Resplendent Heart ~Ki'Myra Eure

 

Intimacy, doting, attachment, endearment 

These words are attached to this thing we call love. 

People use love loosely and say it as an adjective to describe the feeling then in there

When love is an everlasting word.

A word needed to be shown not said. Similar to the word freedom 

People lose sight of what they mean when a word is used too often

People ask for freedom but do they really know what that word means 

Or are they just looking for relief or a justification for wanting to be lazy?

Do people really want or mean these things

Or are they just looking for something to be provocative towards

“You don’t love me” “I want my freedom” “I don’t love you” “ I have the freedom to do this to you” “ My ancestors built this so I have the freedom to destroy it” 

We usually only use these words the way they are meant to in a negative way. 

Why is that? 

We say it and then mean it for the rest of our lives. 

Can we only truly feel these things when we are angry? 

Why can’t we say what we mean the way things were meant to be said when they were supposed to be said?

Do you truly love me?

Do you truly wish to be freed?

We use these words like loose-leaf paper 

We say them then throw them away and the meaning right along with it.

But from what we know, we do mean it.

So what exactly do we mean?

It's not that we only love that person for that split second for that specific moment

Nor are we just trying to compensate for our ignorance of what we actually feel.

It's just we don’t follow through on our love.

With the phrase “I love you” we create an emotional intimacy that doesn’t last until we meet, “the one” but do we not mean it when we say it to everyone else?

Why do you love me?

What makes you feel you love me?

I think I love you but I can’t be sure

I don’t say it back not because I don’t feel affection towards you as well

But because I don’t know what I mean

I don’t like to say things I don’t mean. Why are others comfortable with doing that?

I feel a strong emotion but what is it? Adoration?Supercalafragilisticexpialidocias? Content?

I am afraid. 

I don’t know the meaning of love.

Am I wanting something I already have?

Am I so ignorant that I can’t see that?

Am I the angry person looking for something to be provocative towards?

Am I in love?

I don’t know.

And I am sorry for not knowing 

I am officially, unofficially in love

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Untitled by Davin Artis

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My America is a planet that constantly revolves in a circle searching for a way/purpose

I wonder if I'm the only one who has this feeling of constantly moving but going nowhere

I dream of exploring different galaxies 

I hope I can keep this constant speed and not decrease in speed and have to reset the whole process

I want to realize that I'm not moving but that the world around me is

I feel that if I told the world about the constant orbit they would look at me differently 

I believe that the constant orbit will eventually come to an end, and I will drop out of the atmosphere.

I fear that the planets will fall out of orbit and collide 

I predict that the orbit will never end as I continue on my journey

I realize that the ozone layer is thinning and we are becoming vulnerable

I understand that there are five layers to the atmosphere 

I see meteors in the mesosphere soaring through the sky and disappearing in the stratosphere 

I hear thunderstorms in the troposphere 

I try to take my mind off of it, but the constant movement but not going anywhere is getting to me 

I need to take my mind off it and lock it into orbit because the more I think the more likely it is that the planets fall out of orbit 

I say my planet has finally come to an end….. BOOMMMM 

My America is a planet that constantly revolves in a circle searching for a way/purpose

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The Laws of Karma  ~Ki'Myra Eure

I thought karma would be on my side. 

I thought that taking all the hits, words, nagging, and other things she did to me would 

make karma come for her.

I  thought that I was a good person. 

I thought that life wasn't so bad. 

I wished that life was fair. 

I wished that she loved me like I loved her. 

I thought that she would treat me better since I was a part of her family, 

but no it was him.

It was him that she loved.

It was him that she cared for. 

¨Why not me?” I would ask myself, ¨Why him?¨ 

but I knew it was all in vain.

I knew asking such questions was a waste of time. 

I knew that she would never love like she loved him, but what was I to do? 

I can't do anything that's the thing.

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Thunderstorm  ~Ki'Myra Eure

The cries and whines, 

squawking and grumbling, 

noise, oh the noise that comes from this pessimistic person.

The tapping and chatting, the mocking and giggling, 

noise oh the noise that comes from these uproarious people. 

Noise. Noise, Noise this nuisance of a noise, bothers and disrupts me from my work, 

it angers me.

Then it stops. 

Like a city engulfed in a thunderstorm, silence envelopes the room. 

It calms me and puts me at ease. 

The silence reminds me of thunder piercing the rain. 

It’s what interrupts my anger, the pessimistic person, and the uproarious people. 

The rainbow after the storm and calmness before the rain. 

That is my silence.  

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Untitled by Annonymous

 

My America is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, twists and turns that bring the fun and excitement out of people.

I wonder if the world will view my America as an amusement park or as a place of reckoning

I dream of an equal, united, and peaceful America, a place for fun and thrills. 

I hope that the people of America can bring an atmosphere like an amusement park and it can be fun.

I want us to be able to have fun and not worry about the violence in America.

