February Poetry:

Super Letter "S"
by JP
Age 9

It's hard to make an "S" Sound anything but super. It satisfies, it's summer, A Saint slaying a serpent. It's safe, it's on schedule; Sweeter than syrup Scarlet scales like steel. The sea without sharks Safe scissors shining. It's Santa in the sky, The shining scarlet-silver Saharan sand. That super letter "S"!

The Crane
by Kathryn
Age 12

A white and black body floated effortlessly above the water. It spiraled up, and up, and up, almost into the sun. I put my hand up, to block out the sun and saw, that it was - A Crane. A crane with a delicate, yet strong body, black, with dappled white patches. It turned and dove, leaving behind the crystal blue sky. It soared through the air and into the water. It disappeared from sight, then reappeared a meter away. A fish struggled in it's sharp beak. The crane turned and lifted into the air, heading home.

The Sun
by Mishal
Age 13

I have the sun with me. The sun is red. The sun is orange And The sun is yellow. I have the sun with me. The sun gives fire. The sun gives light And The sun gives warmth. I have the sun with me. The sun is the brightness. The sun is warm And The sun is away. I have the sun with. The sun makes us go outside. The sun makes the birds fly And The sun makes me feel good. I have the sun with me. The sun is everything. The sun is the internal fire And The sun is my GOD. I have the sun with me.

In the time of trial
by Melissa
Age 13

Where the fields stretch as far as the eye can see, Where the sunsets are so colorful, Where the grain is golden and the trees are green. I love this land of milk and honey. As anger shouts across the waves, As people are filled with wrath and rage, As countries fight and the oceans are stained red with blood. I will remain strong. As young men die on the battle field, As woman fight for the lives of soldiers, As bullets fly through the air and bombs are dropped on a helpless city. I will hope for freedom and justice. As the people cry and weep for mercy, As they are murdered and killed for nothing, As they die heroes and heroines, people of our mighty age. I am not weak or frail. We must fight to save this beautiful land, To defend and conquer our friends and enemies, We can, will, and must defend, In this time of trial. As our brothers, fathers, and sons leave for across the sea, Come and sing with me, a song of hope and joy: "We have been shaken, but we will not fall, we can survive and will survive, For we are a strong and mighty nation!"

everything you did
by Trisha
Age 14

When the day was cold, You warmed it up. When the night was dark, You lit my way. When I shed tears, You kissed them away. When I needed a friend, You were there. You are the blood in my veins, and the very breath in my lungs. I can't live with out you, I need you now and forever.

Be Yourself
by Jeslyn
Age 10

Be yourself Don't pretend to be someone you aren't Be yourself Be original and independent Be yourself don't change yourself to get friends, if they don't like who you really are they aren't real friends Be yourself

Morning Glories
by Savanna
Age 10

I was sitting outside on a cold rainy day, A day where there was just nothing to play, My backyard was full of gloom, Until the morning glories started to bloom. I ran outside as fast as I could, My mother yelled "Be careful" as she always would, I rolled in the grass as the sun came through, The morning glories had made this day new.

United We Stand
by Thornton
Age 6

We are all very different But United we stand We must love and protect Our precious land The nightmare that happened The 11th September day Will not stop us Or get in our way Of Freedom and democracy We need to show Our joining together All in a row! My thoughts are with you And your family AS you sort out the nightmare And feel your pain I hope by uniting Some strength you will gain.

Wingfinger
by Thornton
Age 6

O'Dragon of flight Soaring high in the pale moon light Past the world as we know Leaving tree trunks far below To a world I wish to see A world of dragons called Fire of the Sea Where all the dragons frolic and play Eating barnilberries all night and day This dragon world is fair and just Kindness and honesty is a must All the species get along From the Great Blue to the Chinese Fong They love each other and protect Their clean,unpolluted habitat They do not take more than their share They really know, they really care

Winter
by Christy
Age 10

Winter is blowing down hard hearts frozen with it. For winter is white and weary No love songs in the air. Flowers feel like a legend People waiting, waiting for something anything to brighten the day. Children quiet parents who are too tired to care, for winter is in the air.

dr.king
by Amber
Age 10

A great man he was before he died,he never stole nor did he lie,he had a dream for all blacks to be free,that's what my grandmother said to me. He never stopped;he never gave up.I guess he had real good luck. Nonviolent,that's what he was,everyone gave him lots of love.but he's gone now he's gone away.We'll always remember him even today.

