6th Grade Poetry Anthology
My Home Kaylianna
Where I’m From
The buildin’ lights shine so bright It feels it’s almost blinding. My home sound like chaos And feels like it too.
But without it, You would need it just as much as I do.
Where I’m from No matter what you say You have an “accent”.
I kinda hate it
But I know what they meant. Most come here as a getaway
But I’d take a flight anywhere just to get away. Don’t get me wrong
My home compares to NO other.
The Fire Hydrant spraying during the summer, Going into over priced deli’s, Making friends in the summer
(That you’ll never see again)
I say all this to say, This is my home, I live here, And no matter where I go, It will forever live inside of me.
You sprinkle a little magic And make my day shine bright Your body is as big as my pinky Your heart is as big as my body
No one Ever sees you because you are My secret and if I don’t see that is ok cause If I don’t see you that is the way
You’re every color and none at all Every time I see you it’s always a ball Yet every time I see you Nobody sees nothing at all
My favorite fruit is blackberries So is yours too
So the next I see you you’ll be right there, watching me speak this and then disappear
into thin air
Love Me, To the Fairies in the woods
FAMILY IS EVERYTHING
Ananya
Family is everything to me throughout the highs and lows we are always together. Through it all the bickering, arguing, and constant fighting we love each other deeply and we would never take one for granted. No matter how mad one gets we stay attached like glue for a collage. Even when we are in a consistent altercation about something important we forgive and we forget. But most importantly we never give up on each other and support each other and our endeavors. But I also give much glory to God for the things I have and the people around me. But I will always defend and love my family because
if I was ever placed into another household that I wished I lived in it would be a mistake
I can never afford to make.
We Are Harlem Denarys
I am from THE borough.
Where I’m from, the smell of baked goods never leaves
Where it’s safe in my parents’ arms
Where my brother and I have random conversations about nothing late at night.
Where I’m from, people flood the streets
Where all races link arms and celebrate singing, “You and me, WE are all free!”
Where the food is always good, no matter the culture.
Where I’m from, the subways are always filled with people and rats of Which I used to convince my mom that I controlled, but only when she turned around
Where I’m from taught me how to be a person
How to be cautious but brave
That it’s okay to be afraid
We are Harlem.
Praise to the many special and different kinds of dance to choose from Praise to the many many mistakes
Praise to the many questions that always had answers
Praise to relearning the dance the day before when you forget to practice
Praise to the many laughs and good times
Praise to the many kind teachers who didn’t hesitate to help or assist
Praise to the many recitals and performances
Praise to the many friends of all ages
Praise to the many pretty costumes
Praise to the nights we spent hours practicing
Praise to the people who helped with the very quick, quick changes
Praise to the very large auditorium
Praise to Dance
My Life, My Story Eva
I am from Prayers before bed Our father, who art in heaven.
I am from Puerto- Rican lumpia and adobo, The smell fills up the house
I am from phrases That say “I know you can do better” And phrases like “ I love you”
I am from Where i don’t know Who I am yet
I am from Where I Like creme brulee and Sushi
I am from a House that smells Like memories
I am from a house That I walk into and Feel loved
I am from a house that looks Modern and sophisticated
Ode to Basketball
Drew
Ode to Basketball
When the ball swishes through the net, Like rainfall.
Ode to Basketball
When the ref makes a bet so he, Purposefully makes a bad-call.
Ode to Basketball
When you try to be taller than your teammate, Then he stands tall.
Ode to Basketball
When your coach says, “Get on the baseline”, So you have to run, not whine.
Ode to Basketball
When you lose a game and your coach says “one for all”
So who’s to blame? Ode to Basketball.
Chicken, Chips, and Skittles are the Key to Riddles Jaxson
I like chicken
Because it’s kickin’
If you don’t know, I’m making it happen
Chicken, lovely, lovely Chicken
Some is juicy
Some has no bones
Just like cones
Some is fried
Some is baked
I love the sweet juiciness of chicken.
