for him to pick up.
Five months into the pregnancy, my breast started to get sore and tender, and the back aches started kicking my a**. The monthly visit to the doctor insured me that my pregnancy was normal and that I was healthy.
I had started having morning sickness at the forth week, which was a feeling I couldn’t endure. I went to the doctor, only to get the news that I was three weeks pregnant. My body started going through changes, which made me go get, a check-up. Two weeks before the appointment, we enjoyed a night of steamy unprotected passion.
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Didn’t hold our tongues for nobody. . . that dude was a fool
Me and Verne didn’t care what any of the Bammas say
But out in the street he know somebody got a tool
Things were going sweet until we heard some dude say ay!
Pow . . . pow. . . pow here lies Verne in his grave...it was broad day
Robert Kelley
Unknown
As I gaze at the honey comb there
Beyond my reach it hangs
Covered with temptation
Dripping at my feet, the scent of honey stains in the air
Every inch of me says no
Finally I eat the yellow honeycomb there
Unknown
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Clock my every movement
Duck my teachers class
Everyday I’m late
Facing my consequences
Grateful for my education
Jimekiah Bell
A warm and sunny day
But kids stayed in today
Celebrating my birthday
Dips in the pool
Taurus’s will always rule
Zakiya Shaheed
Allen Kelsey
POW
My mom was driving down the road back from college and I was feeling very hungry. I couldn’t even think properly, all I wanted to do was to gobble down Japanese food. I could almost taste the Kung-Pow chicken and the smell the steaming rice while I was driving my car.
As she parked in the parking lot and got out of my car, I could clearly see the restaurant. There was a big sign outside that was slightly tilting to the left as it hung over the entrance and it boldly read Sunami. From the windows outside, I could see inside and the place didn’t seem to be all that crowded. At the entrance of Sunami there was bronze statute of a pudgy monk sitting crossed legged. His belly bulged out and had a huge smile on his face.
Just as I stepped inside Sunami my ears filled with sound of the booming costumers. The people sounded like they were having a good time with all the laughing and chatter. I took a seat at my usual booth. I didn’t even need to look at the menu. I was approached by a waitress who had the sweetest sounding voice I had ever heard.
After I had placed my order and I sat at the booth waited for my food. I took a sip of my water with a slice of lemon. I then took a deep breath and the most wonderful yet familiar aroma filled my nostrils. I couldn’t place it, but it smelt a little like the Japanese dish I usually order, Kung-Pow Chicken. I kept taking deep breaths and turning my head to see from where this delicious aroma was emanating. Sure enough, there it was my platter of chicken and rice being brought in by the waitress and it was mine to devour.
The wonderful sounding waitress laid down the food and reminded me to leave some room for desert. Right then desert was the last thing on my mind, all I wanted was to just eat. I put the fist morsel of Kung-Pow Chicken in my mouth and it tasted GREAT! The salt wasn’t too much and the seasonings enhanced the flavor of the food. I was satisfied.
Lonnisha Locke
Undecided
Z’Naria makes a promise to her best friend, Ta’Quan, to leave La’Marie alone. La’Marie and Z’Naria have liked each other very since their 9th grade year. But they never confronted each other about their feelings for one another. There’s quite a rumor going around school that La’Marie is a cool person as a friend, but not as boyfriend material. He supposedly doesn’t want the girl he is talking to talk to any boys and he’s very emotional. Z’Naria doesn’t want to let him go as a friend, she wants to be more. Her friends are telling her that even if she does choose to be with him; she should be very aware that he is very over protective, compassionate, and has a lot of drama.
Then there is Ta’Quan, her “Bessie”, who became tight every since they had government class together last year in the 10th grade. Z’Naria always had a mini crush on Ta’Quan, but she thought that she couldn’t have a chance with him because she knew she wasn’t his type. By type, I mean the type of girls he always was with. From the conversations that they had and the things that they told each other, they noticed that they would be just friends.
Two days ago, April 21, 2009, La’Marie told Z’Naria the truth about the past girls he has been with. She was kind of disturbed, but she accepts the fact that he is telling her this now, so it can be kind of less drama.
Z’Naria trusts La’Marie, but she does not trust most of the girls he hangs with because most of them like him more then just a friend. She knows that many of them want to be with him. As different people tells her about his past issues and situations, crazy thoughts start to rise in her head about if she wants to be with him or not. Z’Naria is a very forgiving person and she understands his situation, however she decides that she is not about to use his past against him. She knows that people will try to fill up her head about his past and create doubts about him.
