Just Buffalo’s annual anthology of student Writing

First-ever double issue 2010 & 2011

Welcome to the first ever double issue of Wordplay, Just Buffalo’s anthology of the most outstanding student work produced during our Writers in education programs.

each year, more than 100 classrooms open their doors to our team of talented teaching artists. our corps of professional writers—this includes poets, fiction writers, playwrights, journalists, and book artists—go into the community to ignite imaginations, renewing a love for learning through writing and bookmaking.

how do we do this exactly? our Writer residencies partner teaching artists with english teachers. the writers custom design lessons to complement curriculum while, at the same time, freeing writing exercises from the constraints of standardized testing. out of the thousands of poems, stories, and photographs produced by eager young artists, we select the most powerful works and archive them in Wordplay.

our philosophy is simple: we give students a blank page and they give us their wishes & fears, hopes & dreams. Wordplay brings these voices together.

We know that writing is not just about getting the right answer on the test. Writing unlocks the imagination. it gives students a chance to open their hearts. it gives us a window into their bright minds, to learn what young people are thinking and feeling.

as you look through these pages, you can see the range of young people’s concerns—from dispelling racism to conquering bullying, from appreciating the beauty of nature to the extraordinary love of family. Perhaps what is most poignant about these works is how they capture both the innocence and complexity of what tomorrow’s writers are thinking about today.

once upon a time, it was believed that “children should be seen & not heard.” But, at Just Buffalo, we believe that every child has a voice. and, we are here to listen.

WelCoMe to WordPlay

Just Buffalo gratefully acknowledges the funding support essential to making our Writers in education programs and this publication possible:

Erie 1 BOCES

Buffalo Board of Education

Writers in education programs are provided in partnership with the following:

Cameron & Jane Baird Foundation

all photos of students participating in our education programs were captured by Jon r. hand (unless otherwise noted).

Buffalo Teacher Center

Barbara Coleeducation directorJust Buffalo literary Center

in July 2011, Just Buffalo launched a fundraising campaign on KiCKstarter—an online funding platform for art projects—to publish Wordplay. Word of the campaign spread across the country with donations coming in from as far away as California, Maine, texas, alabama, and iowa.

all told, our campaign received 178,392 “likes” on facebook and even the founder of KiCKstarter, yancey strickler, personally contributed.

With the help of our 126 backers, Wordplay will be distributed at no cost to schools, libraries, bookstores, and other sites throughout the community.

this issue is dedicated to everyone who shared our story, spread the word, and generously contributed.

With special thanks to the following supporters:

$35 TO $49 Ms. Karima aminMs. ansie BairdMs. B. Cass ClarkeMr. William Creeleydr. linda drajemKatka hammond & Max WickertMs. elaine huntMr. John KearnsMs. Joyce Kesseldr. Joel levinMr. donald MitchellMs. nancy J. ParisiMs. elizabeth PascalMs. Pamela PlummerMs. georgeann redmanMs. Janna Willoughby-lohr

$50 TO $99Ms. lynn anonymousMr. robert BieleckiMr. and Mrs. david BrockmanMs. robin BroxMs. Constance CaldwellMs. lorna CameronMr. and Mrs. aaron CluteMs. Catherine Cornbleth

$50 TO $99 (continued)Mr. James dugganMs. amy feinsteinMs. fay gunnMs. lynne stutts haglerMs. Julia hallMr. Kaplan harrisMr. Christopher Johnson-robersonMs. gunilla t. KesterMs. Juliana KooMs. Morani Kornberg-WeissMs. anna KornbluhK.C. KrattMr. david W. landreyMs. susan C. lichtblauMr. hal a. limebeerMs. Catherine linder spencerMr. aaron lowingerMs. tammy Mcgovernted Pelton & susan MoynihanMr. robert d. PohlMs. Kristen M. PopeMs. diane ramosMs. linda schinellerMs. Patti sidebottomMs. Jessica smithMs. susan solomon

We couldn’t have done it Without you!

$100 TO $199Ms. deborah abgottMs. Victoria CookMs. Jean doerrMs. donna fierleMr. nathan gorelickMs. susan grangerMr. steven MillerMr. stephen r. MorrisMs. Karen PomicterMs. sherry robbinsMs. Penelope l. schmittsee feel hear touch - experience art Mrs. florence spanoMs. Judith K. summerMs. franca trinciaMs. ryki Zuckerman

$200 TO $499Mr. and Mrs. g. alexander ColeMr. Carl dennisMs. Mary e. faralloMr. Kevin o’learyMr. stephen Paskey

2009-2010

Akron Elementary SchoolDr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192Leonardo DaVinci High School, P.S. 212Depew Middle SchoolDiscovery School, P.S. 67East Delavan LibraryEnterprise Charter SchoolHamlin Park School, P.S. 74Highgate Heights, P.S. 80Hutchinson Central Technical High School, P.S. 304Immaculate ConceptionKalfas Magnet SchoolMcKinley High School, P.S. 305Nichols SchoolNorthwood Elementary SchoolFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156Saturday AcademySouthside Elementary, P.S. 93Stanley G. Falk SchoolTapestry High SchoolWaterfront Elementary School, P.S. 95Western New York Maritime Charter School

2010-2011

Akron Elementary SchoolCharter School for Applied TechnologiesDr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence, P.S. 89D’Youville Porter Campus School, P.S. 3Enterprise Charter SchoolFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156Highgate Heights, P.S. 80Hillery Park Elementary, P.S. 27Lorraine Elementary, P.S. 72McKinley High School, P.S. 305Southside Elementary, P.S. 93

Community Center Partners2010-2011

The Belle CenterBoys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo, School #43 SiteBoys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo, Woodrow WilsonGloria J. Parks Community CenterNative American Community Services of Erie and Niagara CountiesPratt Willert Community CenterSchiller Park Community ServicesValley Community Association

our sincerest thanks to the teachers, principals, parents and, most of all, the talented students who participated in Just Buffalo’s successful education programs:

José Alvergue is a Ph.d. candidate in the university at Buffalo’s Poetics program. he holds an M.f.a. from the California institute of the arts, school of Critical studies. his book, us look up/ there red dwells was published by Queue Books in 2008.

Karima Amin is a native of Buffalo, ny, who strives to preserve the art of storytelling for story lovers of all ages. the author of a children’s book, The Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends, she also has produced several recordings of her retellings of traditional fables and folktales. her Cd, You Can Say That Again! (2004), earned a Parents’ Choice foundation gold award in 2005.

susan Hodge Anner is a poet and playwright whose work has been performed in new york, Pittsburgh, indianapolis, and Washington, d.C. her play, “letters to the World,” was produced in 2007 as part of the infringement festival in Buffalo. she also teaches playwriting in the university at Buffalo’s theatre department.

robin brox is a poet and educator making her home on Buffalo’s West side. a graduate of amherst high school, she earned an M.a. in english from the university of Maine—orono in 2005 and a B.a. in english from the university at Buffalo in 2001. the founder of saucebox, a women’s performance series turned small press, Brox produces handmade chapbooks, broadsides, and other book arts.

linda drajem taught english for over 25 years to secondary students in the Buffalo Public schools before supervising pre-service english teachers at Buffalo state College. in 2007, she published, InnerSessions (with two other poets). she holds a Ph.d. in american studies and an M.a.h. from the university at Buffalo, and a B.a. in english from d’youville College.

