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LIT MAGAZINE PRESENTS: "Follow the Butterfly"

A poetry anthology about declaring who you are and thinking before you react, created by the 6th Grade Music Class of Victory College Prep School.

VOLUME 6 March 2022

"WE HAVE A POWERFUL POTENTIAL IN OUR YOUTH, AND WE MUST HAVE THE COURAGE TO CHANGE OLD IDEAS AND PRACTICES SO THAT WE MAY DIRECT THEIR POWER TOWARD GOOD ENDS."

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

Contributing Young Writers JANUARIE YORK

EDITOR IN CHIEF

MS. DIXON

TEACHER

CATHY MORRIS

WORKSHOP LEADER STUDENT WRITERS:

Jemareon Smith (JJ)

London (Londy the Dancer)

Ke'Shawn Carroll (KTC)

Evaana Galbreath (EV) Amari Eubanks (The One Who Does It All) Dontae (The Only Tae Allowed) James (Lil J) Couletan Miner Ash Dumac (Myth) Malayna Berborence (Maymay) Shawnae Robinson

Tanasie Smith Kammie (Kam-Kam) Audriana Diaz (Chisty) Anilah (Kariya the Rapper)

Faith Collins (The Blak Queen) Edward Cooper (Lil Ej) Jeffery Morrow (The REcycler) Myanmatym (MBL)

from the editor Working with kids should always be approached with humility, love, and dedication to the craft of which you will share. Youth know what they want; they know what makes them happy and what drives them away. They have personalities that require others to pay attention in order to know how to approach and connect with them. Although they are still learning the ebbs and flows of life and though their personality is still in development, kids aren't blindly moving about; their experiences are shaping their outlook and the people they encounter do better when they approach them as individuals deserving of getting to know, rather than part of a crowd in need of controlling. Working with this class has been a great pleasure. They gave me their time, attention, and respect. And they were honest. When asked who didn't like poetry, hands bravely raised and openly shared their whys. Again, kids know what they like. But after the first workshop together, they were excited to have me back. I was greeted with "Hi Ms. Januarie" upon walking in the second time. Over the course of 5 sessions together, I may have given a couple of them a reason to think twice about poetry, further proving that kids are eager to learn - it's all in the presentation and how it's used.

My hope is that programs like this continue and that schools continue to tap into their artistic market to help make what could be life-altering differences in the youth. For the kids in this music class, I hope they continue to write, dance, rap, play basketball, or whatever makes their hearts dance. I hope they feel inspired and that the poems they wrote and the poem they created together will remain in their growing worlds as a reminder of art, reaction, and self-love. To them, I give my gratitude. Thank you, dear ones, for making space for Ms. Januarie to share poetry and the energy it brings, with all of you. Looking forward to seeing you all continue to blossom! Just follow the butterfly . . .

Januarie York

EDITOR IN CHIEF

LIT MAGAZINE

"Think First"

FOLLOW THE BUTTERFLY

A Workshop with a purpose facilitated by cathy morris The "THINK FIRST" project was originally

After two workshops, a collection of poetry,

started by teaching artist (Arts for Learning) and

prose, and raw thoughts had been collected and

founder of Arts w/a Purpose, Cathy Morris.

compiled into a 4-page poem that flawlessly

Cathy, who is a musician of many talents, wanted

conveys the importance of thinking before you

the students to write a poem about "THINKING

react and knowing who you are. The beauty of

FIRST", that would accompany an original song

the final poem is that it was reflective of every

she created for the class.

personality in the class. Each student was able to hear at least a few lines of their work, and in

She invited writer and published author & poet,

some cases, whole poems or stanzas. It excited

Januarie York, to assist the class w/creating a

both the students and the instructors, and with

poem. Both Januarie and Cathy have years of

permission from the kids, the poems were

experience working with young students, but this

compiled into a digital magazine, forever

would be their first collaboration. After a brief

immortalizing the work of the 6th-grade music

discussion on what it means to "think first", and

class. The title "Follow the Butterfly" was taken

how one can positively react to potentially

directly from one of the poems submitted.

negative situations, the students began writing their poems. By the end of the first workshop, the

This workshop touched on self-love, thinking

students had written a poem about thinking before

first, art, writing, music, conversation, respect for

they react while an original Cathy Morris track

self, and respect for others, as well as thinking

played in the background. They were free to

outside of the box. It is a great way to positively

express themselves as much or as little as they

impact the lives of the youth while giving them

chose.

the freedom to express themselves in a way that might open their imagination and hearts up to

During the second workshop, the class discussed

the healing properties of the arts.

the powerful words " I AM", and how the two words are a declaring statement that can shape

NOTE***: The photos used in this magazine are

your outlook on yourself. Once again, as the song

all stock photos with the exception of the final

played, they were given time to write a poem

page. The magazine is available for free

using the phrase "I Am" to describe how they

download and will also be available in print.

viewed themselves now and in the future.

