Voices - City University of New...

voices2005

Gateway

Table of Contents

D’Angelo Smith, Soldier’s Anthem 4Aleksandra Nesterova, Just One 5Sade Smith, Instant Love 6Yukwah (Jenny) Wok, Daddy’s Home 7Shaun Skinner, My Mom 8Nathaniel Brown, Morning Rush 9Sandra Reyes, 354 Eastside Drive 10-11Damien Abreu, Live 12Kamisha Lowrie, The Fire 13Dinah Ali,

Arsenic-Our Protector or Destroyer? 14Edwendra Mathurin, Untitled 15Kewe Mbengue, Lean on Me 16Chantelle Lee, My Building 17Egypt Israel, Alone 18Adana Austin, Why I Fight 19Ronelle Hunte,

Recapturing Hate-Before and After 20Vinita Singh, Untitled 21Cindy Salcedo, A Reminder to a Friend 22

Sonia Afroz (p. 19)Tanzina Akhter (cover)Liliane Azevedo (p. 44)Vanessa Browne (p. 20)Joella Delvella (p. 16)Louiscendre Fortin (p. 27)Ordom Huot (p. 11, 41, 43)Shenada Hernandez (p. 33)Brittney Isaac (p. 5, 15) Christine Jeune (p. 43)Omar Khan (p. 44)

poetry & prose

art Leslie Peters (p. 5)Maria Lopez (p. 35)Travis Redwood (p. 26)Sandra Reyes (p. 4, 13, 25)Theodora Roberts (p. 38)Allan Robles (p. 8)Dave Russell (p. 14)Jessika Sarrano (p. 40)Gomattie Seeccomar (p. 33)Nadim Shaun (p. 18)Lenford Wickham (p. 3)

Jennifer Maria, Letting Go 22Jennefar Qazi, Secret . . . 23Jeffrey Rodriguez, Terrain Canvas 24Syllorne Wiseman, Hold Up 26Marie Saide, Denial 27Nabiha Minhas, Darkness 28Nancy Asiamah, The Last Time 29Avery DuBoise, Keep Your Head Up 30Justin DeJesus & Karim Williams, Insomnia 31Nicole Ranger, This Is Me 32Mathew Jackson, The Dominican Rhapsody 32Jewel Mortis, A Little Inspiration 33Casey Rocas, Her Clouds, My Skies 33Geeta Persaud, The World Stops Spinning 34Tamea McIntosh, Unfinished Stories 34Kimberly Welcome, Hope Coming Back to Life 35Sheenica Fleury, Stand Up 39Sharale Gayle, Emptiness 40Janelle Peterkin, Now I Know 41Jacques Bastien, Missing You 42Allan Robles, Bigotry 43Syneria Garrett, In Due Time 44Richard Gaines, A Haiku 45

Lester Lambert (p. 31) Donetta Lee (p. 23)Mendel Lowe (p. 22)Ben Marmol (p. 21)Marcia Morrison (p. 2)Shaina Moscowitz (p. 12)Aliesha Murdock (p. 43)Diana Naula (p. 7)Kaisha Alysia Oliver (p. 28, 32)Lola Oloko (p. 9, 36-37) Daniel Peña (p. 23)

2 Gateway Institute for Pre-College Education

Marcia MorrisonQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2008

3Gateway Institute for Pre-College Education

introductionThis is the fourth year the Gateway Institute has invited Gateway students to share their original writ-ten and visual work for Gateway Voices, a literary magazine that creates a forum for the expression oftheir creative talents, experiences, and ideas. Each year, I feel privileged to review so many personal,meaningful, and important submissions. This year, the results are particularly thrilling. Through the writ-ten work, the contributors used a variety of forms to express their insight into the fundamental issuesand experiences facing young people. They explored the implications of loss and love, used languageto consider the beautiful and the strange, and engaged in thoughtful considerations of political andsocial concerns. In forms both simple and extravagant, the visual artists produced dazzling pieces thatexplore a wide range of subjects from reality to fantasy.

As always, selecting among the many wonderful submissions is exceedingly difficult. As an editor, Irely on the painstaking efforts of the teachers, students and administrators who review work at eachschool site and funnel the best pieces me at The Gateway Institute. In addition, a number of studentsprovided thoughtful feedback that was essential in selecting the exceptional work in this year’s fine col-lection. Without the efforts of all of these members of the Gateway community, who are gratefullyacknowledged on page 46 of this publication, this magazine would simply not be. Please consult ourwebsite, www.gateway.cuny.edu, to review some of the fine student work we could not include in thismagazine due to space limitations.

I am certain you will enjoy the student work that follows and I hope that it will stimulate a dialogue onboth the forms and themes these artists present.

Jessica ArnoldEditor, Gateway VoicesLiteracy Director, Gateway Institute

Lenford WickhamSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2007


Soldier's Anthem

For many days, we fight.For many days, we win.We shoot and kill soldiers,to earn awards and medals.When the war is finally over,we sleep without anything onour consciences. Now, I askyou, what is the point of all this?

Some of us return home,Others die on the battlefield.Others come back with mentalillnesses or diseases. Our job is fight for our country. We are soldiers,and this is our anthem.

