I was riding in a rowboat
It would barely even float
As you see I'm not a good poet
I could barely even row it
I had my box of Cracker Jacks
But I was in no mood for snacks
I was riding in a dory
When I made up this story
Towards the shore I began to steer
'Til the ocean began to smell like beer
- Russell Gartman, age 9
Soda
Soda isn't good for you
That's what makes it so good
Especially a bottle of Mountain Dew
I would drink it all if I could
Dr. Pepper isn't half bad
And for that I am very glad
Writing this poem I was very nervous
Until the pencil began to swervous
I will end this little ditty
By saying that if you have no soda it's a pity
- Russell and Michael Gartman, ages 9 and 36
The Sunflowers
If I was a sunflower
growing after each rainshower
I wouldn't always point the way
to the place the sun came up today
instead, I would turn with the sun all day.
- Dale Gartman, age 8
I Like
I like cats.
I like dogs.
I like birds.
I like rabbits.
I like my Dad.
I like my Mom.
I like my brother.
I like my tooth fairy.
I like my aunty.
I like my cousin.
I like my toys.
and I like not
last or least
ME.
- Katrina Flores, age 8, 1997 Denver, Colorado
Lonely
I feel so lonely that i could cry,
my tears are full of weeps and sighs,
i can't understand why this is true,
but i live my life until its through...
- Lynn, age 14
"Untitled"
What a coincidence
My first kiss
On a warm summer eve
2 months ago
At my last party
My last day of being someone
A meaningless kiss
Paired up with someone I barely know
A first kiss should belong
To a first love
When both know the time is right
Was that the night
to let my soul know
I could be in love?
No
And it has passed
That first kiss
Under a tall tree
By the porch light
That warm summer's eve
- Heather McKay, age 12, BC, Canada
The Jalopa
There was a jalopa,
he didn't smell very nice,
and lived in a pile o' der shlopa.
I had to ask if we could iceskate,
but he said, "I gotta have a pile o' shlate".
Oh great, oh swell,
I wish jalopa would learn 'ow to spell,
'ow to play,
'ow to use that nasal spray.
This poem isn't to be read,
(you only read it if you're dead).
- Dale Gartman, age 8
(For PaPaw Wade)
October is coming soon,
And Fall is falling,
I can imagine it now,
The beautiful leaves rustling,
And all the colored leaves,
Falling to the green grass,
Halloween is coming, too.
So get your costume,
And say peekaboo.
All the little kids running
Up and down the sidewalk
Saying trick or treat.
- Blair Fletcher, 1994
To Fight
To fight the tears of rage that come
In the night
To fight the tears of hope that make me
Feel alright
To open the window and feel the sun
As it warms the valleys and everyone
To close the door to the pouring rain
Like tears that fall again and again
To fight the need to want to cry
The need to soar up to the sky
But here I am
Still just the same
I try to smile
I play the game
Again....
- Heather McKay, age 12, 1997
Sadness
Looking straight ahead with a frown
as i swallow my pride and let my head hang down.
The happiness i use to feel is no longer here,
now my heart is taken over with hate and fear.
I have no where to run, i have no where to hide
it is like i have anger trapped deep down inside.
The terror i'm feeling i cannot explain
as my whole body is taken over with sadness and pain.
- Vandana Stoll, age 16
21 at Last
21 at last such a blast,
What a party.
I won a smarty,
I had a dance.
I took a chance,
What a prance.
Like Michael Jackson,
And i was relaxing.
Then back to the beat,
I couldn't control my feet.
I love you all,
And sat on the floor.
I said goodbye at the door,
No!...You thought wrong.
I'm back for more,
Dancing to Billie Jean.
You Know what i mean,
I cooled my move.
So you guys can groove,
While others are drinking plenty of booze.
I had some vanilla icecream, And i shone the girls on.
Like i was a bright light beam,
Well that ended up to be.
The most cool dream,
- Andrew Laggner, age 21, 1997, Canberra, Australia
Deep Down In My Soul
I look up at the sky.
Wondering if i'll live,
or is it time for me to die.
As my sorrow buries deep down inside
my eyes begin to water,
I can't say why.
My pain is growing every day
as i push my dreams further and further away.
Sometimes i think everything will be alright,
but the burning of my soul brings fear deep down inside.
- Vandana Stoll, age 16
Snow White 2
This moment was here,
I seem to have to no fear.
Towards happiness of a tear,
She was close and near.
Snow White linked to my arm,
Better not miss this mum.
I'm in complete bliss,
I'm numb from head to toe.
Did you know?,
Nan take a picture of this.
Oh ! My prince said Snow White,
Take it before it's too late.
I haven't got all day you know,
Quick...........You're too slow.
Come on, come on,
Let's go.
- Andrew Laggner, age 21
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