2010-11 double issue (pdf) - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Just Buffalo’s Annual Anthology of Student Writing
First-ever double issue 2010 & 2011

We couldn’t have
done it without you!
In July 2011, Just Buffalo launched a fundraising campaign
on KICKSTARTER—an online funding platform for art
projects—to publish Wordplay. Word of the campaign
spread across the country with donations coming in from
as far away as California, Maine, Texas, Alabama, and Iowa.
All told, our campaign received 178,392 “likes” on Facebook
and even the founder of KICKSTARTER, Yancey Strickler,
personally contributed.
WELCOME TO WORDPLAY
Welcome to the first ever double issue of Wordplay,
Just Buffalo’s anthology of the most outstanding
student work produced during our Writers in
Education programs.
Each year, more than 100 classrooms open their
doors to our team of talented teaching artists.
Our corps of professional writers—this includes
poets, fiction writers, playwrights, journalists, and
book artists—go into the community to ignite
imaginations, renewing a love for learning through
writing and bookmaking.
With the help of our 126 backers, Wordplay will be
distributed at no cost to schools, libraries, bookstores, and
other sites throughout the community.
This issue is dedicated to everyone who shared our story,
spread the word, and generously contributed.
With special thanks to the following supporters:
How do we do this exactly? Our Writer Residencies
partner teaching artists with English teachers. The
writers custom design lessons to complement
curriculum while, at the same time, freeing writing
exercises from the constraints of standardized
testing. Out of the thousands of poems, stories, and
photographs produced by eager young artists, we
select the most powerful works and archive them in
Wordplay.
Our philosophy is simple: we give students a blank
page and they give us their wishes & fears, hopes &
dreams. Wordplay brings these voices together.
All photos of students participating in our education programs
were captured by Jon R. Hand (unless otherwise noted).
$35 TO $49
Ms. Karima Amin
Ms. Ansie Baird
Ms. B. Cass Clarke
Mr. William Creeley
Dr. Linda Drajem
Katka Hammond & Max
Wickert
Ms. Elaine Hunt
Mr. John Kearns
Ms. Joyce Kessel
Dr. Joel Levin
Mr. Donald Mitchell
Ms. Nancy J. Parisi
Ms. Elizabeth Pascal
Ms. Pamela Plummer
Ms. Georgeann Redman
Ms. Janna Willoughby-Lohr
$50 TO $99
Ms. Lynn Anonymous
Mr. Robert Bielecki
Mr. and Mrs. David Brockman
Ms. Robin Brox
Ms. Constance Caldwell
Ms. Lorna Cameron
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Clute
Ms. Catherine Cornbleth
$50 TO $99 (continued)
Mr. James Duggan
Ms. Amy Feinstein
Ms. Fay Gunn
Ms. Lynne Stutts Hagler
Ms. Julia Hall
Mr. Kaplan Harris
Mr. Christopher Johnson-Roberson
Ms. Gunilla T. Kester
Ms. Juliana Koo
Ms. Morani Kornberg-Weiss
Ms. Anna Kornbluh
K.C. Kratt
Mr. David W. Landrey
Ms. Susan C. Lichtblau
Mr. Hal A. Limebeer
Ms. Catherine Linder Spencer
Mr. Aaron Lowinger
Ms. Tammy McGovern
Ted Pelton & Susan Moynihan
Mr. Robert D. Pohl
Ms. Kristen M. Pope
Ms. Diane Ramos
Ms. Linda Schineller
Ms. Patti Sidebottom
Ms. Jessica Smith
Ms. Susan Solomon
$100 TO $199
Ms. Deborah Abgott
Ms. Victoria Cook
Ms. Jean Doerr
Ms. Donna Fierle
Mr. Nathan Gorelick
Ms. Susan Granger
Mr. Steven Miller
Mr. Stephen R. Morris
Ms. Karen Pomicter
Ms. Sherry Robbins
Ms. Penelope L. Schmitt
See Feel Hear Touch -
Experience Art
Mrs. Florence Spano
Ms. Judith K. Summer
Ms. Franca Trincia
Ms. Ryki Zuckerman
$200 TO $499
Mr. and Mrs. G. Alexander Cole
Mr. Carl Dennis
Ms. Mary E. Farallo
Mr. Kevin O’Leary
Mr. Stephen Paskey
We know that writing is not just about getting
the right answer on the test. Writing unlocks the
imagination. It gives students a chance to open their
hearts. It gives us a window into their bright minds,
to learn what young people are thinking and feeling.
As you look through these pages, you can see the
range of young people’s concerns—from dispelling
racism to conquering bullying, from appreciating
the beauty of nature to the extraordinary love of
family. Perhaps what is most poignant about these
works is how they capture both the innocence and
complexity of what tomorrow’s writers are thinking
about today.
Once upon a time, it was believed that “children
should be seen & not heard.” But, at Just Buffalo,
we believe that every child has a voice. And, we are
here to listen.
Barbara Cole
Education Director
Just Buffalo Literary Center
Just Buffalo gratefully acknowledges the funding support
essential to making our Writers in Education programs
and this publication possible:
Buffalo Teacher
Center
Buffalo Board
of Education
Cameron & Jane Baird Foundation
Writers in Education programs are provided in
partnership with the following:
Erie 1 BOCES