D'Angelo Smith Adlai E. Stevenson High SchoolClass of 2006

Sandra ReyesJamaica High SchoolClass of 2005


Brittney IsaacClara Barton High SchoolClass of 2008

Leslie PetersJamaica High SchoolClass of 2006

Just One

One word can change a conversation.One person can improve our nation.One smile can brighten up a day.One kiss can make it all okay.

One little touch can make you shiver.One memory can last forever.One little thing can change the world.One person can make you whole.

Aleksandra NesterovaLafayette High SchoolClass of 2005


Instant Love

A mountain will never bow to the wind loveCandle in the darkness loveFragile as glass loveWhispers in the wind loveHurt-so-bad-I-wanna-die loveSweet childish life loveNever dying loveSecretive loveSweet raptured loveAngelic messages loveCheating loveFall off of a building loveLost in your embrace loveLady in the shade loveThe soothing beats of Sade loveInsane loveSoul snatching loveGuideless and aimless loveForever changing loveSweet honeydew and tea in the morning loveStrawberries & ice cream loveWhipped cream on the nose loveClimax loveGentle touch loveSame-as-always loveChinese acupuncture loveHealing loveStake through the heart loveTackle or two hand touch loveFalling autumn leaf loveSpring shower loveAngel dust loveBaby lotion smoothing creamy milky loveGraceful walk loveGo-catch-it-before-it’s-gone loveSnap your fingers loveTickled pink loveAromatherapy loveBurning-in-my-soul loveInstant loveLove

Sade SmithQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2008


Daddy’s Home

It was subtle at first-Unreturned phone calls and voice messages.I called over and overHe’d pick up after the tenth time,Only to have two words to say.Then…click.

Before bed, I’d always long for a short storyWith a happy ending that’d put me to sleep.I’d tiptoe to the next room next doorHoping for the light to be on,But the bed was always empty,With the sheets in place like they were a week ago.

I was once curious and looked into his closet,Only to find mothballs and dust in the corners.I keep on waiting to hear the loud echoes of footstepsAs he neared the front door,The jingle of his large key chains,The cling of the doorknob as it unlocks.

I still call himAnd if I’m lucky, see him once or twice a monthAt dinner-Two hollow strangers speaking about our livesOver a cup of hot green tea,Pretending to know each other.

We stand up after half an hour or so,And ask for the check.He leaves a couple of dollars on the tableAs the chairs screech against the hard tiles,Leaving a scratch on an otherwise perfect floor.

Yukwah (Jenny) KwokBrooklyn Technical High SchoolClass of 2006

Diana NaulaSTAR Early College HIgh SchoolClass of 2008


Allan RoblesScience Skills Center High SchoolClass of 2005

My Mom

My mom’s smile is as bright as the sun,Her eyes are brown like rich honey,They always seem to make me feel better.Her voice is like an angelic harp,Got me to sleep when I was afraid of the dark.Whenever I felt weary, she said I was a star, to shine for the World to seeAnd it makes me feel happy,Thinking of my mom and me.

Shaun SkinnerSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008


Lola OlokoPort Richmond High SchoolClass of 2005

Morning Rush

When the morning first meets with my eyesI awaken, blinded by the bright morning skies.The wind dances from the window onto my face,Inside of my room is where this takes place.

As I turn away, I look at the clock,And my face becomes one twisted with shock.I am late to school! Time is horribly cruel!I must keep my cool! (And wipe away my drool…)

Time is a cruel man, he does all he canTo make sure everyone gets to school before I can!My fight with time is a reoccurring tune,That will repeat itself 165 more times, until June.

Nathaniel BrownGateway School for Environmental Research and TechnologyClass of 2007


354 Eastside DriveSandra ReyesJamaica High SchoolClass of 2005

"Run, just run! Forget it, there’s no time. Ahhhhh! It just touched me! Run, damnit! It’s getting closer." Those were the last words Cassie uttered before disappearinginto the enveloping darkness of 354 Eastside Drive.

Months passed, days went to waste, yet no one could explain what had hap-pened. Rumor had it that Cassie committed suicide. Others said she was mur-dered, and the rest just refused to believe in anything but a paranormal encounter.The media developed all kinds of stories, and the cops investigated time and timeagain only to reach the same conclusion: nothing could be solved unless the keywitness, Dave Radamin, spoke and pieced their story together.

After that dreadful November day when Dave returned home white as paper andmute as a tree, not once in the time that passed henceforth did he take one stepout of his room, let alone, his house. He seemed to be aware of his surroundings,too aware some might have said, but did not respond to anyone or anything whenhis attention was needed.

His parents were very worried about what was going on but refused to let theirson be taken away for observation by force. Instead they agreed to have a psy-chotherapist come in and try to get an account of what happened through somesort of hypnosis. The doctor’s name was Pauline Pricochett and she was wellacquainted with the procedure. She began the revelatory process with a basic pro-cedure.

“Close your eyes and listen to my voice. All you have to do is relax. One, two,three, four…,” she said in a soothing and relaxed voice.

