When I look outside I don't see the city I live in
I see a empty place with a lot of cars in parking lots
Cadillac, Convertible, Mustang, and Benz
As I look out my glasses lens
but I guess it fine
because six feet is okay
If it means I can live another day.
by Tanyia Sigler
Art Work by Wyatt, Grade 11
Untitled Painting by Christian, Grade 7
Your growth is like a plant
Striving to get bigger
Which makes you feel so eager
The feeling takes over
To strive to be wonderful
The most wonderful and best you
What can be possible
When you stop doubting
Sometimes you might be afraid
But you will overcome it
Because our life lies on it
by Jianni, Grade 11
It is a good day today
I tell myself.
It is okay to cry on these rainy days
“Lion” by Charlotte, Grade 11
As mama is in the skies looking down at me.
It is indeed her tears
That’s masked by the gloomy clouds.
No umbrella to shield my back
As I look at the flowers given on her grave.
No voice can be heard around me
But the sounds of rain
No soul left in this world to give me warmth.
by Tam, Grade 11
If you’re like me, you’re an introvert
If you’re not, you’re alert
If you’re like me, you have Wacky Wednesday for school
Or when it’s hot, you wish for a pool
If you’re like me, you have silly quotes on your whiteboard
If you’re not, you’re thinking of all those games you could have scored
If you’re like me, you live in the city
“Self Portrait” by Khaliah, Grade 12
And have a friend who’s funny and witty
If you’re like me, you run a town ship town
Or your sisters white shoe has turned brown
If you’re like me, you plan to graduate
So COVID’s something you learned to hate
If you’re like me, you’re weird
But remember that time your whole essay smeared
If you’re like me, you watch Good Witch
But you’re probably not, so let’s switch
Hey it’s me,
A person you can’t see
Because we’re all stuck inside
But no need to hide,
So let me get to know you
And you get to know me too
“Hey it’s me,
A person you can’t see
Because we’re all stuck inside
But no need to hide,
So let me get to know you
And you get to know me too”
by Emily Taylor
5th Grade, Patterson Park Public Charter School
To all hope is near
We all have fear
Self Portrait by Myah, Grade 12
But we lift up not caring who sees
Because there is light beyond the trees
We have power and we can succeed
We won't get on our knees in defeat
It is guaranteed
That this is able to be beat
As a family you can see all
So don't stall
Stand tall and know if you fall
In times of despair
We take our time and we try to repair
What's mine, we’re all gonna be just fine
There are people behind you that will catch you
like the ones who are right next to you as you read this
By Tanyia, grade 7
Whose turtle is that? I think I know.
Untitled Artwork by Johan-Marc, Grade 12
Whose turtle is that? I think I know.
Its owner is quite happy though.
Full of joy like a vivid rainbow,
I watch him laugh. I cry hello.
He gives his turtle a shake,
And laughs until her belly aches.
The only other sound's the break,
Of distant waves and birds awake.
The turtle is ready, mighty and deep,
But he has promises to keep,
After cake and lots of sleep.
Sweet dreams come to him cheap.
by Camron, Grade 10
The phrase “March Madness” is true,
If the entire month had to be a color,
it would probably be blue,
Lives were changed like clothes in a dressing room floor,
and were left sullen and emptier than before,
Events canceled, planners fall to the floor,
Everything was once open but is now a sea of closed doors,
When family members pass away you cry dry tears from exhausted eyes,
Wonder what sickness stuck them first,
Find comfort in their memory and hope for lighter news,
We watch the world from our windows and computers,
Information lies within our hands,
For March comes in like a lion,
And leaves as gently as a lamb.
by Luvia, Grade 12
“Pike Place Market” by Bella, Grade 11
Composing the urban community are many types of people, all rising to start their repetitive, and unprecedented days.
Ten pigeons argue over an abandoned snack in the quiet park,
their squawks are heard from
Nine different houses as small lights are turned on with anger,
ruining the darkness in their shelters.
Eight women wake themselves,
and head to their children’s rooms after making breakfast and completing all tasks alone.
Seven lonely souls, in different parts of the city,
slowly alert, wondering which area is the safest to pray for assistance.
Six tardy animals feast
on scraps from the trash, before being chased by the powerful broom.
Five young sisters were up early, got their hair brushed,
and escape chaotic homes for a game of Double Dutch on chalk landscapes.
Four were already conscious,
now reluctantly letting swollen eyes rest after a twelve-hour essential nightshift. A
Third trimester mother cries
from sharp pains, bringing fear in the car ride to the crowded, potentially contaminated hospital.
Two partners throw petty insults at each other,
after waking up resentful to the lack of change.
One devout follower prays early in the morning,
for those without the luxury of awakening in a safe home during the pandemic.
by Josie, Grade 11