Running like a Cheetah,
I feel courageous and alert.
Energized by my essence,
I am full of energy.
When younger,
I could run like a cheetah,
and like a cheetah,
run past anyone.
Akino Odom – student


Giraffes are on my Mind
Like a giraffe,
I stand tall
and can see most everything.
Like a giraffe,
I do no harm.
Kris McCarter -student

The Gazebo
In the serenity of a gazebo,
I slowly slink into my own skin.
Tulip trees bloom in purple
gray haired fairies dress in white
hawthorn berries pose in red
tiny purple flowers imitate earrings
rhododendron leaves droop on stems.
Wistful lilies dance in the breeze
sparrows cavort as they please
animated palmettos bellow hello
jaunty water oak leaves are just so.
Cumulus clouds contrast cerulean skies
cool breezes cast crimson dreams
white skies highlight fairylike daydreams.
Soon cares disappear and I realize
that there’s nothing one ever needs to become
but to be comfortable in their own skin.
Marc Livanos

Listening

Deep into the bay
below a wide sky,
waves lap over the bow.

Soon, my skiff
bobs up-and-down
pulsing Morse Code
to nothing and no one.

Shadows of clouds
signal rain bursts.
Spirited winds convey
the folly to not listen.

Raucous gulls ask are you prepared?

Marc Livanos

This concerns the current national debate surrounding the death of George Floyd, while in the custody of Officer Derek Chauvin. As we try to unite the country, the first thing we have to do is talk about what happened and listen to each other. Listening to each other will determine if the Sheriff tried to fire that officer and if the state’s EEOC sided against him or if union contracts mandate arbitration; do unions defend officers against criminal charges; did the nearby officers just circle the wagon in a us versus them attitude? There are a lot of good cops. My daughter-in-law’s sister is married to a black cop, who is devastated by what happened. If you were discriminated or want to join the discussion, please submit your comments.

My Inspiration
Beyoncé inspires me
because of the things she
does, attitude, her
body language and
her expressions that
give off good vibes.
She is inspirational
to many girls and women.
She is a queen.
Tiesha McAllister – student

Nle Choppa
Nle Choopa is my
inspiration because
he’s only 19 and
making music,
millions of dollars,
and is amazing.
Destiny Willis – student

Kobe Bryant
He inspires others
because he never gave up.
He did so much for the
basketball community.
Everyone loved him.
He was one of the best
players and I want
to be just like him
one day.
Johnny Simmons – student

The Gazebo
In the serenity of a gazebo,
I slowly slink into my own skin.

Tulip trees bloom in purple
gray haired fairies dress in white
hawthorn berries pose in red
rhododendron leaves droop on stems
tiny purple flowers imitate earrings.

Wistful lilies dance in the breeze
sparrows cavort as they please
animated palmettos bellow hello
jaunty water oak leaves are just so.

Cumulus clouds contrast cerulean skies
cool breezes cast crimson dreams
white skies highlight fairylike daydreams.

Soon cares disappear and I realize
that nothing ever really needs to be done
but to be comfortable in my own skin.
Marc Livanos