ASH DAMACIO PINEDA

I am a piano player And I am a dog owner

I am

Ash.

As I look into the darkness a kid or monster older than me As the monster pulls out his sword and tries to bring me down, I shall not allow that. I ignore him even as the monster gets near me. Once he hits me with his sword I shall not allow him for I AM the Captain of my soul; I shall show the monster that I AM The Captain.

When someone stresses me out, I just want to shout because I'm so stressed

JA'MARI YORK

I would walk away and talk to someone I trust I would also tell the person who stressed me out. Another thing I would do, is don't show I'm stressed. NOMADIC

LONDON BROWN

How can you think first?

GO IN MY ROOM, GO TO SLEEP WAKE UP AND FEEL COMPLETE.

L I am a O Daughter, N dancer, sleeper D I get bored easy O N BROWN ...AND THAT’S ME.

Lavail Smith When I'm stressed I read a book But when my friend is mad or stressed he annoys me so I try to read a book but he takes it from me and I get sad I still will be able to read it, Still.

"I AM a prankster."

I AM A football player I might sometimes get hit hard, and sometimes, I hit hard back. I can run fast, and I can catch.

Jerry

I AM A BLACK, CARING OLDER BROTHER. I Am the basketball player that's trying to play like MIke. I AM the most living or the living. Don't say what I can't do. Tell me something I don't already know. (yeah man) Don't prove me wrong.

Dontae J.

How can you handle negative people?

Malayna

Walk away Talk about them To someone Get some dirt on them or post them On IG. Tell everyone what they Did and do it back Stir the pot

Shawnae Robinson I Am the S to the shine I Am the H to helpful I Am the A to Artist I Am the W to wow I Am the N to never give up I Am the A to amazing I Am the E to everything I AM ME!

I AM that kid that be on the court going hard like MJ I AM that person that looks like my mom. I AM that kid on the game doing it like night. I AM the kid that's the smartest in the class but that's just my opinion. I AM JJ do not play play Going cray cray.

My name is JJ They stress me out Run to my room, Calm me down. Talk to my mommy And have a good day Doing good things and Making good grades.

MADISYN I AM....GIRL.

I AM a powerful, smart girl.

I AM a strong, multi-tasker I AM a builder, engineer I AM a girl that breaks boulders

I AM a girl that will pass I AM a girl that becomes successful I AM very good drawer, and tweener

I AM a beautiful, girl named Madisyn.

UNNAMED STUDENT***

"Go in the Opposite Direction" “Go in the Opposite Direction” I will follow the butterfly Around my head as I fall Asleep on thread that Makes me heavy on the Back of my head. Forgive and Forget is good enough for me. I’ll follow the opposite direction That’s what my huming said.

How can you respond to negative people?

"Tell them to chill out"

-Serenity

AMMIE

I am a dog owner I am a cancer I am totally awesome

I would just not listen to what that person is saying and just ignore them. Or just walk away from the situation and be the bigger person. If they are talking stuff, I would just say ok and I would say you done? And look at them like they are stupid.

Words Don't Hurt.

Tanasia I AM

I Am me

I love me I love to sing I love my family I love myself I can’t change myself

I’m Me Go away Leave me Sometimes I win . I win Rise above Always

When I'm stressed out, I go away and play the game

I AM

The #1 Fortnight player And the best 2K player

James D.

I will do nothing but

walk away And stay away from them.

I AM, a son and a wrestler.

I'm good at it but I need more practice; that way I can get better at it. But the most important people to me are my parents and my friends Because they are the people around me most. And sometimes, I want to change to be like them, I will be myself.

Coultan

Malayna I am a

Sister, A partner

A cousin

a best friend A tik toker

Evaana

I AM a cheerleader and a daughter. You've got to stay positive in this lifestyle so do what you like. Go take a hike or tryout for sports. Be you.

Hi.

Anilah

My name is Aniiah

Lately, I been stressed out by this person But the way I get the stress out is by taking a walk in the cold snow. It makes me feel relieved. I love to walk and talk (It's) one of my favorite things to do in the snow.

Edward COOPER

I like playing basketball, My dream is to be a basketball Superstar. I know I'm good. I'll never doubt myself. In the second game, I was player of the game. So that made me really happy. I had last in 11 points.

I AM A GOOD HAIR BRAIDER.

I AM A ONLY CHILD. I STAY POSITIVE.

erry If I get mad sometimes I wanna fight but if I fight I might not get my time

Amari Eubanks If I'm being stressed out, I will try not to fight. I will just end up eating food and drinking Sprite. If I'm in a bad mood, I might go crazy. Instead, I will go rap and try to be amazing. Most of the time, my brother gets on my nerves. I will fix it by making him laugh by calling him Big Bird.

