Anthology of Poems

“ALL THE THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW” POET

Fate is grievous, Fong Xin Nee
One day, if you look back,
It is already the clouds and smoke of the past, Hi everyone. I’m Fong Xin Nee. I’m a form 4
student studying at Methodists’ Girls School. As
The wind will disperse. for my hobbies , I’m quite interested in drawing
and reading novels in my free time. Not only that
There is a long way to go in life, , I like to listen to some relaxing music and watch
And it is uncertain who will be brilliant at the end of your some movies like crime or adventure. My dream
is to become a forensic inspector as I was
life. interested in crime-related novels or movies. In
No matter how fine you are and how superior you feel, light of that fact , I want to examine evidence
You should also differentiate between life and others. from a crime scene using strictly scientific
knowledge and principles in order to find facts
No matter how substandard you are, about a criminal case to help innocent people.
Don’t feel inferior or give up.

Believe in yourself, work hard and insist,
Everyone can do it.

When you have everything,
Should you understand that life is not easy to get?

No matter how much you save,
You should learn to cherish it.

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POET “THE GREATNESS OF BEING UNCONSCIOUS”

Angelina Liew Xue En Carefree, cheery, serene and unworried,
The luxury of a relaxed state of mind,
Hello! I am Angelina Liew, but I am called
Angeline by most. I guess they're just not familiar A life without anxiety and concern,
with my name. I am 16-year-old currently I was over the moon,
attending Methodist Girls' School in Perak, Dancing and humming,
Malaysia. I do consider myself a curious person,
I am constantly trying out new things and Being the main character in my own Disney movie,
finding new hobbies. I love watching There was no better place I could be in,
psychological thriller Netflix series and I enjoy I was reluctant to open my eyes.
playing sports too! Sometimes, I do research on
topics that aren't taught in school, they really Distressed, agitated, perturbed and uneasy,
pique my interest. The dread of a disturbed state of mind,

A life where I was repeatedly reminded of reality,
I was feeling blue,

Biting my lip and unable to sleep at night,
It was the worst of the worst,
I know I don’t belong here,
I just want to escape reality.

Perhaps I was the most content,
When I was asleep,

The worst nightmare could still be better
Then reality itself,
Break me free,

Or I might just sleep a little longer.

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“FRETFUL REALM”

Dear self, POET
How does it feel?
The numerical 0.00 flashing on an ATM machine, Diarshana a/p Nagaraju
Renting a house with a low ceiling,
Buying pre-packaged food on a survival quotidian, Hi! I'm Diarshana a/p Nagaraju, most mistakenly
Managing debts fated as a commonplace. pronounced as 'dia sana' which stands for 'she’s/he’s there'
in Bahasa Melayu. I'm a 16-year-old teenager studying in
Dear self, Methodist Girls' School located in Perak, Malaysia. Well,
Remember the bygone? I’m someone who binge watches Netflix series almost all
When adult is what you called ‘my philosophy’, day, welcome to my life! I addition I enjoy trying out new
When flourishing is your greatest desire, activities.
When wanting to be tall is something to thrive,
When you were eager to see your older self in the mirror.

Dear self,
Remember the juvenile you?
When low ceiling houses was an idealistic place,
Not for the value it holds,
Howbeit a place where you felt laid-back,
Laid-back that your balloon won’t fly to an inaccessible height.

Dear self,
Time flies inevitably so does ideology,

Avail the time you have,
As an adolescent,

Eradicate the fretful realm hereafter,
There is more to come.

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DPS-MODERN INDIAN SCHOOL, DOHA
Website : https://www.dpsmisdoha.com/DPSDoha/

In the present scenario, when the world is already collaborating, joining hands for development, or
fighting against adversities, it is indeed necessary that such aptitude is developed among the students
from an early age. Keeping this in mind, DPS-Modern Indian School participated in the International
Collaborative Project – AROUND THE WORLD-AN ANTHOLOGY OF POEMS initiated by DPS-
Gurgaon, India.
It was a great learning experience for the students. They deliberated on the current issues, shared
their ideas, developed an independent thinking, and learned the art of communication with clarity. It
was an opportunity for the participants to delve deep into the topics, view the situations from
different perspectives, connect emotionally and express their thoughts in the most creative ways.
Thank you DPS Gurgaon for this opportunity!
Ms. Smita Garg
Educator