Our sincerest thanks to the teachers, principals, parents
and, most of all, the talented students who participated
in Just Buffalo’s successful education programs:
JUST BUFFALO
Wordplay
VOLUME XVII & XVIII
2009-2011
Editor
Barbara Cole
Cover Art
Julian Montague
Page Design
Julian Montague
Picturing Poetry & Reclaiming Buffalo
Manuscript Preparation
Nikki Gorman
Lauren Tent
Photography
Jon Hand
Just Buffalo Administration
Executive Director
Laurie Dean Torrell
Artistic Director
Michael Kelleher
Education Director
Barbara Cole
Finance Director
Kris Pope
Grantwriter
Kathleen Kearnan
Executive Assistant
Lynda Kaszubski
Administrative Assistant
Hallie Winter
www.justbuffalo.org
2009-2010
Akron Elementary School
Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic
Excellence, P.S. 18
Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts,
P.S. 192
Leonardo DaVinci High School, P.S. 212
Depew Middle School
Discovery School, P.S. 67
East Delavan Library
Enterprise Charter School
Hamlin Park School, P.S. 74
Highgate Heights, P.S. 80
Hutchinson Central Technical High School, P.S. 304
Immaculate Conception
Kalfas Magnet School
McKinley High School, P.S. 305
Nichols School
Northwood Elementary School
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156
Saturday Academy
Southside Elementary, P.S. 93
Stanley G. Falk School
Tapestry High School
Waterfront Elementary School, P.S. 95
Western New York Maritime Charter School
2010-2011
Akron Elementary School
Charter School for Applied Technologies
Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic
Excellence, P.S. 18
Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence, P.S. 89
D’Youville Porter Campus School, P.S. 3
Enterprise Charter School
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156
Highgate Heights, P.S. 80
Hillery Park Elementary, P.S. 27
Lorraine Elementary, P.S. 72
McKinley High School, P.S. 305
Southside Elementary, P.S. 93
Community Center Partners
2010-2011
The Belle Center
Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo, School #43 Site
Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo, Woodrow Wilson
Gloria J. Parks Community Center
Native American Community Services of Erie and
Niagara Counties
Pratt Willert Community Center
Schiller Park Community Services
Valley Community Association
Meet the Writers
José Alvergue is a Ph.D. candidate in the University at Buffalo’s Poetics program. He holds
an M.F.A. from the California Institute of the Arts, School of Critical Studies. His book, us
look up/ there red dwells was published by Queue Books in 2008.
Karima Amin is a native of Buffalo, NY, who strives to preserve the art of storytelling for
story lovers of all ages. The author of a children’s book, The Adventures of Brer Rabbit and
Friends, she also has produced several recordings of her retellings of traditional fables and
folktales. Her CD, You Can Say That Again! (2004), earned a Parents’ Choice Foundation
Gold Award in 2005.
Susan Hodge Anner is a poet and playwright whose work has been performed in New
York, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Washington, D.C. Her play, “Letters to The World,”
was produced in 2007 as part of The Infringement Festival in Buffalo. She also teaches
playwriting in the University at Buffalo’s Theatre Department.
Robin Brox is a poet and educator making her home on Buffalo’s West Side. A graduate
of Amherst High School, she earned an M.A. in English from The University of Maine—
Orono in 2005 and a B.A. in English from the University at Buffalo in 2001. The founder of
Saucebox, a women’s performance series turned small press, Brox produces handmade
chapbooks, broadsides, and other book arts.
Linda Drajem taught English for over 25 years to secondary students in the Buffalo Public
Schools before supervising pre-service English teachers at Buffalo State College. In 2007,
she published, InnerSessions (with two other poets). She holds a Ph.D. in American Studies
and an M.A.H. from the University at Buffalo, and a B.A. in English from D’Youville College.
Jerome Gentes is a Lakota-Gros Ventre American Indian. He received his B.A. in English
from the University of California, Berkeley, and his M.F.A. from the Graduate Program
in Writing at Columbia University. He has been published in numerous journals and
newspapers including The New York Times, Kirkus Reviews, Sightings, Out, and San
Francisco Bay Guardian.
Soula Harisiadis received her B.A. from Barnard College and her M.F.A. from the Iowa
Writers’ Workshop. She has taught writing at New York University, Buffalo State College,
and The University of Iowa. During her time at the Iowa Center for the Book, she designed
and letterpress-printed two books of her original poetry, The Blackness and the Bird and
Epigenome.
Margaret Konkol is a Ph.D. candidate in the Poetics Program at the University at Buffalo.
She received her M.A. from the University of Virginia and her B.A. from Reed College.
Currently, she is at work on a long poem affectionately dubbed Instruction Manual for Self-
Created/Self-Alienating Calendars. She curates the Mildred Lockwood Lacey Small Press
in the Archive Lecture Series.
Ellen Melamed holds an M.A. in Theatre Education from Columbia University. She has taught
writing and performance at the high school and college level; served as the academic tutor on
The Cosby Show; and worked for Theatre Development Fund, Young Audiences NY, and Arts
Connection. In 1982, she created The Playwriting Project, a national award-winning program
for grades 3-12. Her play, ETHEL, based on the life of Ethel Rosenberg, was produced off
Broadway.

Meet the Writers
Laura Nathan received her M.F.A. in creative nonfiction from Bennington College. The author
of Insiders’ Guide to Houston, her writing has also appeared in Redbook, Cooking Light,
The Writer’s Chronicle, ArtVoice and Screwball Television: Critical Perspectives on Gilmore
Girls. Previously the editor of the online magazine, InTheFray, Laura has taught writing and
communication skills to students in Houston, Austin, New York, Chicago, and Buffalo.
Sherry Robbins is the Lead Teaching Artist for Just Buffalo, the resident writer at Gay and
Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York, as well as an Arts-in-Education Consultant for
the University of Coimbra and the Belgais Center for the Study of Arts in Portugal. Sherry
has two books of poetry, Snapshots of Paradise and Or, the Whale. In 2005, the Association
of Teaching Artists named Sherry the New York State Teaching Artist of the Year.
Gary Earl Ross is a novelist, playwright, anthologist, public radio essayist and language
arts professor at the University at Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center. He is the author
of the short story collections, The Wheel of Desire (2000) and Shimmerville (2002); the
novel Blackbird Rising (2009); and six well-received stage plays including Matter of Intent,
winner of the 2005 Edgar Allan Poe Award from Mystery Writers of America.
Divya Victor has lived and learned in India, Singapore, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Seattle.
She has an M.A. in Creative Writing—Poetry from Temple University in Philadelphia and is
currently working towards her Ph.D. in English at the University at Buffalo. Her work has
appeared in ambit, broke, XConnect, ixnay, generator, dusie, and President’s Choice.
Meet the Book Artists,
Sound Artists & Photographers
Monica Angle has 20 years of experience as an art educator, teaching studio art and
bookmaking to children and adults. She attended Harvard College, pursued advanced
courses in printmaking and bookmaking at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design
and was educated as a geographer at Pennsylvania State University. Her work has been
featured in solo exhibitions in Buffalo, NY; Charlottesville, VA; and Minneapolis, MN.
Joel Brenden is a multi-disciplinary artist with projects extending into drawing, graphic
design, typography, bookmaking, and sculpture. He holds an M.F.A. in Visual Studies from
the University at Buffalo and a B.F.A. in Drawing from Central Washington University.
Brenden works as a freelance designer and instructor in photography, blogs at Tumblr and
posts his photography at Flickr.
Christopher Fritton is a local artist who holds a B.A. in Philosophy and a B.A. in English
from the University at Buffalo (2000), as well as an M.A. in Poetics from the University
of Maine at Orono (2005). He is a published poet and professional artist whose work
often integrates technical and scientific language with sentimental humanism in small,
handmade, limited-edition books.
Nikki Gorman is the Lead Teaching Artist for CEPA Gallery. Originally from Syracuse, NY,
she received her B.F.A. in Photography and M.Ed. in Teaching in and Through The Arts
from the University at Buffalo.
Janna Willoughby-Lohr has been writing poetry since she was 5 and performing since age
12. She holds a B.A. in Entrepreneurial Creative Business Arts from Warren Wilson College.
A Grand Slam finalist in 2005-2008 for the Nickel City Poetry Slam and a member of the
2006 Nickel City Slam team at the National Poetry Slam, Janna is also an editor for Earth’s
Daughters literary magazine, the longest running women’s publication in the country.
Joyce Kryszak is an award-winning broadcast reporter, covering an array of social issues
that impact the Western New York community. During her time with the WBFO News team,
Joyce won nearly three dozen Associated Press awards for a variety of hard news and
feature reports. In 2008, she won more individual AP awards than any other broadcast
reporter in New York State. As a special guest teaching artist, Joyce worked with 7 th graders
at Frederick Law Olmsted School on Soundscapes.
Sara McKenna has taught art to public school children as well as adults at various public
institutions in Hillsboro, Oregon; upstate NY; Buffalo Arts Studio and CEPA Gallery. Her
work ranges from traditional processes such as wet plate collodion, salt printing and 16
mm, to digital photography and video production.
Becky Moda has curated exhibitions at Buffalo Arts Studio, Castellani Art Museum, Starlight
Studio & Art Gallery, and Niagara Community College. Becky earned her M.A. in Art
Education from Nazareth College of Rochester. Currently, she is teaching at International
Preparatory School.
Leah Rico received her M.F.A. in Visual Studies and B.F.A. in Painting and Printmaking
from the University at Buffalo. Her work uses sound installation, experimental audio,
drawing, and print to investigate spoken language. Leah’s work has exhibited at Princeton
University, the Kingston Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Soundwalk Festival in
Long Beach, CA.
Catherine Linder Spencer is a visual artist and teaching artist whose work has been
exhibited locally at Studio Hart, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and the Burchfield Penney
Art Center. A tireless advocate for Western New York’s arts, cultural, educational and
environmental community for 20 years, Catherine has participated in public art projects
such as “Art on Wheels” and “Herd About Buffalo.”

