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(posted by Poetry Lab Volunteer, Trisha)

This week, I had a good mentor experience. I wasn’t sure it would turn out that way. When I got to my school, one of my students was on her way to the front office. I headed upstairs to meet with my second student. She seemed a little distracted, but she said she was ready to write, so we headed down to the library. The minute we walked in, the PA came on to announce a school lockdown. As soon as that was over, a group of students came in, sat at the table next to us, and started reading stories and goofing off… Read more

I went from sittin’ in a cell,
2 living in hell
Ma’s doped up,
daddy’s gone,
where I’m from
you wouldn’t call a home.
Hopes & dreams are up & down
Everyone ask
“Why don’t you ever smile?”
I feel my business
is my own
this pain has made me turn
my life is gone
& where I’m from
you wouldn’t call a home.

(posted by a guest blogger)

My friend suggested I peruse the poetry at The Lab. Reading the words of the West 7th Poets (Showcase section) brought to mind the lyrics of country songs I remembered as a kid in the 50s. I have attempted to begin journaling many times and always get stuck on the first sentence. This doesn’t seem to be the case for these youth poets. That their lives are already so difficult saddens me, but that they choose writing over fighting gives me hope for these special young people. Their words are simple, yet they say much. I appreciate the opportunity to read their meaningful poetry and I hope they continue to seek answers using a pen as their weapon.

(posted by community supporter, Sandi)

This morning a friend recommended going to The Lab web site. I was totally amazed by the talent of these young poets! So many of the poems moved me, THE LIGHT, RISKY, I BELIEVE and WHY. (you can find these poems under the SHOWCASE section, under the Poetry/Notebook icon). These are points that I have pondered over the many years of my life.

I don’t have the answers, but it is refreshing to know that young people have the power to speak what is important to them through poetry.
Fantastic Job!!

Blood hits the grave
Drips like the way a butcher slaughters sheep
All the agony and pain
Makes it hard to sleep
As life goes on
I’m forced to turn the page
But never will I forget that awful day
Lost a friend and
Gained a memory
Trying to let it go
But it don’t make no sense
To me.

Dear Dad,
I wish we could have one more memory
I wish you could jump right into me
Those days you told me you will never leave me
You said you will always be company and be here for me
I was sad when they told me those guys took you from me
Now I’m very lonely
Now you’re just in my dreams
Like a girl wishing for a pony.

(posted by Tech Lab volunteer, Kristen)

Last week, I went to West 7th P.A.S.’s writing circle and Technology Lab. It’s a small school and West 7th’s Lab attendance never fails to reflect that: our circle was small. Mary, an E.A., three students, and myself sat around a table in the art room. Some had a hard time getting there and another was saying he couldn’t write that day. Despite this, we went ahead and started a quick check-in about everybody’s spring break ideas. We made it 1/3 of the way around the circle when a student’s plans for sleeping in turned into a discussion about family; specifically, what it’s like to watch younger siblings get into trouble… Read more

Some Thoughts on the Recognized Literary Merit of Rap

(posted by HECUA Intern, Becca)

In a few short months, I will receive an undergraduate degree in English Literature. My diploma will be a testament on paper of the past five years of my life dedicated to the study and analysis of great literary works by the likes of Dickinson, Hemingway, Shakespeare, Faulkner, Shakur, Fiasco, and Wayne… Read more

(posted by Visual Lab Intern, Nicole)

As an intern in the Visual Lab at Harding High, I am very excited to officially begin our mural project that we have been building up to since January. We’ve done some really cool projects relating to their geography studies. Its nice to have another intern working with me, so that if one student needs more one-on-one attention the other can devote their time to the other students. I feel that we have a good sense of what the students like (and dislike) and are reaching a point where their guards are being let down little by little… Read more

I am smart.
My family sticks together.
My neighborhood is quiet.
I am proud that I’m actually writing.
I am angry when teachers think they know about me
but they don’t.
I wonder why we are at war.

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