Jerome Gentes is a lakota-gros Ventre american indian. he received his B.a. in english from the university of California, Berkeley, and his M.f.a. from the graduate Program in Writing at Columbia university. he has been published in numerous journals and newspapers including The New York Times, Kirkus Reviews, Sightings, Out, and San Francisco Bay Guardian.

soula Harisiadis received her B.a. from Barnard College and her M.f.a. from the iowa Writers’ Workshop. she has taught writing at new york university, Buffalo state College, and the university of iowa. during her time at the iowa Center for the Book, she designed and letterpress-printed two books of her original poetry, The Blackness and the Bird and Epigenome.

Margaret Konkol is a Ph.d. candidate in the Poetics Program at the university at Buffalo. she received her M.a. from the university of Virginia and her B.a. from reed College. Currently, she is at work on a long poem affectionately dubbed Instruction Manual for Self-Created/Self-Alienating Calendars. she curates the Mildred lockwood lacey small Press in the archive lecture series.

ellen Melamed holds an M.a. in theatre education from Columbia university. she has taught writing and performance at the high school and college level; served as the academic tutor on The Cosby Show; and worked for theatre development fund, young audiences ny, and arts Connection. in 1982, she created The Playwriting Project, a national award-winning program for grades 3-12. her play, ETHEL, based on the life of ethel rosenberg, was produced off Broadway.

Meet the Writers

Just BuffaloWordplay

VoluMe XVii & XViii2009-2011

EditorBarbara Cole

Cover ArtJulian Montague

Page DesignJulian Montague

Picturing Poetry & Reclaiming BuffaloManuscript Preparation

nikki gormanlauren tent

PhotographyJon hand

Just Buffalo Administration

Executive Directorlaurie dean torrell

Artistic DirectorMichael Kelleher

Education DirectorBarbara Cole

Finance DirectorKris Pope

GrantwriterKathleen Kearnan

Executive Assistantlynda Kaszubski

Administrative Assistanthallie Winter

www.justbuffalo.org

Meet the BooK artists, sound artists & PhotograPhersMeet the Writers

laura Nathan received her M.f.a. in creative nonfiction from Bennington College. the author of Insiders’ Guide to Houston, her writing has also appeared in Redbook, Cooking Light, The Writer’s Chronicle, ArtVoice and Screwball Television: Critical Perspectives on Gilmore Girls. Previously the editor of the online magazine, InTheFray, laura has taught writing and communication skills to students in houston, austin, new york, Chicago, and Buffalo.

sherry robbins is the lead teaching artist for Just Buffalo, the resident writer at gay and lesbian youth services of Western new york, as well as an arts-in-education Consultant for the university of Coimbra and the Belgais Center for the study of arts in Portugal. sherry has two books of poetry, Snapshots of Paradise and Or, the Whale. in 2005, the association of teaching artists named sherry the new york state teaching artist of the year.

Gary earl ross is a novelist, playwright, anthologist, public radio essayist and language arts professor at the university at Buffalo educational opportunity Center. he is the author of the short story collections, The Wheel of Desire (2000) and Shimmerville (2002); the novel Blackbird Rising (2009); and six well-received stage plays including Matter of Intent, winner of the 2005 edgar allan Poe award from Mystery Writers of america.

divya victor has lived and learned in india, singapore, Baltimore, Philadelphia and seattle. she has an M.a. in Creative Writing—Poetry from temple university in Philadelphia and is currently working towards her Ph.d. in english at the university at Buffalo. her work has appeared in ambit, broke, XConnect, ixnay, generator, dusie, and President’s Choice.

Janna Willoughby-lohr has been writing poetry since she was 5 and performing since age 12. she holds a B.a. in entrepreneurial Creative Business arts from Warren Wilson College. a grand slam finalist in 2005-2008 for the nickel City Poetry slam and a member of the 2006 nickel City slam team at the national Poetry slam, Janna is also an editor for Earth’s Daughters literary magazine, the longest running women’s publication in the country.

Monica Angle has 20 years of experience as an art educator, teaching studio art and bookmaking to children and adults. she attended harvard College, pursued advanced courses in printmaking and bookmaking at the Minneapolis College of art and design and was educated as a geographer at Pennsylvania state university. her work has been featured in solo exhibitions in Buffalo, ny; Charlottesville, Va; and Minneapolis, Mn.

Joel brenden is a multi-disciplinary artist with projects extending into drawing, graphic design, typography, bookmaking, and sculpture. he holds an M.f.a. in Visual studies from the university at Buffalo and a B.f.a. in drawing from Central Washington university. Brenden works as a freelance designer and instructor in photography, blogs at Tumblr and posts his photography at Flickr.

Christopher Fritton is a local artist who holds a B.a. in Philosophy and a B.a. in english from the university at Buffalo (2000), as well as an M.a. in Poetics from the university of Maine at orono (2005). he is a published poet and professional artist whose work often integrates technical and scientific language with sentimental humanism in small, handmade, limited-edition books.

Nikki Gorman is the lead teaching artist for CePa gallery. originally from syracuse, ny, she received her B.f.a. in Photography and M.ed. in teaching in and through the arts from the university at Buffalo.

Joyce Kryszak is an award-winning broadcast reporter, covering an array of social issues that impact the Western new york community. during her time with the WBfo news team, Joyce won nearly three dozen associated Press awards for a variety of hard news and feature reports. in 2008, she won more individual aP awards than any other broadcast reporter in new york state. as a special guest teaching artist, Joyce worked with 7th graders at frederick law olmsted school on Soundscapes.

sara McKenna has taught art to public school children as well as adults at various public institutions in hillsboro, oregon; upstate ny; Buffalo arts studio and CePa gallery. her work ranges from traditional processes such as wet plate collodion, salt printing and 16 mm, to digital photography and video production.

becky Moda has curated exhibitions at Buffalo arts studio, Castellani art Museum, starlight studio & art gallery, and niagara Community College. Becky earned her M.a. in art education from nazareth College of rochester. Currently, she is teaching at international Preparatory school.

leah rico received her M.f.a. in Visual studies and B.f.a. in Painting and Printmaking from the university at Buffalo. her work uses sound installation, experimental audio, drawing, and print to investigate spoken language. leah’s work has exhibited at Princeton university, the Kingston Museum of Contemporary art, and the soundwalk festival in long Beach, Ca.