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POET “CIGAR”

Azhar Jaleel Muhammed My feet produced crackles of black straw,
That shrouded the silent village beneath.
Azhar Jaleel Muhammed is a tenth grader at DPS-Modern Indian School, In that chilling air, oh, the sights I saw:
Doha Qatar. Apart from crafting experiential and confessional poems for Desolate survivors mourning their kith,
leisure, he writes for competitions and his blog. He also contributes to the In the dim ambience of that sunless dawn.
school’s blog and its publications. He loves deciphering short yet figurative
and symbolic poetry. Besides this, he has participated in national and How would have been that long battle for breath?
international debate tournaments. When smoke clouded up, they dared against death.

Their huts of straw became wild falls of fire.
Amongst the debris, with remorse there lay,

A cigar dropped before that fateful day.

“SOLDIER”

He strode in silver armour,
Geared with a sword.

But turned around once more
To bid a last adieu for evermore,
To an anticipant mother and son,
Then face back at the Gorgon,

With serpents for hair
And a countenance that glares;
One that petrifies another to stone.

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x POET

“A KNOT OF PERFECTION” Fatima Najah

It is all behind the screen, I’m Fatima Najah, a student of grade 10 at DPS-Modern Indian
Barely comes out of it, School, Doha , Qatar. You know you are reading my profile
for a reason, poetry. I’ve been writing poems since the age I
To meet what the reality has been. learnt what one is. I like some other things too, like dancing,
All the fantasies in words in a pit. story writing and art. I like how we can simply express
ourselves creatively when it comes to these things. I’m never
All the things we have ever known, going to get tired of things that I like and I’m looking forward
Through a screen or not, to continue and grow by what I like to do.

Has a standard made on our own. 95
In our heads, it is a tight knot.

A knot of perfection,
Our screens opened the way for.
A set of standards for our perception,

Of what is perfect at its core.

Day by day, ‘perfection’ is out of reach,
Yet, we all try to keep up with it.
Little do we know, it’s a breach,

To the laws of nature, that’s not in a pit.

By the end of the day, we deny accepting
The very fact that it’s behind a screen.
Perfection is behind it, never met reality

And never will.

“COFFEE AND LIGHT” POET

Surrounded by blinding lights of optimism Radhika Amar Desai
I have got nothing to complain in these double faced times,
I am Radhika Amar Desai, a student of Grade 12 at
But they can’t cure me, as my eyes grow narrower, DPS-Modern Indian School, Doha, Qatar. Poetry is an
I pick up a cup of steaming coffee and look at it , act of self-love for me. It is the only place where I
Don’t we all have it for the soft foam of promising practicality, can find comfort. It is as if voices inside my head
While it hides bitter and burning taste of pessimism, echo and form a beautiful melody. My life is full of
Yet addicted I drink it all, keeping the cup full with my tears ups and downs. Each experience teaches me
looking at my image formed on the window glass, something. My poems reflect my growth and how I
touch ever expanding perspectives around me.
that can be shattered by a single stone
Till the foam is kept aside and aroma enhances
And I drink hoping to be cautious, a little too conscious,

in an attempt to be awake.
While I am unaware of its half, my subconscious, where all the secrets lie,

Closing my eyes, I take a twelve step,
Whose one and two are me, and inside of me,
Resolving all the battles, they meet in present state

forgetting past and future.
Fulfilling all three needs of mine, and my soul shines just bright

Gathering it all and I am one step away
From the seven wonders of the world!
Now I see beyond the window, out of the room of insecurity,

I see what all I can achieve.

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“CITY OF STARS” POET

With no roads, buildings, or commotion, Radhika Amar Desai
City of stars shine, deeply silenced in the dark sky.
I am Radhika Amar Desai, a student of Grade 12 at DPS-
Far away and apart just like us right now, Modern Indian School, Doha, Qatar. Poetry is an act of
They are infinite yet unable to paint the melancholic sky self-love for me. It is the only place where I can find
comfort. It is as if voices inside my head echo and form
With colours of joy and life, like the sun does. a beautiful melody. My life is full of ups and downs.
I sit staring at them on the roof of my house all alone. Each experience teaches me something. My poems
reflect my growth and how I touch ever expanding
The constellations reflect in my eyes, perspectives around me.
My starlight tears soften my heart
Cultivate the plant of my soul and forest of my mind.

