Poetry: "Be True to Yourself"

Be True to yourself...
Speak up!
don't sit down
express yourself
don't tell yourself
open up
dont shut down
Rise Above
don't lean against it's time to
man up And be true to yourself
or lie to your self and lay there And
bleed.

ZH, age 17

Poetry: "Sweet" and "Why?"

Sweet is the sound of falling rain,
and the stream that leaps from hill to plain,
but better than rain or rippling streams
is water hot that smokes and steams.

I sometimes ask God why?
Why him? Why now?
What has he done to deserve this?
He's done everything you asked.
And yet you still can't save him.
I need him here to coach me. I can't settle
for a sub.
I need him on this earth to guide me
Please don't take him from me.
Why him? Why now?

WE

Everyone Has a Story: "My Story"

Mine began when I was 5 years old and my mother split up with my fater. I was so upset about it I cryed. Then we went to pick up this misterious man that my mom new but me & my 2 sisters didn't, and the second he got in the car I knew with all my heart, I hated & disliked this man. I'm not talking about just any old hatred I'm talking the kind of hate you have towards those who torcher people for the pleasure of themselfs. I remember it was my 6th birthday my mom was at work & this man came home & thought it was funny to assault my sisters & for anyone who knows me if anybody touches my sisters i would seek revenge.

This man seemed to know this & wanted so to speak to get rid of me so he cut me open with a sergical knife from hip to hip & I ended up passiley. My mom came home two to five minutes later & found me outside under the tree with my stepdad over me crying & he said to her he fell. Like any other mom she would believed him & took me to the emergency room. I with a scar to prove it was revived but this was just the beginning. I soon reach age 8 & got me & my two beautiful sisters out of that house & into foster care. I'll never forget that because the look upund my moms face dug into me like that knife my stepdad hurt me with.

She was sad & so was I. I soon found he beat my mom and tortured her. She ended up with plates in her face & received a tumor & is struggling. even though she gave us up for him I realize that she was protecting me & my sisters. I'll alway remember that & that's why she's the hardest to replace & is my number one hero.

AS, age 16

Class Poetry: "Take a Look and Tell Me"

Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

A gang member who's trying to find her way out. 

Pushin her way through the dark clouds

hoping one day she will find the light

that everyone says is so bright.

Im going to make it cuz I told god I would

change my ways for my daughter, my father,

and my family. They believe in me they never let me fall.

But that one guy that threw me to the wall. he always

let me fall always had to hit always had to fight he 

turned my life to the blackest of night. 

MS, age  16

------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

A young man stuck in DT

with no place to be

with all the troubles he may see

waiting for his court date to see 

if he'll be free

RE, age 16

------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

A big black hole swallowing everything in sight of me.

Then I see a bit of crap that I let dwell

deep inside getting shoved back while

Everything keeps piling on top of me an

there is greatness locked in a chest

titled DO NOT OPEN ME. So I am forever

searching for that key and with help from

few I can be just like you.

SN, age 17

------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

I see kid that now has bin lock 

up for a min but now I em in it to 

wen it. I cant wate to get out of here

so I can go live with no fear. I em going to 

stear in the clear and be good.

MN, age 15

------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

A kid who doesn't like being in this facility

but has an opportunity to change his life

so i can be out and have kids and a wife

but first i must change my ways

to be happy and enjoy the rest of my days.

AR, age 17

------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

Im sorry for what I did if I could

change it you no I would. But I 

can't and I no I should. If you 

could would you pleez help me.

I found my way to seccess and these 

words are true. Being locked up isitent the way 

I want to go and now I no what I want in my life.

FC, age 13

Class Poetry: "Take a Look and Tell Me"

Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
me in recovery waiting to get out and see my lady. I just found out she has my baby. Can't wait to feel the first kick but till then I'll watch time tick it makes me sick that it had to come to this to finally click. Life has hit me like a thousand pound brick. My whole life I've been a royal prick. Playing life like it's a car trick time to not be a fool and get back in school, time to help my baby never gonna have to be shady towards my baby got to set a good example and prove lifes not just a free sample its a test forget the rest when I'm with my familys when I feel best. No more drugs or running with thugs. Just us.
CM, age 16

------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
I see a man, strong and fearless as a lion, as delecate and peaceful as a dove,
but like a lone wolf, denying and never seeking love, what I see is my destiny
carved by my desire to lead, I was birthed by darkness, throngs the pain I've gained.
I hold the sun and the moon in my hands and with that I have belong the right hand of death.
JP, age 16

------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
A kid who doesn't like poetry is what I see. I'd rather be stung by a poisonous bee. Or get run over by a SUV, or be swallowed up by a giant squid in the sea because I do not do poetry.
MT, age 16

------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
I look in the mirror and i ask myself why,
why did you do this to yourself was your life not good enough,
why didn't you play the tape to the end before making your decision
do you realize how deep your whole is dug, do you realize you have to make things right
and fill that hole back in, do you really? I do
JC, age 17

------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
Someone who loves so deep to imagine
someone who cares and gets sad over the tease of others.
Someone who forgot the battle and has now won.
And finally someone who is remembered for great things.
AS, age 16

------------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

a very confused person

who is very infused with strange things, intell that day finaly came

where someone came along & defused that destructive behaver.