Catherine linder spencer is a visual artist and teaching artist whose work has been exhibited locally at studio hart, the albright-Knox art gallery, and the Burchfield Penney art Center. a tireless advocate for Western new york’s arts, cultural, educational and environmental community for 20 years, Catherine has participated in public art projects such as “art on Wheels” and “herd about Buffalo.”

LETTERS TO THE WORLD LETTERS TO THE WORLD

dear World,i love you!i wish i could hug you,you big thing!

Glen W. John1st gradeStanley G. Falk School

Dear Mother, Please

dear mother of the moon, sky, and sea,Please listen to me.Please listen to me.

Keep my tribe together,Keep my tribe togetherthrough the turbulence from the sea,through the turbulence from the sky.

dear mother of the moon, sky, and sea,Please listen to me.Please listen to me.

Keep the moon shining bright.Keep the moon in our sight.

dear mother of the moon, sky, and sea, Please listen to me.

Our love runs deep.Our love runs deep.

Please listen to me.Please listen to me,Dear mother of the moon, sky and sea.

Asia Battle11th gradeBuffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192

To the Moon

oh Moon,you are so bright.you shine into my house at night.you are so prettyi imagine you have clothes,and you have a purse.Can you write?oh Moon,What were you for halloween?

Mariella Sprague 2nd gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

The River

the river flows,even during the dark night,then it floods.

Akhil McCall3rd gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

late thatnight a gifthe found inthe skythe tree isblowingwith the breezywind yes yesyes the mansaid light isthe shiningstars at nightthe animalsare listeningto the soundtracksin the dark night.

Cassandra Brandl3rd gradeAkron Central Elementary School

Earth

i love that you let us climb upyour rocky mountainand lay in your swaying grass.i love that you let us drinkyour purest waterand let us swimin your waves.i love that you let the suncook us till we are tan.i love that you coolus down with the wind singingin my head andlet the grass danceto your great singing.

Olivia Whiteside3rd gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156

dear Moon, how do you shine your light on earth and keep yourself up in the sky?i love you moon.i love how you shine your light on my family at night.My family loves you too.do the bats swarm at you?how do you live with allthat light in you?i wish i could come to you.

love,adam

Adam B.4th gradeStanley G. Falk School

oh moon, how did you get there?did a pizza man throw it too high?When i turned out the light,you shined very bright.i’m lucky i have you shining.When i go to sleep,i’m lonely but i remember you’re there.you are my good friend.

Nathan Sommer2nd gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

dear World,do you want to be my friend?do you want to play with me?Can you see god up there?did the dinosaurs hurt you?are you sick because of the oil spill?do you eat dead people?

Matthew2nd gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

From the smallest dreamers to college-bound high school students, glimpse how these young writers view the world.

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON

gray, the color of dark cloudsa crystal night skythe seasons go by fastold and new don’t always matterwhere should i go?

Aaron Lobur3rd gradeAkron Central Elementary School

Remembering Summer

laying down aroundme are the memories ofsummer, so serene

the way the morning dew feels upon mysilky soft skin

the sounds rushinto my brain, like oceanwaves crashing together.

Elizabeth Aleghia Preville9th gradeLeonardo DaVinci High School, P.S. 212

Autumn Poem

in the fall, i was as cold as icenow, i am warm like the sunin the fall, i was as short as a kindergartnernow, i am tall like a treein the fall, i was as white as snownow, i am tan like sandpaperin the fall, i was as boring as a snailnow, i am creative like an artistin the fall, i was as lazy as a cat in the daytimenow, i am playful like a puppy

Kameron Bunch6th gradeSouthside Elementary School, P.S. 93

Autumn Poem

in the fall, i was as shy as a scared, swift owlnow, i am open like a newly printed bookin the fall, i was as confused as a newborn pupnow, i am brave like a soaring hawkin the fall, i was as quiet as a mousenow, i am loud like stormy windin the fall, i was as careful as a mother doenow, i am outrageous like a little outgoing foxin the fall, i was as dull as a brown, crisp leafnow, i am perfect like a newly shined ring

Casandra Rodriguez6th gradeSouthside Elementary School, P.S. 93

Autumn Poem

in the fall, i was as lonely as the last leaf on a treenow, i am confident like a doctor doing surgeryin the fall, i was as thin as the bare twigs of the treenow, i am strong like a buffalo charging at redin the fall, i was as slow as a turtlenow, i am fast like a speeding car

in the fall, i was as dull as a farm worker’s jobnow, i am happy like a family eating on thanksgivingin the fall, i was as scared as an ant running away from an anteaternow, i am brave like a spelling bee winner

Mohammed Alrobaye6th gradeSouthside Elementary School, P.S. 93

A Joyful Day, A Joyful Place

a joyful day a joyful placethe way the wind hits theflowers, the blissful noiseit makesthe way mytangy lemonade tastesthe way the sunrises above my headi swear the sun tellsme secrets.

Mya Caldarelli 4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall—one only needs to look out the window or remember a special time to find inspiration.

PICTURING POETRYPiCturing PoetrySix years ago, Just Buffalo joined forces with our collaborative partner, CEPA Gallery, and formed Writing with Light, our joint education program, bringing together photography and writing.

In “Picturing Poetry,” our flagship program, students first learn the elements of photography from a CEPA Gallery teaching artist before taking home their own black-and-white cameras to practice what they have learned. Once their photographs have been developed, students exercise their critical thinking skills in selecting their best image. Then, over the course of multiple sessions with a Just Buffalo writer, students compose original poems inspired by their photos.

The selected pieces on these pages represent just a small fraction of the many impressive artworks created by students in “Picturing Poetry.”

The Dancing Plants

When wind touchesthe plantsit feels like i am at a party

the wind whistles the song and the plants dance away

Vincent Berbano4th GradeDiscovery School, P.S. 67

They Are Cute

there are two people.one is my sister,the other one ismy brother.he is funny.i see happiness.i feel glad.they are special to me.they are the loved ones in my heart.

Ariyona Cornwell4th GradeHamlin Park School, P.S. 74

This Place

the rocks look dark as brook trout. the grass looks like lush woodin the white spring melt.this place is good.i see a railroad.there are lots of rocks.lots of wires.no leaves on the trees.

Tah Dah Wah5th GradeDr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18

each project concludes with a final Celebration where students perform their writing alongside of their projected artwork as well as an in-school exhibition of all of the students’ finished pieces in a centrally-located area so that the entire school community can appreciate the inspiring artwork.

PICTURING POETRY PICTURING POETRY

The Clouds

white big ballsup in the skywhy are you there?

what will you dowill you strike, shrink, orcause a rainfall?

why were you made?will you sound loudor really quiet?

will you squish orfeel like a cottonballor taste like a marshmallow?