I break free from loneliness
For I choose to notice

incredibly beautiful patterns of my fate.
A cool and sharp breeze gently rings my ears,
While I breathe in the air, experiencing freedom,
Even in this prison covered by a huge dome.

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Specialized Educational Scientific Center Of
Novosibirsk State University

Website : https://sesc.nsu.ru/

The poetry background knowledge of my schoolchildren was revised effectively by using a
gift-book “Introduction to Literature” by Robert A. Bennett. Writing poetry has become
beneficial in several ways: practicing poetry strengthens my students’ skills in a very image-
based form of writing; using strong language; allowing them to feel, express, and to connect
with their emotions. About 30 SESC NSU students from my groups explored different
types of creative writing, pattern poetry, I am…poems, and descriptive poems. Group
discussions gave positive feedback of people's reactions and feelings, and added value to
talks, everyone. Everyone in the group represented his/her perspective. Title brainstorming
has been increasing pupils’ engagement and inspired to go a long way to generating contest
ideas.

Ms. Irina Barilenko, SESC NSU, Novosibirsk, Russia
Associate Professor, Department of Foreign Languages, Specialized Educational Scientific
Center of Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia

101

POET “THE AWAKENED SELF”

Tumen Bazarov I am motivated and flexible.
I wonder about our galaxy
My name is Tumen Bazarov, and I am a student at SESC NSU. To I hear a song of mermaid
my way of thinking, science and technology makes our lives better,
so in my studies I pay a lot of attention to Physics and Information I see a dragon
Communication Technology. In the future, I am going to be a I want to save the animals
scientist. Coupled with that, I like literature and football. My I am motivated and flexible.
favourite poem is "Waiting for the barbarians" by C.P. Cavafy. I
have been a fan of "Atletico Madrid" since my childhood. I pretend I am a wizard
I feel that everything is connected

I touch an Excalibur
I worry about ecology problems

I cry because of the warmth
I am motivated and flexible.

I understand I need to grow
I say life is a miracle

I dream about peaceful world
I try to go to my goal

I hope the world will be united
I am motivated and flexible.

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“BALANCE WITH NATURE” POET

Today the world is very cruel. Maria Shuba
People are interested in the price of fuel
My name is Maria Shuba. I am 16 years old. My hometown is
Instead of just loving Nature around Rubtsovsk which is in Altai Territory, Russia. I have been studying
And they continue to destroy the ground. at the Specialized Educational Scientific Center of NSU in
Novosibirsk for about two years. It is considered the best school
They just need to forget about money, in Siberia, Russia. I’m studying Math and English as. They are my
Get out into nature when it is sunny, favourite subjects. I am fond of swimming and dancing. I have
To be alone in the silence of the sea decided to write a poem to attract people’s attention to what and
who surrounds them and appreciate that much more. I hope the
Or just sit under a large tree. reader will think about it and look at the world in a different way.
When we are at peace with environment,

When people stop embarrassment,
Then the world would be kinder,
And a lot of happiness people will find in this.

103

“EUROVISION” POET

May – the starting contest time Nikita Svidetelev
All workers making stage
And singers ‘arrive on time’ My name is Nikita Svidetelev, and my friends call me NickSvid. I am
The TIME is EUROVISION! 16 years old. I have lived on the Sakhalin Island, but now I’m
studying at SESC NSU in Novosibirsk, Russia which is one of the
There are a lot of staging lights, best schools in my country. In general, I am a versatile person. I am
The stars of countries are on different sides, keen on studying sciences in depth such as Biology and Chemistry,
so I look after plants and do chemical experiments. And on the
Rehearsals go on days and nights, other hand, I like painting, playing the piano, singing and
All entries strong and wonderful! organizing entertainment and culture activities in my school. Also, I
love Eurovision, to see and copy entries from different countries: to
The show moves at the top, sing and set up lights on stage.
So, everyone laid out in full.
The hosts hold contest in non-stop 104

But now – the voting...
All stars believe in self

And,...
All points have just been given

Who is the winner?
Russia…may be Sweden?!
So, everything has already been known,
Mån is standing on a crystal stone
And singing his winning song.
The end of contest-That was (an)amazing show!