Wind
by Nicole
Age 9

Wind is always rushing to and fro And thrashing trees and bushes With it's powerful force And never once, Has he said hello to me Or good-bye to me But I don't care Why should I? He's the wind Wind has got it's own problems And doesn't need me, A cowering human Breaking and running Under his impersonal blows

Stranded
by Rosalie
Age 11

Mom you know we're stranded here, and our lives are filled with fear, but just sit down and look around, at least you have me I'm here, And we’ll live here in this life We are stuck in, And stranded we shall be, Forever we’ll stay and forever We’ll stand, Because I have you And you have Me!

Seraph
by Salman
Age 16

Is that a seraph on this world or a glimpse of heaven's light? Her skin is pale Like God's only dove How will it feel if I touch her? So beautiful, so perfect The sun rises through her She flies from city to city Curing each one after the other She sends the moon sparkling into a blissful night And as she flew down to rescue me Shadows of gold fell amongst the poorest peoples Separated families joined together And for once the world was one She holds my hand as we fly through the city I feel the vibes >From her hand to mine Washing all my pains away And it feels like love When the journey ends She returns me to my home Will she come back tomorrow? Wherever she may be I bid her farewell I bid her goodnight

My Big Sister Forever
by Jessie
Age 13

Sometimes you discover a friend, in which you never want to lose. A friend in which you share something special with, And for me that friend is you! You taught me to fly when I didn't know I had wings! You taught me a song sweeter than a bird sings! You taught me to laugh when I thought I'd never smile! You taught me to live and make life worthwhile! You know everything that I feel and weaknesses that I had, You always care and help me whenever I'm feeling bad! You listen to my dreams and always know the precise things to say, I just hope everything will always be okay. I haven't been myself and you showed me how to glitter, I've acted really awful and have been very bitter. Your words help me to learn and you look inside of me, You teach me to be the best that I can be! You're always there for me and I promise to be there for you, I know that I will try to do whatever I can do! We laugh and cry together and I'd hate to see it end, We're there for each other when we each need a friend! We'll have our fights from time to time but I promise never to let go, Even if we hit a rock in the path of the river flow. I'm reaching out to show you that I'm really sorry and that I truly care, To draw you close and show you that I need you: my big sis! Wherever you are through thick, thin, near or far, I'll always be there to dry your tears! We embrace times of memories we shared, No matter what we've always cared. Times may change but hopefully we'll stay together, You and I being "sisters" and friends FOREVER! Always in my heart!

My Dog Star
by Cassandra
Age 11

My dog star He really not far When I come home from school He really likes to drool When we are in the truck He really isn't tough He is scared d Don't worry star I'll be there

Ode to Dance
by Beth
Age 14

Your body moves from side to side. It's more than just steps. It's the feeling you get inside, The emotions that show on your face. The way you feel the music and hear the rhythms. Why wait a thousand years to express your feeling? Dance to the beatings of your heart.

Awakening
by Brandi
Age 16

Once I was alone I walked staring at the ground Too scared of what I’d see So in my misery I’d drown Once I was alone I had no company but pain I’d go home in tears and sorrow For my whole life was in vain Once I was alone And I did not see the sun But then I saw you How could you have been the one? Once I was alone But I raised my head to you I saw the sun rise in the distance Now I see the skies are blue Once I was alone And I’d never heard of love But you took my hand and showed me All that I’ve been dreaming of Once I was alone And dreams I never knew But I walk home and birds are dancing there To the sweetest dreams—of you

America
by Kayla
Age 10

Many seas shimmer in the ocean blue On the flag I count stars, do you count them too? Our country always free That's our motto, Unity! Out of all the countries I'll ever see America is the only one that'll fancy me!!

Walla Ka Zoom
by Anshul Gandhi and Hadley Dames
Age 13

Today I was going to the Theme Park, I was going to stay until dark, I went straight to the Walla Ka Zoom, The roller coaster of doom, I went to stand in line, Everything was going fine. Finally the wait was done, It was going to be so much fun, I sat down and buckled up, There I went, up, up, up, We went over a loop for the first time, Everything was going fine. While riding I didn't have a frown, But then it got stuck upside down! While stuck upside down on the Walla Ka Zoom, I realized I had to go to the bathroom, I yelled help, my oh my, I screamed so loud, I swallowed a fly! Everything was not going fine. After a while the ride went right side up, Up I went, up, up, up, Down I went, my oh my, It scared me so much I coughed up the fly, I reached the end of the Walla Ka Zoom, Finally, I got to go to the bathroom, And everything was going fine.