Just like some chicken, chips are crunchy,
Just a quick complaint:
Know the boxes that have multiple chips in them, some good and some are horrible
But the horrible ones have more bags in the box!
Like, no one wants Fritos more than Cool Ranch Doritos!
Ooh, wait, that was bars
I’m making it happen
Just a quick serious note:
Trayvon Martin died because a white guy thought he was pulling out a gun; instead, it was Skittles
So Skittles are special to me
Now back to the reason why y’all came - chicken, chips, and skittles
Good are skittles
Yes they’re little
I’m not bidding
Nor am I kidding
Ha! What’s better, Twix?
I ain’t taken no licks
“But, Jaxson- Skittles are overrated!”
For people saying that Imma be honest that’s wrong, and I stand on that
Like a baseball player holding a bat
“Jaxson, what about Gummy Bears?”
Some taste straight like air.
I’m not lying I’m telling the truth
Chicken, Chips, and Skittles are the keys to riddles.
Family IS home Jolie
I am from a loud but quiet Warm but cold home
From dogs and cats yelling and screaming because they want food that they fight for every night
From where you can hear people conversate out your window because you live on the first floor with a door opening then going BANG shut
I am JoJo not Jolie Cousin not good friend bubs not jules but whatever people see in me.
I was just on the train to Titis in the bronx And back home on the bus
I am from “come on lets get some snacks” late at night to getting smacked on the back.
I am from a loud but quiet warm but cold home !
My Mom as sweet as candy.
But at least most of the time. she can be as sour as a lime, when my homework is not done on time. She says life is not no crystal stair, so don’t give up when people stare. My Mom makes really good food, always homemade, made out of organic ingredients.
Hate bad ingredients as if it is a rash. So loving she would fight a war for me, 1000 monsters and a couple gods too.
Nun the less.
I love her too, start talking about her and we gonna have to start throwing hands and I’m going to roast you, put you in a trance.
So don’t talk about her or my words will dance.
I love her with all my heart.
Without her I wouldn’t be nothing, I wouldn’t be here so be grateful for the person that brought you here to earth.
At the end of the day, we all need someone like her too. Even if you never had someone like her. Someone like her will be there for you, you will love them too, and they will be everything for you. Just like my Mom is for me will always be there for me even in the after life watching over me.
It’s not fair to pick a side Before the game has even started. Why should some get a head start While the rest feel heavy-hearted?
I look at all my friends at school, We’re all just kids who want to play. We shouldn’t have to follow rules That tell us how to act each day.
If girls can lead a giant team And boys can learn to help and care, Then everyone can chase a dream Because the world is finally fair.
So here’s to everyone being free, To do things we love to do.
I’ll be the best that I can be, And you can be the best of you!
The Place That Raised Me! Charli
I am from a warming home, Where traditions and routines have always grown
A house that smells SO SWEET Fruit candy perfume-soft and neat
I am from a neighborhood full of delis So many smells Please BELIEVE ME
I am from a home and streets nearby Where FRIED CHICKEN SCENTS go drifting by ( YUMMY!!!!)
I am from a place that’s loud all night, even at 4am still full of LIFE
Where Sirens Singing through the air , honking cars and people EVERYWHERE
I am from sidewalks busy, narrow and tight Where the city never really sleeps at night
I am from strength from hustle and bustle From pride from dreams Walking right by me
I am from a city where you’ll see people dancing on the subways to earn money Or people sleeping that always look funny
My home means a latte to me soooooooooo
Ode to Determination Phoenix
Praise your fight, to go on. In people, Let them hear your song
Fight The Power Or Everyone’s Lives Matter Sit in your presence, For many hours…
Through debates, Protests and Signs, We Fight In uniquely your design.
Power from the mentals… Even shows in debates that are presidential. People fight in your stencil.