Letters to the world
From the smallest dreamers to college-bound high school students,
glimpse how these young writers view the world.
Dear World,
I love you!
I wish I could hug you,
You big thing!
Glen W. John
1 st grade
Stanley G. Falk School
Dear Mother, Please
Dear mother of the moon, sky, and sea,
Please listen to me.
Please listen to me.
Keep my tribe together,
Keep my tribe together
through the turbulence from the sea,
through the turbulence from the sky.
Dear mother of the moon, sky, and sea,
Please listen to me.
Please listen to me.
Keep the moon shining bright.
Keep the moon in our sight.
Dear mother of the moon, sky, and sea,
Please listen to me.
Our love runs deep.
Our love runs deep.
Please listen to me.
Please listen to me,
Dear mother of the moon, sky and sea.
Asia Battle
11 th grade
Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts,
P.S. 192
late that
night a gift
he found in
the sky
the tree is
blowing
with the breezy
wind yes yes
yes the man
said light is
the shining
stars at night
the animals
are listening
to the soundtracks
in the dark night.
Cassandra Brandl
3 rd grade
Akron Central Elementary School
To the Moon
Oh Moon,
You are so bright.
You shine into my
house at night.
You are so pretty
I imagine you have clothes,
and you have a purse.
Can you write?
Oh Moon,
What were you for Halloween?
Mariella Sprague
2 nd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Earth
I love that you let us climb up
your rocky mountain
and lay in your swaying grass.
I love that you let us drink
your purest water
and let us swim
in your waves.
I love that you let the sun
cook us till we are tan.
I love that you cool
us down with the wind singing
in my head and
let the grass dance
to your great singing.
Olivia Whiteside
3 rd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156
Dear Moon,
How do you shine your light on Earth
and keep yourself up in the sky?
I love you moon.
I love how you shine your light
on my family at night.
My family loves you too.
Do the bats swarm at you?
How do you live with all
that light in you?
I wish I could come to you.
Love,
Adam
Adam B.
4 th grade
Stanley G. Falk School
Letters to the world
Oh moon, how did you get there?
Did a pizza man throw it too high?
When I turned out the light,
You shined very bright.
I’m lucky I have you shining.
When I go to sleep,
I’m lonely but I remember you’re there.
You are my good friend.
Nathan Sommer
2 nd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
The River
The river flows,
Even during the dark night,
Then it floods.
Akhil McCall
3 rd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Dear World,
Do you want to be my friend?
Do you want to play with me?
Can you see God up there?
Did the dinosaurs hurt you?
Are you sick because of the oil spill?
Do you eat dead people?
Matthew
2 nd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

TO Everything there is a season
TO Everything there is a season
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall—one only needs to look out the window or
remember a special time to find inspiration.
Autumn Poem
In the fall, I was as shy as a scared, swift owl
Now, I am open like a newly printed book
In the fall, I was as confused as a newborn pup
Now, I am brave like a soaring hawk
In the fall, I was as quiet as a mouse
Now, I am loud like stormy wind
In the fall, I was as careful as a mother doe
Now, I am outrageous like a little outgoing fox
In the fall, I was as dull as a brown, crisp leaf
Now, I am perfect like a newly shined ring
Casandra Rodriguez
6 th grade
Southside Elementary School, P.S. 93
Autumn Poem
A Joyful Day, A Joyful Place
A joyful day a joyful place
the way the wind hits the
flowers, the blissful noise
it makes
the way my
tangy lemonade tastes
the way the sun
rises above my head
I swear the sun tells
me secrets.
Mya Caldarelli
4 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Autumn Poem
In the fall, I was as cold as ice
Now, I am warm like the sun
In the fall, I was as short as a kindergartner
Now, I am tall like a tree
In the fall, I was as white as snow
Now, I am tan like sandpaper
In the fall, I was as boring as a snail
Now, I am creative like an artist
In the fall, I was as lazy as a cat in the daytime
Now, I am playful like a puppy
Kameron Bunch
6 th grade
Southside Elementary School, P.S. 93
Remembering Summer
Laying down around
me are the memories of
summer, so serene
The way the
morning dew feels upon my
silky soft skin
The sounds rush
into my brain, like ocean
waves crashing together.
Elizabeth Aleghia Preville
9 th grade
Leonardo DaVinci High School, P.S. 212
In the fall, I was as lonely as the last leaf on a tree
Now, I am confident like a doctor doing surgery
In the fall, I was as thin as the bare twigs of the tree
Now, I am strong like a buffalo charging at red
In the fall, I was as slow as a turtle
Now, I am fast like a speeding car
In the fall, I was as dull as a farm worker’s job
Now, I am happy like a family eating on Thanksgiving
In the fall, I was as scared as an ant running away from an anteater
Now, I am brave like a spelling bee winner
Mohammed Alrobaye
6 th grade
Southside Elementary School, P.S. 93
Gray, the color of dark clouds
a crystal night sky
the seasons go by fast
old and new don’t always matter
where should I go?
Aaron Lobur
3 rd grade
Akron Central Elementary School

PICturing Poetry
PICTURING POETRY
Six years ago, Just Buffalo joined forces with our
collaborative partner, CEPA Gallery, and formed
Writing with Light, our joint education program,
bringing together photography and writing.
In “Picturing Poetry,” our flagship program, students
first learn the elements of photography from a
CEPA Gallery teaching artist before taking home
their own black-and-white cameras to practice
what they have learned. Once their photographs
have been developed, students exercise their
critical thinking skills in selecting their best image.
Then, over the course of multiple sessions with
a Just Buffalo writer, students compose original
poems inspired by their photos.
This Place
The rocks look dark as brook
trout. The grass looks like lush wood
in the white spring melt.
This place is good.
I see a railroad.
There are lots of rocks.
Lots of wires.
No leaves on the trees.
Tah Dah Wah
5 th Grade
Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School
of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18
The selected pieces on these pages represent just
a small fraction of the many impressive artworks
created by students in “Picturing Poetry.”
Each project concludes with a Final Celebration where students
perform their writing alongside of their projected artwork as well
as an in-school exhibition of all of the students’ finished pieces in
a centrally-located area so that the entire school community can
appreciate the inspiring artwork.
The Dancing Plants
When wind touches
the plants
it feels like I am at a party
the wind whistles the song
and the plants dance away
Vincent Berbano
4 th Grade
Discovery School, P.S. 67
They Are Cute
There are two people.
One is my sister,
the other one is
my brother.
He is funny.
I see happiness.
I feel glad.
They are
special to me.
They are the
loved ones
in my
heart.
Ariyona Cornwell
4 th Grade
Hamlin Park School, P.S. 74