Success
by Jenny
Age 17

All alone in the dark I sit and wonder why The sky so dark, but stars shine bright All that I do is sigh Standing up and spinning `round I stumble, fall, and sit I wonder why all ventures end in a twirling frenzied fit Once again as always known, I rise up once more As heroes do, so do you, with courage you'll fail nevermore

In the ditches
by Kora
Age 10

In the ditches witches play, In a big old pile of hay, no one knows that they are there only if they eat a pear. In the ditches witches play, Goblins giggle, Witches wiggle, In that big old pile of hay. In the ditches witches play, but they don't like the hay, if they know that they're in hay, they will scare the mice away! In the ditches witches play, In a big old pile of hay, No one knows that they are there, only if they eat a pear.

My Wish
by Dontay
Age 9

I wanted to be a fish so, I made a wish. I turned into a fly now, all I do is cry.

Horses
by Chelsea
Age 11

Horses are pretty Horses are neat Horses sometimes step on your feet But thats ok because I like horses anyway especially when they come out and play! Horses chomp-chomp carrots Horses chomp-chomp wheat Horses chomp-chomp sugar cubes Then they might jump to their feet!!!

My Fingerprint
by Reion
Age 13

Each line imprinting circles, round and round looking so unique; going on its own little journey, I follow with my eyes; I wonder will they ever meet? Well, it's my treasure and it terrific!

A Pictures Worth A Thousand Words
by Amanda
Age 13

Pictures are actions Caught and imprisoned forever Maybe joyous people laughing never Experiencing what will happen In the days to come And the little kid you used to be Gets to always play on some Warm summer day with An old and great friend Without any end. In a picture you will always Feel the excitement of a roller coaster ride Nervousness of your first school play and Anything that you can feel inside. People, places feelings captured To let you relive the magic of The special time and place it was taken Of everything you know and love

My Hand
by florence
Age 10

theaters nothing like my hand, its just what I've always wished for. It can turn on my radio, and fiddle in a boring show. But most of all, my hand can do my homework for me!!

A Tree
by Phoebe
Age 8

I see Beautiful shades of green The smooth slender side of the trunk Twigs sticking out at odd angles Red apples growing I hear The wind whistling through the leaves Water dripping from a leaf Two leaves bumping together A twig hitting the side of the balcony I touch The crease in a leaf The smooth trunk A rough twig A soft feather I long To climb that tree To be a bird To lie on a leaf To fly

Love, Peace and Wisdom
by Jocelyn
Age 9

Love, Peace, and Wisdom God gave to me, Love, Peace and Wisdom, we all have it-- can't you see? God gave us Love, to give to one another, God gave us Love, that's why were all here with each other. God gave us Peace, peace for is to spread, God gave us Peace, the Living Bread. God gave us Wisdom, to know right from wrong, God gave us Wisdom, to sing his song. God gave you, me for me to tell you, that Love, Peace, and wisdom is within all of YOU.

Discovery!
by Daniel
Age 12

When I smell dirt and taste the sweat dripping down my face into my mouth it makes me think of archeology, determination, tall buildings and temples, excitement and fun I don't care about the awful stench, rough terrain, gritty, hard buildings couldn't restrain me nor skeletons frighten me I will be an archeologist and learn the excitement of discovery!

Dream
by Amanda
Age 11

Gaze off into your deep sleep Dream Until your alarm clock goes BEEP BEEP BEEP Dream Have things your own way Dream Say what you want to say Dream You can do anything you know Dream Sometimes it's best to just go with the flow Dream Climb the highest mountain, swim the largest sea Dream Be as big as a whale, or as small as a flea Dream Be a performer, or an author like R.L. Stine But you figure it out, it's your dream not mine!

February Short Stories:

Music of My Heart
by Amanda
Age 17

Music means the world to me! From the time I was a bouncing baby, I knew music would be very special to me. I started off listening to my dad’s eight tracks of the Beatles, and then I progressed to more modern music. I love all the different styles that music has to offer. I became actively involved in music when I was nine years old. While some kids debated between sports and band, I was having trouble deciding what instrument to play. I finally chose the clarinet, and I have been playing it ever since. High School has been my time to excel in my musical talent. I am active in my school’s marching and concert band. Marching band has been nothing but a total rush since I started in ninth grade. I get such a thrill when I walk out onto a field and play for people I don’t even know. Cavalcades are the best, because that is when you can show people what you got. I also get to see other high school’s marching show. When the crowd bursts into applause and cheers for us, all I can do is smile and beam with exhilaration. Concert band is my favorite aspect of music. I play difficult music that seems impossible at first. Then, after weeks of practice I finally master it. I will never forget my sophomore year in concert band. I managed to get a solo in a song called “An Irish Ayre for Winds.” The solo called for a lot of expression and drastic dynamic changes. Many congratulated me, and I was proud of myself. I was to play the solo at a competition in Virginia. It was five minutes before our performance, and I was nervous! My first solo and I had the job of playing it for judges. As we were warming up, I noticed that my clarinet wasn’t playing! A spring popped out of place and messed up my clarinet. Dashing around like a chicken with its head cut off, I frantically searched around for a spare clarinet. Seeing that finding an extra clarinet was unlikely I began to panic. A band member at the host school saw and approached me. She was also a clarinet player and was once in a similar situation. She knew exactly how I was feeling and lent me her clarinet. Thanks to her, my solo went great! As my years of high school are winding down I will never forget all the fond memories that band has given me. I credit my music teachers more than anyone, for they gave me a great gift- the gift of music. After high school I plan to continue my involvement in band at college. No matter what happens I will always remember my triumphs, downfalls, and band trips. When I have kids I will make music part of their lives as it is for me. Music is and always will be in my heart and soul.

Sundance
by Allison
Age 11

I remember that day, it was so peaceful. The day a miracle took place before my eyes. A horse, a magnificent creature, was born. My name is Kathy. I am 23 years of age. My world revolves around my six horses. Sometimes I wonder how I came across such wonderful creatures. Well, enough about me, this story is about the horses. One of my horses, Genie, was pregnant. I was frightened because I had never birthed a horse before. It was the middle of February when it happened. There was a blizzard taking place outside and there was no way the vet could get to my house in such weather. Luckily, my father was visiting me from Canada. He helped me with the birth. It was the middle of the night. I went out to the barn with the birthing bucket the vet had given me. I sat down beside Genie with my Father and began. It was tough because the foal got stuck. I had to reach in and turn it’s head. That went well. I could almost fell the pain Genie was in. The rest of the birth went smoothly. I spent that night in the stall. I wanted to make sure that the foal was OK. He was so small and beautiful. He was bay with a white blaze down his face. The next day I woke up and watched the foal sleep. She breathed so deeply it was unbelievable. I almost wanted to frame it. I got up and left the stall. I began to do the morning feeds. All of the horses seemed to know what had happened last night. “It was beautiful”, I said to all of the horses as I gave them their treat of a carrot. I was just in that kind of a mood. I decided to go back to the stall where Genie and her new foal were staying. The foal was trying to walk. She struggled to her feet and took a step. She looked so determined. She began to wobble and toppled over again. Then it was like her confidence shattered. I felt so bad that I had to leave the stall. I figured that I could go back to the house and get some coffee and make it back in time to see her first steps. I slid open the barn door and stepped out on to a new blanket of sparkling snow. I looked across the fields and past the tree tops, where there was the most amazing sunset I had ever witnessed. It was Then that she new the what to name the new foal. Sundance.

Spirit
by Kaitlyn
Age 12

It was another Saturday and grocery shopping day for most people in Washington D.C. But today it was little Molly Ford's birthday. She looked to me, as if it was the best day of her life. But soon enough I noticed she was walking right towards the birthday card aisle where I was hanging, full of helium. I'm a balloon, but you can call me spirit. I could not believe it! Her little, frail hand touched my string, and she took me. This would be the adventure of my life. We were almost out of those large, massive doors. I could not wait much longer, although I was a bit nervous. When we were out doors I couldn't imagine how bright it was. But most of all I was so worried that little Molly would let go of my string and I would blow away and I'd never see her again. She then pulled me over to their car. We got inside and I can say it was pretty squished and cramped in there. But I saw many things along the was. Molly was only five and she talked to me the whole way. She pointed to a large, pointed building and she said it was called the Washington Memorial. Molly also showed me the Capital, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the White House. She said that the president lives in the White House. Hearing that I assumed he must be a very important person to live in such a huge house. I learned a lot that day and I also learned a lot about Molly. After a while we finally stopped. Molly said this was her house. I was pretty happy to be out of the stuffed little car. Molly then pulled me up the stairs and tied me to her bed. She then told me she had to go eat dinner, but that she would soon be back. While Molly was down stairs I looked around and I saw a ballerina jewelry box which beautiful music came out of. She came back soon and she talked to me. And we went to sleep shortly after. About a week had passed. Then, one day Molly's mom said, "it's amazing that your balloon has not shrinked yet, Molly." This might be a big surprise to you but I am a guardian angel, or you could say balloon. The story is I was sent to Molly, because she had not had many friends. But, this was all about to change. The time went by so slowly. I could notice that Molly wouldn't spend as much time with me. This did make me sad, but I also was happy for Molly. She was making many wonderful friends. Soon I would have to return to where I really was from and what was good was that my goal was completed, to make Molly happy, in which she was because of her friends. It was time. I began to shrivel and shrink throughout the days. Molly noticed, but some how she understood that I had to leave. She also thanked me for helping her. I would leave that evening. Her mom knew about me too, and I heard say, "Molly, this balloon has been an angel for you almost and I think it will stay with you as a wonderful childhood spirit." After I heard her mother I left and knew they would be okay.