KE'SHAWN CARROLL “How I Feel” I like to be alone sometimes. I

want to be in my zone. Even though I might be mad. I don’t want to say something and make the other person sad. Even when I’m alone sometimes, I don’t even want to be on my phone.

I AM I am a 71.02 pound wrestler who

followed after his brother. And I AM going to push myself to work as hard as I can. I may be the smallest

but I AM going to push myself to be the best. Nobody is perfect but I”m going to try to be perfect as I can be.

Ryan

I AM GRATEFUL.

When someone is stressing you out, Don't just let it out, think first. Could this go badly? If so, don't walk away sadly; Walk away to someone confidently and tell Them what happened. After Think about being a leader Like a Captain.

ANILAH

I AM A sister and I AM an inside person. I'm a little sister of a big brother and big sister. I like to be inside more than outside; That is me.

I AM

A BEAUTIFUL TALENTED SINGER

WHO LOVES MODELING & FASHION LADIES. I GO FROM SKETCHES TO JORDANS

AND AIN'T NOBODY GONNA SAY SOMETHING CAUSE I KNOW YOU JUST HATING ON HOW YOU CAN'T BE LIKE ME BECAUSE I'M THAT GIRL.

Amari Eubanks I Am A gamer who plays to win. That person who tries too hard On the game and the person you die to over and over again. I AM A good dancer. The one who likes to get down. The one Who thinks it’s too easy. I’m like the King of Pop, Chris Brown, AKA Chris Breezy. I BE The one who’s good at basketball. Who’s been trying all Night. I be playing, trying my best, balling like I’m Mike. The way I’m spitting, I know you think is tight. If you think I'm feeling down, I'm telling you I'm alright. Don't talk smack to me, I'll make you sorry II stay on the top rank In the future, I'll have a Ferrari And you will be the one taking loans from my bank! I Am Amari....Eubanks.

COULTAN I got pushed I walked away People say that I did bad things But I'm going to Heaven’s gates.

"I WOULD WALK AWAY. I WOULD SAY STOP."

ADKA

"Follow the Butterfly" Entire Class Poem

Whatever I say I am I declare and affirm my life right now, I play to win I’m a gamer and the type of person you want to hang out with over and over again,

I'm a good dancer I like to get down cause to me it comes easy, I like the King of Pop and Chris Breezy,

You don’t wanna see me on these courts, I be playing, giving it my best, balling on these fools like Mike This was just a test,

Calm down, I know you think the way I'm spitting is kinda tight, I don’t fight,

I think first Cause I like being the bigger person

stay

can

but I

listen know

And I

learning

the

say

get a

stressed,

look

butterfly

opposite

not

infected

the

people

take

and

other

friends

Forgive get

away

books

they

the

walk

what

who

suggest

read

when

direction

forget

enough

for

negative

The

monsters

The

ones

sent

harm

us,

I AM The captain of my soul,

won’t

brought

down

one,

Young

You But

old

might it

will

hit

get

with

dull

your

when

sword,

it’s

ignored

WHEN IT

SOMEONE

MAKES

BUT

EVEN

WANT

WON’T

SHOW

HURT

YOU

MAY

I'LL

WAKE MIGHT

NEVER

AND

TAKE

BECAUSE DON’T

STRESSES

KNOW

ROOM FEEL WALK

OUT,

SHOUT FEELINGS, IT

AND

SLEEP,

COMPLETE AND

SOMETIMES

MAKE

STIR

TALK

GIVES

THE

IN ME

THE

SNOW

RELIEF

POT

CAUSE I WILL POST YOU ON IG DO

WHAT

YOU

DID

ME,

SEE?? IT

DON’T

THE

FEEL

TOO

GOOD

WHEN

BEE!!!

BUT I’D RATHER WALK AWAY.

THE

HONEY

GOT

I'VE

BEEN

PUSHED

AND

KEPT

AND

LET

I'M IF I

MOVING

PEOPLE

LEARNING SOMEONE

CAN’T

CAUSE AND

JUST IT

SAY

THINK

COULD

I'LL

GLADLY

I'LL

INSPIRED

SAY,

OUT,

BADLY

AWAY

TELL

WANTED

OUT

WALK

THEY

FIRST

STRESSING

LET

WON’T

WHAT

SADLY,

SOMEONE TO

SAY

WHAT

I’M

HAPPENED

SORRY

HAVE

, OR

ACT

AND

GET

I I

AND

CALM

DOWN

DON’T

TROUBLE

WANNA

TOO

FIGHT

YOU,

THOUGH WANT

I’D

CAUSE I

MIGHT

BUT

ROOM

FOOL

DON’T

EVEN

RATHER IF

MIGHT

I'M

FIGHT

JUST

YOU

SIP

BAD

SPRITE

BOO,

MOOD,

CRAZY

BUT

INSTEAD

I'LL

JUST

START

RAPPING

AND

CONTINUE

BEING

AMAZING

I'M AMAZING! JUST I

ASK

MAKE CALL

HIM HIM

PERFECT

BROTHER;

LAUGH BIG

BIRD

EXAMPLE

WHEN

HOW

OTHER, HE I’M

GETS

LEARNING

THINK FIRST!

