Mrs. Johnson's Class

Waterfront Elementary is an arts magnet of nearly 900 PreK - 8 students located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, New York. Our class is a multi-age fifth and sixth grade composed of thirteen girls and eleven boys. We're very excited to have the opportunity to participate in this project for the second year because Poetry Slam 2004-2005 was one of our greatest highlights. We have been exploring a variety of poetry forms throughout the year as we were very fortunate to have an Empire State Partnership grant which allowed us to form a collaboration with Young Audiences of Western New York. We worked on creating our memoirs through poetry during ten sessions with Sherry Robbins, a very inspirational and talented local poet. Sherry has a special gift for helping us discover the poet inside each of us. We're very anxious to share our voices with you. This year we are dedicating our poetry in memory of my mom and best friend, Lucille M. Koch. (June 17, 1929 - March 13, 2006)

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 05:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Lukey & Sonnie,

always leave their fur,

in my bedroom and in the rest of the house,

every second of the day,

but they can't help it; they are cats.

A 5W Poem
by Ahmed, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 01:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

Back when slavery was around,
There was one person
Who led blacks to freedom.
Her name
Was Harriet Tubman.
Harriet Tubman didn’t come into this world to be a slave.

Martin Luther King had a dream.
Dr. King marched all his life.
He spoke about civil rights
All through the day
And all through the night.

A Black History Poem
by Nicholas, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

When I think of Martin Luther King,
I think of brotherhood.
When I think of Martin Luther King,
I think of civil rights.
When I think of Martin Luther King,
I think of freedom.
That’s why I think of him.

A Black History Poem
by Ashley, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

SPENT THE NIGHT WITH GRANDMA
HAD THE BEST TIME EVER.
ATE CANDY AND DRANK
A LOT OF POP.
TASTED SO GOOD
WATCHED A MOVIE:
BIG MAMA'S HOUSE PART 2
IT WAS SO FUNNY.
WHEN WE WERE
DONE,
WE WENT THROUGH THE WINDOW,
ONTO THE PORCH,
AND WATCHED THE STARS.

A MEMOIR
WRITTEN BY:
SHATISHA, WATERFRONT ELEMENTARY

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

When I think about Martin Luther King
Slavery, Shot, Freedom, March
repeat in my head.
Martin had a best friend who was a slave.
Her name was Harriet Tubman.
Harriet escaped from slavery.
Slavery, Shot, Freedom, March!
Martin had another friend,
and Rosa Parks was her name.
She was a person who wouldn't give up her seat.
Slavery, Shot, Freedom, March!
I can feel it!

A Black History Poem
by Allenta', Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 05:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

I remember when I was at the Picture Place.
I was standing up proud and tall.
I felt like I owned our state.
I was at the bottom, my mom was at the top.
My brother was beside me as my dad was beside my mom.
We were getting ready to take the last family photo.
We were starting to pose and smile the way we should.
That day we had lots of style.
I knew it would be a great day, a great picture, a great time with my whole family.
"Here we go," I said to myself. "Why are they going to get divorced?"
I cried and sighed.
I knew I would cherish and treasure this picture forever.
I know this will be the last picture of us together as a family.
I will love it.
Why is this happening?
The Last Picture

A Memoir
By Chelsea, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 05:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Pain, sorrow, a little bit more pain.
It's all the sign of unforgettable shame.
Wail, worries, the big "Oh No's"
This was the path you foolishly chose.
Faults, lies, everything bad
A salty water drop that makes you sad.
A pat on the back, a good "Oh My!"
That's how you kiss the cry goodbye.

A Free Verse
by Olivia, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 06:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)

Forget it.

You must be kidding.

My head is hurting.

I'm tired beyond belief.

I don't know what to write.

I haven't eaten all day.

My eyes are burning.
My bones are aching.

My throat is hurting.

I don't even like poetry.

Time's up? Uh oh!
All I have is a dumb list of excuses.
You like it? Really? No kidding. Thanks a lot.
Would you like to see another one?

By Devin, Waterfront Elementary
Using the interactive I Can't Write a Poem format by Bruce Lansky

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 09:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (22)

Can't do enough for someone
All the time watching
Responsible for making things go right
Encouraging them to do better

A Concept Acrostic Poem
by Ourania, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It is not fair
How people from the old days
Treated people differently.
Just because their skin color
Was darker than their own,
They were treated like trash.

Slaves had no rights.
They had to do what their master said.
Disobeying their master,
Meant they would be punished
Or sold to a different man.

Now everyone has equal rights.
It is not about your skin color;
It is about what makes you, you.

