Hoodies Richard Ho (2022) The polyester and cotton wrap my skin. In its warmth I swim in. It gives me this sense of security, A bit of peace in my mind. Hoodie down to take everything in, And hoodie up to block everything incoming. Hoodies to keep me warm, Hoodies that make me sweat. Hoodies are a force fields protecting you from the breeze, And from unwanted bees.
Ivana Wu (2025)
Russell Sebastián Díaz (2022) Westbrook triple dub. Hit the corner of the backboard. Inefficiency. Complete playoffs choke artist. Ha, Westbrook more like Westbrick.
The Perspective of the Younger Sibling Elena Toro (2022) Sitting here all I can think about is time The time wasted, the time gone by When I could’ve done so much more. I see the old stickers, the pictures, the notebooks with the old scribbles they made during classes I like to think I know their thought process behind it, The scribbles meant they were frustrated, and the rewrites simply mean they were not going to erase their mistake, simply just start again, in a new line in a new way. How did it go by so fast? How are those memories so old now? I can point out everything in this room and tell you where it's from, But never why it’s there. I don’t have to sit here and reminisce, but I can’t walk away either, But let me sit on it for just one more moment, one more minute; Let me just remember, let me catch the mistakes and try to start a new line. Maybe scribble some moments, but never erase them, Do they think the same?
Marin Gezymalla (2024)
The String Carlos De Ontañón (2022) I will never forget my first visit to el Viejo San Juan. The expansive grasslands Dancing at the hands of a light winter breeze, Varying figures of warm and vibrant color contrasting the sky’s blue hues. The lack of predictability in their movements, Their strive to soar higher despite the string having reached its end, Their displays of disobedience to the wind and human in control, It all reminded me of my people. Of our needs And of our hopes Of the beauty that accompanies our attempts to go beyond. Our attempts to enforce change, To free ourselves from the shackles of those that came before us.
Poem #1 Madison Christiansen (2022) Current student, future journalist, Madison Christiansen: ‘Eye Catching quote/title.’ What is it about manga that makes students like Madison spend hours crafting and publishing manga-related collage and scrapbook content? Madison Christiansen is laughing as she tells the story of when she first discovered manga. A cliff -hanger of an unfinished anime tv series led her to satisfy and close in on the ending, through a Japanese styled comic. “I underestimated the consequences of that first manga!” she says in a video chat with her friend. Just one panel displays a detailed fragment of artwork among the entities of a narrative masterpiece. Seventeen year old Madison continues reading a variety of mangas to this day and cannot imagine a life without it. She describes to the audience the diligence and hard work of the mangaka (manga artist) and the complex beauty of art and story within the online or physical pages. A journaling hobby as a constant since elementary, Madi decided to combine her love for manga and journaling into one. In a social media reel she explains her growing passion for scrapbooking and collecting school supplies ever since she could remember. “The pandemics quarantine unlocked a creative symptom in me and I put to use all of my collected stickers and pens.” Reviewing and rating different anime, arcs, movies, mangas, narratives, and characters by artistically journaling and scrapbooking, Madi’s two new hobbies took a shape of their own. Christiansen explains to us the process of her entries. “First deciding on content, whether that be a character, show, anime or whatever comes to mind, I then decide on a color palette for the spread, and using Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration I start journaling.” Using washi-tape and scrap papers as a base she then prints and strategically cuts images allowing space for her writing. Her last but favorite part is decorating, where she goes all out with stickers, glitter, and tape. According to a social media live stream, the most difficult and time consuming part is lettering. Practicing calligraphy for a year and half, Madi still has yet to completely perfect the technique; however, with use of a variety of brush pens she has mastered shadowing, double, and ombre lettering.
Mary Jane Sims (2022)
Mr. Blanket Stanley Cheng (2022) Through cold nights, he hugs me tight. Through the pores of his body, I can see the furnace’s light. As the night grows old, the clock ticks through time. Just for one more night, he will be mine. As morning comes by, he takes a long bath. While I wait for him to dry, I go and do some math. My mom hands him back to me and I put him on. With him on my body, all my chills are gone.
Change Carolina Alvarado (2022) Calling my parents every day to see how their day went is going to be my new routine. Having to adapt to new surroundings and unfamiliar places is hard. Anxiously waiting for the moment to go back home is going to be my everyday thought. Not having my family close is going to make me independent. Going to college is going to be a new chapter in my life. Even though I am going to be far from home, home will always be with me.