Specialized Educational Scientific Center Of
Novosibirsk State University

Website : https://sesc.nsu.ru/

Dear readers, I am glad to greet you from Russia. I teach the English language in the
Specialised Educational Scientific Center of Novosibirsk State University.
I am giving you the complete name of my school because I want you to realise its scientific
orientation. Peer into any classroom, and you will see that the students are so immersed in
the study of sciences that only their head tops rise above the open textbooks; they will even
excitedly discuss math problems or plasma physics in their breaks. They simply love sciences!
That is why, I decided to give my students the unusual task of writing educational or
scientific limericks that will help to awaken in others their curiosity and passion for exploring
the world.
Catchy rhyme and rhythm of limericks provide excellent means to help learners of all ages
remember more easily such things as the Pythagorean Theorem or all three Newton’s laws. I
absolutely believe learning is more effective when it is fun.
We have made our first baby steps in educational poetry, and I hope you will enjoy these
limericks.

Ms. Elena Kalneus 105
Editor, SESC NSU, Russia

!"# + %# + "# + !% ∗ '# POET
= ' − ,# + %#
Dmitry Maitak
( + ) ∗ !!
Hi, My name is Dmitry Maitak.
One hundred and twenty plus sixty 15 years ago I was born in Taishet, Siberia, and now I live in
Plus twenty plus sixteen times fifty Novosibirsk (Siberia again, but Western) and go to SESC NSU,
Divided by seven in grade IX.
And three times eleven So I can say that I’m a true Siberian.
Is five minus forty plus sixty I decided to write a mathematical limerick because I’m
interested in Math
and I was inspired by example of the math poem that my
teacher read on the English lesson.
The equation you can see here is the real limerick in fact.

106

POET There is a young alien from Mars
Who loves books about far stars.
Katya Karabut
As soon as he tries
Hi, my name is Katya. I am a student of the 10th grade of the Physics and To close his eyes
Mathematics School in Novosibirsk. He sees like he’s welcoming us.
Despite the focus of my school, I am also interested in Arts.
Limericks are similar to nursery rhymes. They are funny and easy to There was a particle named Neutrino -
remember, but they have a particular structure. Which behaved a lot like a Bambino.
I wanted to write something cute and make readers smile. Both of them were hard to clutch,
The idea of an alien came to my mind after listening to one funny song about
red stars. Every impact was so much.
Perhaps, ‘cause the names were Italiano?
POET
107
Igon Betke

Hi! My name is Igor and I study at SESC NSU in grade XI. After enrolling at the
centre, I became interested in quantum physics, while retaining my love for
literature.
I was captivated by the name neutrino, a diminutive of neutron. Neutrinos are tiny
particles that have no charge, and it was only recently discovered that they have at
least some mass.
It seems to me that this is a very promising direction in science that needs to be
popularized.

T
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A
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I
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AGA KHAN EDUCATION SERVICES, TANZANIA

Website : https://www.agakhanschools.org

The experience of writing poetry helped the students identify personal experiences that can be used
when writing. They understood the elements of poetry. They also experienced internationalism and
open mindedness.
Mr. Daniel Lazaro
Head Teacher
Ms. Vinita Tomar
Educator

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x POET

“SHACKLES” Angabile Cha Cha

We are supposed to love and guide, My name is Angabile Chacha I am a student of year 11
and lead with utmost pride, Aga Khan School, Dar es Salaam . I like to read classic
literature like Pride and Prejudice, Black Beauty and
but instead, I’m pushed to the side, Moby Dick. I love to write poems and songs so writing
Cause I'm a bit darker than my mother, is not new to me, I am 16 and I have other things to
keep me busy like studying, swimming , basketball and
a bit lighter than my sister, track but writing is my biggest passion. Writing
and I don't seem like my fathers’ daughter. Shackles was truly an eye opener and an honor for
someone of my age to write for I had not known my
Is this the world we are in today? ability to write such a poem I quite enjoyed the
People like us can't have a say, experience.
We are too angry to debate!
We are too sad to celebrate! 110

We are not gangsters to negotiate!
We go to church to sing the pain away,

Yet, it comes back the second day,
Wade in the water and come out dry,

But the sooner we are out,
The more we die.