The Knocker
by Isaac
Age 10

One day in a small town of Washington, just south of Boise, Idaho, a small boy by the name of Tommy was fast asleep in bed. His mother was knitting by the fire, when she heard a loud screech at the door like nails on a chalkboard. There was a light thud. She was petrified. We’ll get back to that later. Tommy was just a typical seven year old. He went to regular elementary school and had many friends. Tommy had a blonde bowl hair cut, with green eyes and a big chatty mouth. Tommy was usually well behaved, but one cold Wednesday, Tommy headed off to school. Little did he know the events that would take place that day. After around 45 minutes, which seemed like hours, he couldn't’t take another verb, so he flung himself out of his chair right past Mrs. Carrice, the teacher, who immediately sprinted after Tommy. Tommy thought he had clear sailing when he passed the office. He was wrong, very wrong. Just as he darted past the principals office, Mr. Stins, a tall hairy principal, walked out and knocked Tommy to the ground. Mr. Stins dragged Tommy to his office where he made Tommy call his mom and tell her what he had done. When Tommy slouched through the doorway his mom was standing in the stairwell, her hands on her hips, pursed lips and a furrowed brow. “What on earth got into you! What were you thinking!” She screamed. “Throwing yourself out of the classroom, I thought I taught you better. I’m very disappointed in you, Buster,”she said in a little softer tone of voice. “You’re grounded for a month,” “A whole month?” persisted Tommy. “Yes a whole month but since you are arguing let’s make it two.” “What? Why?” “Don’t sass me young man,” “ I wasn’t sassing,” Tommy complained. “Stop arguing”, “Arguing? Who’s arguing?”, “3 MONTHS, NOW OFF TO BED BEFORE I MAKE IT 4!” she bellowed. At that Tommy quickly scampered up stairs, grumbling all the way. Later that night after Tommy had gone to bed, his mother was knitting by the fire. She heard a loud screeching like nails on a chalkboard, and a low thud. She was petrified. Finally she plucked up enough courage to open the door. There standing in the doorway was a tall, hairy man. He was holding up Tommy’s kitten that had been pawing at the door. This burly man asked, “Is this your cat, ma’am? I found him out in the street wet and cold.” “Yes, it is,” exclaimed Tommy’s mother. “Thank you oh so much. How can I repay you Mr.?” “Stins, Rob Stins. I’m not expecting any payment just doing my job.” That’s your job?” Tommy’s mother asked inquisitively. “No, I’m actually the principal at Greenmountain Elementary.” “Oh, my son goes there, Tommy.” “Oh, I know Tommy all right,” Mr. Stins chuckled to himself and walked out into the cold dark outside world. In the morning when Tommy woke up, his mom told him about the little incident the night before. Tommy was surprised by two things. One, his mom changed her mind and only grounded him for a month. Two, Mr. Stin’s compassion. Tommy learned a valuable lesson that day…never judge someone by their appearance, even principals.

The Golden Flute
by James
Age 10

One misty morning, when the sun hadn't even risin over the trees, I found the entrance to a cave. That day changed my whole life. I walked into the dark and moldy cave, thinking that I was crazy until I spied a strange glow. When I moved closer, I saw that the glow surrounded a treasure chest. It contained a golden flute. I wrapped the flute in an old rag and started to walk home. On the way home I saw some dead bushes, where I sat down to look at the flute. I noticed that it was ruby encrusted. I closed my mouth around the flute and began to play a weird but soothing melody. I didn't even know I could play the flute when it happened. The tip of the flute sprouted golden water like a fountain, but it didn't stop there. The water flowed to the dead bushes and turned then into beautiful pink and purple flowers. After that I went around my neighborhood bringing dead plants back to life. Then I went back to the forest once again and found about three acres of trees decimated. When I played the flute this time, it turned into a golden dove, then flew over the dead forest regrowing it with sparkling dust coming from it's wings. To this day I don't wonder why the forest stays so green.