PICTURING POETRY
PICTURING POETRY
The Clouds
white big balls
up in the sky
why are you there?
what will you do
will you strike, shrink, or
cause a rainfall?
why were you made?
will you sound loud
or really quiet?
Wires
Wires are connected
To each other
Wires are connected
To houses and buildings
Phone wires are important
So that people can be connected
Wires connect people
To each other
Wires connect hearts
Wires connect happiness
Wires connect families
will you squish or
feel like a cottonball
or taste like a marshmallow?
Min Min Muang
9 th Grade
McKinley High School, P.S. 305
Moses Baines
5 th Grade
Highgate Heights, P.S. 80
The Truth
The truth is it looks like I am about to fall and am
holding on for my life but really I am at ease, I
am comfortable. The sun is shining on my face,
it brings out the true color in me. But the truth
is I would never say that about my color. I am
ashamed of it, it’s something I wish I could cover
up but can’t.
Mariatu Baker
8 th Grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156
I am imagining a different world
With peace and love
Without any hurt and pain
So that the world would be a better place
I am imagining a magical place
So that everyone can have fun and nothing could ever harm us
The field allows me a lot of imagination.
Sara Crawford
4 th Grade
Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School
of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18

PICTURING POETRY
PICTURING POETRY
My Street in the Morning
My street in the morning
is as quiet as a library.
My street in the morning is as cold
as an ice cube. My street in the
morning has more space than a classroom.
I love my street in the morning
because it is home to my
home.
Kajhanea Barney
5 th Grade
Highgate Heights, P.S. 80
On a dairy farm
stands a cow
A nearby creek fills
a lake full of life and peace
Then the lake flows into
endless plains and rolling hills
Eating grass
She is very relaxed
As she eats the dull
sun passes through the sky
On this little countryside
a cow provides milk to every soul
Just from one cow is
a strong and healthy planet
Valenzia Capodicasa
6 th Grade
Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School
of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18
Melting
A cow and a farmer always
have a strong bond. The farmer
is always thankful for each cow.
Melting
snow,
a bright
blue
sky,
blowing
trees,
a cool breeze
a silent
street
crickets chirping
birds
singing
I know
spring
is near
Gabriel Flewellyn
4 th Grade
Lorraine Elementary, P.S. 72
From Winds to Tears
This chime represents my pain.
There’s only one person to blame.
Their silent winds bring my tears.
Winds so quiet but easy to fear.
Why do they do this to me?
Why am I their victim?
Why can’t I be happy?
I ask these questions.
But yet no answers.
Their winds just blow me away.
I can feel it coming.
Nowhere to run.
Nowhere to hide.
No escape…
Jonviér Whittington
7 th Grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156

PICTURING POETRY
PICTURING POETRY
On the Street of Niagara Avenue
clean
cut
grass on a sunny day.
Dust
of the
resting dirt jumps around like my
loving heart
pumping.
Smell of the
liveness like my nose when I smell
happiness
In the back yard
wet leaves nettling
at the backboard
remember the tree
the hoop is
still in place it
was as if life
was a movie and
someone had paused it
wish you were
here
This is
me
telling you a story
because this house
is me that you see.
Joshua Rodriguez
6 th Grade
Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School
of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18
Thajanay Jones
6 th Grade
Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School
of Academic Excellence, P.S. 18
Smile
Take me away
To a place of
Love and happiness.
Smiles of shadows
Nobody else has ever seen.
We try to hold back,
But we’re bursting with laughter.
The shadows and I,
It’s not what it seems.
Soon, darkness falls.
Where do they go?
Everyone assumes, but only
I know.
Emily Gartz
5 th Grade
Lorraine Elementary, P.S. 72
Snowy Day in West Seneca
The trees
are like
pencils
blowing away
the leaves
are missing
where have they gone
like words
without lined
paper
Laura Gregory
4 th Grade
Discovery School, P.S. 67

PICTURING POETRY
PICTURING POETRY
Tree’s Dream
The tree has thoughts
Thoughts of leaves in a dream
Dreams to change the seasons
Seasons of green
across its wide bare branches
It is a dream with lots of
hope, peace, and life
Life to sprout green
fertile, strong, sweet and broad
Soon, soon dreams will come true.
A tree’s dream is a dream of change
change of green
Green change to be
Tarin Parker
5 th Grade
Lorraine Elementary, P.S. 72
Sight
Sitting on this swing
dangling my skinny
legs back and forth
I look out to the
world like I’m a giant
but in reality I’m only just an ant.
As I sit here wondering what
is going to happen tomorrow I
look at the firm yet strong little
tree in front of me.
It feels like I’m looking at myself
through someone else’s eyes.
There’s a million of those trees
in the world but not all of
them are like me because I
may be an ant but I feel
like a giant.
Kaylyn Ramos
8 th Grade
Charter School for Applied Technologies
The fence and train tracks
are lines that go here and there.
The crack leaves me open to absorb
to make a puddle
from the rain I adore
I look out my window to see the world
The window is the reflection I show
Akyng Franklin
8 th Grade
Charter School for Applied Technologies
So go on the train and go
somewhere.
Carlos Cepeda
5 th Grade
Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community
School of Academic Excellence,
P.S. 18

POWERFUL EMOTIONS
POWERFUL EMOTIONS
What is perhaps most powerful
is the range of emotions which
emerges from the students who
participate in our programs.
Whether these young writers are
drawing from personal experience
or creating an imagined persona,
we are humbled by the honesty
and courage of their words.
Frustrated
Frustrated is like the sour taste of a grapefruit.
Frustrated is wanting an A+ on a test that never came.
Frustrated is the sound of loud buzzing in your ears, as people talk to you.
Frustrated looks like a lion that is too slow to catch his meal.
Frustrated seems like an unfair emotion.
Amaya Dykman
5 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156
What Is Love?
What exactly is love?
A feeling
Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.
that fills you.
Death reassures us of the moment.
Makes you want
Establishes a visible pattern and conclusion to our lives
to run away,
vanishing point
even though
you can’t.
It is a power,
an evil burst,
making your brain foggy,
your mind go blank.
Maybe a feeling,
a taste,
a sign.
It fills you,
breaks you,
stretches till it hurts.
Vivian Hunt
4 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Farewell
Coming into a place of blind choice I must say
farewell.
It’s a horrible feeling to say it.
But you brought out something good in me.
In many ways you taught me how to say
farewell to many deficits in my life.
Farewell misery,
farewell crying at night,
farewell being alone,
farewell lack of confidence,
but most importantly,
farewell to the one who brought out the best
in me. You’ll be missed.
Derrion Andrews
11 th grade
Western New York Maritime Charter School
black tie
old rituals die away
new ones often spring up in there instead
Cassie Tyner
11 th grade
Western New York Maritime Charter School
last sight, last chance, one hope no help
so close but so far, so early but too late
world dimming life fading no time
Ryan Pettit
11 th grade
Western New York Maritime Charter School
Poem
My brother’s funeral
A day of complete darkness
My dreams collapsed
My world stopped,
Thinking why everything else continued
I guess this
World is full of disappointments.
Day and night
I still suffer from grief.
Fatuma Mohamed
9 th grade
Leonardo DaVinci High School, P.S. 212

