Still Here
Been scared and battered.
My hopes the wind done scattered.
Snow has friz me,
Sun has baked me,
Looks like between 'em they done
Tried to make me
Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin;--
But I don't care!
I'm still here!
Langston Hughes
Still
Harvey Both Viola
Still fighting
Still married
My hopes my wife
has battered My dreams my husband
has shattered
Buying up records
Spending up our money
Joining the K.K.K?
Looks like she's Looks like he's
done tried to done tried to
make me make me
Stop Lovin', Stop Carin', Stop tryin'
But I don't care!
I'm still married!
Garrett
Iris weaver:
Been cough and let loose
My hopes: to avoid the noose
Wind has pushed me
Rocks have blacked me
Looks like between 'em they've
Tried t make me
Stop movin', stop deliverin', stop collectin',
But I don't care!
I'm still runnin' booze
Kandra A:
Ester Hirsh
Been lost and hopeless
My dreams were lost with mommy
I did make me cry
Still between hope and tears
Trying to stay, trying to hold on, trying not to cry
But I don't care
I'm still missing my mommy
Jake
Violia Pettibone
Still Married
Been worried and scared
My hearts done Harvy teared
Husbands tried me
Klans been asking me
looks likes me i might
Have no choice but to join 'em
N' stop laughin', stop lovin', stop sayin',
but that don't matter
I'm still married
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Dreams Deferred
In the poem,Dreams Deferred by Langston Hughes he explains that it will take sacrifices to reach your goals. The more you put it, the more you get it out is a good way to look at it. To begin, coming up with the dream to be something that you want to be is the first step and usually the easiest. However, it can be the most important, and it could decide how you spend the rest of your life. Martin Luther King Jr. speech,"I Have a Dream" was probably one of the most important speeches in all of history. He set apart the difference and went for it; he, "took the first step without seeing the whole staircase." Next, having the drive or motivation is also another determining factor in life; it isn't always easy to stick with your plan but it will pay off if you do. You have to want it more then anything else in life. "You have to be willing to go days without sleeping or eating to be successful," as said by Erie Thomas in his "success" speech. Giving up fun things in life is part of being successful, you don't want your dreams to be deferred. Lastly, is the plan that comes along with succeeding in reaching your goals. You have to be willing to take your spot. Sticking to plan relates back to being something with your life or you will go nowhere. They build on one another, getting harder as you go but more rewarding. In the end it all comes down to how much your willing to give. - Sammy
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Merry-Go-Round
Where is the Jim Crow section
On this merry-go-round
Mister, cause I want to ride
Down South where I come from
White and colored
Can't sit side by side.
Down South on the train
There's a Jim Crow car
On the bus we're put in the back-
But there ain't no back
To a merry-go-round!
Where's the horse
For a kid that's black?
I could hold on no longer, quickly I pulled my hand furiously to get away from m dad's grasp. I finally got free and sprinted to the man selling tickets. "Where is the Jim Crow section on this merry-go-round mister" I asked in confusion. My heart seemed to jump out of my chest, I wasn't sure what to say next, I was so excited. When it was my turn to ride I eyed the horses carefully, trying to find the right one or me. It was a small brown horse with a tan mane. When I got on, my heart thumped rapidly. As the animals started to spin my legs tightened around the barrel of the horse. It was my first time on s merry-go-round and I was surprised at how fast it went when you were actually on it. When I went around the first time I saw a small golden ring on the wall. Everyone was trying to grab it and the man said that if you did get it you got another free ride. I came around again, I could see it coming closer and closer. I reached for it. "Ahh!" I yelped. My hand was sweaty from holding on so tightly and I had lost my grip. IT seemed so fast and before I knew it I was on the ground in pain. My arm had a sharp pain hat disabled me from getting up. When the man walked up t me he asked "Are you ok child?" I felt the ring and smiled warmly, "yes."-Davis
As I watch the little girl go round and round I get more anxious to go on. The music makes me get jittery from all the excitement. The laughter fills the hot sunny day air. I dozed off on the ride as it just goes round and round. I go up to the man controlling it and say, "Mister, where is the Jim Crow place for us?" He has a little chuckle but still kind of had a straight face the whole time. I just realized that there were whites and blacks on the ride. I couldn't believe my eyes, what they saw. I thought I was dreaming. It looked like a dream because of all the music, colors, and horses around me. The man looked at me and smirked. I didn't know if I should be afraid of excited because I didn't know if he was going to let me on. My hands were clammy feeling because of the sweat. All of this excitement at once overjoyed me. A that moment when the horse i saw looked at me in the eyes and I knew that it was going to be the one I was going to ride. The man gently opened the gate and let us in. I stood there for a minute. My excitement took over me. I ran around twice trying to find the horse I saw earlier. I was getting curious about where the horse is and why I cant't find him. But right then I did a lap and a half and I saw it. It was beautiful. I don't know why that one caught my attention but it just did. It was white and had black blotches on it. I thought to myself its kind of like how it is right now. There is white and black horses together. That didn't seem right. I wish it was like that in real life. Life would be a lot better for us. Even though my dream came true for once I never thought that this moment would come and it did. -Taylor R.