It's always race against race,
White against black,
Hate against grace,
Love against war,
Run against walk,
It's Nothing!
I am never free,

My masters’ shackles still hang on my neck pulling me down,
The more I go the more I drown,
I listen to the sound,
Of my people around,

And still, I hear pain at the back of my head,
Am I winning?

Or did i just start from the beginning?
White always wins,

Black will always have more sins.

“WOMEN” POET

Flowers bloom then they die, Fatima Bharwani
Like women grow but in the shadows they hide,
My name is Fatimah. I am a student of year 11, Aga Khan
Outcasted by men until they wither inside, School, Dar Es Salaam. I like to read books. I like to cook
Looking after their families they silently abide, and bake as well.
To the rules society has set out for them to forever stay silent.

Women like flowers grow towards the light,
They embrace their innate power and shine with might,

No longer shackled by the chains of male dominance,
However, still seen as less than male prominence,
They continue to fight with each dying breath.
Their every effort is compared to a man’s,
If a man has not achieved something first,
Then a woman does not deserve it,

Discoveries made, children take birth, innovations designed,
Yet a woman is not worth as much as a man.

A man would be praised for his shortcomings,
Infidelity, rudeness, ego, pride,

If a woman had such qualities she’s a witch,
She cannot raise children or be a bride,
Nothing makes him less of a man,
But she will always be less than him.

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“TEACHERS” POET

Teachers the one who help embark our journey, Bhavya Ghantasala
Enlightens this path with positivity,
And always encouraging us, My name is Bhavya Ghantasala. I'm 16 years old in grade 11,
Can anyone replace them? Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School, Dar Es salaam, Tanzania.
Ha! No one can, I've been learning Bharatanatyam (a dance form originated
Every second they think for us, from South India) for almost 10 years, I've also done my
Ravishing by kind and appearance, arangetram. I also like drawing mandalas an art form.
So, thank you, for everything!

112

POET “MOM”

Jiya Fernandes She is a fighter.
Tired she is, yet keeps going.
My name is Jiya Fernandes, I am 15 years old and I study in Aga
Khan Mzizima Secondary School, in year 11. My hobbies are Worried but full of hopes,
swimming, dancing and singing. How she does it? She only knows.
Another headache, another tear,
Wanting someone to hold her near,
Doubting her future, she says life is a mess,
How she does it? She only knows.

Broken a hundred times,
Yet kept fighting, looking to a brighter day,
She says, temporary sorrows will wash away,

How she does it? She only knows.

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x POET

“LOVE” Kainaat Momin

Love is sound, My name is Kainaat Momin, student of year 11, Aga
Love heals all the wounds, Khan School, Dar Es Salaam. I am 16 years old and I
like reading classic literature and listening to music.
Love is voice,
Love’s your only choice.

Love is power,
That gets u higher,
Love is hot like fire,

Love is desire.

Love taught me to care,
And helped me share,
You make me honest,
With kindness the best.

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“TO TARAS SHEVCHENKO” Dolishniy Shepit secondary
school, Chernivtsi region,
Taras! Oh, faithful son of Ukraine!
Ages and ages worship you. Ukraine

You loved everyone, but most of all - Ukraine, POET
You’ve passed for her hard labor, it’s true
Mila Zhebchuk
Taras! Oh, Ukrainian enlightener!
You raised Ukraine from the ruins. 116
You have established the word, the word of rebirth,
The best among all empires and countries.

Taras! Oh, prophetic nation!
Your poems are the truth and the law.

"Kobzar" - sounds brave and noble,
Let people read this masterpiece with awe!

Taras! Oh, this poet is incomparable!
You are given to feel the magic of words.

You are chosen only by God,
In the midst of all bad thoughts.

Taras! Oh, the artist of all souls!
You drew your paintings with your heart.
What difference does it make who is richer and who is

poorer?
All you need is good people for your art.

Taras! Oh, human genius!
You are the one who has been heard through the centuries.

All times are submissive to you: far and near,
The years are sweet and full of memories.

Taras! Oh, savior of the nation!
We will remember you, you are in our minds.

Despite all disagreements over the years,
Shevchenko in the hearts of the mankind.