Moses Baines5th GradeHighgate Heights, P.S. 80

Wires

Wires are connectedto each otherWires are connectedto houses and buildingsPhone wires are importantso that people can be connectedWires connect peopleto each otherWires connect heartsWires connect happinessWires connect families

Min Min Muang9th GradeMcKinley High School, P.S. 305

The Truth

the truth is it looks like i am about to fall and am holding on for my life but really i am at ease, i am comfortable. the sun is shining on my face, it brings out the true color in me. But the truth is i would never say that about my color. i am ashamed of it, it’s something i wish i could cover up but can’t.

Mariatu Baker8th GradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156

i am imagining a different worldWith peace and loveWithout any hurt and painso that the world would be a better placei am imagining a magical place so that everyone can have fun and nothing could ever harm usthe field allows me a lot of imagination.

Sara Crawford4th GradeDr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18

PICTURING POETRY PICTURING POETRYon a dairy farmstands a cow

a nearby creek fillsa lake full of life and peace

then the lake flows into endless plains and rolling hills

eating grassshe is very relaxed

as she eats the dull sun passes through the sky

on this little countrysidea cow provides milk to every soul

Just from one cow isa strong and healthy planet

a cow and a farmer alwayshave a strong bond. the farmeris always thankful for each cow.

My Street in the Morning

My street in the morningis as quiet as a library.My street in the morning is as coldas an ice cube. My street in themorning has more space than a classroom.i love my street in the morningbecause it is home to myhome.

Kajhanea Barney5th GradeHighgate Heights, P.S. 80

Melting

Melting snow, a bright blue sky, blowing trees, a cool breeze a silent street crickets chirping birds singing i know spring is near

Gabriel Flewellyn4th GradeLorraine Elementary, P.S. 72

From Winds to Tears

this chime represents my pain.there’s only one person to blame.

their silent winds bring my tears.Winds so quiet but easy to fear.Why do they do this to me?Why am i their victim?Why can’t i be happy?i ask these questions.But yet no answers.their winds just blow me away.i can feel it coming.nowhere to run.nowhere to hide.no escape…

Jonviér Whittington7th GradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156

Valenzia Capodicasa6th GradeDr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18

PICTURING POETRY PICTURING POETRY

On the Street of Niagara Avenue

cleancutgrass on a sunny day.

dust of the resting dirt jumps around like my

loving heartpumping.

smell of theliveness like my nose when i smell happiness

this ismetelling you a story

because this houseis me that you see.

Thajanay Jones6th GradeDr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18

in the back yard wet leaves nettling at the backboard remember the treethe hoop is still in place itwas as if life was a movie andsomeone had paused it wish you werehere

Smile

take me awayto a place oflove and happiness.smiles of shadowsnobody else has ever seen.We try to hold back,But we’re bursting with laughter.the shadows and i,it’s not what it seems.soon, darkness falls. Where do they go?everyone assumes, but onlyi know.

Emily Gartz5th GradeLorraine Elementary, P.S. 72

Snowy Day in West Seneca

the treesare likepencilsblowing awaythe leavesare missingwhere have they gonelike words without linedpaper

Laura Gregory4th GradeDiscovery School, P.S. 67

Joshua Rodriguez6th GradeDr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18

PICTURING POETRY PICTURING POETRY

Tree’s Dream

the tree has thoughtsthoughts of leaves in a dreamdreams to change the seasonsseasons of greenacross its wide bare branchesit is a dream with lots ofhope, peace, and lifelife to sprout greenfertile, strong, sweet and broad soon, soon dreams will come true.a tree’s dream is a dream of changechange of greengreen change to be

Tarin Parker5th GradeLorraine Elementary, P.S. 72

the fence and train tracksare lines that go here and there.

so go on the train and gosomewhere.

Carlos Cepeda5th GradeDr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18

Sight

sitting on this swingdangling my skinnylegs back and forthi look out to the world like i’m a giantbut in reality i’m only just an ant.as i sit here wondering whatis going to happen tomorrow ilook at the firm yet strong littletree in front of me.it feels like i’m looking at myself through someone else’s eyes.there’s a million of those treesin the world but not all ofthem are like me because i may be an ant but i feellike a giant.

the crack leaves me open to absorbto make a puddlefrom the rain i adorei look out my window to see the worldthe window is the reflection i show

Akyng Franklin8th GradeCharter School for Applied Technologies

Kaylyn Ramos8th GradeCharter School for Applied Technologies

POWERFUL EMOTIONS POWERFUL EMOTIONS

Poem

My brother’s funerala day of complete darkness My dreams collapsed

My world stopped,thinking why everything else continued i guess this

World is full of disappointments.day and night i still suffer from grief.

Fatuma Mohamed9th gradeLeonardo DaVinci High School, P.S. 212

Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.death reassures us of the moment.establishes a visible pattern and conclusion to our livesvanishing pointblack tieold rituals die awaynew ones often spring up in there instead

Cassie Tyner11th gradeWestern New York Maritime Charter School

Frustrated

frustrated is like the sour taste of a grapefruit.frustrated is wanting an a+ on a test that never came.frustrated is the sound of loud buzzing in your ears, as people talk to you.frustrated looks like a lion that is too slow to catch his meal.frustrated seems like an unfair emotion.

Amaya Dykman5th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156

Farewell

Coming into a place of blind choice i must say farewell.it’s a horrible feeling to say it.But you brought out something good in me.in many ways you taught me how to sayfarewell to many deficits in my life.farewell misery,farewell crying at night,farewell being alone,farewell lack of confidence,but most importantly,farewell to the one who brought out the bestin me. you’ll be missed.

Derrion Andrews11th gradeWestern New York Maritime Charter School

What is perhaps most powerful is the range of emotions which emerges from the students who participate in our programs.

Whether these young writers are drawing from personal experience or creating an imagined persona, we are humbled by the honesty and courage of their words.

What Is Love?

What exactly is love?a feelingthat fills you.Makes you wantto run away,even though you can’t.it is a power,an evil burst,making your brain foggy,your mind go blank.Maybe a feeling,a taste,a sign.it fills you,breaks you,stretches till it hurts.

Vivian Hunt 4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

last sight, last chance, one hope no helpso close but so far, so early but too lateworld dimming life fading no time

Ryan Pettit11th gradeWestern New York Maritime Charter School

POWERFUL EMOTIONS

I Remember My Aunt Mary’s Funeral

i remember the weather was beautiful,i remember everyone was crying,i remember everyone talked about how wonderfulshe was,i remember the sadness in everyone’s voice as theytalked,i remember i bought a new dress and ruinedit with my tears.

Olivia Belinda Long5th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156

Madness

they call her a creep

they call her a baby

with all this madness

they’re driving her crazy

her eyes full of tears

her cheeks sobbing wet

she thinks happy thoughts and tries to forget

a crack in her heart

a scar in her thoughts

it’s like a meadow of ice

and a home made of wasps.

