For My People
by Akeem Brown

This poem is for my people.
To let them know we’re equal.
Even though we are free at last.
We cannot forget about our past.
Even though our generation likes to stunt.
We have to understand Black History Month.
Even though life can be hard.
We can never forget about scars.
So when you sit and watch BET
remember that long journey that
our ancestors had to go through.
But remember it doesn’t have to happen
to you.
So as you listen to my poem.
Don’t feel down... life goes on.
I just want you to see what I see.
I wish we could just be a family.
I’ll never understand why we kill each other.
Because if you look at it, we’re all sisters and brothers.
I wanna know why so many
black men are in prison.
Why can’t we follow the dream
and have a vision?
So as we lift our voices and sing.
Let’s give shout outs to Dr. King.

Internal and External
by Danielle Williams

Late at night is a time you feel alone.
When you picture everything and everyone gone.
Especially in the summertime where it’s hot.
Where you pick a place outside alone where you claim your spot.
You are able to think clearer and peaceful where you are not bothered or worried.
Skies might look so gray, foggy and flurried.
Only when I’m alone at night.
I don’t worry about no arguments or fights.
Some places when you are alone with your guy or girl.
All you can think about is what goes on in the world.
Being alone just in a playground.
You don’t never hear a single sound.
When I’m alone, I give myself time to think.
Even if it’s through the pen and all my ink.
Meditating also helps the mind.
When it’s hard for you to see but soon you find.
People wonder why you never say nothing to no one at all.
It’s just like bouncing a basketball or throwing a football.
Time alone is very quiet and peaceful.
Where drummers beat and they give the time a beat full.
It’s like living a peaceful life.
And being someone’s wife.
It’s like dying alone.
Where no one realizes that you are gone.

The Secrets You Kept
by Joseph Cole

Can you look into a mirror?
Can you look at yourself?
Can you love me enough to lie?
Can you look at me and tell me you love me?
You can’t...
Because as you look at me.
You can’t look at me.
You have too much pity and you’re not ready
to love.
Your personality is not up to par.
You’re not in my league.
But as I ask you, can you look
in a mirror?
For My Ladies
by Joyce Robinson
For my ladies who don’t love yourself..
Don’t worry about what this or that person says about you.
Just keep doing you, you know...going to school.
And don’t worry about anyone else.
When you think that for talking about people
you’ll receive gold.
And if you’re doing wrong.
You never know you might end up getting swung on.
Believe me you’ll get back in the wrong way
what you sold.
Also don’t worry about all the material things.
Because one day you’ll be able to buy everything.

© copyrights 2005 by the students of South Shore High School