A Black History Poem
by Alex, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 09:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Courage

To stand up for your rights

Change

To live in peace and harmony with everyone,
No matter what color, culture, or religion

Hope

For now and the future
That there will be no violence
because we may be different.
Hope that we will learn and educate ourselves
To understand and get along.

Courage, Change, Hope

A Black History Poem
by Clarisa, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Hold onto your loved ones.
Hold onto your courage,
Even when the going gets tough.
Hold onto your memories,
Even if they make you cry.
Hold onto your favorite things in life,
Even if people put them down.
Hold onto your friends,
Even if they argue.
Hold onto everything,
Even when you lose it.

By Melina, Waterfront Elementary

Using the interactive Hold On format

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Constantly arguing and fighting
Obnoxious behaviors are being produced
Never think of what you're doing wrong
Facing the person and saying fighting is wrong
Learning how to stop conflicts from happening
Instead of fighting, do the right thing and walk away
Connect with the person and tell him this is wrong
Try your best to stay away from conflicts

A Concept Acrostic Poem
By Alaura, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Freedom the slaves cried,
For freedom many sighed,
For freedom many died,
With both hands tied.
They wanted to be free.

A Black History Poem
by Gaberial, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Life is a cylinder,
a round endless prison.
Life is a cylinder
to make just one decision.
There's no escaping,
this place is curled;
and no way to get to
a bigger, better world.

A Shape Poem
by Olivia, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The moon is white and the stars are bright,
But the sky is pitch black at night.
I always look at the stars,
But I especially look at the moon.
I think about my family.
I love them and want to hold them tight;
Keep them in my sight.

A Memoir
by Lu'Qwan, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 03:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I am athletic, creative, and hardworking.
I wonder if some day I will become famous.
I hear ocean waves beating against the shore.
I see a Hawaiian beach with palm trees and a beautiful sunset.
I want to be a famous basketball player.
I am athletic, creative, and hardworking.
I pretend to be a teacher writing on the chalkboard.
I feel cold ocean water smashing against my feet.
I touch soft clouds floating in the sky.
I worry about making a safe trip on an airplane.
I cry when I think my mom is going to leave when she fights with my dad.
I am athletic, creative, and hardworking.
I understand that everything happens for a reason.
I say never give up until it is done; keep trying.
I dream that I will go to a great college and meet a lot of friends.
I try to improve my basketball skills.
I hope to be a famous basketball player.
I am athletic, creative, and hardworking.

An I Am Poem
by Clarisa, Waterfront elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

How come women didn't
have the right to vote?
When women vote,
they do it for all the right reasons.

How come women didn't
have the right to go to school?
If we women can't go to school;
we can't make anything for a living.
I think every woman
should have that right.

Sometimes women couldn't do
everything they wanted.
Luckily, every American woman
has equal rights now.
We can be whatever we want!

A Civil Rights Poem
by Melina, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Round like the sun that awakens me from sleep in the morning
Round like a bird's nest full of chirping babies I watch on a bright, sunny day
Round like a full moon at night as I listen to the crickets chirping
Round like my glow light that comforts me in the dark
Round like the ball bouncing on the playground as I play
Round like the globe that represents the earth all around me.

A Shape Poem
by Unique, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I want to dance all around the room.
The sounds are sweet and melodious.
It makes me want to sing to the beat.
I feel a smile on my lips.
I'm inspired to help young children with their problems,
so they can have a happier life.
I want to dance all around the room.

A Poem Inspired By Music
by Shatisha, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 04:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Slavery is wrong, wrong, wrong!
It will only prolong
the pathway to freedom.
We must stand tall against slavery
Tall, tall, tall
We must be strong
for slavery is wrong.

A Civil Rights Poem
by Devin, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 04:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Those back and whites
Are waiting for their rights,
Waiting for a chance to love.
No more skin debates
No more "not with that face,"
Personality should be enough.
If it comes one day, I'll wait.

A Civil Rights Poem
by Olivia, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Silence
Less talking
More working
Keep trying
Intelligence determined
That is what you have
And what you are

A Newspaper Poem
by Clarisa, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Looking in my mother's room
Peeked inside her drawer
Found an old newspaper
I'd never seen before.

The date was 9/11/1993.
Wow! That's the day she had me.

Showed it to my mother
She said, "That's the day
I was in the hospital with you."

Showed it to my father
He said, "That's the same day
I named you Shatisha Dade."

Showed it to my grandma
She said, "That was the day
your uncle Marvin named you
Marvina before he died."

