We are not alone
1 Student Writing Sample
Lesson: Poets in Revolt!
Full lesson text and accompanying resources
Writing
We are not alone
By Jeremy Hsiao
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
Level
Grade 11
Type
Poetry
To change everything, we need everyone.
chanted as crowds of people roll
through the space between coasts
an overpopulated marble race
holding signs beaten blue and green
they share their confidence with the sun
as it shifts to the horizon
shining through billowing white glass
with an ominous glare like ink as it spirals
into this turquoise gradient.
shout out the fanatics
dilating satellites in their eyes,
something great lies hidden
circling the fringes of dust balls
the stars flash white, red, yellow
in between black, the blue
searching for anomalies in confetti,
only rocks to be left behind
if nothing is done.
To change everything, we need everyone.
whispered under the breath
of children in the dark
red eyes in the flashes like Antares,
closing in, a gaping mouth, a gasping scream
the lights flicker on,
the sun is up again
change is needed.
murmured in hearts of torn pillows
the words sit, shadowed
by the dark side of the Earth,
you see flares of electricity in capitals and cities,
the last flickers like crushed crickets
that’s all she has left.
From Poets in Revolt! A Call to Action by Young Writers
You can find a preview of the book here.
About the Author
Jeremy started writing poetry in the 5th grade. He hopes to bring new life through his poetry and provide new perspectives for how we look at our surroundings. He also enjoys basketball and playing guitar.
Shared from This 826 Book
Poets in Revolt! A Call to Action by Young Writers
Whether it’s the March For Our Lives, the Youth Climate Strike, or Black Lives Matter, young people are at the frontlines of combating injustice and changing the world. Poets in Revolt! brings together a diversity of student voices from communities across the country as they write to claim a brighter future.
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