The best sing-along you ever did see Mariana Toro (2022) Let me be your complication Let me be the noise that ruins your sleep. When you wake up, you’ll come looking for me And I’ll be your source of peace Be my rock, And I’ll be yours. Keep me in your thoughts, walk through my open door. I’ll wait by the piano, To sing you this song. If you walk in I hope that with a smile, You’ll sing along.
Tatiana Porrata (2024)
The Amazing World of Madi Mila De Félix (2022) You are from the fantasy world of manga, from collecting Mario Kart figurines and Pokemon cards. You are from Ocean Park and the world of Hello Kitty, from an organized, cozy room, from colorful stationery, and from platform shoes. You are from your Lo-fi and hype music, from the calligraphy in your journals, from the pictures on your walls. You are from the smell of sweet vanilla, and the color purple, from the 3 G’s, from the world of Cancer, and the tendencies of Virgo. You are from JSA debating and “puertorrican slang.” You are from depop and everything Kawaii, from soft silky hair and Japanese candy, from “Cochin,” Itachi and Gojo, and from my heart.
Marina Pascual (2023)
Those Heavenly Beings Natán Lago (2022) Doesn’t matter if you believe In the Gods or the Allahs, At the end of the day Nobody’s gonna watch our lives. These figures may be true But how will we really know? Sometimes we need to take a moment To see if it's all a show. We all think about society And how it comes down to religion, But when I see others suffering Did God make that decision?
Your tears crystal Javier Ríos (2022) Your tears crystal Your heart stone You shot me with a pistol While I thought you were my own Laughing at my tears Observing my thoughts Very delighted Expressing my love
Where I come from Sebastián Díaz (2022) I come from two big families. Two families with very hardworking people in them. People who did not grow up with much and wanted better lives for them and their families. People who bought 3 dollar shoes and had to work before they were even 15 years old. Two parents who taught me everything is possible because of their own experiences. I come from large family gatherings. Going to Corozal and Canovanas to see our grandparents who are like a beacon for our family. I come from Chinchorreando and throwing family parties until well past midnight. Going to Sanse with my cousins and my friends. I come from beautiful beaches and bright sun. From ancient Spanish architecture and a unique Spanish dialect. From tostones y arroz con habichuelas. Yo soy de Puerto Rico.
Beatriz García (2025)
My Future Elías Ortega (2022) Where will I go, What will I become, All of these uncertainties Begin to fill my head I try to run away, But my future catches up to me I don’t know if I should stay, But I want what is best for me I tell myself that it'll be ok But it's almost too late Can’t take time back No matter how hard I pray In the end, Everything turns out fine Gotta live everyday As if it were the end of my life.
Where I’m from Elena Toro (2022) I am from crazy From broken dvd players and off brand princesses I am from the midnight fireworks From learning English because of Spongebob I am from too many aunts, uncles, and cousins I am from my grandmother’s tiny pancakes and my aunts questionable lasagna From café con leche pero sin azúcar From forced runs and bike rides From Juan Luis Guerra and Elton John From weekend boat trips and sticky sunblock I am from the random friends met at the beach I am from my messy Spotify playlists From the Land of Stories saga, all 6 of them I am from card games in old camp cabins From my grandmother’s annual family Christmas vacations I am from the collected city maps of some of the places I’ve been From my ever growing snowglobe collection I am from a broken brain that cannot unlock anymore memories until commanded to I am from overthinking From a bedroom that acts as more as a safe haven And my best friend’s house becoming a second home I am from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Paula Padró (2024)
Lust Maite Morales (2022) I wish I could understand the need The lust for attention I wish not to mislead But to help establish the tension As horrible as a nosebleed I miss you and being with you is my only intention I lust for your love in high speed My pride goes away, you’re the only exception
Coffee Coffee, oh my dear coffee Emily Montes (2022) The first thing I think about in the morning My motive to wake up Some call it an elixir Others, a drug . Coffee coffee, oh my dear coffee After the first sip I am reawaken I can not leave without a mug French press, espresso machine, cold brew, drip, or suphone I don't care Any method is perfect Just for me and not to share Coffee coffee, oh my dear coffee.