I put the newspaper back,
Went right to bed
And dreamed about
What everyone had said.

A Memoir
by Shatisha, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Strong, powerfully cooling, a real breathtaker
I stand and listen to the sound of my noisemaker.

A Synonym Poem
by Devin, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 06:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Can't control your anger
Out of order
Not listening to each other
Fooling around starts trouble
Lying to hide the truth
Inappropriate language
Can't mind your own business
Try harder to get along

A Concept Acrostic
by Dominic, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 06:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The color of whispers soaring through the air.
The color of violets in a romantic garden.
The color of the silky cotton on the palm of your hand.
The color of the strawberry bubbles in your bath.
The color of northern lights on silent winter nights.
When you put it all together, it's the color of my heart.
As beautiful as a wisteria violet.
As beautiful as the world we live in.

A Color Poem
by Melina, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 06:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I am reminded of a rainy day.
Katie isn't here to teach me things.
Tomi isn't here to bark orders at me.
Kristen isn't here to laugh at me when I make a mistake.
Nala isn't here to drown me in her fur.
I'm gloomy, but not lonely.
I just need someone to be a pain.

A Poem Inspired by Music
by Olivia, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 06:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ocean waves so blue
Making a beautiful sound
Smashing back and forth

A Haiku
by Clarisa, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 06:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Inside I'd keep:
body mist
dark chocolate
lots of animals
my family
my friends
hot celebrities
green bean casserole
lip gloss
compact mirrors
SHOES!
money
Bath & Body Works
Limited Too
Claire's
tight jeans
and
chocolate chip cookies.

Outside I'd leave:
guns
brussel sprouts
asparagus
farts
drugs
animal killing
and
spiders.

by Olivia, Waterfront Elementary
Inspired by Sherry's Wall in my World Lesson

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 06:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The color of a poison dart frog hopping along the forest floor.
The color of the needles of a coniferous tree so strong and tall.
The color of a tropical palm tree overlooking a relaxing lagoon.
The color that will stick with you forever once you've seen it.
Tropical rainforest green.

A Color Poem
by Devin, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Chelsea
Active, athletic, funny, friendly
Sibling of Brandon, Zach, and Nick
Lover of cheerleading and soccer
Who fears creepy spiders and cemeteries
Who needs sports, family, and an education
Who gives advice to relatives and friends
Who would like to see how other cultures live
Resident of South Buffalo
Null

A Bio Poem
by Chelsea, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

How is it that men get to vote and we don't?
How is it that we sit in the back,
and white people sit in the front?
How is it that we black people do all the work around here,
instead of people working together to get the task done?
When will we ever cooperate and share the job?
When will we have the guts to stand up to a white person?
When will our land be free for blacks and whites
to work together in peace?
When will we not have to go to different schools?
When can we just be free?

A Black History Poem
by Alaura, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I don't get it; it's too hard.
Help me! I'm stuck!
Explain this to me.
Please! I need help.
I finally got it!
Yes! I got it.
Check this please.
It's wrong? Really?
I need help.
Help me! I'm stuck!
I don't get this stuff.
It's too hard.
I need to concentrate
and persevere.
I think I got it right.
Can you check this please?
It's right? Really?
Are you kidding me?
All I needed to do
was put my mind to it,
concentrate and persevere?
Now how do I do this one?

A Free Verse
by Chelsea, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I must have it.
I need it to survive.
Will I find it?
I'm not sure.

Something over me.
To keep me warm.
That's what I need.
A home.

A Free Verse
by Olivia, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 03:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Upside down days,
You act weird, crazy, and maybe idiotic.
You feel exhausted, tired, and have no energy.
You're crabby, cranky, and disagreeable.
You don't feel like yourself on upside down days.
Upside down days.

A Free Verse
by Chelsea, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 08:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Dr. King, a fighter for freedom.
Wanted good things for all people.
Desired an end to drugs, fighting, and racism.
Hoped for houses, jobs, schools, and opportunities for all.
Dr. King died trying to reach his dream.

A Civil Rights Poem
by Gabrielle, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 08:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Don't laugh at me because I'm fat
or way too thin; don't laugh at that.

Don't laugh at me because I'm small
or I reach heights that are too tall.

Don't laugh at me for the way I talk
or 'cause I have a funny walk.

Don't laugh at me because I'm me
'cause that's all I know how to be.

