Last 2007 Poems

So for the last poems of this year at Charles Kozminski, I split classes into two by having the 8th graders write using a specific theme: Sometimes and having the other classes write poems about lessons. The sample poem by Mia Washington, was a great poem that was simple, and included a lot of emotions about the dark side of being a pre-teen. In the response poems I asked students to write either an individual or group poem with whatever theme they wanted, but to use Sometimes repetitively in the poem.

Here are some response poems:

"Sometimes"
Briana H.

Sometimes the world is spinning for me.
There's love on one side
and hate on the other side.
Love is loyalty, determination and faith.
Hate is depression, peer pressure and alone.
Sometimes your love depends on you
and then melts you down.
Sometimes my happiness get ahead of me and then I feel ashamed.
Sometimes my love and hate is ...and the air
I can't feel nothing.
Sometimes even though I feel hate
or love I love myself
and sometimes...is all I feel.

(c) 2007 by Charles Kozminski Academy
All Rights Reserved

I plan to post new year poems in January 2008. I wish you and yours a very lovely holiday season. Be safe!

Pam Osbey
Artist-In-Resident
Poetry Center of Chicago

Kwanzaa: What's It's All About?

Posing such a question, to all of my classes this year has been very interesting. Using student work has it's pros and cons. Sometimes students write really well on this topic -- and other times they do not. The student I am highlighting today is one that is very consistent on her writing and she thinks deeply about the subject and her response is always well thought out.

The theme of last week's lesson was Kwanzaa, self reflections, using the free verse poem format. Joi H. wrote her own version (a self-declaration of sorts) which I feel should be a celebration. All of this from a 8th Grader.

You Better Believe It
Joi H.

On my knees, I pray every day "Lord help me..
guide me...help me find my way."
I have my beliefs, my Imani, my faith.
I have my Nia, there's no time to waste.
I have self determination, I know you see it.
I'm gonna be someone and you better believe it.
I have Umoja within the life with my friends and family.
And they help me through the day in my Imani I believe.
Ujima, Collective work and responsibility.
With all that 's happening you better believe it.
The world is an example of those things I speak.
If I didn't have Nia, then it would be weak.
But it has stood strong for a long time.
Another example would be me, the baddest dime.
I have lots of creativity, I have unity.
I have Nia, I have Imani, listen to the rhymes I spit.
I am the baddest dime and you better believe it.

(c) 2007 by Joi H.

After reading this I felt, the heart of this poem (and the pen) lies with the heart and the oozing personality and strength of one black literary warrior. Her words tell a powerful story and I'm sure your heart is now listening.

Pam Osbey
Artist-In-Resident
Charles Kozminski Community Academy