I feel as if America is not united anymore and is breaking away from becoming a selfish country. 

I believe it will get worse over time if we do not fix the issues now.

I fear the country will not be connected like the rails on a track.

I pretend that my America is the ultimate thrill ride and can have fun.

I realize my America will have lots of downs but definitely will have ups.

I understand my America can be split like tracks.

I see a thrill in my America that can be fun for all.

I hear the screams and laughter from people in America.

I try to make my America fun.

I need my America to understand there will be ups and downs but it will still be fun.

I say America now lacks the rollercoaster of adventures.

My America is a rollercoaster of ups and downs.

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Untitled by Annonymous

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My America is a circle of small hands all with diversity none like the other

I wonder about the kaleidoscope of colors that blend, effortlessly like stained glass

I dream of a nation that transcends, like thoughts and ideas that have transcended throughout generations.

I hope for unity, that is unyielding and true for it can be like a knight in shining armor

I want acceptance for me and you. Unlike a college, I want acceptance for all no matter what

 

I feel the immense power when differences intertwine like a sweater made of yarn 

I believe in a world where inclusivity shines like a sun rising in the morning

I fear the divisions that can easily tear us apart as if we are loose leaf paper unwanted by a student

I pretend that love can mend every heart, like the bricks that mend to make a home

I realize the strength in our diversity, where it could be as strong as a bodybuilder if we came together in our diversity

I understand the beauty in the variety of colors we see on the rainbow on a sunny day

I see the tapestry of cultures unfold like the American flag being put up for the first time

I hear the stories that need to be told. As if I were a publisher seeing authors trying to get their break

 

I try to break down barriers and walls, like a wrecking ball at a construction site

I need compassion to answer the call. As if it was Superman and we were crying for help

I say let’s celebrate our unique voices, for together we can make a harmonious choice.

My America is a circle of small hands all with diversity none like the other

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Untitled by Annonymous

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My America is a statue that sets the sky ablaze with a golden flame.

I wonder if it will corrode, rust, or even deteriorate over time.

I dream of a statue that remains standing despite the intractable forces that gnaw at it.

I hope it will illuminate the sky with dreams and hopes.

I want this statue to inspire me, guide me, and empower me with its incandescent torch.

I feel as if the light is lightening with lots of degrees of intensity.

I believe this statue will guide us through its greatness. 

I fear that this statue will crumble under the weight of the dreams that depend on it.

I pretend that it will never fall under the weight of its power, its importance, and its responsibilities.

I realize that this could be the outcome and that America is as fragile as crystal. 

I understand that this statue will never be the same.

I see a magnificent monument symbolizing hope and dreams.  

I hear the sound of the wind slicing through the statue and its flame.

I'm trying to learn how you were sculpted so I can restore you if I have to.

I need to protect you, help you, and revive your flame like a vestal virgin.

I proudly say “This statue won't fall as long as we believe in it”

My America is a statue that sets the sky ablaze with a golden flame.

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Untitled by Drekwon Hunt

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There are tears I’d like to cry.

The sudden urge to disappear,

Almost as if I’d never existed.

No, I’m not depressed. I have a loving family and friends, but sometimes it feels as though the world is forgetting about who I am and only knows my name.

Or maybe I’m forgetting about who I am, and all I have left is my name? Maybe a tear or two would help, but this reservoir is empty. I have yet to shed a tear for myself, but for others, I’ve shed millions, cried oceans, and traversed over them to weep some more with those in need of a shoulder to cry on.

In this life, I wonder when I can weep for myself, or do the waterworks only check in when it’s for another person’s sorrows? It feels as if I’m an empty shell or that I’m a shadow following the body possessed by another. Yet, all I care about is others. Wondering why? Well, as am I, but it seems as though my heart knows; for when it hurts, it wants to heal, not itself but someone else’s wounds.

Perhaps tomorrow I’ll shed but one tear for myself and disguise it as simply having watery eyes? Or a large stretch and yawn, and the tear slowly crawl down my face and into my lap? Or in the shower where it has no idea it’s different from the water already running down my face. Still, there are tears I’d like to cry. Tomorrow.

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Untitled by TAYLEN BRUMLEY

 

My America is like a running back 

I wonder if America can keep going like a running back

I dream of people being able to pick themselves up and keep going 

I hope that we can rush through the rubble of the repetitive cycle of life

I want to score in life and pierce success like a knife 

I feel like I'm taking hits from this world in my life 

I believe we can keep driving forward and push through to reach our dreams 

I fear the possibility of fumbling my dream and it’ll roll on the ground 

I pretend to be tuff but I'm really not ruff

I realize I must hold on tight to keep going and not lose sight 

I understand their trying to get me and take me down 

I see the endzone where my dream lays 

I try to stay on my feet I don't wanna be delayed 

I need blocks or some type of support 

I say I'm done but I'm really not I must keep going I must not stop

My America is a running back 

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Untitled by E  leni Ochoa

My America is a pearl just barely out of my grasp where chains hold me back

I wonder if I’ll rip through these threads of steel or if my hands break like an overflowing worn-out dam