We make our expectations You help pull through…
From fighting for what’s right To, Achieving a dream
All of us follow, Your amazing “ Scheme ”
Putting yourself out there, For people who want to dare!
We live our wildest dreams While you’re watching us From up there
This is a Thank You For everything you’ve done For all the dreams And… Reducing the screams…
Thank You…
Women.
Giving life to men who take away their rights, causing chaos and fights. Centuries and decades it still has not sufficed. They lynched, they killed, they hurt, they raped, While still cooking and cleaning with a smile on their face. Is it a race against time or a race against us?
I don’t know ask the lady who refused to sit in the back of the bus.
The good times Calen
I’m from the early drives to the seaside, from the waves lapping the shore, to the burning hot sand under my feet.
I’m from the late nights where you just can’t sleep. Trying over and over and wondering “can this night go by any slower?”
I’m from the calm outdoors. From the wind blowing in my hair, to the grassy fields where I play soccer, and the ferry going across the riverwaters.
I’m from the adventurous side of life. The new things I like to try, or the unique experiences I volunteer for.
I’m from the pets that hold a special place in my heart. One moving loudly and quickly, the other moving in silence.
I’m from the games and the pillow forts and the shows I love to watch.
I’m from the people who have guided me through my life. My parents who love me deeply, and the teachers that set me up for success.
I’m from the laughter of friends and family. The pure joy and happiness radiating from them on Christmas day and my birthday.
I’m from the early flights and trips all around the world, and the new cultures I get to dabble in.
I’m from camping out in the wilderness. From sitting by the fire, to gathering wood for it. But truly, I’m from God’s command and the decisions he makes and what his plan is.
Known only for their complexion
Black people were mistreated
Never shown affection
Like Harriet Tubman who used a stars to see her free
Only seen as criminals
Like Emmett Till
Who was lied on
Which led him to his death
No one seen his last breath
He died in the night
And added another star to the dark
This gave the world
A spark
The civil rights movement
Which gave hope
But 57 years later from Till’s death
Another death came along
Trayvon Martin
Who was visiting his family
Was shot
From suspicion
This was sign that we needed a mission
This brought a spark to the Black lives matter movement
Still we are fighting
So the stars mean
The people that had died
But set a change
Even during the dark
We need to give sparks
“Ode to Marshmallows” Kailey
I love when you are roasted! So hot and steamy Even when you’re burning I’ll still eat you all up!
I love when you’re regular All soft and fluffy Even when you’re stuffy
I eat you on smores.. Sometimes desert And I’ll never spit you out!!
. . . . . . . . Oh nevermind..
But you do have a downside. So bad that I might throw up at the end of this path.. “What is it?” you ask?
. . . . . .
They never roast right, why do you ask?
We all roll our eyes when they say it
“It’s these phones I swear”
we tell them “we don’t care”
Even tho deep down we do
We scroll in the same room and call it “hanging out”
We don’t knock on each other’s doors and ask to play
We send half typed messages and call it a conversation
We record sunsets instead of enjoying them
We take pictures at concerts instead of singing through them
We don’t draw each other anymore
They’re right, it is the phone.
“We’re all Family.” Alana
“You don’t look black.” They say. Where rice is main, And beans are side. Where people chant for better political leaders. And where being Christian means you have to follow all of God’s rules. And where trump is hated…by some.
“You don’t look black.” They say. Where we all somehow have an “accent.”
And we call each other things, others would fight us over for. Where we all wonder if because of, where were from that people act this way or is it just in our blood too?
“You don’t look black.” They say. Where if you don’t have a certain type of clothing or do what’s told by others. You’re POOR and a BUM for not. Where if you look white, you’re not accepted.
Unless you show your whole BLOOD line. Then they’ll think about telling you things.
I wasn’t a part of the originals. So here I go telling them so…
“YOU
ARE
BLACK!” They now say!
Where street lights shined at night, with crack heads walking up and down the streets while sleeping in the creaks. Where the states are full of laws which are unfair to us all. Where greasy food taste the best and police men always wear vest.