When we arrived at the circus, I left my fathers grip and ran to my favorite ride. The marry-go-round. When i got to the ride I asked the man " where is the Jim Crow section on this marry-go-round mister"? Just then I fell in love with a grey and brown spotted horse. "I want to ride."I said to the man. He replied with kindness. "One moment, you must wait until the ride is over." I boarded the horse with excitement. As it started to go around the little kids screamed with joy. Groups of white people crowded around the merry-go-round and began to boo. I didn't understand why. Then the man running the machine, stopped and told me to get off the horse, out of the fence, and to leave. So I did what he told me. As I left, the mad had gone up to the horse that I had rode. He wiped it off with spray and a cloth. Then he started the ride again and the crowd left muttering.-Treju
On this merry-go-round
Mister, cause I want to ride
Down South where I come from
White and colored
Can't sit side by side.
Down South on the train
There's a Jim Crow car
On the bus we're put in the back-
But there ain't no back
To a merry-go-round!
Where's the horse
For a kid that's black?
I could hold on no longer, quickly I pulled my hand furiously to get away from m dad's grasp. I finally got free and sprinted to the man selling tickets. "Where is the Jim Crow section on this merry-go-round mister" I asked in confusion. My heart seemed to jump out of my chest, I wasn't sure what to say next, I was so excited. When it was my turn to ride I eyed the horses carefully, trying to find the right one or me. It was a small brown horse with a tan mane. When I got on, my heart thumped rapidly. As the animals started to spin my legs tightened around the barrel of the horse. It was my first time on s merry-go-round and I was surprised at how fast it went when you were actually on it. When I went around the first time I saw a small golden ring on the wall. Everyone was trying to grab it and the man said that if you did get it you got another free ride. I came around again, I could see it coming closer and closer. I reached for it. "Ahh!" I yelped. My hand was sweaty from holding on so tightly and I had lost my grip. IT seemed so fast and before I knew it I was on the ground in pain. My arm had a sharp pain hat disabled me from getting up. When the man walked up t me he asked "Are you ok child?" I felt the ring and smiled warmly, "yes."-Davis
As I watch the little girl go round and round I get more anxious to go on. The music makes me get jittery from all the excitement. The laughter fills the hot sunny day air. I dozed off on the ride as it just goes round and round. I go up to the man controlling it and say, "Mister, where is the Jim Crow place for us?" He has a little chuckle but still kind of had a straight face the whole time. I just realized that there were whites and blacks on the ride. I couldn't believe my eyes, what they saw. I thought I was dreaming. It looked like a dream because of all the music, colors, and horses around me. The man looked at me and smirked. I didn't know if I should be afraid of excited because I didn't know if he was going to let me on. My hands were clammy feeling because of the sweat. All of this excitement at once overjoyed me. A that moment when the horse i saw looked at me in the eyes and I knew that it was going to be the one I was going to ride. The man gently opened the gate and let us in. I stood there for a minute. My excitement took over me. I ran around twice trying to find the horse I saw earlier. I was getting curious about where the horse is and why I cant't find him. But right then I did a lap and a half and I saw it. It was beautiful. I don't know why that one caught my attention but it just did. It was white and had black blotches on it. I thought to myself its kind of like how it is right now. There is white and black horses together. That didn't seem right. I wish it was like that in real life. Life would be a lot better for us. Even though my dream came true for once I never thought that this moment would come and it did. -Taylor R.