When i look back i can't help but pack my backpack & move forward

in hopes of my baby never sayin maybe one day she will be a younge

lady. im hopin she dont go after some dude that act a fool like i did. 

But hey look who the fool is now not me. i got my head on straight.

What about you? 

SC, age 16

------------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

A muslim

who got knowledge and wisdom.

I aint shady

but sometimes I'm crazy

when I come around

they bow down

cause I got that crown

yes Im that queen bee

so, step and see

or fall back

and get smacked.

TP, age 17

------------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

A soul trying so hard to be

But hasn't yet found a way to agree

with all the conflict inside of me

the fire the ice enough to make the

biggest men flee so take a look

And tell me what you see in me 

And tell me what you think I should be.

ZH, age 17

------------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see

I see a young man

A young man trying to succeed

A young man going through a hard time

But this young man 

He can succeed

He has the potential to succeed

But this young man keeps messing up

But he has tried and tried to succeed

Finaly he has succeeded

Finaly he is free

GL, age 16

Everyone Has a Story: "Saving My Family"

I was looking for his "stash." I found it-- a box full of pills, baggies of coke, vials of heroin, and a pipe of weed. "This is whats hurting this family," I said. I got it and I went in our backyard. I got the lighter that was in there and I got the kerosine that was in the garage. I put the box on the ground and filled it full of kerosine, then I made a trail of it so it wouldn't explode in my face, right when I lit it, he came home. He went immediatly to his room to look for the "stash." I heard him yelling in anger at how he knew it was there.

He rushed outside and came at me with his fists clenched. I was ready but he didnt go to me, he went to the fire, he put out his hands in it and yelped in pain. "WHAT THE *&^%$& DID YOU DO?!?!" I said that I was fixing this family from your addiction. He hit me with his fists. I hit the ground and went unconsious. I woke up about 5 hours later in ICU. I didn't say anything about his hitting me to the doctors, but I had a bruise in the shape of a fist and a split scalp from the rock. That was my first time going unconsious. He never did stop and he routinely hit me after that.

I will never forgive him for the drugs he used. That's why I will never do drugs.

L.S., age 14

Everyone Has a Story: "My Dad's Last Words"

I felt pretty special to be sitting in the front seat on the way to school. Mom never let me sit up front, but Dad didn't mind it much as long as I buckled up. I loved how Dad drove. He had a lead foot and loved speed as did I.

It was silent in the car, and I hated it. After a period of long silence I reached up for the volume knob and turned the music up. After a few seconds, Dad turned it back down. "Hey, I like that song, Dad," I said though I really didn't recognize the song. I just hated the dead air.

"First grade, huh?" he said half-smiling at me. "You're getting old." I just smiled and nodded my head, silence almost came instantly again. The trees and houses we were passing seemed to be going by more slowly. Dad was slowing down.

"I'm going to miss you." I cocked my head back and nudged him in the shoulder. "Dad, Mom is dropping me off at your house tonight. I'll see you then." More silence as we pulled up to the elementary drop-off. We gently rolled to a hault. He parked the car and got out and came to my side. I hopped out of the car and we started for the door. Dad never walked me to the door, but yet I can't say I didn't like it. It was just weird, he was being weird.

We made it to the front door, and I reached for the handle to walk in, but Dad stopped me. He kneeled down next to me and looked in my eyes. A tear began to form in the corner of his eye until it began to trickle down his face.

"I love you, Son." I reached up and grabbed his cheek and wiped the tear from his cheek. He hugged me tightly and when we finally un-clinged from each other, I pulled back and put my hand on his shoulder.

"You're being kinda silly, Dad. But I love you too." With that he got up and walked to the car. I turned and walked through the door, not knowing that that would be the last time I would see him alive.

I sat there on the porch after school ended, waiting for my mother. Two hours had elapsed. My teacher came out and told me she got ahold of my mother and that she would be here shortly. Sure enough my mother came around the corner and pulled up to the drop-off.

She looked awful. Smeared makeup on her face was noticeable, and so were her puffy eyes. She had been crying. I know she had been.

Later that night, I learned that my father committed suicide. Fire burned my heart, and pain immensely took over my body. I cherished his last words to me, "I love you."

Everyone Has a Story: "My Life Story"

My life story. I have had a hard life. I have been to detention 2 times. I've been to a rehab center and now here. I have a step dad that is abusive, he hits and pushes my mom and he chokes her. I have been so scared most of the times. I want to stop him but I'm afraid he will hurt me. He does pot everyday. He has pushed and thrown me before. I have been really stressed out because of it.