Alyson Smutek6th gradeHillery Park Elementary School, P.S. 27

Wishes

for a chest of thunderfor a heart of mightfor never maybeBut always yesfor lifefor lovefor givingand being given to . . .

Peace.

Patrick Sabato4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

in 2010-2011, Just Buffalo literary Center and CePa gallery successfully piloted Soundscapes, the newest program in Writing with Light, thanks to a prestigious grant from the national endowment for the arts.

Bringing together sound with photography and poetry, Soundscapes offered students the opportunity to create multidisciplinary artworks which motivated them to think in new ways.

if students previously thought that “sound art” constituted music and music alone, they came to fully understand the countless other sounds which surround us. the clang of lockers at school, a knock at the door followed by a barking dog, the opening and closing of a squeaky oven door signaling that dinner is almost ready, the contagious laughter of a little brother or sister—these are the sounds which enrich our lives.

SOUNDSCAPES

Joyce Kryszak, of WBfo fame, joined the Writing with Light team as a special guest teaching artist, working closely with 7th graders from frederick law olmsted school, P.s. 156

seventh-graders at highgate heights, P.s. 80 visited the niagara Power Plant and Penn-dixie Paleontological Center to capture photographs informed by their science lessons about sound waves and energy.

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BOOKMAKING NOT JUST POETRY

Red Ribbon

My mother gave me my red ribbon when i was just 10. she said she was going to send me to a better place. then she gave me my red ribbon and told me never to take it off. she told me it would be the only way that she could find me. she put me on a boat and we went from Puerto rico to new york City. My mother came with me to the docks. the boat was tiny, very tiny. Mother handed the man some money and told me to go with the man.

i didn’t want to i held on to her hand not wanting to let go. she bent down looking at me in my eyes. she told me if i really loved her i would let go, i did love her, i really did, but i really didn’t want to leave her side. i remember this as the saddest day of my life. she looked at me with tears building up in her eyes. i asked why? she went on to tell me that bad people were after her and they were going to come take me away if i didn’t leave. she gave me a final hug. i had always wished to go back there whenever i’m sad or feeling lonely i remember her hug and her last words to me,

“i promise i’m getting out of Puerto rico as soon as possible, and i will find you.” the man said it was time to go.

My mother let go and looked at me crying. she pointed at the man and told me to go. it was a really long trip. When we finally arrived in new york City i put on my red ribbon. i wore it with pride knowing, hoping, to see my mother once again. i traveled the city for eleven years today. i’ve looked everywhere for her. i’ve looked on street corners, stores and even at times square. sometimes being overwhelmed by this big city. some days i feel completely hopeless about finding my mother. still haven’t seen her—

if you ever find this, i want you to know i’m doing just fine on my own. When you finally find me just remember… i still have my red ribbon.

Ashley C. Whiteside8th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156

Though poetry remains the most popular genre for Just Buffalo’s Writer Residencies, our diverse Writers Corps specialize in many different styles of writing.

Here are just a few examples from residencies focusing on “Monologues” and “Flash Fiction.”

With so much emphasis on new technologies, Just Buffalo’s Bookmaking projects remind students that books are still relevant—and beautiful!

for each project, a writer and book artist collaboratively develop a theme to inspire hearts, minds, and hands. students write poems or stories and then create their own artist’s books, incorporating everything from handmade papers to ancient binding techniques.

Who says you can’t judge a book by its cover?

some classes even have the opportunity to visit the Western new york Book arts Center to try out a Vandercook printing press and learn hands-on bookmaking lessons.

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NOT JUST POETRY NOT JUST POETRY

Nana’s Cookies

tick. tick. tick. it ticks until we hear that familiar ding! the warm aroma of nana’s famous cookies fills the air. the smell brings back memories. remember when we made over 500 cookies for Mom’s wedding? you let me be your special helper. i was only 7, we put underwear on our heads so the dough wouldn’t get into our hair. only nana would think of such a thing.

tick. tick. tick. only a half hour until we hear that familiar ding! But where are you going, nana? another familiar aroma wafts in from outside. Cigarettes. What i learned in school is, “cigarettes are bad for you, you can become sick.” so why do you do it, nana? do you not love your granddaughter , so you are killing yourself slowly in front of her?

tick. tick. tick. only 15 minutes until we hear that familiar ding! i’m so excited! i’ve been waiting almost an hour for these mouth-watering cookies. Why won’t you play with me nana? you’re going outside…again? i guess i should be used to it. We never do anything without you smoking. Whenever i can’t find you in the house, we can be sure you’re outside, “doral” in hand. nana! let’s go! they’re almost done. you tell me two minutes. i stare at the clock. 2 minutes go by, why are you still outside? how long does it take nana?

tick. tick. tick. ding! they’re finally done. i’m so excited to sink my teeth into those delicious cookies that make my taste buds want to explode. they’re scrumptious! But why are you coughing, nana…do you have a cold? you say you don’t but then why are you coughing?

tick. tick. tick. three years have gone by. you come home one day crying. What’s wrong? you won’t tell me, but i hear you whisper to my mother, “cancer.” Cancer? What an ugly word. i’ve heard it used before, but what does it mean? Mommy tells me you have lung cancer, and that it’s a very bad illness. it makes me sad, nana. you don’t make cookies anymore or put my hair up in princess hairstyles. you cry a lot, so i cry a lot. i love you nana.

tick. tick. tick. ding! a semi-familiar scent is in the air. Mother’s cookies. right from the pre-packaged dough she bought at top’s. We don’t make the dough like you did nana. it’s been three years since cancer took you away. i love you nana. i’ll never forget you.

tick. tick. tick.

Kylie Sanders9th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156

Chapter 3: It’s a Secret

the bell rang and school was over. i was nervous. i walked slowly towards the playground and there she was—the school bully, Janae. “hey,” Janae said in a soft voice. My heart started to pound and i was nervously sick. three other girls came from behind the slide and as they walked slowly towards me, i walked backwards. as they sped up i got so scared to where i ran. i ran because Janae is bad news and her, three girls, and me alone did not sound good. so my only choice was to run. i got home in a hurry and went straight to my room. i called Karina and we met at holey Moley’s donut shop. Karina felt so sad for me. We didn’t know what to do so there was one choice… ask Jason my brother. this is a big switch because i never ask him for anything (we actually hate each other). Karina and i went to my house and knocked on his door. he didn’t answer until the 12th knock. When he opened, i stood there explaining what had happened and that i had no reason why it happened. he invited us in and closed the door behind us…

Shontyaira Thomas7th gradeEnterprise Charter School

Stuck in the Middle“What kind of friend will emily choose?”