When we arrived at the circus, I left my fathers grip and ran to my favorite ride. The marry-go-round. When i got to the ride I asked the man " where is the Jim Crow section on this marry-go-round mister"? Just then I fell in love with a grey and brown spotted horse. "I want to ride."I said to the man. He replied with kindness. "One moment, you must wait until the ride is over." I boarded the horse with excitement. As it started to go around the little kids screamed with joy. Groups of white people crowded around the merry-go-round and began to boo. I didn't understand why. Then the man running the machine, stopped and told me to get off the horse, out of the fence, and to leave. So I did what he told me. As I left, the mad had gone up to the horse that I had rode. He wiped it off with spray and a cloth. Then he started the ride again and the crowd left muttering.-Treju
Lessons from To Kill a Mockingbird
Out of the movie To Kill a Mockingbird I have learned one of the most important lessons in life. The lesson I learned is of courage. I have always thought of courage as toughness or guts, but it's not a state of body, it's a state of heart and mind. I have learned this lesson many times in life, but it this movie it was the first time it really hit me. The most important courage of all is courage of the soul. Courage that tells you how honest and thoughtful a person is, not how tough. Atticus Finch is the character in the movie who has the most courage. He is one of those people who will always find a way to do the right thing. I understand why Mr. Johnson would want to be like Atticus. -Brenna
Saturday, January 7, 2012
To Kill a Mockingbird Moments
A mob goes to the jail to lynch Tom Robinson, but are unsuccessful when a a seven year, Scout, filled with youth, uses the power of words to stop them. The mob came with one intention, to kill. Tom Robinson is innocent, but they don't care; he is black. Their racism gets the best of them and the mob cannot be stopped. The unlikely power of words, however, stops them. Listening and waiting Scout strikes up a casual conversation with Mr. Cunningham. By the jail, Scout talks to Mr. Cunningham her voice filled with youth and innocents. To be kind to someone at a time like this is something only a child could do. The unlikely seven year old heroine gets the crowd to leave, through kindness., Scout saved at least two lives that night with her undeniable kindness. Clearly the power of words is something everyone can use, but only some choose to use it.
-Savanna
-Savanna
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Secret Diary of Boo Radley
August 15th, 1932
Dear Diary,
The rumors fly. I can hear hem all the time. From my small, basement window, I can see little kids spying. I know they think I'm crazy but I'm not. It's kind of fun watching through the dusty window. I really like to hear how much the story changes once it passes through several people. Even though I enjoy watching them, I also hate it. I don't know what I did but even the adults steer away from my house. For once I would like to be trusted. Oh well, I can have my fun still. Let them think I'm dangerous.-Boo Radley (Kendra)
August 31, 1932
Dear Diary,
Tonight my dad was shooting at a "prowler" or "intruder" at least that is what he thought. Bu earlier I saw those three kids sneaking up to the house. I wouldn't have noticed them if it wasn't for the gate that made a loud noise. I'm not sure exactly what they were trying to do but I'm sure that it had something to do with me. T walk up to my house, those kids were very brave, especially for the things that they have been saying about me. The kid who came back for his pants must have been terrified after thinking he was being shot at. I hope one day people will be able to see the real me and know that what they thought before was never true. -Boo Radley (Jessica)
During August 31, 1932 these intruders came on my property. They were little kids not adults I mean little. I saw three of them. I think it was the same three kids that I saw last time. But I don't know because I see a lot of little kids running around, these ones seem different from the rest. Because they are curious little youngsters and just want to have some fun. To creep up on Boo's house, Jem has to be very quiet so he isn't heard by anybody. All I want to do is be able to go outside for one day that's it. the rumors I hear from outside my basement window are horrible. They really shouldn't be prejudice against me. they don't know what has happened with my life. They don't know if I'm an ugly man. It really hurts my feelings. When I heard the gun shot I felt bad because it as my dad doing it to some other kid. I makes me feel sad for hem and guilty.