Sooner than later, they start to hangout more, spend more time together, meeting each other parents, having dinner together, going to the mall and attending each others events. Z’Naria puts their past behind her and tells La’Marie how she really feels about him. Ta’Quan and Z’naria lost the best, best friend relationship because Ta’Quan thinks that she has betrayed him.
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Emotions change just like colors
Aspects of life are like others
Different colors describe people
Rainbolic ways can be see through
Black thoughts portrayed to be deepened
Reasons being for to sink in
Calming blue skies melt depression
Happiness defeats oppression
My love runs deep like the red sea
Passion is where I need to be
Yellow brightens the morning sky
Flowers blooming as I walk by
Green grass flowing in the cool wind
Feel the cool breeze as your head spins
Pure white soothes the meanest creature
Clouds roll by with glazing feature
Citrus seasons make oranges wild
Colors make the world go round colors like lavender and pink
Makes me look at nature and think
Brown, black, and grey are dark and cloudy
Never knew the world was rowdy
Colors keep the world shaped up
Colors have feelings just like us
Blue is sad while red is anger
Their emotions stop and linger
Colors are a fun invention
But there’s a rainbolic tension
Blue and white conflicts to sky blue
Colors are just like me and you
Red and blue puts purple aside
It shows the world that we’re alive
Happy sad and more emotions
Help all colors show devotion
Alexis Dockery
Ugh
Please stop all that crying
Please stop all that lying
You sit at the table
Telling all these fables
But, I loved him so much
and also his sweet touch
Why did he leave me here?
Why did he go there
He said it isn’t he
So it has to be me
Girl, just suck it up please
Stop in your tracks just freeze
He don’t want you no more
He just called you a whore
Boys are gonna be boys
They have their little toys
Yea, you were one of them
Yet, you still in love wit him
Sorry, he don’t want you
He got a new boo-boo
No don’t get mad at her
Don’t let out her anger
She didn’t take your man
He took her to Japan
Yea you still love that boy
and he still act all coy
There’s not much else to say
But, watch you gonna pay
Keep runnin back to him
Ugh, what is your problem?
Princess Johnson
Circles
You continue on doing the same thing that’s taking you to the exact same out come back where you started. Youre running and running allowing youself to keep ending up where you started. Keep on doing a complete 360 forming a complete circle participating in the same cycle. You will never allow yourself to reach your best potential or what you want out of life, not until you break those bad habits that are holding you back, you can listen to all the lectures in the world but it is up to change youre life
Denitrices Scott
Recap
I wonder as I wonder
As I sit and ponder
Is life what it really seem to be
The united states down beneath
Sometimes I feel like its over
Life was like a four leaf clover
Money is short gas is high
Robberies low death above the sky
Foreclosures left to right
More homeless people in my sight
I start to think could this be
A teenager destine to achieve
The end of the world is near
Still standing despite of the fear
Is lift just passing me by, not I
Life used to be as sweet as pie
A former president in for money
Turn the pie into bitter honey
Innocent bodies join the force
People dying overseas of course
Big business are folding
still controlling
Teachers are getting laid off
by the white man who is the boss
Schools are shutting down all around
young men getting shot down
More funerals than weddings
More innocent bodies going to heaven
2008 become the year
Barack Obama brings so much cheer
People of all races come together
Threw rainy storms and winter weather
Votes were close tension high
Barrack Obama win by a land slide
Michelle Obama the first black lady
Become a fashion icon for all ladies
Barack Obama is trying to pass this bill
that will help wash the top of the hill
Poisoned peanuts in the food
Steroids in chicken what are we going to do
Michael Phelps smoking trees
Chris brown locked up for beating Ri-Ri
2009 is the time for Blacks to shine
To stop playing and get on the grind
It’s more to come just sit and wait
Our destine to be great
Let Barack Obama take his time
It’s not going to happened at one time
09 he come for us to do
What we need to do
I recap the year for me and you
Believe in yourself and do you
Marisha Chaney
Produced
Cadets of College Preparation English
Classroom 208
Constructed, Proofed and Organized
Sade Smith
Treveon Blue
Tenisha Shelton
and
Malayssa Smith
Photographs
Sgt. Martin
Edited
Marq King
Blessed and Underwritten
Dr. Rhonda Summey
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