Forced to write a poem Catalina Montalvo (2022) Have you ever been forced to write a poem? Hours, hours, hours pass. Laying in my bed. Thinking of nothing but the movie Ted. Writer's block is an understatement. I just kept dragging my feet across the pavement. What to write, oh what to write. Maybe about how to win in a fight? Hours, hours, hours pass. My brain basically mush. So many ideas yet, I'm beating around the bush. Do I rhyme? I’ve heard it’s supposed to rhyme. This is going to take all my time. Hours, hours, hours pass. Metaphorical or literal? Should I be conservative or more liberal? What time is it? How long have I been here? Now it’s all clear. The poem is finally here.
Rania Marrero (2025)
Adam’s Ale Mila De Félix (2022) Feminine and intuitive, The most Yin of the five elements. Passive and nurturing, The dear child of the moon. Like a river, I run deep Intensely graced by water I am. A hostage of the fantasy world And a prisoner to the frames of mind. Calm like the sea. Intense like the force of a torrential rain, Ruled by Neptune and affixed to the fish. It’s the piscean glow inside of me. The magic liquor desired by the body, mind and soul. The cleansing element that glides through my hair And purifies my brain. The element that gives me life, Yet drowns me of it. It is water.
Acronym Gabriela Lantigua (2022) Going for a run to escape reality As I run with the wind I feel myself escape from your possession Ballads being sang by the clouds as I dash for one last time Running through your subconscious I now see the truth It's not real, it has never been Even when you say you love me Lies lies lie to me one more time Ask you if you love me, lie one more time
Ilusha Hill (2025)
Fries Madison Christiansen (2022) “Look, a bird!” “No, I know you just want to steal one of my fries,” she said, waving a french fry in front of his face. “Why do you do this to me? You know what I want, but you…” “I what?” “You never share your food with me,” he said, energetically avoiding a slip of the tongue. “I haven't eaten all day, and this is my lunch break.” “Blah blah blah,” he said, imitating her nagging. “If you really want something to eat then why don't you order yourself some fries and stop bothering me.” “Don’t you get it? I can order a million fries with all the sauces, cheeses, dips, and toppings, but if I did that, I wouldn’t be able to annoy you and see that ugly expression on your face.” “Wow, how convenient,” she said, rolling her eyes as she checked her watch. All the city background noises suddenly stopped, she continued to eat as they both sat quietly. Avoiding eye contact, both their expressions changed. “David, you should stop visiting me on my lunch breaks.” “I know,” he said softly, “My therapist told me the same thing.” Their eyes finally met for the first time in a long time. “It’s funny," he chuckled. “It's funny how everyone points to a direction demanding me to follow, but what if I don’t want to. Don’t I have that right?” She looked at David with teary eyes full of sorrow. As soon as their eyes met, he picked up his things and stood up from the table. “Bye Dianne, I don't think I'll hold seeing that expression yet.”
Take Me Home Victoria Kaufer Casas (2022) Going up the stairs of el Totem, me and my friends feeling ready Spotting El Morro, surrounded by that itchy, bright green grass Shining on us all day was the sun, warm and steady Smelling a wide range of odors, which depends on the place we pass. Drinking a piragua is an experience I would recommend Driving over the ‘adoquines,’ the cars make a sound I enjoy Seeing so many adoquines, you don't even know where they end Dancing with children is the water, an apparent consensus that produces joy. Partying in Old San Juan is an activity many do Searching for a parking takes a lot of time, but it’s not even that bad Looking around, I see lost tourists, miscellaneous shops, musicians, friends, and families too Hanging on the historic building walls are the portraits of all the politicians the island has had. Finding your Uber driver is a difficult task as his location is never the one that is shown Its myriad of colors can be seen everywhere from dusk until dawn Happiness comes easily as San Juan makes me feel at home And no matter where I am, this is a feeling that will never be gone.
Chloe Lawrence (2025)
The Love Within Me Katie Jurgel (2022) The gleam from the window, wakes my mind. To which you wait for my heartful caress. To bind our fortunes, damn what the stars own. Severed our discomforts, then our love professed. A caring, loving, intertwining feel that binds our hearts. I wake; you're the first I wish to be by. Your scent- vanilla pure, milky sweet. To dream of golden locks is simple, yet soothing. Of green hazel eyes, glistening as you weep. My spirit I will follow into the dawn. To find your heart, its passion is displaced. My thoughts are ever growing, warming to a blaze. Surrounded by the cold to hold you in a heated embrace. I wake; you're the first I wish to be by. Your scent- vanilla pure, milky sweet. To dream of golden locks is simple, yet soothing. Of green hazel eyes, glistening as you weep. I know not if fate would let us live as one. Or if by true love we've been bound. Those nights we lived through, when it all began. Did it forge a love we might never have found. I wake; you're the first I wish to be by. Your scent- vanilla pure, milky sweet. To dream of golden locks is simple, yet soothing. Of green hazel eyes, glistening as you weep. The love that we have, always reaches new peaks. Never down on its knees, always on its feet. You can never leave me, you dwell deep within me. Your smile, your love, your joy, it’s all ingrained in me.