-Boo Radley (Taylor R.)
October 4th, 1932
Dear Dairy,
I think the young boy that is trying to see me finally understands that I am not the bad person everyone thinks that I am. That night they snuck into our courtyard I wanted to help them, but I knew I had to stay in the spot my father told me to stay. All of a sudden I heard the bang of the door, my father slammed the door shut behind him, so I rushed out to the backyard. Grasping, folding, holding the boys pants that got tangled in the wire; I quickly put them on the fence, worried about seeing my dad. Once inside I peer out my window at the young boy grabbing his pants. A gun shot pierces into the air and the young boy is gone in a swift movement. I want to stay in contact with the the boy prove that I am not the monster everyone thinks that I am. I put objects in a tree that will show the boy who I really am, I don't think my father will put up the charade for long though.
- Boo Radely (Janeigh)
October 7th, 1932
Tick, Tick, Tick. Candlelight flickered as my knife scraped across the engraved surface of the wood. A finished doll laid in my lap, smiling up a me. It's smile seemed to brighten the flickering light around it, its aura bringing joy to my lonely heart. Tick, Tick, Tick. My pocket watch was no longer with me, though I could still hear its consecutive tick. he notches that ruled my days, the ticks that ran my life, were my only colleague. Tick, Tick, Tick. Wondering, pondering, questioning existence I spent my days encased in my tomb buried alive in this moldy cellar. Tick, Tick, Tick.
-Boo Radley (Eli)
October 12th, 1932
Today the Finch kids found the dolls. I do hope that they like them. Those took me almost two weeks. I really tried to capture both Jem and Scout's true features. Many things, trinkets and mementos, I have put into that old tree. The medal, the watch, and many others. I recall very clearly the day I received that medal. I was in the sixth grade and it was the final word of the spelling bee. How surprised I was that I won. The watch. Aah the watch, something very dear and close to my heart. Most fathers' hand down their pocket watch to their son. It's a kind of ritual; a tradition. Although, they may not truly know it, I've drawn very close to those kids and Jem is almost as a son to me. So therefore I put that shiny silver thing heir to give him almost a piece of me. My father has cemented up the tree, however. It makes me very angry to know that now I cannot continue to give those kids anything that way now. Oh well I'll just have to find another way.
-Boo Radley (Abi)
February 29, 1933
Today I put my last treasure in the tree for the boy to discover. So far I've put my possessions in it, like my school medal, a pocket watch, and two dolls I made for of them. The dolls were the last object, afterwards my dad put concrete all over it to keep me from putting my things in it. I won't give up, I will find a way to reveal the truth without my father knowing. I think it's time to show those kids who I am so they won't be afraid of me anymore. Running, hiding, frightening, my father doesn't like any one.
-Boo Radley (Jacob)
March 2, 1933
Diary,
I watched from my window and smiled as the two children next door took the gift I had left them in the knot in the tree. Two carved dolls, mean't to match their likeness. The smile on the little girls face made my life seem brighter. Their happiness made my heart flutter. Maybe one day I would stand by their side. As the two stood, talking of the carvings I saw a shadow creep across the tree. My father brought his head around the tree making the to jump. In his hands were a troul and a box of cement. Without a word he slid in front of the two children and shoveled the cement into the tree, scowling at the two as he so. No. The only way of communicating was gone. Lost. Forever. I closed my eyes. "NO!" I cried. The only world I knew was falling apart by the seams.
-Boo Radley (Ciana)
Spring 1933
Dear Diary, School is out for kids, so they are everywhere on he streets. Th two kids I've been keeping an eye on, finally came across the items I've been putting in he tree. To pull them closer to me, I must leave items to show that I'm not a monster. I still remember when they snuck their filthy bodies onto my lot. I know these kids are strong hearted at everything they do. So if I get them to realize I'm not a monster. And no matter anybody says, I know who I am ,and that not a monster. From my window, I see people having a great social life, while I just remain hidden in my bird cage. Birds need to be let go and explore the world they're living in. Especially a mocking bird.