U
S
A

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WAYNE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, GOLDSBORO, NC

Website : https://www.waynecountyschools.org/wayneschoolofengineering_home.aspx

Students will be able to reflect on previous learning about poetry and the writing process and make
real world connections to present day issues and circumstances. They will be able to create their own
poem that analyzes their connection and perception of the world in which they live. Students may
describe, in simple but powerful poetic language, connections between their own experiences, society,
and other texts from around the world that have impacted them.
Ms. Laura J. Taylor
8th Grade English Language Arts

118

“THE ROSE” POET

The rose was once beautiful and blooming Leilani Sauls
Business was bustling and booming
Now the rose is wilting and dying I enjoy writing, science and art. I am passionate about competitive
dancing and swimming. I also love making jewellery and reading in
The greenlands and grass, are slowly drying. my free time. Some of my favourite genres are mystery, romance, and
The toxicity and judgement fantasy. My favourite book series is the Hunger Games series by
Leaves us to getting no rest, Suzanne Collins, and my favorite book at the moment is Secrets of
When once upon a time Southern Girls by Haley Harrigan.
People only wanted the best.
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Many of us are terrified of what might happen.
The end is near, they say

That might be true, for me and you.
The rose will die someday.
The virus has spread

Some have been left for dead,
And all some people see is red.
No longer the red of the rose petals
But the red of paint, on smashed ceramic tea kettles.
Riots and fights, sirens all through the night,

Society can no longer see,
The beautiful light the moon used to give off at night.

All we can hear are screams
Of perished adults, and children alike.

The rose is no longer living
But the exact opposite.

There are several opposing sides
In every single argument.
The rose is dead,
The tulips are dying,
Can we no longer hear
The little children crying?

“REVENGE OF THE WORLD” POET

Earth is having a standoff with the people on it. Anijah Houston
It’s crying in desperation asking someone to help us.
The call is never answered as people still litter like glitter. Hello, I am Anijah Houston. I am 14 years old and go
This world is covered in our mistakes planning its revenge. to Wayne School of Engineering. I enjoy listening to
music and playing games in my free time. When it
Mother Nature sits upon her throne with her friends. comes to writing, I always have an idea of what I want
Everyone awaits for the real show to begin. to write but never know how to word it. Other than
that, I would say I’m an interesting person to be
Forest fires make everyone’s favorite bear upset. around.
Racism and Police brutality become a huge threat.
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They all finally had enough.
Mother Nature grabs a hold of her paintbrush.
People cannot tell there is about to be a change.
Little did they know that things were about to get strange.

A random virus shows up, acting as bad as the plague.
People staying indoors and wearing masks all day.
The sun comes up and the world still spins.
Now the humans wear their masks all over again.

The earth is dissatisfied with the things that happened.
Mother Nature can tell the world is getting saddened.

She could’ve made everything stop but she didn’t.
They would just have to wait until everything ends.

SOUTH CALDWELL HIGH SCHOOL, HUDSON, NORTH CAROLINA

Website : https://www.caldwellschools.com/Domain/374

In World History class this year we are learning about how art, culture, and ideas are influenced by
historical events. We specifically discussed World War I and how the industrial war influenced
Wilfred Owen to write Dulce et Decorum est. After analyzing Owen’s poem and WWI, we discussed
the current Covid-19 pandemic and how it is influencing our lives. We watched a short documentary,
Cocoon, by the Global Oneness Project in which 12 young people shared their feelings about the
pandemic. After discussions about our own feelings about the pandemic, students created their own
works of poetry to reflect their experiences over the last 20 months of the pandemic. The goal was to
find meaning in our experiences through the power of words.
Ms. Carla Ingram
Educator

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POET “THE ENTRY OF A NEW WORLD”

Taylor Bryant 2019
Happy, normal
Taylor Bryant is from Granite Falls, North Carolina, USA. She is a 9th Working, teaching, riding
grade student at South Caldwell High School. She is the daughter of School, friends, home, loneliness
Tammie Bryant and Kevin Haigler. Her favorite subject in school is Challenging, sleeping, confusing
World History because it’s fun and interesting. In her free time she loves Quiet, different
to ride dirt bikes, hangout with friends, and sleep of course.
2021

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x POET

“DEAR UNCLE” Ethan Potter

Uncle Ethan Potter is from Granite Falls, North Carolina,
Suffering from USA. He is a 9th grade student at South Caldwell
Coronavirus he… High School. His favorite subject in school is
Was gasping air body swollen… Communication Skills because the teacher is amazing
and helps him with his work. In his free time, he loves
He’s gone. to play with his dogs, go outside and play with his
brother, and play baseball.