The Loneliest Instrument Ignacio García (2022) The piano is a truly beautiful thing, The memorable sound and finely tuned strings, The sets of chords and musical stings, Leave such an impact that lets the music cling. Now the piano plays a lonely song, For the hands that once played it are gone. The rust in the strings turned all the notes wrong, And the days it spent in sorrow were long. One day, a new hand played its old, rusty keys, Small hands learning how to play, it seems. And through constant playing, after countless days, These unintelligible notes turned into symphonies. Now the piano plays a lovely tune, For the hands that play it very caringly move. The keys whose notes used to depressingly gloom, Now play beautiful sounds that can make flowers bloom.
A Fool for Loving You Julieta Bruno-Ferré (2022) Just as I thought U and I were forever Loving and caring I now know myself a fool Eating up your lies Trusting and believing you Alas, I leave you.
My light in the dark Juan Cabrera (2022) The midnight star You were here this whole time And somehow I didn't see you Hidden away by the jealous sun at day Shining so bright at night and I never looked up Now it's too late and your light is beginning to fade I wish I could fly I wish I could soar the sky I wish I could see you again, eye to eye My midnight star
Sofia Corral (2022)
No Return Diego Curet (2022) I see nothing I only see black I've gone blind But it was my choice So much in this world But most of its material And in terms of its value I see nothing The colors of the world Have all faded from view With all the vibrant shades gone I only see black I hate what I see I no longer want to be a part of it To all these problems I've gone blind I leave now I am finally free I've left this world behind But it was my choice
Present, past, future Maite Morales (2022) Expectations ruined my present I am the only one to blame I want to live differently Life shouldn't be lived in a hurry Ages three to eleven flew by fast Innocence quickly became part of my past I wish I had realized how valuable each age was Expectations ruined my present Everything seemed new From hanging out to having my first sip of alcohol Now everything just seems the same I am the only one to blame I dream about being free And complacent swimming in the sea Now I just worry about my future I want to live differently I know everything will fall into place But I wonder why humans never really appreciate their age Am I running out of time? Life shouldn't be lived in a hurry
Where I’m from Diego Curet (2022) I remember flying my kite while eating piraguas My piragua melted and my kite flew away Such sadness I still remember to this day Waiting for Rosselló to pay Going to the cathedral to pray Hoping for the wonderful aroma of food to stay Walking through the cobblestones, my heel broke I ate my chicken tenders at Casa Cortés while my brother said a joke I was completely surprised when a chorrito came out of the floor, causing me to almost choke Red, blue, pink, and yellow, from below La Perla says hello Walking with my head up admiring el totem, trying not to cry Hanging out with my friends, policemen everywhere catch my eye I recalled when I learned about a famous privateer failing to invade this city of mine Taking an Uber and being dropped off super far away to get into VSJ for Sanse This is my land, full of people free like the wind in El Morro.
Jack Griffin (2023)
Love is a game Julieta Bruno-Ferré (2022) I loathe the days when we used to Lay under the stars talking about what awaits for us Oblivious to the plan you had already made Very empty is the bed where we used to lay. Every night I think, Did he truly love me? Your flattery clouded your fraudulent actions Our love to you was merely another game to be played, Utterly proving how I am nothing to you.
Where I am From Robert Boada 2022 When the sun rises I am already working I come from a place of pride and victory There is no antidote against me All you can do is kill me And even from my grave I will still come for you I am tearing out your feathers They are flying all the way up to the clouds You can't even measure up to my knees This island that I live in has taught me everything It has made me tough But gentle to the touch.
Race to the finish Adriana Alvarado (2022) Fast, like the speed of light, In a blink of an eye it's gone But you never give up the fight Not stopping till dawn Only winning the race out of spite The race is like a game and you are a pawn Like fire ready to ignite Waiting for the flag to signal “GO ON”