POWERFUL EMOTIONS
SOUNDSCAPES
I Remember My Aunt Mary’s Funeral
I remember the weather was beautiful,
I remember everyone was crying,
I remember everyone talked about how wonderful
she was,
In 2010-2011, Just Buffalo Literary
Center and CEPA Gallery successfully
piloted Soundscapes, the newest
program in Writing with Light, thanks
to a prestigious grant from the National
Endowment for the Arts.
I remember the sadness in everyone’s voice as they
talked,
I remember I bought a new dress and ruined
it with my tears.
Olivia Belinda Long
5 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156
Madness
They call her a creep
they call her a baby
with all this madness
they’re driving her crazy
her eyes full of tears
her cheeks sobbing wet
she thinks happy thoughts and tries to forget
a crack in her heart
a scar in her thoughts
it’s like a meadow of ice
and a home made of wasps.
Alyson Smutek
6 th grade
Hillery Park Elementary School, P.S. 27
Wishes
For a chest of thunder
For a heart of might
For never maybe
But always yes
For life
For love
For giving
And being given to . . .
Peace.
Patrick Sabato
4 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Bringing together sound with
photography and poetry, Soundscapes
offered students the opportunity
to create multidisciplinary artworks
which motivated them to think in new
ways.
If students previously thought that
“sound art” constituted music and
music alone, they came to fully
understand the countless other
sounds which surround us. The clang
of lockers at school, a knock at the
door followed by a barking dog, the
opening and closing of a squeaky oven
door signaling that dinner is almost
ready, the contagious laughter of a
little brother or sister—these are the
sounds which enrich our lives.
Joyce Kryszak, of WBFO fame, joined the Writing with Light
team as a special guest teaching artist, working closely with 7 th
graders from Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156
Photo: Lauren Tent Photo: Lauren Tent
Seventh-graders at Highgate Heights, P.S. 80 visited the Niagara Power Plant and Penn-Dixie Paleontological Center to capture
photographs informed by their science lessons about sound waves and energy.

Bookmaking
not just poetry
With so much emphasis on new
technologies, Just Buffalo’s Bookmaking
projects remind students that books are
still relevant—and beautiful!
Though poetry remains the most
popular genre for Just Buffalo’s
Writer Residencies, our diverse
Writers Corps specialize in many
different styles of writing.
For each project, a writer and book
artist collaboratively develop a theme
to inspire hearts, minds, and hands.
Students write poems or stories
and then create their own artist’s
books, incorporating everything from
handmade papers to ancient binding
techniques.
Here are just a few examples
from residencies focusing on
“Monologues” and “Flash Fiction.”
Who says you can’t judge a book by its
cover?
Photo: Joel Brenden
Some classes even have the opportunity to visit the Western
New York Book Arts Center to try out a Vandercook printing
press and learn hands-on bookmaking lessons.
Photo: Barbara Cole Photo: Barbara Cole
Red Ribbon
My mother gave me my red ribbon when I was just 10. She said she was going to send me
to a better place. Then she gave me my red ribbon and told me never to take it off. She told me
it would be the only way that she could find me. She put me on a boat and we went from Puerto
Rico to New York City. My mother came with me to the docks. The boat was tiny, very tiny. Mother
handed the man some money and told me to go with the man.
I didn’t want to I held on to her hand not wanting to let go. She bent down looking at me
in my eyes. She told me if I really loved her I would let go, I did love her, I really did, but I really
didn’t want to leave her side. I remember this as the saddest day of my life. She looked at me with
tears building up in her eyes. I asked why? She went on to tell me that bad people were after her
and they were going to come take me away if I didn’t leave. She gave me a final hug. I had always
wished to go back there whenever I’m sad or feeling lonely I remember her hug and her last words
to me,
“I promise I’m getting out of Puerto Rico as soon as possible, and I will find you.” The man
said it was time to go.
My mother let go and looked at me crying. She pointed at the man and told me to go.
It was a really long trip. When we finally arrived in New York City I put on my red ribbon. I wore
it with pride knowing, hoping, to see my mother once again. I traveled the city for eleven years
today. I’ve looked everywhere for her. I’ve looked on street corners, stores and even at Times
Square. Sometimes being overwhelmed by this big city. Some days I feel completely hopeless
about finding my mother. Still haven’t seen her—
If you ever find this, I want you to know I’m doing just fine on my own. When you finally
find me just remember… I still have my red ribbon.
Photo: Julian Montague
Ashley C. Whiteside
8 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156

not just poetry
Nana’s Cookies
Tick. Tick. Tick. It ticks until we hear that familiar
DING! The warm aroma of Nana’s famous cookies fills the
air. The smell brings back memories. Remember when we
made over 500 cookies for Mom’s wedding? You let me
be your special helper. I was only 7, we put underwear on
our heads so the dough wouldn’t get into our hair. Only
Nana would think of such a thing.
Tick. Tick. Tick. Only a half hour until we hear that
familiar DING! But where are you going, Nana? Another
familiar aroma wafts in from outside. Cigarettes. What
I learned in school is, “cigarettes are bad for you, you
can become sick.” So why do you do it, Nana? Do you
not love your granddaughter , so you are killing yourself
slowly in front of her?
Tick. Tick. Tick. Only 15 minutes until we hear that
familiar DING! I’m so excited! I’ve been waiting almost an
hour for these mouth-watering cookies. Why won’t you
play with me Nana? You’re going outside…again? I guess
I should be used to it. We never do anything without you
smoking. Whenever I can’t find you in the house, we can
be sure you’re outside, “Doral” in hand. Nana! Let’s go!
They’re almost done. You tell me two minutes. I stare at
the clock. 2 minutes go by, why are you still outside? How
long does it take Nana?
Tick. Tick. Tick. DING! They’re finally done. I’m
so excited to sink my teeth into those delicious cookies
that make my taste buds want to explode. They’re
scrumptious! But why are you coughing, Nana…do you
have a cold? You say you don’t but then why are you
coughing?
Tick. Tick. Tick. Three years have gone by. You
come home one day crying. What’s wrong? You won’t
tell me, but I hear you whisper to my mother, “cancer.”
Cancer? What an ugly word. I’ve heard it used before,
but what does it mean? Mommy tells me you have lung
cancer, and that it’s a very bad illness. It makes me sad,
Nana. You don’t make cookies anymore or put my hair
up in princess hairstyles. You cry a lot, so I cry a lot. I love
you Nana.
Tick. Tick. Tick. DING! A semi-familiar scent is in
the air. Mother’s cookies. Right from the pre-packaged
dough she bought at Top’s. We don’t make the dough
like you did Nana. It’s been three years since cancer took
you away. I love you Nana. I’ll never forget you.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
Kylie Sanders
9 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 156
Chapter 3: It’s a Secret
The bell rang and school was over. I was
nervous. I walked slowly towards the playground
and there she was—the school bully, Janae.
“Hey,” Janae said in a soft voice.
My heart started to pound and I was
nervously sick. Three other girls came from behind
the slide and as they walked slowly towards me,
I walked backwards. As they sped up I got so
scared to where I ran. I ran because Janae is bad
news and her, three girls, and me alone did not
sound good. So my only choice was to run.
I got home in a hurry and went straight
to my room. I called Karina and we met at Holey
Moley’s donut shop. Karina felt so sad for me.
We didn’t know what to do so there was one
choice… Ask Jason my brother. This is a big switch
because I never ask him for anything (we actually
hate each other).
Karina and I went to my house and
knocked on his door. He didn’t answer until the 12 th
knock. When he opened, I stood there explaining
what had happened and that I had no reason why
it happened. He invited us in and closed the door
behind us…
Shontyaira Thomas
7 th grade
Enterprise Charter School
Stuck in the Middle
“What kind of friend will Emily choose?”
not just poetry
At Lincoln High, one of its sweetest students has a problem. Her name is Emily Michaels. She has
two rival friends, Mya Young and Perdita Gonzales. They aren’t friends at all. Both girls are Emily’s best
friends. Tired of each other, Mya and Perdita suggest that Emily must choose between them.
“I can’t do that,” Emily cried.
“Listen, Emily, you can’t be friends with both of us.” Mya twisted her curly blonde hair.
“We’ll give you until tomorrow to find out.”
The three girls parted to class. Emily hung her head low in tears. What will she do now?
All day at school, Mya and Perdita fought over Emily.
“Emily, I am your friend #1 and it shouldn’t be her,” Mya said.
“Emily, you are mi amiga. I am the first friend you’ve made. Don’t let Mya, your so called sister from
another mister, stop you from being my friend,” Perdita said.
“I don’t know. I can’t choose between you. I won’t do it.”
Perdita rolled her eyes at Mya.
“Yes, you will,” Mya said.
Emily screamed at them, leaving them alone.
At home, Emily asked her sister Lauren about her problem.
“Lauren, what should I do?”
Lauren closed the book she was reading, “Just dump ’em! Leave them alone. Don’t choose.”
Emily nodded and left.
The next day at school Emily walked up to Mya and Perdita.
“Did you choose?” they both said.
“Yeah.”
Mya and Perdita’s eyes flew open.
“Who?!”
Emily smiled and said, “Neither.”
Alexis Jones
7 th grade
Enterprise Charter School