“You’re black, remember?”
I love my friends but hate some too. As the words leave my mouth and yours leave yours. Where we all stay out too late and spending time together is great. While we walk and talk, and the music in my ears rock.
Once I get home, I smell my mothers food as if it wasn’t new. After getting my food, I head to my room.
I see the moon shining through.
I see the photos of my friends and wonder if they’ll stay. Even though we’re not all the same.
“We’re All Family.”
New York
With the Subway
That smells like feet
The City that doesn’t sleep
With so many peeps
Oh the memories to keep
And the super loud street
Jackie Louis
Ella
Rhythm and blues
Langston Hughes
125
Its always live
Its lit
And thats no cap
Its just facts
I love it here
People yelling
But no one cares
At least in the city there are no bears
Even in Prospect
Riverside
And of course Saint Nick
But there are roses with thorns and pricks
And also ticks
I got my pets at home
Yeah we are
The whole throne
I go to school
Its not very cool
Too many rules
And kids who act like fools
Anyway The moral of the story
Is that New York is the GOAT
I don’t mean to gloat
Lets GO
I’m sorry that you’re judging yourself, so seriously & so intensely. The love for yourself you still have to learn.
It’s heavy, the way you look at every little imperfect spot in a sad and lonely stare You only see.
I will look at every photo, I will check every post, I’m still haunted by versions of me I want to be most.
I will compare my shadow to girls on a screen, and feel like I’m the plainest that’s ever been seen.
I will wear a long sweater, I will hide in the crowd, and I will keep all my secrets I can’t say out loud.
I will fix up my makeup, I will fix up my hair, and then pretend the pressure is no longer there.
The hardest thing of all the things I had to learn about you is watching how you suffer alone but can’t find a way out.
And the way that you’re waiting for someone to see that the girl in the mirror is beautiful just the way she is.
Ode to Girls Katia
Love the pretty girls, and the girls who feel not as pretty.
Love the girls with insecurities, because those make you beautiful.
Love the girls who are tomboys, your style is the way of expressing yourself.
Love the girls with ANY disability, you are unique in your OWN way. and you should NEVER feel discouraged by it.
Love the girls of ANY COLOR because all are beautiful, YOUR SKIN TONE SHOULDN’T DEFINE YOUR BEAUTY!!
Love the girls who get bullied, although you may feel bad about yourself, you are just as equal to everyone else.
Love the girls WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR ALL FOR BLACK FREEDOM! Her legacy is taught and praised in the month of February
LOVE EVERY GIRL, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT HERE TODAY!!
“Height” Nasi
Everyone chooses not to make me feel bright–Always got something to say ‘bout my height I feel it won’t ever stop getting me tight
Usually end the day crying at night
My ma says not to care—
The joke 2’2 and “little” ignite a flare
Then I crash out gaining one heck of a stare
Move away from the lunch table their “lair”
Maybe I’ll grow
Definitely hasn’t begun to show
Everytime I see a mirror I seem pretty low
My ma says focus on my advantages— maybe glow
I really want to fit in
But it got my grades slippin
Everybody really got me trippin
Sometimes I feel my life flippin
PLEASE MAKE ME TALL
Old Memories Zaair
I am from the tasteful smell of Mama’s rich cooking. I am from back when Mama’s little man was going out to experience the world filled with joy from head to toe and a touch of nervousness. When he met his first friend it felt delightful for there to be another person in this world like him. I can remember him these days. Though I still forget him at times. I’m from the warmth of a summer day from my time, and my days were filled with screams in the distance.
But, back then I still have made some mistakes that belong to my past which still haunts me to this day. Then I remember confiding to the Lord who has given me a soul, a home ,and food for me to eat. So I put my head to the ground and pray. I’m from the tearful and dramatic moments that have lifted me up, and the ones that have brung me down. Yet it’s getting harder and harder to remember the Good Ol’ Days from the original island innocent pupil me that captures moments that can change a boy to a young man.