She was the first person Dave had really looked at since he had retreated intohis mind. There was something oddly familiar about her, yet her soothing voice wasquickly drawing him into a subconscious state of sleep. Everything was gettingdark, he felt like he was on fire; he was suffocating, and then…

“Ahhhhhh!” he screamed as he felt a wave of air finally reach his lungs.“Dave, Dave? Breathe. Just breathe. Everything is okay. Now focus and tell me

where you are.”“It’s cold, my skin is burning, and it‘s scathing. It’s dark. We can’t see where

we’re going. I think we’re trapped. Something seems to be coming near us. It’sglowing. Get away! Get away!”

“Dave who’s there with you? Why are you there?”“Cassie, Cassie’s here with me. It was her idea. She wanted to have fun. Justine

and Michael are here too, they said 354 was alive. They said it had a heartbeat.She said they were paranoid and we were going to prove them wrong.”

Everyone could hear the agitation in his voice. He seemed on the point of hyper-ventilating or falling into shock once again. Dr. Pricochett knew she should stop, butshe couldn’t bring herself to do it. Not when she was so close to reaching the cli-


max of the story, of being so closeto glory she could even taste it.There was too much for her to risk.What was this boy’s health worthcompared to her fame for accom-plishing her goal? She could pushhim to the limit, he would probablyend up in an asylum anyway, andthe other idiots were gullibleenough to believe anything shesaid.

“That’s how we ended up here.She ignored me when I said it wasa ludicrous idea, now we’re

trapped. It’s excruciating to stand here but I can’t get Cassie to move. She’s fix-ated on the glowing form coming near us. It’s loud and there is a heaviness thatencompasses us in here but the sounds are indistinguishable. The light is grow-ing, it‘s coming closer, I can feel it. Ahhhh!” said Dave.

“Dave, Dave what’s happening? Where is Cassie? What do you see?”“We’re running. Cassie is pulling me away. My body feels heavy and deper-

sonalized. The force is potently compelling. It does not want us to leave. I getahead of Cassie but stop abruptly and so she pushes me on and I gain momen-tum outpacing her. The house seems to be closing in on us. The walls arepounding to their own rhythm. The house seems to have a propensity for har-boring unnatural things. We are attacked. Cassie screams and falls, but I can’tstop. I want to help her, she can’t stay behind, but I can’t. I’m being propelledforward. I don’t know where I’m going. My feet won’t stop. Cassie’s gone. She’sbecome part of 354. I haven’t. Not yet. And then I‘m home. No one’s here. I’velooked everywhere but they all seem to have disappeared. I’m scared. It hastaken them it will take me too. I can hear it. It unabashedly approaches engulf-ing everything. I can’t bear it! Not anymore! No, no, no! Uhhhhhh!”

“Dave? Dave!” said Dr. Pricochett, fully aware that David was no longer in theworld of the living. She had finally pushed him off the edge. She had now ful-filled her quota. It was time to return into the walls of 354. She had been outlong enough; the house wouldn’t survive without her heartbeat. Now she wouldsleep and wait. It wouldn’t be long before someone was lucky enough to escapethe house but not strong enough to escape their destiny.

Ordom HuotJohn F. Kennedy High SchoolClass of 2007


Live

Bandaged carcass,Caress the unloving,Adore the unclean,Announce your defiance,Rise from obscurity,Into the darkness.Get out of the light,Out of the Truth,Into the reality,Of the infernal eternity,That the soul cannot escape.

Damien AbreuBrooklyn Technical High SchoolClass of 2006

Shaina MoscowitzQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2006


The Fire

She never tells me I’m prettyShe never tells me she loves me But every time she’s mad at someone else, she wants me to feel her wrath.

She deliberately puts me in the line of her fire.

She secludes me to a corner and I am only equipped with a cup of water as protectionBut do I want to chance it?I mean SHE IS MY MOTHERBut if I don’t, I’m going to get burned andIf I do she’ll only grow stronger.

She’s a grease fire and that’s the fuel she needs to scorch my spiritAnd make my soul cry tears of blood.Tears compact with sorrowful sadden misery for all the other burns.

Kamisha Lowrie Adlai E. Stevenson High SchoolClass of 2006



Arsenic- Our Protector or Destroyer?

In 1250, Alberts Magna discoversArsenic, with its gray and yellow metallic colorSo very manly and full of powerIts movement so swift and quietAmong the pests creating a riotPoisoning those the size of batsAnd killing the ugly scary rats

Arsenic-most sees its scary sideLike a dangerous monstrous tideThat’s silent with no taste or smellWhen attacking, it doesn’t tellBut if we are cautious and carefulIt can prove itself to be a true saviorEven a helper and protector

And so…on the Periodic Table,Arsenic stands proud and not feebleStrong, weighty and freeWith atomic number thirty-threeBut always remember poison it doesn’t lackSo if you ever take it as a snackKeep in mind, that’s the end of that!

Dinah AliJamaica High SchoolClass of 2007

Dave RussellPort Richmond High SchoolClass of 2005


Untitled

I’m so sorry, for every wrong thing that I do. For all the emotional pain that I put you through. If you don’t want me anymore, I understand, If my hand you refuse to hold, I’ll try my best to stand.

I’m just so broken, my heart is shattered. My mom used to tell me that my life doesn’t matter.Sometimes I get so ashamed of myself, I’m so weak.I try to move on but it gets harder every week.