Self-Portraits
Self-Portraits
Inspired by everything from the smallest speck of sand to
the vast universe, students prove time and again that it
can be equally inspiring to look within themselves.
Gretchen the Ocean
I am the ocean
Crabs tickle my sand
Sea plants put their roots into me
Waves plunge into me
I hold many sea critters
One of the most dangerous animals lives in me.
My coral reefs glow in the sunlight
I am the ocean.
I am graceful.
I am wet.
And I am a good home.
Gretchen Wehr
2 nd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
I am a diamond ring for a hand in marriage
I am a four leaf clover—lucky me
I am a daisy blowing in the breeze
I am a giraffe eating leaves
That’s me
Destiny Berg
3 rd grade
Hamlin Park School, P.S. 74
Flower Eye
I am the eye of a flower
So Not the Same
I am the heart of peace
I can shed leaves
I can drop seeds
You young lady
I reach to the sun on
Standin over there in the same dress as me
hot summer days
You young lady
I droop to the moon on
With your hands on your hips
cold winter days
Your high waist
I live on mountains
Your skinny body
tall and small
Your long legs
I am the flower eye
Your blond hair
watching you all.
You young lady
Forget facin me
I’m a threat and I know it
Flora Adams
4 th grade
I’m the bees knees—please
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
I’m the head and not the tail
I’m short
My Bigger Bust
My Chunkiness
All makes me, me
I look at you and see a hideous person,
with a beautiful face
People look at me and see a Divine
I am the Elsabird.
Woman.
My wings flap like flames.
When they flap they sound like
Tannis Truitt
ashes burning in the fire.
10 th grade
My feathers are shiny silver
Tapestry High School
and my beak shimmering gold.
I travel long miles to find food
and water.
I will find that in a desert
at an oasis.
My eyes are beady black and my talons are as orange as the sun.
My beak is as sharp as scissors.
I have lived many years
most likely to be one hundred.
Elsa Hata
2 nd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

Self-Portraits
Self-Portraits
I Am a Mountain
I stand strong
I stand proud
When people hike up me
I feel joy like I am
an answer waiting to
be found
I reach up to the sky
I stretch and grasp
the sun the moon
and the stars
I am the
Mountain
I’m a whisper in the wind.
I’m a bluebird who flies across the sky.
I’m a joker who plays a card.
I’m a wonder in the future.
I’m a grass swaying in the wind.
I’m a rippling river.
I’m a silent cricket.
I’m a slithering slick snake.
I’m an ant who’s small but mighty.
I’m a roaring waterfall.
Skyler Masse
3 rd grade
Akron Central Elementary School
I am a celebrity
I am a princess
I am a fairy
I am a Barbie
I am a butterfly
I am a cat
I am a flower
I am a sun
I am a cloud
I am a singer and dancer
I am an angel in the heavens
Lataiya Staley
3 rd grade
Hamlin Park School, P.S. 74
Outsider
I am the girl you all pick on,
call names and play tricks on.
I walk down the hall.
You trip me, I fall.
You all start laughing and pointing
but inside me I’m gagging and choking.
You make my life
harder than it has to be.
I ask God,
“why is this happening to me?”
From you guys I hide
shaming my pride.
All my life
I’ve been pushed from people to people,
moving from house to house.
Isabel Finkbeiner
4 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Everything and Nothing
Now this is a sequel.
No one knows where I’ve been.
Do you dare to step
I am looking
forward
to everything
and nothing…
in the skin I’m in?
Raised with no mother,
You would think I’d be tougher.
But this is the world
in which we all suffer.
I am the Karina bird.
My wings are like a butterfly and an airplane.
My tail is black like a horse.
My feathers are soft like a pillow.
I sing loud like the radio.
I sing the morning and the night.
Karina González
2 nd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Because nothing is part of
everything
It penetrates
separates
and fills almost
all of the time
in which I wait
looking
forward to
everything and nothing
Omar Reese
11 th grade
Buffalo Academy of Visual and
Performing Arts, P.S. 192
I am
shining like
the moon.
Take a beam
from me, keep
it, treasure it,
love it. I will
keep you safe.
Marissa Venter
3 rd grade
Akron Central Elementary School
Tina A.
10 th grade
Tapestry High School
I am a bird flying in the sky
I am a flower outside
I am a lake with fish in the ice
I am a rug on the floor
I am grass in the dirt
I am air everywhere
I am a mustang fast and cool
Taquan Cornwall
3 rd grade
Hamlin Park School, P.S. 74

eclaiming Buffalo
Doc
Reclaiming Buffalo introduces students from North, South, East
and West Buffalo to a unique after school opportunity combining
photography, computer literacy, and creative writing.
Students begin by photographing buildings in their neighborhood
that they wish to “reclaim.” Using PhotoShop, students transform
their “before” image into an “after” and write accompanying
poems or prose to put their vision into words.
Selected artworks were featured on bus shelters across Buffalo,
spreading hope and inspiration throughout the city.
Included here are some of the “before” images and poems. To see
the complete works, please visit the online gallery at
www.writingwithlightbuffalo.org
It Takes Faith
Look at this building.
What do you see?
It could be almost anything
that you want it to be.
Is it a landmark?
Is it a dream?
It can be much more
than it seems.
What is broken,
can be made whole.
What is ugly,
may be worth more than gold.
What is lost can be reclaimed.
It takes FAITH.
Sean McGee
5 th grade
Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo,
Woodrow Wilson
City Poem
on the east side or like we
call it home I like my home
because we’ve got a big park
and we do cheers and
we get wet and we
always see people
get along and
they have lots
of house parties and
on Saturday all you
hear are the football
players and the cheerleaders
and when you
go to the park it is
a big field that you
can play on and there
is a big pond with
ducks
Shayla
4 th grade
Schiller Park
Community Services
I walk down the street
and see a house named Doc.
Doc greets me
with his dirty bricks and plywood
begging me to melt the dirty snow off
his rotting body.
The wind hits me in my face with its
chilling whispers
while the trees wave to me
so I will shoo!
I can tell by Doc’s face he has been
through a lot.
I swear I could’ve seen a tear.
I walk away hoping
the next time I see him
he will be as good as he used to be.
I turn around, the trees still waving
and I see it as a “Hello”
so I run back and I can tell
this is a new beginning
for the house that I call “Doc.”
Caitlin M.
6 th grade
Valley Community Association