I’ve changed a lot since then for the better good But, the mistakes I have made don’t shape who I am. Those days skin tone hadn’t even been a thought to the boy. Although without even knowing it I was categorized as small brown skin little boy with weird twisted hair that had gone to the back of my head, but now I have locks. All these lost memories were suddenly pushed to of my mind like my hair, and drifted off into many dreams that I thought I would never remember again. Where I’m From is where
no one else is from. This is what makes me unique and different from others. At least that’s Always how I thought about it.
Origin Hunter
I am from the Bronx
Where traffic builds up like mad
As cars sit there for days
Where people put on their Yankee gear
And flood Yankee Stadium
Where apartments stack up onto each other
Busy in the inside
Motionless on the outside where delis are everywhere
Selling snacks, drinks, and sandwiches
I am from the separation
Two lovers decided one day
The smell of home-made food
In the place I call home where two furballs reside resembling yin and yang where an annoying 15-year-old sleeps
Who has been there since day one
I am from the violence where guns reload, and knives are sharpened
And someone takes their last breath where people end their story
Before it even begins where disappearances happen
One never seen again
I am from politics where people go crazy over voting where one choice
Can change a whole country where good leaders come and go
And bad ones take their place where a white, yellow-haired freak
Sits on his throne
Like a king
Seen by some as a hero
Seen by some as a villain
I am from the learning where kids bring success
Where kids bring failure
What parents call school
Kids call six long hours of our lives
where drama happens
Spreading around like the flu
where lives end
Some kids with gun
Murdering his so-called friends
Some kids are jumping out of windows
Just to escape some trouble
where friendship grows
Some everlasting
Some broke before it flourished
I am from the camp
In good ol maine
My real second home
It is summertime
We put our differences aside
Put on our green and gray
And run away from our parents
Nature surrounds us
Counselors treat us as our older brothers
Casco days
Seaflag
TFLL
TUFl
Beach day
Jimmy buffet
And endless freedom
I am from the islands
Settled in Jamaica
Where winter doesn’t reach
Reggae sound dominating
Home of the dreadlock
hurricane melissa
Destroying everything
Bob marley
King of reggae
Full of beautiful beaches,palm trees, and mountains
The Baptist War
Fighting for our freedom
And home to my origin
Everyone has one, Right?
Where, Who, What’s the Bronx Makayla
Ba-Doink was what you heard early on a weekend
Though the sign did not permit
Call your friend and throw a fit
On how they’re not productive
Tell them to,“Pull the covers off your head
Take a stretch
Make your bed”
That’s just how Saturdays went You were smart so you cleaned your room
You used the mop, You used the broom
You dusted the top
I’m done phew!
I’ll go to the kitchen to clean some mushrooms
But my mom’s cooking too
So she’ll kick me out
Not much room
When she’s done I’ll make an omelet She made herself one too I go brush my teeth and shower too I get dressed in my room
To go to kung fu
Me and my friend had kung fu together
We got pizza and went home
We live across the street
But we talked on the phone
Then we change our clothes
Just to go back out
A couple years later, December 18th
Had a bad day
You didn’t see a smile on my face I look in the window
And it looks back at me
Shoot is that Dwayne
The seat next to me is open then he sits down
He turns his head
I let go off my frown
He says, “Makayla?”