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“CAGED” POET

Life is like a cage Abigail Wood
We are all locked inside it
Not knowing what’s next Abigail Wood is from Granite Falls, North Carolina, USA. She
Life will never be the same is a 9th grade student at South Caldwell High School. Her
This has been our new normal favorite subject in school is Math because it’s challenging.

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x POET

“THE UNKNOWN” Nayalis DeLeon

Out there Nayalis DeLeon is from Granite Falls, North Carolina, USA. She
What is the day? is a 9th grade student at South Caldwell High School. Her
Feeling sad with despair favorite subject in school is World History because “you learn
Never knowing when I can go so many new things from it that you never knew before” and it
is such a fun and cool subject to learn about. In her free time,
Out there she likes to sleep, watch TV, or take a walk outside.

125

POET “BREATHE”

Valerie French Don’t you dare go outside. Stay indoors
Wear this. Don’t you dare breathe the air
Valerie French is from Granite Falls, North Carolina, USA. She
is a 9th grade student at South Caldwell High School. Her People aren't safe anymore.
favorite subject in school is Gym because it is fun to be able to Ok you can breathe now.
go against other people and to win. You can go outside.
Back to normal.
Delta here.
Wear mask.
Still.

126

x POET

“LOCKED UP” Hope Dula

Today is a new day but the same Hope Dula is from Sawmills, North Carolina, USA.
School is out and it is boring She is a 9th grade student at South Caldwell High
I have no motivation School. Her favorite subject in school is English
What day is it again? because she can make up stories about things in
The streets are empty her life. In her free time, she likes to play her
Who knows the time? guitar, spend time with family and friends, and
Who knows when spend time with her church youth group.
This will
End.

127

“NEW NORMAL” POET

Alone in our rooms Abigail Clarke
like caterpillars in their
cocoons. We want to Abigail Clarke is from Hudson, North Carolina, USA. She is the
return to normal. It’s time daughter of Darla Clarke and Robert Bolick. Her favorite subject in
to accept this new normal. school is Science because she likes to do experiments and learn about
human anatomy. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her
pets, practice archery, softball, and volleyball, and spend time with
friends.

128

“SEEKING FREEDOM” POET

Boredom Victoria Hall
Inside, Alone
Trapping, Tiring, Depressing Victoria Hall is from Granite Falls, North Carolina, USA.
Fatigue, Apathy, Opportunity, Liberty She is a 9th grade student at South Caldwell High School.
Running, Playing, Bicycling Her favorite subject in school is History because she finds it
Lively, Outdoor interesting and she learns a lot in the short class periods. In
her free time, she likes to read, go to church, and manage
Freedom the South Caldwell High School Swim Team.

129

POET “COVID’S COCOON”

Samuel Harris Locked up…
Life went on pause,
Samuel Harris is from Lenoir, North Carolina, USA. He is a 9th grade student
at South Caldwell High School. His favorite subject in school is Band because Like a butterfly I
he loves to play music. In his free time, he likes to practice his instruments, Emerged as something better.
work out, or listen to music.
Reformed.

130

x POET

“ALONE” Sydnee Bumgarner

Alone Sydnee Bumgarner is from Granite Falls, North
Sitting outside Carolina, USA. She is a 9th grade student at South
Listening to nature Caldwell High School. Her favorite subject in school is
Enjoying God's creation now Art because she loves to paint and sketch as a way of
expressing herself. In her free time, she likes to play
Alone softball, volleyball, and likes to paint.

131

“BREATHE” POET

I look out of my hospital window. Zoey Taylor
For a moment, it is quiet.
Zoey Taylor is from Granite Falls, North Carolina, USA. She is
For a moment, I can breathe. a 9th grade student at South Caldwell High School. Her
Until I hear that sound. favorite subject in school is Art because she loves being
It wakes my mother. creative. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games,
“Breathe.” She tells me. drawing (traditionally and digitally), and writing stories.
But I can’t.
I can’t.
“Breathe.”