People & Places
People & Places
Mi Isla de Puerto Rico
People of South Buffalo
My Blissful Spot
Mi isla de Puerto Rico
Mi isla de Puerto Rico
Cuando amarece, me brillas con tu sol
Por las noches, me cubres con tu sabana fresca
Mi isla de Puerto Rico
Tus arboles tan grandes
Con hojas tan verdes y brillosas
Mi isla de Puerto Rico
Mi isla de Puerto Rico
South Buffalo people
are the people you want
to be around.
Derek Bartosz
9 th grade
Leonardo DaVinci High School, P.S. 212
My blissful spot is
my mom’s heartbeat
I feel her breathing and
I feel perfect.
I hear her heartbeat
boom, baboom, baboom
I feel so blissful
I drift off
can’t see a thing
My island, Puerto Rico
My island, Puerto Rico
In the morning, your sun shines so bright
At night, you cover me with a lovely breeze
My island, Puerto Rico
Konnichiwa, Osaka
Daylight morning while sitting on the bench
Shamisens playing with sounds
don’t know a thing
then blank.
Jadon Eason
4 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Your trees are so big
of your drums
With leaves so green and shiny
My island, Puerto Rico
My island, Puerto Rico
Midafternoon walking on a silent street
The Most Beautiful Place
Phony People
My dreams
are filled with love
and hope
they might be your friend
but nope
there’s a thin
rope between
you and
them
hoping you could
just be their friend
My heart is red
but how much
could I take? It
feels like it will break.
Daniel Davis
5 th grade
Hillery Park Elementary School, P.S. 27
Merlina A. Hernandez
9 th grade
Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts,
P.S. 192
Home sour home
They say there’s no place like home
But as I roam I’m alone
cruelty is a physical form
Home sour home
I have a new home
In the trash I’ve been thrown
As I still roam alone
extreme cases, neglecting and deserting
child fails to conform
A new me is born
Denae Davis
11 th grade
Western New York Maritime Charter School
Light streams of water falling
from the rocks with peace
Evening sitting on the ground
Playing the pipa for your enjoyment
Sunset
Sitting under your soft tree
as the cherry blossoms fall
down upon me with a cool
midsummer breeze
Nighttime
My kimono collides with your streams
Your moon collides with my spirit
I will collide with your town
Cynthia Brooks
11 th grade
Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts,
P.S. 192
On that farm,
that marvelous farm,
sits a swing, sits a cow,
sits a pig,
sits a horse,
sits a dog,
sits a mouse,
sits a cat,
sits a hen,
and on the
far corner
I sit
listening to
the whistling wind
on that happy
farm in Wisconsin.
Julia Penchaszadeh
4 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

People & Places
People & Places
Coming Home
My Scarce Dad
The Park
My Brother
7 years
7 years of hate
7 years of love
7 years of missing my dad
then I was so sad
He’s been in and out of my life;
every time he went it was like a piercing
in my heart
with a knife.
Now he’s here,
here to stay,
we will never part, cuz
a house is never a home when
your loved ones are gone.
Losing a parent is like the
end of the world.
Michael Guzzetta
6 th grade
Hillery Park Elementary School, P.S. 27
Puerto Rico
You are the home I grew up in.
The streets I got bruised on
You are the hospitals I got operated at.
You are my home.
The beaches I go to and lay on your
sand.
You are the coconut palm trees that
stand beside me.
You are the coquís that sing at night
their beautiful song.
You will always be in my heart.
You are my world, you are mi
Puerto Rico.
Odalys Morales
11 th grade
Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts,
P.S. 192
Only see his fingers, tan.
The tree was squeezed by
a rubber band. Holding fear
in his hand.
He is holding but he is
looking side to side.
He said he can’t see,
but he is not blind.
Fingers hard from all his
work. I tell him it’s okay
but he doesn’t move, no,
he stays.
Savanna Maund
5 th grade
Hillery Park Elementary School, P.S. 27
My Wonderful Mom
I wake up on Saturday morning
and I smell something delicious
so I wander into my kitchen
and there she is slaving over
the hot stove.
Then she looks at me
with the cheerful smile
she always has.
It warms me up
like a fire
and it starts a wonderful day.
After I get off the bus
it makes me want to jump for joy.
I love my mom.
Thomas Cornacchio
4 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
You’re my escape
From reality
When I look into your eye I
Find myself mesmerized
Your leaves
Flow with the wind
Your rails, your benches
They reach out to me
They’re the hands
I long to hold
Your walls are the shoulders
It makes me feel alive
Your eye teems with life
And beauty
It has a calm sway to it and
Such a natural flow
We begin our dance again
Your hands reach out
And I flow with my movement
Like the water in your eye
Your shoulders I grip
Our connection will not slip
Your eye captures me
When all is said and done
You do not see my faults
We continue
Our endless waltz
Movement is how I lead
You are all I see
Nature is your
Beauty
You’re my escape
My new reality
Michael Morel
11 th grade
Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts,
P.S. 192
Why do people become what they’re not?
Sweet boys wanna be tough
Is it their surroundings?
Is it because that’s how they wanna be?
What is it?
You in a gang
You sell drugs
You carry around a gun
Where do you think your life is going?
Why go backwards instead of forward?
You’re 16 being arrested for carrying
an automatic. You’re done for.
Who by yo side now?
They free, where are you?
I am, but for how long?
I bet you’ll keep going backwards.
You can trust in me
but trust that I’m going forward.
I love you but not what’s inside
of you.
You weren’t here for my birthday,
but be here for yours.
Taylor Frost
10 th grade
Tapestry High School

Sights & Sounds
Sights & Sounds
a crying child
telephone ringing
words of comfort from father
pat of his hand on the boy’s back
squeak of father’s leather shoes
the rustle of a newspaper being nudged
the turning of pages in the girl’s book
the clash of a cup against its saucer
the clink of a spoon in the cup while stirring
the bump of an elbow against the table
the flick of a plastic light switch
the tear of the elbow on the boy’s shirt
the rustle of the tablecloth being disturbed
tick tock of the clock.
Rivers that clash against the rocks.
Blueberries that could go into luscious pies.
Books that thousands of people read.
Sadness when you’re having a bad day.
Wishes that come true.
Skies that are beautiful.
Sound as pretty as the cello.
Blue can be anything in your life.
Lucia Molitor
3 rd grade
Akron Central Elementary School
Quiet Mornings
Quiet mornings, sweet dew on the
grass blades. Tire swing on my weeping
willow.
Red paint, brown fox
watermelon seeds in a pot
Poison berries, daddy long legs
forbidden places beyond the playground
Moving trucks, garage sales
four children continuing to yell
Ashley Bend
12 th grade
Hutchinson Central Technical High School, P.S. 304
Late Night
Seven cows, know them by name
leaving my quiet mornings behind
like a picture frame.
Mia Washington
11 th grade
Western New York Maritime Charter School
footsteps tap
as this jazz man’s
ba bad a bad a pop
blows along the
emptiness
freshly shined
snakeskin shoes
In the late night I see mud.
In fairytales I see dust
waiting, waiting for you to come.
I see no one at dusk.
Upon the blue sea we met again
for someone to take my friend
again.
We sat.
We talked.
But no one pulled us apart.
Fairies flap their wings.
I sit and never think about what
may have happened.
As I look at the clock to see the
time,
I left my heart behind.
Kyimahni
4 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
Porch
The cool fresh air blows
chairs and a side table
just me and you
with the lights from the street
peace and quiet
car horns blowing
glass of lemonade
children running in the street
black railings with Christmas lights
at the end of the day
it’s just me and you.
Marsharee Adams
11 th grade
Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts,
P.S. 192
The
man
on the
moon sings
to the blue
birds when
the sun is
shining. He is
the power of
magic in your
dreams!
Roger Hofmeier
3 rd grade
Akron Central Elementary School
crunch the tin
grains underneath
the window.
the wind
can carry
this tune all
the way home.
you can hear
beep beeep
boom ba ba da ba du bop
all the way
far even when
I turn his
corner
Tyrone
12 th grade
Hutchinson Central Technical High
School, P.S. 304