at lincoln high, one of its sweetest students has a problem. her name is emily Michaels. she has two rival friends, Mya young and Perdita gonzales. they aren’t friends at all. Both girls are emily’s best friends. tired of each other, Mya and Perdita suggest that emily must choose between them. “i can’t do that,” emily cried. “listen, emily, you can’t be friends with both of us.” Mya twisted her curly blonde hair. “We’ll give you until tomorrow to find out.” the three girls parted to class. emily hung her head low in tears. What will she do now? all day at school, Mya and Perdita fought over emily. “emily, i am your friend #1 and it shouldn’t be her,” Mya said. “emily, you are mi amiga. i am the first friend you’ve made. don’t let Mya, your so called sister from another mister, stop you from being my friend,” Perdita said. “i don’t know. i can’t choose between you. i won’t do it.” Perdita rolled her eyes at Mya. “yes, you will,” Mya said. emily screamed at them, leaving them alone. at home, emily asked her sister lauren about her problem. “lauren, what should i do?” lauren closed the book she was reading, “Just dump ’em! leave them alone. don’t choose.” emily nodded and left. the next day at school emily walked up to Mya and Perdita. “did you choose?” they both said. “yeah.” Mya and Perdita’s eyes flew open. “Who?!” emily smiled and said, “neither.”

Alexis Jones7th gradeEnterprise Charter School

SELF-PORTRAITS SELF-PORTRAITS

So Not the Same

you young ladystandin over there in the same dress as me you young ladyWith your hands on your hips your high waist your skinny body your long legs your blond hair you young ladyforget facin mei’m a threat and i know iti’m the bees knees—pleasei’m the head and not the taili’m shortMy Bigger BustMy Chunkinessall makes me, mei look at you and see a hideous person, with a beautiful facePeople look at me and see a divineWoman.

Tannis Truitt10th gradeTapestry High School

i am the elsabird.My wings flap like flames.When they flap they sound like ashes burning in the fire.My feathers are shiny silver and my beak shimmering gold.i travel long miles to find food and water.i will find that in a desert at an oasis.My eyes are beady black and my talons are as orange as the sun.My beak is as sharp as scissors.i have lived many years

most likely to be one hundred.

Elsa Hata2nd gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

i am a diamond ring for a hand in marriage i am a four leaf clover—lucky me i am a daisy blowing in the breeze i am a giraffe eating leaves that’s me

Destiny Berg3rd gradeHamlin Park School, P.S. 74

Flower Eye

i am the eye of a flower i am the heart of peacei can shed leaves i can drop seedsi reach to the sun on hot summer daysi droop to the moon on cold winter daysi live on mountains tall and smalli am the flower eye watching you all.

Flora Adams4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

Inspired by everything from the smallest speck of sand to the vast universe, students prove time and again that it can be equally inspiring to look within themselves.

Gretchen the Ocean

i am the oceanCrabs tickle my sandsea plants put their roots into meWaves plunge into mei hold many sea crittersone of the most dangerous animals lives in me.My coral reefs glow in the sunlighti am the ocean.i am graceful.i am wet. and i am a good home.

Gretchen Wehr2nd gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

SELF-PORTRAITS SELF-PORTRAITS

i am a celebrity i am a princess i am a fairy i am a Barbie i am a butterfly i am a cat i am a flower i am a sun i am a cloud i am a singer and dancer i am an angel in the heavens Lataiya Staley3rd gradeHamlin Park School, P.S. 74

i am shining like the moon.take a beamfrom me, keepit, treasure it,love it. i willkeep you safe.

Marissa Venter3rd gradeAkron Central Elementary School

i am a bird flying in the sky i am a flower outside i am a lake with fish in the ice i am a rug on the floor i am grass in the dirt i am air everywhere i am a mustang fast and cool

Taquan Cornwall3rd gradeHamlin Park School, P.S. 74

Everything and Nothing

i am lookingforwardto everythingand nothing…

Because nothing is part ofeverythingit penetratesseparatesand fills almostall of the timein which i waitlookingforward toeverything and nothing

Omar Reese11th gradeBuffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192

i’m a whisper in the wind.i’m a bluebird who flies across the sky.i’m a joker who plays a card.i’m a wonder in the future.i’m a grass swaying in the wind.i’m a rippling river.i’m a silent cricket.i’m a slithering slick snake.i’m an ant who’s small but mighty.i’m a roaring waterfall.

Skyler Masse3rd gradeAkron Central Elementary School

I Am a Mountain

i stand strongi stand proud

When people hike up mei feel joy like i aman answer waiting tobe found

i reach up to the skyi stretch and graspthe sun the moonand the stars

i am theMountain

Isabel Finkbeiner 4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

Outsider

i am the girl you all pick on,call names and play tricks on.i walk down the hall.you trip me, i fall.you all start laughing and pointingbut inside me i’m gagging and choking.you make my lifeharder than it has to be.i ask god,“why is this happening to me?”from you guys i hideshaming my pride.all my lifei’ve been pushed from people to people,moving from house to house.now this is a sequel.no one knows where i’ve been.do you dare to stepin the skin i’m in?raised with no mother,you would think i’d be tougher.But this is the worldin which we all suffer.

Tina A.10th gradeTapestry High School

i am the Karina bird.My wings are like a butterfly and an airplane.My tail is black like a horse.My feathers are soft like a pillow.i sing loud like the radio.i sing the morning and the night.

Karina González2nd grade Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

RECLAIMING BUFFALO

Reclaiming Buffalo introduces students from North, South, East and West Buffalo to a unique after school opportunity combining photography, computer literacy, and creative writing.

Students begin by photographing buildings in their neighborhood that they wish to “reclaim.” Using PhotoShop, students transform their “before” image into an “after” and write accompanying poems or prose to put their vision into words.

Selected artworks were featured on bus shelters across Buffalo, spreading hope and inspiration throughout the city.

Included here are some of the “before” images and poems. To see the complete works, please visit the online gallery at www.writingwithlightbuffalo.org

Doc

i walk down the street and see a house named doc.doc greets me with his dirty bricks and plywoodbegging me to melt the dirty snow off his rotting body.the wind hits me in my face with itschilling whisperswhile the trees wave to me so i will shoo!i can tell by doc’s face he has been through a lot.i swear i could’ve seen a tear.i walk away hoping the next time i see himhe will be as good as he used to be.i turn around, the trees still wavingand i see it as a “hello”so i run back and i can tellthis is a new beginningfor the house that i call “doc.”

Caitlin M.6th gradeValley Community Association

City Poem

on the east side or like wecall it home i like my homebecause we’ve got a big parkand we do cheers andwe get wet and wealways see peopleget along andthey have lotsof house parties andon saturday all youhear are the footballplayers and the cheerleadersand when yougo to the park it isa big field that youcan play on and thereis a big pond withducks

Shayla4th gradeSchiller Park Community Services

It Takes Faith

look at this building.What do you see?it could be almost anythingthat you want it to be.is it a landmark?is it a dream?it can be much morethan it seems.What is broken,can be made whole.What is ugly,may be worth more than gold.What is lost can be reclaimed.it takes faith.

