Elizabeth W. was born in Thailand. She is fifteen years old. She likes to play tennis and listen to music. When she is older, she would love to travel the world.
A white dandelion in a field of flowers.
The pale glow that stands out
and without a doubt,
I’m different.
Take a look and you will see
I may stand out subtly.
My light skin and blonde hair
in a field of opposites.
Words carry in the breeze
and the dandelion is me.
The flower is fragile:
soft fibres easily flee.
Uncommon, uncertain,
a loneliness.
There aren’t many dandelions
in this field of flowers.
Make a wish to myself
to feel more content
and have acceptance
that I am different.
Fuzz flies away,
a rebirth of seeds.
Planted in the ground,
I will be free.
A new beginning, a realization.
Almost away from the fear of not fitting in.
An indication
that even though our roots may differ,
in the end, we are in the same soil.
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by Caroline, 826 Valencia
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Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
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A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
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