I’m just so sorry that I put you through my hellThat I hold you prisoner in my awful jail.I just need someone to take my handTo help me walk when I can’t stand.

So when I yell at you don’t take it to heartIt just means I needed help from the start.A million things are running through my headSometimes I just wish that I were dead.

So please don’t leave me, I don’t know what I would doI need bright sunny pictures, not ones that are blue.Take my hand, just take me awayTell me that you love me and forever you’ll stay.

Edwendra MathurinQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2010

Brittney IsaacClara Barton High SchoolClass of 2008


Lean On Me

There are certain people so close to your heartThe day you lose them makes you fall apartIt sure isn’t easy holding your head up highAnd it’s even harder trying not to cryBut don’t give up hope just yetBecause there are special things about them that you will surely never forgetThink of all the wonderful thingsThat their joyful souls used to bringThink of the way they walked, talked, laughed, and smiledThat made your whole day feel so worthwhileThink of how something used to go so wrongAnd they still managed to keep a smile onEven though nobody knows just how horrible you feelBeing with a good friend will help you healSo far whatever reason it may beDon’t be afraid, just lean on me.

Kewe MbenguePort Richmond High SchoolClass of 2006

Joella DelvellaAdlai E. Stevenson High SchoolClass of 2007


My Building

Very descriptive,A name in itself,My building is just like everyone else’s.

Infested with nothing,But everyday pests,Not roaches, not mice,But with people, it’s a mess.

Piss on the stairs,And the elevators too,Crap everywhere,Oh boy, it’s true!

Drug-addict people,With messed up lives,Spreading their habitsTo their husbands and wives.

Bums on the corner,And on the stairs of my building,Acting like nothing’s happening,Sitting, just chilling.

Late-nighter hanging outside every nightOne gets shot,He wasn’t that bright.

Prostitutes everywhere,Looking for cash,Men providing for them,While they stuff in their stash.

Booking and banging,Are the noises I hear,One shot, click, boom,Are the noises I fear, Going to sleep,Hoping I’d wake up tomorrow,Now you can see why,My building’s a sorrow.

Chantelle LeeGateway School for Environmental Research and TechnologyClass of 2008


Alone

As snow fallsEach snowflake individuallyIs designed to fall and disappearNever to be rememberedJust as she feelsLike a snowflakeAlone in a worldOnly to soon disappearAnd never to be remembered

Egypt IsraelSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008

Nadim ShaunAdlai E. Stevenson High SchoolClass of 2006


Why I Fight

Plenty are appalled as we're often underestimated.Our culture has been diluted as though we're concentrated.They try to label us as angry because we've been aggravated.Many will fear us once we are educated.So they choose to teach us little so we won't ever be mentally emancipated.They say, "The more, the merrier," but they don't want to see us congregated.So they build many local gun and liquor stores so we'd make ourselves annihilated.The truth will pierce the heart. The heart is now penetrated.We're unbreakable by the incompetent once we're motivated.They've washed away our pride. They can refer to us as exfoliated.This is why I fight, too much has been tolerated.

Adana AustinLafayette High SchoolClass of 2008

Sonia AfrozBrooklyn Technical High SchoolClass of 2006


Recapturing Hate –Before and After

I believe that you left rather early,No, I know you left rather early with many of my questions left unanswered…as usual.I can’t remember myself ever loving you because I never did.And since you were never there for me to at least try,I could only depend on one when many had two.It’s all right though because I learned to appreciate.That’s something I probably would have never learned with you here.I knew I would see your downfall,But I never knew it would be death.I cried and to this day, I don’t know why.Maybe it’s because you helped make me, Or because I wanted to see you suffer on earthI don’t know and frankly a part of me does not care.You helped to make a part of me naturally cold,And I don’t think there’s any turning back.I’ll probably always hate you since you failed at your job of being a father to me, but not to others.My last penny…I wouldn’t have given it to you but to someone who would have probably killed me.But that’s just how I feel about you and saying it would have never come out right since pen andpaper are two of my closest friends.I am happy for one thing and that is the fact that you were a monkey that fell from my back whenyou were removed from the face of the earth.The full scholarship and a future in medicine completes my picture while giving you something tocry about since you are not here and were never here to take some of the credit.

Ronelle HunteErasmus Hall High SchoolClass of 2005

Vanessa BrowneErasmus Hall High SchoolClass of 2005


Untitled

I can write that I’ve had the best 4 years,But that’ll be a lie.The truth is, I want to start all over.From September 2001 to June 2005.I’ve made several mistakes,Disappointing many, and losing some.Among those was someone I truly did love.She was my best friend, a person I considered a sister.I took her friendship for granted,And now a part of me is seemingly gone forever.She’s probably doing just fine, but I have so much pain inside.All those joyous times, including birthday and Christmas cards we shared,Seems like just a lie.Along with her, I also let other friends and family down,Allowing grades to drop and not really caring for life.I didn’t want to deal anymore with all the things I’ve been through.The experiences told and untold I wish I could redo.All I wish to say now is that I’m sorry to all my friends who I disappointed,And to all those that I made give up on me.I’m sorry to my family especially since they’ll always be there for me.All the bonds I’ve broken, I wish I could fix.Oh well, what can I do now?All I have left to say is that I love you… A.E.S. Gateway,And thank you for the good memories we did once share.