INSPIRING TEachers
INSPIRING TEachers
Ride North
So many paths to take
Destinations good and bad
Choose to go north
Go upwards to success
Many before you have set the way
Their sweat and blood drove the nails
that will lead you to your destination
Follow the guiding rails laid.
Choose to ride north
Go upward to success
Mrs. Roberts
8 th Grade Teacher
Charter School for Applied Technologies
Change
Snow is slowly melting
ever so slowly
Grass is emerging
ever so slowly
Sun is shining
ever so slowly
Buds are forming
ever so slowly
Birds are chirping
ever so slowly
Sky is changing
ever so slowly
Temperature is moving forward
ever so slowly
Water is warming
ever so slowly
Children are coming
ever so slowly
Change is happening
ever so slowly
Ms. Liebel
4 th Grade Teacher
Lorraine Elementary, P.S. 72
The Path
After the gentle rain
the path has somehow
been made palatable.
The steps can be slippery,
bumpy,
hazardous.
But it will be worth it.
Smooth boards
Stretch out to greet me.
A place for my hand
to steady me.
Waves on one side, guarded by rocks
Firm, solid ground
On the other
Shades of grey on all sides
I will make it.
I will.
Mrs. Kleinschmidt
4 th Grade Teacher
Discovery School, P.S. 67
Mist kisses my face
majestic sun warms my skin
power beneath my feet.
the rage, ending
washing away sins
giving life
taking life.
Now there is no mist
no sun
no power beneath my feet.
only the sound of my breathing,
calm
slow
controlled.
Mrs. Mohorter
8 th Grade Teacher
Charter School for Applied
Technologies

The Written Word
The Written Word
One of the many benefits of a Just Buffalo Writer
Residency is how it can transform a student’s
relationship to the written word and inspire a renewed
love for learning.
Here are just a few examples of what students and
teachers tell us about our programs:
“They helped me be inspired to learn more
things at school.”
–6th grader, Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of
Academic Excellence, P.S. 18
“This opens my eyes to experience a different way
to express my feelings.”
–11th grader, Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, P.S. 192
“Since the program, many of my students have tried
writing poetry, short stories and one has even written
to the Mayor talking about how important it
is to have citizens take better care of our city.”
–Sharon Pikul, 4th grade teacher, Lorraine Elementary, P.S. 72
Midnight
No sound,
no wind,
How My Life Is Like A Book
no light except a lava lamp,
The time sinks in, swallows the day
The time has come, so goodbye I say.
I try and smile, but it fades away
So I think back, peacefully, as if to pray.
So I reminisce with paper, pen, and words
But this is not usual it’s rather absurd.
My mind now open full of thoughts
Before just anger rather much distraught.
But it’s full, exploding, bursting about
I just wanna sing, laugh, cry, and shout.
But I maintain cordially with composure
I move on slowly, but now a lot more sure.
Lamont Burley
11 th grade
Western New York Maritime Charter School
Like a Pencil
My life is like a sharp pencil
full of new and fun ideas.
But when I get dull
I sit on the table
I get sharpened again,
and start a new day.
Raymond Wasielweski
3 rd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
curl up with a book
on Saturday night,
focusing hard
on really…
one thing,
don’t care about homework,
nor projects,
or pets,
just about books,
everything else
slips away.
Henry Nowak
4 th grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64
My life
is as secretive
as a book.
I need
to be opened
until
I speak.
Vivian Hunt
3 rd grade
Frederick Law Olmsted School, P.S. 64

INDEX
Tina A., 31
Flora Adams, 29
Marsharee Adams, 38
Mohamed Alrobaye, 9
Derrion Andrews, 20
Adam B., 7
Moses Baines, 12
Mariatu Baker, 12
Kajhanea Barney, 14
Derek Bartosz, 35
Asia Battle, 6
Ashley Bend, 38
Vincent Berbano, 10
Destiny Berg, 28
Cassandra Brandl, 6
Cynthia Brooks, 35
Lamont Burley, 42
Kameron Bunch, 8
Mya Caldarelli, 9
Valenzia Capodicasa, 15
Carlos Cepeda, 19
Thomas Cornacchio, 36
Taquan Cornwall, 31
Ariyona Cornwell, 11
Sara Crawford, 13
Daniel Davis, 34
Denae Davis, 34
Amaya Dykman, 21
Jadon Eason, 35
Isabel Finkbeiner, 30
Gabriel Flewellyn, 14
Akyng Franklin, 18
Taylor Frost, 37
Emily Gartz, 16
Karina González, 30
Laura Gregory, 17
Michael Guzzetta, 36
Elsa Hata, 29
Merlina A. Hernandez, 34
Roger Hofmeier, 39
Vivian Hunt, 20, 43
Glen W. John, 6
Alexis Jones, 27
Thajanay Jones, 16
Mrs. Kleinschmidt, 40
Kyimahni, 38
Ms. Liebel, 41
Aaron Lobur, 9
Olivia Belinda Long, 22
Caitlin M., 33
Skyler Masse, 30
Matthew, 7
Savanna Maund, 36
Akhil McCall, 7
Sean McGee, 32
Fatuma Mohamed, 21
Mrs. Mohorter, 41
Lucia Molitor, 38
Odalys Morales, 36
Michael Morel, 37
Min Min Muang, 13
Henry Nowak, 43
Tarin Parker, 18
Julia Penchaszadeh, 35
Ryan Pettit, 21
Elizabeth Aleghia Preville, 8
Kaylyn Ramos, 19
Omar Reese, 30
Mrs. Roberts, 40
Casandra Rodriguez, 9
Joshua Rodriguez, 17
Patrick Sabato, 22
Kylie Sanders, 26
Shayla, 33
Alyson Smutek, 22
Nathan Sommer, 7
Mariella Sprague, 6
Lataiya Staley, 31
Shontyaira Thomas, 26
Tannis Truitt, 29
Cassie Tyner, 21
Tyrone, 39
Marissa Venter, 31
Tah Dah Wah, 11
Mia Washington, 39
Raymond Wasielweski, 42
Gretchen Wehr, 28
Ashley C. Whiteside, 25
Olivia Whiteside, 7
Jonviér Whittington, 15
Recognized by the New York State Council
on the Arts as one of the leading arts
education programs in Western New York
Just Buffalo Literary Center is so
proud that our education programs
continue to bring significant dollars
back to Buffalo. But, we can’t do it
alone!
If you believe that the arts are vital to
education, if your own life has been
enriched by the pleasures of a good
book or the satisfaction of putting
your thoughts into words, please
give today.
Your contribution helps ensure the
future of Wordplay and all of our
Writers in Education programs.
To find out how to give, please visit our
website: www.justbuffalo.org
Just Buffalo is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Learn more
Transformations
a new documentary about “Picturing Poetry”
Follow documentary filmmaker, Jon R. Hand,
behind the scenes to see the learning in action.
Watch as students become transformed
into artists & writers at
www.writingwithlightbuffalo.org