Sean McGee5th gradeBoys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo,Woodrow Wilson

PEOPLE & PLACES PEOPLE & PLACES

Konnichiwa, Osaka

daylight morning while sitting on the benchshamisens playing with soundsof your drums

Midafternoon walking on a silent street

light streams of water fallingfrom the rocks with peace

evening sitting on the groundPlaying the pipa for your enjoyment

sunset

sitting under your soft treeas the cherry blossoms falldown upon me with a coolmidsummer breeze

nighttime

My kimono collides with your streamsyour moon collides with my spiriti will collide with your town

Cynthia Brooks11th gradeBuffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192

People of South Buffalo

south Buffalo peopleare the people you wantto be around.

Derek Bartosz9th gradeLeonardo DaVinci High School, P.S. 212

Phony People

My dreamsare filled with loveand hopethey might be your friendbut nopethere’s a thin rope betweenyou andthemhoping you couldjust be their friendMy heart is redbut how muchcould i take? itfeels like it will break.

Daniel Davis 5th gradeHillery Park Elementary School, P.S. 27

My Blissful Spot

My blissful spot ismy mom’s heartbeati feel her breathing andi feel perfect.i hear her heartbeatboom, baboom, baboomi feel so blissfuli drift offcan’t see a thingdon’t know a thingthen blank.

Jadon Eason4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

home sour homethey say there’s no place like homeBut as i roam i’m alonecruelty is a physical formhome sour homei have a new homein the trash i’ve been thrownas i still roam aloneextreme cases, neglecting and desertingchild fails to conforma new me is born

Denae Davis11th gradeWestern New York Maritime Charter School

The Most Beautiful Place

on that farm,that marvelous farm,sits a swing, sits a cow,sits a pig,sits a horse,sits a dog,sits a mouse,sits a cat,sits a hen,and on thefar corneri sitlistening tothe whistling windon that happy farm in Wisconsin.

Julia Penchaszadeh4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

Mi Isla de Puerto Rico

Mi isla de Puerto ricoMi isla de Puerto ricoCuando amarece, me brillas con tu solPor las noches, me cubres con tu sabana frescaMi isla de Puerto ricotus arboles tan grandesCon hojas tan verdes y brillosasMi isla de Puerto ricoMi isla de Puerto rico

My island, Puerto ricoMy island, Puerto ricoin the morning, your sun shines so brightat night, you cover me with a lovely breezeMy island, Puerto ricoyour trees are so bigWith leaves so green and shinyMy island, Puerto ricoMy island, Puerto rico

Merlina A. Hernandez9th gradeBuffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192

PEOPLE & PLACES PEOPLE & PLACES

The Park

you’re my escapefrom realityWhen i look into your eye ifind myself mesmerizedyour leavesflow with the wind

your rails, your benchesthey reach out to methey’re the handsi long to hold

your walls are the shouldersit makes me feel alive

your eye teems with lifeand beautyit has a calm sway to it andsuch a natural flow

We begin our dance againyour hands reach outand i flow with my movementlike the water in your eye

your shoulders i gripour connection will not slip

your eye captures meWhen all is said and done

you do not see my faultsWe continueour endless waltz

Movement is how i leadyou are all i seenature is yourBeautyyou’re my escapeMy new reality

Michael Morel11th gradeBuffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192

Coming Home 7 years7 years of hate7 years of love7 years of missing my dadthen i was so sadhe’s been in and out of my life;every time he went it was like a piercingin my heartwith a knife.now he’s here,here to stay,we will never part, cuza house is never a home whenyour loved ones are gone.losing a parent is like theend of the world.

Michael Guzzetta6th gradeHillery Park Elementary School, P.S. 27

My Scarce Dad

only see his fingers, tan.the tree was squeezed bya rubber band. holding fearin his hand.

he is holding but he islooking side to side.he said he can’t see,but he is not blind.

fingers hard from all his work. i tell him it’s okaybut he doesn’t move, no,he stays.

Savanna Maund5th gradeHillery Park Elementary School, P.S. 27

Puerto Rico

you are the home i grew up in.the streets i got bruised on

you are the hospitals i got operated at.you are my home.the beaches i go to and lay on yoursand.you are the coconut palm trees thatstand beside me.you are the coquís that sing at nighttheir beautiful song.you will always be in my heart.you are my world, you are miPuerto rico.

Odalys Morales11th gradeBuffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192

My Wonderful Mom

i wake up on saturday morning and i smell something delicious so i wander into my kitchen and there she is slaving over the hot stove.

then she looks at me with the cheerful smile she always has. it warms me up like a fire and it starts a wonderful day. after i get off the bus it makes me want to jump for joy. i love my mom.

Thomas Cornacchio4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

My Brother

Why do people become what they’re not?sweet boys wanna be toughis it their surroundings?is it because that’s how they wanna be?What is it?you in a gangyou sell drugsyou carry around a gunWhere do you think your life is going?Why go backwards instead of forward?you’re 16 being arrested for carrying an automatic. you’re done for.Who by yo side now?they free, where are you?i am, but for how long?i bet you’ll keep going backwards.you can trust in mebut trust that i’m going forward.i love you but not what’s insideof you.you weren’t here for my birthday,but be here for yours.

Taylor Frost10th gradeTapestry High School

SIGHTS & SOUNDS SIGHTS & SOUNDS

a crying childtelephone ringingwords of comfort from fatherpat of his hand on the boy’s backsqueak of father’s leather shoesthe rustle of a newspaper being nudgedthe turning of pages in the girl’s bookthe clash of a cup against its saucerthe clink of a spoon in the cup while stirringthe bump of an elbow against the tablethe flick of a plastic light switchthe tear of the elbow on the boy’s shirtthe rustle of the tablecloth being disturbedtick tock of the clock.

Ashley Bend12th gradeHutchinson Central Technical High School, P.S. 304

Quiet Mornings

Quiet mornings, sweet dew on the grass blades. tire swing on my weepingwillow.

red paint, brown foxwatermelon seeds in a pot

Poison berries, daddy long legsforbidden places beyond the playground

Moving trucks, garage salesfour children continuing to yell

seven cows, know them by nameleaving my quiet mornings behindlike a picture frame.

Mia Washington11th gradeWestern New York Maritime Charter School

Late Night

in the late night i see mud.

in fairytales i see dust waiting, waiting for you to come. i see no one at dusk.

upon the blue sea we met again for someone to take my friend again.We sat.

We talked. But no one pulled us apart. fairies flap their wings.

i sit and never think about what may have happened.

as i look at the clock to see the time, i left my heart behind.

Kyimahni4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

the man on the moon sings to the blue birds when the sun is shining. he is the power of

magic in your dreams!