Vinita SinghAdlai E. Stevenson High SchoolClass of 2005

Ben MarmolSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008


A Reminder to a Friend

Do you remember how we met?It was funny how we met To remember the good and bad Times that we faced. All the good timesHmm… and the bad times. The tests of our friendship That we’ve aced…And the ones that we’ve failed Yet we somehow always made itIt is a shame that we are no longer friendsSeeing how funny the way we metTime flies and the adventure got biggerDo you… Do you remember?Remember me?Your friend?Do you remember how we met?Because I sometimes forget.

Cindy Salcedo Humanities High SchoolClass of 2006

Letting Go

I need to let you go so I can be freed. Playing these mind games, is just plain greedYou want me, can’t be with me, you’re with someone elseOk, it’s over, put it on the shelf But you couldn’t have me as just a friendYou crossed the line, and kissed me againFor the moment it was fine but later I feel regret and sorrowKnowing what happened today can’t happen tomorrowHow we both feel isn’t fairSo please stop giving me that lustful stareHow we feel needs to be kept insideI just hope these feelings will subside

Jennifer MariaHumanities High SchoolClass of 2006

Mendel LoweSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008


Secret…

I wanted to tell you how IFeelYet the words do notArriveWhen your eyes meet mineI feel more than aliveWhenever it is time to part,Tears are held within my heartThe sound of your voice, your very touchMakes me feel like I’m the only one on EarthThis emotion of love,I cherish within my soulHow much I love youYou will neverKnow…

Jennefar QaziJamaica High SchoolClass of 2007

Daniel Peña STAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008

Donnetta LeeSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008


Terrain Canvas

Who beginsIn shadows of vastnessBeneath electron filled radianceSpilling tearsUpon tiled floors

Into familiar arms Seeing beyondCircumstancesDamaging the future

At night fairy talesMorning-WarmthIn a small roomSplashed with love

Straight and narrow Lined with lights Carries me to a new placeLeaving exhaust behind

A distant memoryFluctuating in the mindUntil tremors discontinueSometimes clashingWavering in the wind

New mountains to climbTintinnabulation in airLife its own resonating clatter Nuisance penetrate nerves

Broken by mortal greedOceans cannot extinguish their cravingWhich linger beneath the surfaceFire has little left to offerWarmth little left to revealFor the moon is too small to step

Still I dreamOf cloudsAltitudes never touchedBy human hands

My ears hearDiscouragement“It can’t be done”Yet my mind’s eye sees

Tilling a thoughtWith pigments of hopePenetrating adversity

Harlequin patternsSurrounded by cloudsIllustrate visionsWhich line the futureWhere I will one day run

Striding to the finish lineFeeling triumph Even as ground shakes andLand is devoured by seaI stand on tattered earthThat I call my ownPraying for a plan To show the way

Here I remainAn incomplete portraitOn a terrain canvas.

Jeffrey RodriguezPort Richmond High SchoolClass of 2005


Travis RedwoodQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2007

Hold Up

Open them big brown eyes Yeah open them real wideOkay, you may think this world is kindYou have yet to open them blindsLet that bright star shine in Shed some light on all that injustice and inferiorityAnd most of all identity Open your eyes See who you are Can you see it I sure can What I see is what they all see Let it be that nose, that smile, or even the emotions in your eyesBut what they don’t see are the many shades you hold insideWhether the high yellow when you’re scaredOr that deep blue when you’re sadEven the glowing gold when you are as happy as can be

So let that bright light shine in And expose the gold beneath the rust!

Syllorne WisemanScience Skills Center High SchoolClass of 2006


Denial

Slender beams of accusation enterThis darkened chamber as I kneel.Always lost, always despairing,Frozen.Waiting.Tortured form, Wrought in panes of glass.Looming,As dust dances in the air,Forming an image in my mind,Infiltrating my darkened soul. Terror in a mirror’s face.I raise my head, submitting to thisOblivious mortality.

Marie SaideLafayette High SchoolClass of 2006

Louiscendre FortinSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008


Darkness

I am sitting aloneWith nothing to doI hear the wind moanWhat should I do

Darkness covers meLike a strong heavy ropeI am trying to struggle freeBut the rope does not let go

It finally succeeds As you can seeI see a bright lightRight in front of me

Now I am freeNow I can go Now no one can hurt meAnd don't worry, I won't let it show

Nabiha Minhas Clara Barton High SchoolClass of 2008

Kaisha Alysia OliverJamaica High SchoolClass of 2006


The Last Time

The last time it happened,You said it wouldn’t happen again.And I believed you.You promised me you would never drink again,But the second time came like a blink.I guess you thought you were slick.But I ended up in the hospitalAnd when people asked me I said it was just a nasty fall.It felt like I was locked in a coldFreezer and I was afraid to get out.I wasn’t willing for you to shut me downLike a simple computer.And I wasn’t willing to let go easily.I was a fool to believe what you told me.That nobody would believe me whenI told them what you did to me.Being with you made me want to go to hell.Being with you was like being on a slave ship,Your slave ship.But I had enough. It had gone too far.You had crossed the line.Because after the few hundreds“It wouldn’t happen again,”I got fed up I stopped picking up the phoneBecause nobody would listen to me.So I took matters into my own arms.And I made you feel like you made me feel,Drowning in a deep blue seaAnd no one there to get you out.Now you are scared of meBecause you turned me into a monster,Your monster.Now it’s your turn to suffer.