-Boo Radley (Hailey)
October 31st, 1933
Today I saved two lives. Not just only lives but the life of Jem and Scout. Today I held Jem in my arms. Today I held Scout's little hand. Today I showed myself. Hiding in the shadows listening to people shatter about the monster they thought I was. But today I emerge. Awestruck, their little game is over. It felt good to have someone see the real me. Not Boo Radley, but Arthur Radley. The quiet neighbor who no one knows. Now Scout knows me. Jem will know me from Scout. Maybe the neighborhood will get new rumors, ones more exciting. More accurate. Today was the day i will cherish forever.-Boo Radley (Mia)
Dear Diary,
The rumors fly. I can hear hem all the time. From my small, basement window, I can see little kids spying. I know they think I'm crazy but I'm not. It's kind of fun watching through the dusty window. I really like to hear how much the story changes once it passes through several people. Even though I enjoy watching them, I also hate it. I don't know what I did but even the adults steer away from my house. For once I would like to be trusted. Oh well, I can have my fun still. Let them think I'm dangerous.-Boo Radley (Kendra)
August 31, 1932
Dear Diary,
Tonight my dad was shooting at a "prowler" or "intruder" at least that is what he thought. Bu earlier I saw those three kids sneaking up to the house. I wouldn't have noticed them if it wasn't for the gate that made a loud noise. I'm not sure exactly what they were trying to do but I'm sure that it had something to do with me. T walk up to my house, those kids were very brave, especially for the things that they have been saying about me. The kid who came back for his pants must have been terrified after thinking he was being shot at. I hope one day people will be able to see the real me and know that what they thought before was never true. -Boo Radley (Jessica)
During August 31, 1932 these intruders came on my property. They were little kids not adults I mean little. I saw three of them. I think it was the same three kids that I saw last time. But I don't know because I see a lot of little kids running around, these ones seem different from the rest. Because they are curious little youngsters and just want to have some fun. To creep up on Boo's house, Jem has to be very quiet so he isn't heard by anybody. All I want to do is be able to go outside for one day that's it. the rumors I hear from outside my basement window are horrible. They really shouldn't be prejudice against me. they don't know what has happened with my life. They don't know if I'm an ugly man. It really hurts my feelings. When I heard the gun shot I felt bad because it as my dad doing it to some other kid. I makes me feel sad for hem and guilty.
-Boo Radley (Taylor R.)
October 4th, 1932
Dear Dairy,
I think the young boy that is trying to see me finally understands that I am not the bad person everyone thinks that I am. That night they snuck into our courtyard I wanted to help them, but I knew I had to stay in the spot my father told me to stay. All of a sudden I heard the bang of the door, my father slammed the door shut behind him, so I rushed out to the backyard. Grasping, folding, holding the boys pants that got tangled in the wire; I quickly put them on the fence, worried about seeing my dad. Once inside I peer out my window at the young boy grabbing his pants. A gun shot pierces into the air and the young boy is gone in a swift movement. I want to stay in contact with the the boy prove that I am not the monster everyone thinks that I am. I put objects in a tree that will show the boy who I really am, I don't think my father will put up the charade for long though.
- Boo Radely (Janeigh)
October 7th, 1932
Tick, Tick, Tick. Candlelight flickered as my knife scraped across the engraved surface of the wood. A finished doll laid in my lap, smiling up a me. It's smile seemed to brighten the flickering light around it, its aura bringing joy to my lonely heart. Tick, Tick, Tick. My pocket watch was no longer with me, though I could still hear its consecutive tick. he notches that ruled my days, the ticks that ran my life, were my only colleague. Tick, Tick, Tick. Wondering, pondering, questioning existence I spent my days encased in my tomb buried alive in this moldy cellar. Tick, Tick, Tick.