I dream of closing my hands as if it were a clam protecting it’s beautiful creation 

I hope more chains don’t arise to prevent me from clasping this pearl

I want to see the reflection of myself in this shiny pearl and remember how my hands became dirty

I feel the chains are slowly deteriorating against my force

I believe this pearl is as tangible as a cloud in the sky

I fear the pearl won't be as bright and clean when I get to hold it

I pretend my hand is slowly closing around the pearl

I realize these chains may never break

I understand the chains are very durable and firm

I see my exhausted shaky hands holding this pearl and many more in the future

I hear the sounds of the straining chains struggling to hold me back

I try putting more force or maybe coming at a different angle

I need to stay diligent and keep pushing through to one day be able to caress this bright pearl

I say I will break through these threads of steel and grab this pearl ever so gently

My America is a pearl just barely out of my grasp where chains hold me back

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My American Dream Poem ~Kira Bailey

My America is a shark that reflects off of the sky-blue ocean.

I wonder if my shark will grow up to rise into the breeze of success,

Or will my shark be attacked on the way to shore resulting in scars and bruises?

I hope that my shark will grow up to see there is more to life than the fear of failure and continuous doubt of falling rock bottom.

I want my shark to go out to seek the world containing its astonishing curves all the way to its courageous flaws.

I feel as if my shark will fall to the bottom feeling imprisoned yet to be abandoned by society.

I believe that my shark will survive every wave tossed its way to break them down internally.

I fear that my shark will grow up in a world where it's treated like an outcast presenting itself to the world.

I pretend to believe that my shark will not see discrimination in a world that contains a chain system.

I realize that my shark has to splash into this unpredictable world one day to explore.

I understand that my shark one day will bare a heartbreak crushing its soul, 

But in this world, everything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

I see a light that shines bright on my shark guiding them onto the right current in their journey.

I hear my shark swimming one day to the sunset awaiting to start its own family as long as a new lifestyle. 

I try to push my shark to prepare for the unbearable situations in life,

but I fear that no matter how much one can prepare it can never provide the heartbroken tragedy that comes with it. 

I need My Shark to understand that life is not as easy as it seems.

I say my shark will be the most beautiful reflection against the surface.

My America is a shark that reflects off of the sky-blue ocean.

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Mashed Potatoes

Sitting on a plate, covered in butter, smelled so amazing, I began to utter: 

“This is delectable”, and it makes me wonder who first mashed this vegetable. 

The potatoes were as white as a dove, and no words could describe my love. 

I scarfed down as much potato as I could, and the potato in my mouth tasted oh so good. 

The potatoes were hot like the sun, I thought how fantastic the potatoes were, and then my head spun. 

Whoever mashed these potatoes deserves a prize, but suddenly, the mashed potatoes were gone before my very own eyes! 

Licking the butter off my lips, I start to doze off and yawn, wondering where ever the mashed potatoes could have gone.

 I fell asleep with the potatoes in my stomach, so many potatoes it could fill a bucket. 

If you’ve never eaten a mashed potato, you are missing out, because surely one couldn’t live without--

Mashed Potatoes

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The green light ~Owen Bates

 

There is something so bright in the darkness

So ambiguous but in a way so focused

If Magic was real I’d hold the light 

But I’d never let go of the past 

My hands are full and drag me down the path of dreams

All for her, my golden girl who couldn't be bought with gold 

Love is like a rose, the redolence of love flowers

As the stem stabs my hands, loves to feel any way 

And not to have, and hold 

My hand it melts a reddish wine reaching for the light beyond 

There is something so bright about the darkness

 

Death bed ~Owen Bates

 

Violent mornings dragging my self out of bed like a wounded soldier 

Gun in hand fending off the continuous threats of a snoozed alarm 

If only I had my shot at sleep, I probably wouldn't be awake 

But that is just a dream I had, so fresh and so new, never-ending until it does…

As a boy, I was never tired and now I'm tired of being awake

When you are young every meal is breakfast, when your old every meal is desert, 

served cold, hard, truth, 

when your young you want it to be sugar-coated, 

when your old give it to me straight, the rumble of his words, as he tells me these are my final days, 

A midnight snack of IV fluid, as I fall asleep for the final time 

But I wish to be awake 

 

Wave to me goodbye ~Owen Bates

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A heart incased in Amber 

A golden reminder of your inexpensive lies 

Ive been told a thousand times

The crash of waves the breakup of the tide

I do not wish to cut the ties

That I tied and retied 

The tumultuous sound of the tears we cried 

Why is it when we crashed I only died 

U can see the regret in my open eyes 

Ill love you till the oceans dry 

Wave to me goodbye

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