I started doing drugs and then my life went downhill. I have always wanted to become a racer and go pro. When I get out I am going to change and become a racer and not do drugs because my mom and me are going to move away from him and because I want to change. I don't want my mom feeling like she doesn't know where I am. I want her to feel that I am safe, not doing drugs, and not getting in trouble. That is my highest of the most highest goal. I NEED to do for her, myself, and my brother. My mom is going to get a divorce with my stepdad and get a new boyfriend. He is pretty cool. I hope my mom is happy with my disitions [decisions] when I get out.

CBP, age 13

Why I do what I do in Juvenile Detention -- by Sarah

The Starfish Story  

Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. 

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out.  If I don't throw them back, they'll die."

"Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf.  

Then, smiling at the man, he said "I made a difference for that one."

With thanks to Mr. Spense for reminding me of this.... 

Everybody Has a Story: Its not no Fairytell

You know when your kid lifes supposed to be fun and games.... mine was kind of like hell. When I was young I had to watch my mom and dad fight over who got the last hit from the pipe or who gets the last pills. My house was never normal. My mom was gang related and that's how she taught me... ever since I was young that what Ive known how to live on the streets and how to handle my own. My dad was tired of my moms gangster friends so he told us he was going to work and never came home. Thats when everything went crazy!

My life went even more downhill. My older cousin was molesting me every day and my mom was to high to believe me. I hated everyone. The only ones I had were my sisters. Our mom was into drugs, alcohol, and her new boyfriend.... I was scared to be in my own house because my mom and stepdad were always drunk and fighting. I really tough I had no one. My sisters were always busy partying and my dad was gone. I didnt go to school that much because my mom would always have an excuse to keep me home.

A couple years went by and my mom was really sick. She was having a lot of ceasures and one time her friend was over and my mom started having another ceasure and then she stopped breathing. We called the ambulance and they came and took her. When me my sisters and my aunt got to the hospital the doctor told us they had to pump her stomache to get the drugs out. When they did that water got in her lungs and gave her namonia. My mom was really mad that she was in the hospital and when we were talking to the doctor my mom checked herself out. She wasn't in her room so we asked a nurse where she went and she told us and we all were so mad.

We went home and my mom was already in her room. I was going to go and talk to her but my aunt said she would later that night. My mom called me upstairs to talk. I told her I was mad at her and didn't want to. She said "mija porfavor. Im sorry. Please just lay in bed with me porfavor." I told her no.... the last thing I told my mom was I hate you! For half the night she was calling my name and I layed there awake crying until it stopped. the next morning I went to tell her I was going to school and that I love her and she was dead overdosed, took the easy way out!

Thats when it hit me you never know what you got tell its gone. So I moved out here with my dad and Ive been in and out of DT and programs ever since. Everyone says Im just like my mom a gangbanger who only cares about the homies and meth! Thats not true. I care about my family but people dont get it. The world is a messed up place. It's not no fairytell.

Poem: Helping Hands

When you want to cry
or even die
you need to understand
& take the helping hand
when your nee's are on the ground
you hear two sounds
the sound of your fear
it seem's so queer
when you hear the right voice
you feel so rejoice
so you start to feel
emotions that are real
now you understand
you should take a helping hand.

A.A., age 15

Everybody Has a Story: Part 1

My name is A and one of my story is when i lost my brouther. My brouther whent at a party in Africa and then we hade a lot of fun then we where geting ready to eat somthing they tried to poison me and my brouther and they put poison in my food but i said I wasent hungry. And my brouther was starving so he ate his food then after that me and my brouther left then my brouther said "I dont feel good." Then after that it was dark out and we where walking then sombody came out of the bushes and shot my brother in the head. Then i ran away the guy was chasing me then i came to my friends house i went in my friends house. Then my friends dad came out whith a gun and shot the guy.

I was scared that night i dreamed about what happed to my brouther and i woke up in the middle of the night and i stared crying. Then my friend walked in the room he saw me crying and asked me "what's the matter?" I said "Dont worrey about it" after that he left to his room then the next day me and my friend where walking to school we whear late to school and the theacher asked us where we where. Then me and my friend where scared because me and him where late to class so the teacher got mad and beat us up with a stick. Then after school me and my friend where walking down the street when we went to the park. Then me and my friend wher sitting at the swings then this car came out of no whear then shot my friend when i saw my friend die i ran away as fast as i could then i finaly got away from the guy who was shooting at us.

My friend died but i lived so know i tell my story from my life and after my friend died i went to the doctor to see if i was okay the doctor saied  i had mindproblems or i will get mind problems if i saw sombody ied. Then one year latter i stared seeing diead people and i would talk to theam but they would just stay there and stear at me. i was scared but it looked alive the onley way i knew was my mom was walking then she walked right through him. i told my mom did you saw that kid staning there she said what kid then walked away i knew it was my friend.

A. age 13