Nancy AsiamahGateway School for Environmental Research and TechnologyClass of 2008


Keep Your Head Up

Sadness, anger, lifelessnessDraws all the energy from youAnd other souls surrounding youMaking everything like a temptress

Full of fireBut keeping it insideFrom harming others besideMaking you tire

Looking toward the skyHoping there’ll be a signLike Words from the One who doesn’t mindTo ask Him why

He’ll answer you soonBut not in the way you expectMaybe as you reflectOr maybe on a quiet noon

Relieving you of the stressDrawing you close to HimOnly if you’re willing to listen to HimAnd to give him your best

Leave your old life behindAnd fulfill His willTeach and bless you He willNever leaving you behind

When in a stormAnd when in doubtHe will stop the poutAnd lift the storm

Avery DuBoisErasmus Hall High SchoolClass of 2005


Insomnia

Unconscious mind, thoughts unsureEyes twitch to the pictures in your headIn a deep sleep, dreams impureIllusions twisting your mind in red

InsomniaWithering your mind into the aches of hellInsomniaBurying your life like the persecutors of beliefsInsomniaOppression of the soulInsomniaYour thoughts on hold

Justin DeJesus & Karim WilliamsLafayette High SchoolClass of 2006

Lester LambertErasmus Hall High SchoolClass of 2005


This Is Me

Black is beautifulBlack is meWhen you look in the mirrorYou will seeI am darker than the deep blue seaI am part of my black communityAnd I love to see black unity

I stand tall and proudAnd you can spot meApart from the crowdI wear a crownThat speaks to me very loudI am black and happy to beThis is me

Nicole RangerQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2010

The Dominican Rhapsody

A Dominican vision of beauty whose dreams are as deep as the sea and bursts with love in a soft sweet melody.Some see her as mother, others as a lover.I see her as a woman who embraces the love of all who surround her.Perhaps this is why it’s so hard to get around her.The girl who smiles so gently and glows with a humming rhythm like a flower in the sun.

Mathew JacksonErasmus Hall High SchoolClass of 2006

Kaisha Alysia OliverJamaica High SchoolClass of 2006


Shenade HernandezClara Barton High SchoolClass of 2008

Gomattie SeecoomarQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2005

A Little Inspiration

Building and growingIt found its place in my heartA race in my headVisions of fluttering tutusAnd magical feetGiggles of a lovers waltzSlowly building and growingIt stilled the airAnd took place of the lightsSmothering thoughtChoking all emotionCausing a mix of the sensesNot sure where my mind wentBut a little inspiration like thatTakes me miles away.

Jewel MortisQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2007

Her Clouds, My Skies

This love of mine Will be the death of meWith every kissI’m slowly dyingIn a haze or blurWhen induced by herI’m on Cloud 9Riding the freefall to the worldReality stops when my heart dropsBecause I’m addicted to youThe ecstasy and intensityIs too much for me aloneTo endure this fantasy I knowI’ll have to pass you onBut you’ll come back becauseYou’re my certainty

Casey Rocas Adlai E. Stevenson High SchoolClass of 2006


The World Stops Spinning

The patriotic song playsJustice and freedom ringLike an ocean it drowns usA mother smothering her childLove hugging every part of the child’s bodyThen it stops.

Orphans left in the street to dieAbandoned by the only ones who loved themThe only real love they ever knowSuddenly the lights flickerAn orphanage in a big cityTenements with poor, saddened people.

Screams and cries fill the airThe smell of stale urine on each floorGarbage in the streetsHiding the truth of the downtroddenAn ambulance siren in the distanceThen it stops.

Is this the land of the free?Is this the home of the brave?Where is Lady Justice now?Probably having tea with the PresidentCorrupted and driven by money like the rest.Will it ever be stopped?

Geeta PersaudQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2006

Unfinished Stories

The spell has stoppedPlot never unwindingThe setting sealedIn the midst of a line

The characters don’t speakThey don’t move at allThey don’t have lifeIn the midst of a line

But there’s something hiding In that story unwinding It wants to come out But can’t

Nothing can be toldIn an unfinished storySo plot, setting, charactersYou’ll just have to waitUntil…

Tamea McIntoshPort Richmond High SchoolClass of 2006


Maria LopezSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008

Hope Coming Back to Life

I’ve made it throughAlthough you told me I couldn’t.You brought my hope down.My wishes and dreams Drifted down a riverHitting against the jagged rocks.It fell down the waterfallWith the thought in mind thatIt will never return. I was drained of all optimism and anticipation.But someone saved my hopesBefore it hit the bottom of the river.Its lungs were clogged with water.Its heart was beating very rapidly. My hopes were close to death.Someone brought my hopes back to life.Someone gave breath to my hopes And made it flourish.Someone gave my hope hope.The pieces of the puzzleWere put back in place.The shattered glassHad been put together to make a beautiful mosaic.What do I like to call this feeling you ask?I like to think of it asHope Coming Back to Life.