A Free Verse
by Olivia, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 08:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The sweet taste of oranges
The pleasant scent of baby powder
The soft feeling of cat fur
The musical sounds of R&B and Hip Hop
The huge poster of Eddie Guerro

A 5 Senses Poem
by Sabriyah, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Be True
Be true to yourself
Always be true to your heart
Stay strong, don't lie
Just be true
Be true to your family,
Your mom and your dad
But most of all;
Be true to God
You're his angel
And his child
So I say
Be True

A Free Verse
by Unique, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Brightness, cheerfulness, happiness
Can't believe how it blends in with love and hope.
Glimmer, shimmer, sparkle
Can't believe how it shines with love and passion.
Glisten, glow, glare
Can't believe how it beams with fantasy and desire.
Can't believe how it starts off with just a kiss
And leaves you breathless and in love.

A Free Verse
by Shatisha, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

My parents went to my aunt's wedding
And I was home alone.

A scary movie played on the TV
And I was home alone.

The lights went out;
And I started to scream and shout.
I was home alone.

I heard a banging knock on the door
And I was home alone.

Someone kept calling out my name
And I was home alone.

I ran upstairs and soon I got
A tennis racket and a helmet
Because I was home alone.

I cracked the door
And saw my mom;
She had left her keys.

Next time I'll be braver
And will not panic
When I am home alone.

A Memoir
by Gabrielle, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Organized in sections by categories
Rearranged in a way that is able to be found
Decorated how you want it
Everything is where it's supposed to be
Right there when you need it

A Concept Acrostic
by Melina, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 05:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Style, looks, hair
You may look attractive
Or you may look hideous.
Your hair may look stylish,
Or it may look foolish.
Your style may be fashionable and modern
Or it may be outdated and dowdy
But whatever you wear or how you appear
Is what makes you, you!

A Free Verse
by Chelsea, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 05:12 PM | Permalink

I love to play streets football game.
I love to play all day.
My mom says that's too long.
But I would not be the same
Without my game.

A Newspaper Poem
by Demetrius, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 05:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Destiny is my sister;
She gets on my nerves.

She goes through my things,
Jumps on my bed after I just made it up,
And puts her hands in my hair gel.

She always has to use the bathroom when I do;
And my mom says let her go first.

Whatever I do my sister Destiny is there,
To get on my nerves.
But I guess that's just Destiny.

A Free Verse
by Alaura, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 05:29 PM | Permalink

Sisters
encourage you, make you laugh, and love you
in their hearts
whenever you're down, sad, or mad at them
because that's what sisters do.

A 5W Poem
by Melina, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 05:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

You see a game.
You buy a game.
You play the game.
You win the game.
You beat the game!

A Free Verse
by Gaberial, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 05:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Why do I have to go to school?
Why do I have to do homework?
Why do I have to go to bed at 10 o'clock?
Why do I have to clean my room?
Why do I have to vacuum?
Why do I have to wash the dishes?
Why do I have to do all these BORING things?
They get on my nerves.
C'mon, do I really need to do those?
Really?
Why???

A Free Verse
by Clarisa, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 11:14 AM | Permalink

I missed the bus.
I'm having a bad hair day.
I had to eat breakfast.
I felt sick.
I blew off my alarm clock.
My dad didn't wake me up.
Yes, it's HIS responsibility!
Clothes were in the wash.
Doctor's appointment.
No more excuses?
Fine.

A Free Verse
by Olivia, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The stars in the sky
are so bright.
They shine and glimmer
like diamonds in your ear.

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 11:45 AM | Permalink

The time when everything happens
The time when you have to go
The time when people get lonely
The time when the night gets dark
The time when kids grow up
The time when parents get old
The time when there's nothing left

A Free Verse
by Gabrielle, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 11:50 AM | Permalink

You run in and out of my simple life,
as though it were a game.

A child's sport, a sort of forest
where you can dart among the trees.

Now I see you, now I don't.
Perhaps you will, perhaps you won't.

A Free Verse
by Melina, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 01:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Life is hard, life is easy.
Life is difficult, never breezy.
Full of tough choices and
Pressure to do the right thing,
Say the right thing.

It doesn't matter what others think of you;
It's what you think of yourself.
You decide if you want to be
Drug and alcohol free.
You must be ready to face
Anything and everything.
It's your choice.
Life is not easy!

A Free Verse
by Alex, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 01:57 PM | Permalink

I can't wait till the last day of school.
Can you?
When school is out, I'll have so much fun.
No more work.
No more waking up early;
I can sleep in.
No more teachers telling you what to do;
I can do whatever I want.
Summer is coming;
Let's have some fun.
Enjoy playing with your friends.
Have fun in the sun everyone.

A Free Verse
by Clarisa, Waterfront Elementary

Posted by Dianne Johnson at 06:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)