Roger Hofmeier3rd gradeAkron Central Elementary School

rivers that clash against the rocks.Blueberries that could go into luscious pies.Books that thousands of people read.sadness when you’re having a bad day.Wishes that come true.skies that are beautiful.sound as pretty as the cello.Blue can be anything in your life.

Lucia Molitor3rd gradeAkron Central Elementary School

Porch

the cool fresh air blowschairs and a side tablejust me and youwith the lights from the streetpeace and quietcar horns blowingglass of lemonadechildren running in the streetblack railings with Christmas lightsat the end of the dayit’s just me and you.

Marsharee Adams11th gradeBuffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192

footsteps tapas this jazz man’sba bad a bad a popblows along theemptiness

freshly shinedsnakeskin shoescrunch the tingrains underneaththe window.

the windcan carrythis tune allthe way home.you can hear beep beeepboom ba ba da ba du bop

all the wayfar even wheni turn hiscorner

Tyrone12th gradeHutchinson Central Technical High School, P.S. 304

INSPIRING TEACHERS INSPIRING TEACHERS

Ride North

so many paths to takedestinations good and badChoose to go northgo upwards to successMany before you have set the waytheir sweat and blood drove the nails that will lead you to your destinationfollow the guiding rails laid.Choose to ride northgo upward to success

Mrs. Roberts8th Grade Teacher Charter School for Applied Technologies

Change

snow is slowly melting ever so slowlygrass is emerging ever so slowlysun is shining ever so slowlyBuds are forming ever so slowlyBirds are chirping ever so slowlysky is changing ever so slowlytemperature is moving forward ever so slowlyWater is warming ever so slowlyChildren are coming ever so slowlyChange is happening ever so slowly

Mist kisses my facemajestic sun warms my skinpower beneath my feet.

the rage, ending washing away sins giving life taking life.now there is no mist no sun no power beneath my feet.only the sound of my breathing, calm slow controlled.

Mrs. Mohorter8th Grade Teacher Charter School for Applied Technologies

The Path

after the gentle rain the path has somehow been made palatable.the steps can be slippery, bumpy, hazardous.But it will be worth it.smooth boards stretch out to greet me. a place for my hand to steady me.Waves on one side, guarded by rocksfirm, solid ground on the othershades of grey on all sidesi will make it. i will.

Mrs. Kleinschmidt4th Grade TeacherDiscovery School, P.S. 67

Ms. Liebel4th Grade TeacherLorraine Elementary, P.S. 72

THE WRITTEN WORD THE WRITTEN WORD

the time sinks in, swallows the daythe time has come, so goodbye i say.i try and smile, but it fades awayso i think back, peacefully, as if to pray.so i reminisce with paper, pen, and wordsBut this is not usual it’s rather absurd.My mind now open full of thoughtsBefore just anger rather much distraught.But it’s full, exploding, bursting abouti just wanna sing, laugh, cry, and shout.But i maintain cordially with composurei move on slowly, but now a lot more sure.

Lamont Burley11th gradeWestern New York Maritime Charter School

How My Life Is Like A Book

My life is as secretiveas a book.i need to be openeduntili speak.

Vivian Hunt3rd gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

One of the many benefits of a Just Buffalo Writer Residency is how it can transform a student’s relationship to the written word and inspire a renewed love for learning.

Here are just a few examples of what students and teachers tell us about our programs:

“They helped me be inspired to learn more things at school.”

–6th grader, Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18

“This opens my eyes to experience a different way to express my feelings.”

–11th grader, Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192

“Since the program, many of my students have tried writing poetry, short stories and one has even written

to the Mayor talking about how important itis to have citizens take better care of our city.”–Sharon Pikul, 4th grade teacher, Lorraine Elementary, P.S. 72

Midnight

no sound, no wind,no light except a lava lamp,curl up with a bookon saturday night,focusing hardon really…one thing,don’t care about homework,nor projects,or pets,just about books,everything elseslips away.

Henry Nowak4th gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

Like a Pencil

My life is like a sharp pencilfull of new and fun ideas. But when i get dulli sit on the tablei get sharpened again,and start a new day.

Raymond Wasielweski3rd gradeFrederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

Recognized by the new york State council on the arts as one of the leading arts

education programs in Western new york

Just Buffalo Literary Center is so proud that our education programs continue to bring significant dollars back to Buffalo. But, we can’t do it alone!

If you believe that the arts are vital to education, if your own life has been enriched by the pleasures of a good book or the satisfaction of putting your thoughts into words, please give today.

your contribution helps ensure the future of Wordplay and all of our Writers in education programs.

to find out how to give, please visit our website: www.justbuffalo.org

Just Buffalo is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

INDEX

tina a., 31flora adams, 29 Marsharee adams, 38Mohamed alrobaye, 9derrion andrews, 20adam B., 7 Moses Baines, 12Mariatu Baker, 12Kajhanea Barney, 14derek Bartosz, 35asia Battle, 6ashley Bend, 38Vincent Berbano, 10destiny Berg, 28Cassandra Brandl, 6Cynthia Brooks, 35lamont Burley, 42Kameron Bunch, 8Mya Caldarelli, 9Valenzia Capodicasa, 15Carlos Cepeda, 19thomas Cornacchio, 36taquan Cornwall, 31ariyona Cornwell, 11sara Crawford, 13daniel davis, 34denae davis, 34amaya dykman, 21Jadon eason, 35isabel finkbeiner, 30gabriel flewellyn, 14akyng franklin, 18taylor frost, 37emily gartz, 16Karina gonzález, 30laura gregory, 17Michael guzzetta, 36elsa hata, 29Merlina a. hernandez, 34roger hofmeier, 39Vivian hunt, 20, 43glen W. John, 6alexis Jones, 27thajanay Jones, 16Mrs. Kleinschmidt, 40

Kyimahni, 38Ms. liebel, 41aaron lobur, 9olivia Belinda long, 22Caitlin M., 33skyler Masse, 30Matthew, 7savanna Maund, 36akhil McCall, 7sean Mcgee, 32fatuma Mohamed, 21Mrs. Mohorter, 41lucia Molitor, 38odalys Morales, 36Michael Morel, 37Min Min Muang, 13henry nowak, 43tarin Parker, 18Julia Penchaszadeh, 35ryan Pettit, 21elizabeth aleghia Preville, 8Kaylyn ramos, 19omar reese, 30Mrs. roberts, 40Casandra rodriguez, 9Joshua rodriguez, 17Patrick sabato, 22Kylie sanders, 26shayla, 33alyson smutek, 22nathan sommer, 7Mariella sprague, 6lataiya staley, 31shontyaira thomas, 26tannis truitt, 29Cassie tyner, 21tyrone, 39Marissa Venter, 31tah dah Wah, 11Mia Washington, 39raymond Wasielweski, 42gretchen Wehr, 28ashley C. Whiteside, 25olivia Whiteside, 7Jonviér Whittington, 15

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TRANSFORMATIONSa new documentary about “Picturing Poetry”

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