Kimberly WelcomeClara Barton High SchoolClass of 2008


Lola OlokoPort Richmond High SchoolClass of 2005


Theodora RobertsQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2006


Stand Up

His lies were quickly believedHis actions were overseenThis war is an injustice so went must speak against it

He goes to sleep every night And dreams of black goldWithout a worry in the world

He feels contented because his twins are near In other parts of the country mothers, fathers, brothers, sistersToss and turn in bed worrying about their loved ones

We know that this war isn’t about terrorismSo we must stand up and shoutAs the future leaders of this country

We must stand up against unfairnessWe must voice our opinionsWe must stand up for the ones who cannot

We must be strong for the ones who are weakWe must stand up for what is rightIt is our obligation to stand up against what is wrong

So stand up against the violence Against the liesAgainst the prejudices

Stand up for all who are suffering in IraqStand up for all the soldiers who have died fighting for oilStand up against the tyrant who allowed this to continue

Sheenica FleuryClara Barton High SchoolClass of 2006


Jessika SerranoAdlai E. Stevenson High SchoolClass of 2005

Emptiness

Emptiness:What is it?I know It’s like a raining day A lonely pathWhat does it feel like?I knowA dead plantA dried up roseA lonely heartWhat does it look like?A helpless childWalking an empty pathIt’s like a world with no love, no happiness

Sharale GayleQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2008


Now I Know

I feel sorry for themThe people who I hateBut who now I understandThey were deprived of so many thingstheir fathers, mothers, their feelings.They retaliate by beingbold or even annoying.Who are we to judge – their characters, their behavior,its who they are, its what theyknow. They were deprived itsnot their fault, so have a heartand treat them like who they are A whole and a part.

Janelle PeterkinSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008

Ordom HuotJohn F. Kennedy High SchoolClass of 2007


Missing You

I remember it like yesterday we use to talk and joke aroundNow that you’re gone, I feel like I’m always down

You were always there for me every time that I needed youFrom a toddler, to a boy, even to a teenager too

You were my mom, and also one of my best friendsWhy did your life really have to end

Who else is going to tell me what’s wrong and what’s rightAnd who else is going to tell me when and when not to fight

I know you’re in heaven watching me everywhere I goThat’s the reason that I know, everything single thing that I know…

I remember the day you passed, all I did was cry, cry, cryFor this I felt bad, I didn’t even get to say good-bye

All I could have thought was “why did you have to leave”But I was thankful for all the love from you that I had received

I cannot wait until me and you reunite again in heavenThere we can actually start over from the beginning

There’s no one in the world that I love as much as youYou were my only mom, and that’s mostly why I’m missing you.

Jacques BastienSTAR Early College High SchoolClass of 2008


Bigotry

So you stand over me and yell at me, “Faggot, Queer, Scum; I HATE YOU ALL THE SAME!”It’s funny how as each blow to my skull is repeatedly echoed by mymuffled screams,I am only beaten by those whom I love.To think that a person could have the audacity to tear me down whenhis own people suffer the same.He doesn’t understand what it’s like to be condemned for who he is,or does he?His ancestors were downtrodden with misconstrued interpretations ofa book that he worships todayAnd as his friends huddle around me I merely stand there and “turnthe other cheek” to try and have sympathy for them. They shouldn’t be beating me, they should try and realize that hatredis a never ending cycle.

As they walk away from my blood-ridden, clothing-stripped, fetus-positioned body, I can only remain in the silence of the still hatred.It exhumes its breath of bigotry and will not cease until love is under-stood, the way Jesus and other great men AND women conceived it.

Allan RoblesScience Skills Center High SchoolClass of 2005

Aliesha MurdockQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2005


In Due Time

I remember being four and not a tear dry inmamma’s eyes.I remember her putting my shoes on because ofdaddy’s lies.The same man that waited too long to be in my life,Was the same man who’d rather take care of otherchildren,Instead of his own.

I waited so long for an excuse.But why? The only things I got,were reasons to cry.

The man who helped create me, Didn’t take part in my life.Instead he left it to another man,To take me in as his child.

It was twelve years ago And now that I’m damn near grown, The sorry excuse for a man Finally recognizes me as his child.

Although it’s too late for him to step in I‘ve given him the benefit of the doubt.But still, the lies won’t quitThe cycle only repeats.

He calls only when his guilt wins,But now that I am older I can finally say, “Forget him, ‘cause he’ll need me some day!”

Syneria GarrettLafayette High SchoolClass of 2006

Omar KhanQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2005

Liliane AzevedoQueens Gateway to Health SciencesClass of 2005


Christine JeuneClara Barton High SchoolClass of 2006

A Haiku

I am one of thosestupid idiotic foolsDancing in the rain.