132

x POET

“TIME” Lindsay Erskine

Cousin to college Lindsay Erskine is from Granite Falls, North Carolina, USA.
Soon she would be leaving me She is a 9th grade student at South Caldwell High School. Her
favorite subject in school is Math because it always comes
Time would not slow down easily to her. In her free time, she likes to ski, play volleyball,
Then quarantine came to help and play with her dog.

We grew closer than ever

133



Poetry, as Wordsworth said, is ‘breathings of your heart’ on paper. And so it is in the book. Reading these poems
is like watching the shifting of a kaleidoscope where with each shift colours, visions, shapes alter. Beyond a doubt,
each moment seems to reach somewhere within these young poets and alters a part of them. The wretched
pandemic has impacted them immensely. In many poems, the horror and the fear that looms large. Gripped by
uncertainty, and vulnerability, they view the virus as invincible monster stalking humans. However, for some there
is also an optimism and the determination to annihilate the virus; and to the others the pandemic has thrown up a
plethora of opportunities to nurture their passions. The pandemic has taught life’s important lessons too. They feel
Mother Nature is striking back and the way forward is only by being compassionate, empathetic and tolerant.
The urgent threat of changing climate has been poignantly personified. They lament deforestation, pollution, global
warming and urge to make peace with nature.
The poems are loud cry against social issues; ‘We Care!’ they scream. They cry over war, starvation, thirst, and
poverty. They champion the cause of gender sensitisation, human rights and racial discrimination. Their pain ,
sorrow and anger against war, hostility and destruction have been harnessed to create beautiful poetry. Whether is
helplessness and outpouring of grief fire that engulfed the film festival plaza, or the annihilation of a village or the
frenzied people in Afghanistan, all stir up compassion and poetry oozes forth. Robert Frost said, “Poetry is when an
emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” Here, too, each moment seems to have
penetrated somewhere within and impact the impressionable minds to cathartic poetry. Whether it is the nostalgia
of childhood, personal hesitation and loneliness, personal loss or a desire to escape the harsh realities of life. The
generation resents being judged yet have learnt to smile through pain. They are delighted living in a technologically
advanced world.
The students amaze us with poetry that is replete with images visual, aural and tactile images. They use imagery to
express the resolution of internal conflicts. The poetry is adorned with literary devices such as personification,
similes, allusions. They have experimented with various styles of writing. We see free verse, rhyme schemes,
limericks, concrete poetry, diamond poems, and haiku. Enjoyed the effort of the students to reach out to share a
part themselves.

Ms. Gayatri Khanna
Consultant (ELT)

“Begin; this is how to clear the polluted river. If you’re scared, scared to fail, I say begin already, fail if
you must, pick yourself up, start again. If you fail again, you fail. So what? Begin again. It is not the
failure that holds us back but the reluctance to begin over again that causes us to stagnate.
If you’re scared, so what? If you’re afraid something’s going to leap out and bite you, then for heaven’s
sake, get it over with already. Let your fear leap out and bite you so you can get it over with and go
on. You’ll get over it. The fear will pass. In this case, it is better if you meet it head on, feel it, get it
over with, than to keep using it to avoid cleaning up the river. ” Clarissa Pinkola Estés

We live in challenging times. The world as we know it at the time of the pandemic outbreak has
disappeared and a new one must be built in its place.
Right now we need access to the gold-bearing layers of our intelligence.
Right now we need access to the best in us.
Take a sit. Remain still. Close your eyes. For a short moment, think about what is going on inside you
and around you: feel the temperature, smell, record the sounds around you ...
Open "Anthology of poems" and listen to the voice of the "Generation C”.
I did so.
Astonishing. Powerful. Optimistic.

Anna Krzemińska-Kaczyńska
VIIIPALO, IB World School 006265 in Kraków, Poland
Deputy Head School Engagements

It was a pleasure to read the anthology of poems prepared by children. Despite the cultural and
geographic diversity the young poets reflected on their own view of “present times” creating a
common thread of the human experience. The platform will create an opportunity for young
poets and readers to connect and spark conversations and relationships, the first step in making a
better world. Congratulations to the young poets, teachers, and DPS Gurgaon for imagining and
realizing this creative global endeavour.

Alok Kanti
President & CEO, Bayer Inc.
Senior Bayer Representative for Canada