NERVES,

TO SEE THE STARS IN MYSELF, TO LOVE MYSELF, TO BE ABOVE ANYTHING THAT IS HARMFUL TO MY HEALTH, I LIKE TO BE ALONE SOMETIMES TO JUST BE IN MY ZONE SOMETIMES NOT EVEN ON MY PHONE, NO LIE, NO CRY, JUST ME,

Following the butterfly around my head. AS I LAY ON THE THREADS OF MY BED REMEMBERING WHO I AM I AM A DOG OWNER

AND I AM TOTALLY AWESOME AND IF I AINT YOUR FRIEND NO MORE, YOU’VE OFFICIALLY LOST ONE I LOVE ME AND I LOVE TO SING AND IF I HAD THE CHANCE,

I WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING

I'M I’M I'M I'M

A FORTNIGHT KING COLLECTING ALL MY 2K RINGS A LITTLE SISTER AND AN INSIDE PERSON A GOOD HAIR BRAIDER

AND I DON’T DO NO CURSING I'M AN ONLY CHILD.... I GOT NBA SUPERSTAR DREAMS,

AND MYSELF, I'LL NEVER DOUBT I KNOW I'M GOOD I WILL PUSH MYSELF TO WORK AS HARD AS I CAN

I AM NOT PERFECT, BUT I’M PUSHING MYSELF TO BE THE BEST EVEN WHEN I'M THE SMALLEST, I WILL STILL PASS THE TESTS I AM A I AM A AND A I STAY

WRESTLER CHEERLEADER DAUGHTER POSITIVE IN THIS LIFE

I’M SOMEONE’S SON SOMEONE'S BROTHER AND WHEN I SMILE, THE SKY GETS LIGHT. I AM A LIGHT, AND A DANCER I GET BORED EASILY BUT HEY, THAT’S ME

I'M A FOOTBALL PLAYER, RUNNING FAST AND CATCHING HIGH, I'M THE SMARTEST IN THE CLASS AND THAT’S MY OPINION,

BUT WHY WOULD I LIE? MY PARENTS AND MY FRIENDS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE AROUND, I AM JJ, DO NOT PLAY PLAY, GOING CRAY CRAY, YOU KNOW HOW I GET DOWN! DON'T TRY TO TELL ME WHAT I CAN’T DO, OR WHO I CAN’T BE. I AM A BLACK, CARING, OLDER BROTHER, MAKING THE MOST OF LIVING AND THAT’S ME. I AM POWERFUL. SMART. A STRONG MULTI-TASKER. I AM A BUILDER. AN ENGINEER. I BREAK BOULDERS THAT WILL PASS OLD ONES, I AM A SUCCESS STORY HAPPENING RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES. AND I WILL CONTINUE TO THINK FIRST,

AND FOLLOW THE BUTTERFLIES.

Arts For Learning Victory College Prep Spring 2022 The I AM Project Poetry & Music Collaboration featuring The 6th Grade @ Victory Prep Indianapolis, IN., Poet Laureate Januarie York, Electric Violinist Cathy Morris Curated by Arts With A Purpose and AJYSITUATION. The I AM project represents who we are, who we want to be, and how we want to be through words accompanied by music. The I AM project proves once again how the arts can bring together all ages, backgrounds and cultures onto a shared equitable foundation, creating a common goal while cultivating trust through authentic expression. The I AM Project was produced as part of Arts for Learning Indiana’s Arts & Literacy program, funded by the Indiana Department of Education’s Student Learning Recovery Grant Program.

Arts For Learning Victory College Prep Spring 2022 The Think Fast/I AM project can be brought to your classroom. This short workshop series covers music, poetry and writing, decision making, and well-being catered to classroom and school experiences, as well as a published and downloadable magazine with the potential for recorded video & voiceovers.

If you are interested in bringing this workshop to your students or school(s), contact Cathy Morris: cathymorris@cathymorris.com.

"Follow the Butterfly"

This magazine is a production of LiT Magazine. ©2022 Januarie York All rights reserved. No part of this book can be reproduced or used in any manner without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. To request permission, contact: Januarie York (AJYSITUATION) parkermarlinmgmt@gmail.com, Cathy Morris (Arts w/ a Purpose) cathymorris@cathymorris.com, or Brent Aldrich (Arts for Learning) baldrich@artsforlearningindiana.org. Stock Photos by Canva Professional photos by Brent Aldrich Printed by Peecho Curate & edited by Januarie York

VOLUME 6 March 2022