He recognized me
We start to catch up,thats my buddy
Seems he got taller, He was never a baller
This is the Bronx
The Bronx
The Bronx
The home of hip hop
The Bronx
The Bronx
This is not Staten,Queens,Manhattan,or BK I live in the Bronx everyday
We are Hip Hop
Jenny from the block
Cardi B and Fat Joe
Mary J. Blige
Big Pun
And More
Even though the Bronx can be a zoo I happy that I’m living here
And here with you
Cozy Home Sumayyah
I am from a painting of New York buildings, That sit upon the living room, From an almost empty food storage That magically restocks itself sometimes
I am from a hallway collage of childhood smiles From laughter echoing through the halls grey-ish blue walls, To the smell of Rihanna perfume & the feel of wooden floor underneath comfy cushions
I am from homemade recipes– some from a cookbook, Some born from late-night creativity– from The taste of everyone together, To the sound of inside jokes, gossips, & giggles
I am from random Saturday game nights, From “Girl, you play too much” To staying up past 1:00 a.m. & two person quality time when no one is watching
I am from putting up the christmas tree together, From watching k-dramas with my sibling To quiet moments where I can just be me, To a home I feel safe, comfortable, & mine
I am from a love of learning about other cultures, From introverting moments of reflection, From watching & listening to languages that I don’t speak, & to the warmth of people I trust and love most
This is where I am from.
Life Matters
Ethan
Your life matters so don’t take it away. And definitely don’t let anyone else take it. You only have one so make the most of it.
I’ve been through it once and it was like hell, I’ll never go back ever again. People have years Ahead of their lives, so don’t waste it.
Millions upon billions has lost their’s, be happy That you even have one,keep your’s for as long as you can
Your family loves you so don’t say nobody doesn’t. People care about you so don’t say nobody doesn’t. If they care then care about yourself
God gave you this life, he loves you unconditionally just imagine how he’d feel, Jesus, God’s only begotten son shed his blood for you, and got tortured for you imagine how he’d feel.
Life matters so don’t end it now. You have a great value so don’t waste it now,a lot of people love you and one including me. So don’t end it now.
The Greatest Creation in History An Ode Skyla
My dream was made in 1967
The same year Gatorade, Doritos, and the first ever heart transplant were created
Even though I was born in 2014
I was one of the people that gained a heart that year
The love of my life
Twix
The best mix
If i go to long without Twix
I may feel sick
The perfect treat with sugar, spice, and everything nice
If it’s not Twix it won’t suffice
A sensational treat created by Mars Inc
Makes me want to dance to a song that goes like
Rinky dink-a-dink
I kick my feet everytime I think of this treat
If it’s not Twix it’s not something I will eat
I think of Twix every night
Even when it is out of my sight
If someone lays a single finger ON MY TWIX
My first instinct will be to fight
If you want to see a magic trick
Give me a bar of Twix then blink
The candy will be gone before you can
Even Think Trust me
I made this poem for fun
Not because it had to be done
Life is fun
So don’t ruin it for someone
Be like the sun and light a day up
Even if you can’t stay up and act right
Try to be the person who brings light
Live everyday like its your last day
Because not everybody has days to live
And that’s a shame because
Things will never be the same And there is a lot of things to blame
So don’t be a pain
To people living every day
Because that’s not the way
If you have something bad to say strut away
If you’re hearing this you might shed a tear But just know people are always near And here for you and only you Because people love you and want to hug you
Remember to be like the sun
And light a day up Even if you can’t stay up Or act right be that person who brings light
Through Winters snow Springs waters
Summers glow and Autumn falls I love you all
Think and Wonder Nyla
One thing in life that's really unfair Is how beauty seems to hide from the eye
Just because of one toxic blind And I’m sorry your game of hide and seek is never ending, But maybe by the end of this poem You’ll find the last hider of the game
One thing people always seem to compliment Is the Earth
Something that seems perfect until humans get to it But even with all that it shines bright And doesn't lose its light
One thing that I just don’t get is how people see a fox Known for being sly And untrustworthy just because of what they are
Never really get a chance to prove themselves as something else, Something more
One thing that I just don’t get is how you apparently “lose your beauty with age” Well I’m here to debunk that claim Like I stated before
Humans see the Earth as beautiful and perfect But it’s really 4.5 BILLION YEARS OLD And nobody calls it a toad
Maybe things in life just need to be seen with a different perspective sometimes
May out
THE END