-Boo Radley (Eli)
October 12th, 1932
Today the Finch kids found the dolls. I do hope that they like them. Those took me almost two weeks. I really tried to capture both Jem and Scout's true features. Many things, trinkets and mementos, I have put into that old tree. The medal, the watch, and many others. I recall very clearly the day I received that medal. I was in the sixth grade and it was the final word of the spelling bee. How surprised I was that I won. The watch. Aah the watch, something very dear and close to my heart. Most fathers' hand down their pocket watch to their son. It's a kind of ritual; a tradition. Although, they may not truly know it, I've drawn very close to those kids and Jem is almost as a son to me. So therefore I put that shiny silver thing heir to give him almost a piece of me. My father has cemented up the tree, however. It makes me very angry to know that now I cannot continue to give those kids anything that way now. Oh well I'll just have to find another way.
-Boo Radley (Abi)
February 29, 1933
Today I put my last treasure in the tree for the boy to discover. So far I've put my possessions in it, like my school medal, a pocket watch, and two dolls I made for of them. The dolls were the last object, afterwards my dad put concrete all over it to keep me from putting my things in it. I won't give up, I will find a way to reveal the truth without my father knowing. I think it's time to show those kids who I am so they won't be afraid of me anymore. Running, hiding, frightening, my father doesn't like any one.
-Boo Radley (Jacob)
March 2, 1933
Diary,
I watched from my window and smiled as the two children next door took the gift I had left them in the knot in the tree. Two carved dolls, mean't to match their likeness. The smile on the little girls face made my life seem brighter. Their happiness made my heart flutter. Maybe one day I would stand by their side. As the two stood, talking of the carvings I saw a shadow creep across the tree. My father brought his head around the tree making the to jump. In his hands were a troul and a box of cement. Without a word he slid in front of the two children and shoveled the cement into the tree, scowling at the two as he so. No. The only way of communicating was gone. Lost. Forever. I closed my eyes. "NO!" I cried. The only world I knew was falling apart by the seams.
-Boo Radley (Ciana)
Spring 1933
Dear Diary, School is out for kids, so they are everywhere on he streets. Th two kids I've been keeping an eye on, finally came across the items I've been putting in he tree. To pull them closer to me, I must leave items to show that I'm not a monster. I still remember when they snuck their filthy bodies onto my lot. I know these kids are strong hearted at everything they do. So if I get them to realize I'm not a monster. And no matter anybody says, I know who I am ,and that not a monster. From my window, I see people having a great social life, while I just remain hidden in my bird cage. Birds need to be let go and explore the world they're living in. Especially a mocking bird.
-Boo Radley (Hailey)
October 31st, 1933
Today I saved two lives. Not just only lives but the life of Jem and Scout. Today I held Jem in my arms. Today I held Scout's little hand. Today I showed myself. Hiding in the shadows listening to people shatter about the monster they thought I was. But today I emerge. Awestruck, their little game is over. It felt good to have someone see the real me. Not Boo Radley, but Arthur Radley. The quiet neighbor who no one knows. Now Scout knows me. Jem will know me from Scout. Maybe the neighborhood will get new rumors, ones more exciting. More accurate. Today was the day i will cherish forever.-Boo Radley (Mia)
Words to Live By
To stereotype someone you don't know compared to something different is a symbol for it to be a sin to kill a mockingbird. - Kodee
To accuse a fellow human of things only rumors told, is be prejudice and destroy others live is inhumane, even if hat person is only a mockingbird. -Josh M.
Speaking, telling, striving, to serve justice, Atticus does the best he can to defend innocent Tom Robinson against the prejudice world around him.. -Sydney
Struggling, enduring, ignoring Atticus brings justice and equality to Tom Robinson as he does what is right and keeps his head up.
To accuse a fellow human of things only rumors told, is be prejudice and destroy others live is inhumane, even if hat person is only a mockingbird. -Josh M.
Speaking, telling, striving, to serve justice, Atticus does the best he can to defend innocent Tom Robinson against the prejudice world around him.. -Sydney
Struggling, enduring, ignoring Atticus brings justice and equality to Tom Robinson as he does what is right and keeps his head up.
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