Richard GainesGateway School for Environmental Research and TechnologyClass of 2008


Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Bronx):Nadim Shaun (2005)Tom Decruze, Coordinator

Bayard Rustin High School for theHumanities (Manhattan):Grant Reid (2006), Juliana Rodriguez (2006),Xiaomeng Xu (2005)Adrienne Rubin, Coordinator

Brooklyn Technical High School (Brooklyn):Natalia Baklitskaya (2007)Giancarlo Malchiodi, CoordinatorScott Matthews, Coordinator

Clara Barton High School (Brooklyn):Vivienne Cain (2006), Gardith Eduoard (2006),Seenica Fleury (2006), Amy Lau (2006), RodleyMoise (2006), Vanessa Vales (2006)Ms. Beckhardt, Art TeacherBrenda Bradley, Art TeacherShikira Chang, English TeacherMaurice Pahalan, CoordinatorKerri-Ann Smith, English Teacher

Erasmus Hall High School for Science & Math(Brooklyn):Tavia Jackson (2005Keturah Nubyahn, Coordinator

The Gateway School for EnvironmentalResearch and Technology (Bronx):Jennifer Graham, English TeacherRebecca Sachs, Literacy AssociateNancy Santiago, English Teacher

John F. Kennedy High School (Bronx):Steven Feld, Art TeacherStephen Mathur, Assistant Principal

Jamaica High School (Queens):Surendra Bipat (2005), Leslie Peters (2006),Sandra Reyes (2005)Michele Berlin, Art TeacherRobert Croonquist, English TeacherScott Feltzin, A. P. EnglishEdith Gruen, English TeacherKathy Kalansky, CoordinatorJohn Scarinci, English TeacherSharlene Warthen, Art Teacher

Lafayette High School (Brooklyn):Elizabeth Bommarito, English Teacher Janan Eways, English TeacherRosario Miano, English TeacherNoreen Mullen, English TeacherLinda Rubino, Coordinator

Port Richmond High School (Staten Island):Candice McNeece, A.P. EnglishDavid Salomon, CoordinatorSuzanne Woodman, A.P. Arts

Queens Gateway to Health Sciences(Queens):Shannon Crichlow (2005), Ekadasi Drikpalsingh(2005), Geeta Persaud (2006)Antonia Fthenakis, Art TeacherShree Parsan, English TeacherAlli Shaloum, Writing Teacher

Science Skills Center High School (Brooklyn):Nicholas Calder (2006), Allan Robles (2005)Michele Williams, CoordinatorJohn Xavier, English Teacher

STAR Early College High School (Brooklyn):Crystal Coble, English TeacherHenrietta Coursey, PrincipalMeena Satnarain, Art Teacher

Editorial Staff

Editor: Jessica ArnoldAssistant Editors: Ekadasi Drikpalsingh, Melissa Duclos, Amy Lau, Rodley Moise,

Geeta Persaud, Allan Robles, Patty Rout, Editorial Assistants: Evan Pazner, Jessica Ziel

Designer: Anna Copeland Wheatley

Contributing Editors We would like to gratefully acknowledge the work of the following Gateway students, coordinatorsand teachers who collaborated on this issue:


Gateway ProgramsBrooklyn Technical HS29 Fort Greene Place-Rm. 5S10Brooklyn, NY 11217(718) 858-5150Principal: Lee McCaskillCoordinator/Guidance:Giancarlo Malchiodi and ScottMathews

Clara Barton HS901 Classon AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11225(718) 636-4900Principal: Jacqueline FosterCoordinator: Maurice PahalanGuidance: Keith Holgateand Mary Ann Finn

Erasmus Hall HS911 Flatbush AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11226(718) 282-8079Principal: Melanie JohnsonCoordinator: Keturah NubyahnGuidance: Sandra Wynne

Humanities HS351 W. 18th StreetNew York, NY 10011(212) 675-5350Principal: John AngelettGuidance: Gina Graziano

Jamaica HS167-01 Gothic DriveJamaica, NY 11432(718) 739-5942Principal: Jay DicklerCoordinator: Kathy KalanskyGuidance: Judy Reuben

John F. Kennedy HS99 Terrace View AvenueBronx, NY 10463(718) 562-5500Principal: Anthony RotunnoAssistant Principal: StephenMathur Guidance: Joan Firsenbaum

Lehman HS

Principal:Coordinator:Guidance:

Lafayette HS2630 Benson AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11214(718) 372-3480Principal: Alan SiegelCoordinator: Linda RubinoGuidance: Deanna Dorazio

Port Richmond HS85 St. Joseph’s AvenueStaten Island, NY 10302(718) 273-3600Principal: Tim GannonCoordinator: David SalomonGuidance: Donna Friedkin-Saltz

Science Skills HS49 Flatbush AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11201(718) 243-9413Principal: Denise JenningsCoordinator: Michele WilliamsGuidance: Henrietta Dixon

Stevenson HS1980 Lafayette AvenueBronx, NY 10473(718) 918-2700Principal: Gerald MartoriCoordinator: Tom DecruzeGuidance: Shirley Faivus

Gateway School for Environmental Research and Technology at Stevenson1980 Lafayette Avenue

Bronx, NY 10473(718) 824-9327

Principal: Clifford Siegel

Queens Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School150-91 87th Road

Jamaica, NY 11432(718) 739-8080

Principal: Cynthia Edwards

S.T.A.R @ Erasmus in partnership with Brooklyn College911 Flatbush AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11226

(718) 282-8079Principal: Henrietta Coursey

Gateway Schools


Cover ArtTanzina AkhterClara Barton High SchoolClass of 2006

The City College of The City University of New York160 Convent Avenue

Harris Hall, Suite H-06New York, NY 10031

[email protected]

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