Each term in our Creative Writing I class, we do a session on poetry and with a shrug and a groan, students work on brief poems fashioned in class. With just about 15 minutes to write, the students are amazing in their output! Read for yourself:

Round schoolyard tree ring boys not men,
to watch a fight ‘tween one-time friends,
fist raised in anger and down again.
A stronger, a weaker, a bloodied lip,
tomorrow conflict is forgotten,
boys will be boys and friends again.

But there behind the childs’ play,
old eyes of power and lust and blood,
cheer frantic cries for one more head.
The game from time immortal played,
man rules o’er man, from cradle to grave.

submitted by Dave
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Single Girl Table

Single girl table
Away from the rest...............

Over in the corner
Late for the fest

Black cocktail dresses
Wrinkled from trip
Sitting with the band
Guys who don’t look so hip

“No +1 in the invite?”
“We want our friends to hook up!
Besides, it’s very expensive—
—you’re worth just one cup.”

Leftover table
“Can’t I sit with my friend?”
“That table’s for couples—
—you’ll see her at the end.”

Lonely girl table
No dancing for us
The bride is too busy
Just don’t make a fuss.

Single girl table
Just talk about work
Eat all your stuffed chicken
And don’t be a jerk.

submitted by Michelle (who says, ”poetry is fun!”)
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untitled

The furniture is boxy,
Even the cushions hard,
Carpet stains are left,
It’s allowed to be scarred.

Two long hallways
with rooms for boys.
No bed left for parents
Or safe space for toys.

No candles.  No pictures.
No perfume from mom.

Locked in a small room
Are shared bikes and balls.
Smells of urine and sweat
Are trapped by the walls.

Yesterday he punched me.
He called me a bitch.
Today in the toy closet
He turned the switch.

Will you take me home?
Could you be my mom?

The veil was torn.
True heart revealed.
Inside the anger
A life is sealed.

Apart from the crowd
And fights that are wild.
No smile. No laugh.
But evidence of a child.

submitted by Kelly F.
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Untitled

Lone star shining bright
guiding me through an endless night
showing the way when I get lost
clearing my mind of mold and moss
sometimes I forget you are there
and times when I can’t find you anywhere
when you leave I cannot see
and fear overtakes the whole of me
but now that you are in my sight
I am comforted by your beacon light

submitted by Kim G.