Students in Ms. Greenberg’s Honors ENG III Class turned back the clocks on April 7 – figuratively speaking – to the 1960’s with a performance piece that celebrated National Poetry Month. Dressed in tie-dye and headbands, students read original poetry and prose while lava lamps glowed and images of Woodstock flickered on the wall.  Ricky Franks performed a guitar solo and senior Jose Perez read Poem 20 by Pablo Neruda in Spanish.  Guest readers included Principal Jerry Salese, Ms. Clark, Ms. Still, and Mrs. Markiewicz.

Below are some photographs and examples of student poetry. 

The writings are based on Langston Hughes'  poem I, Too, Sing America.

The Obese American

By Kim Hannigan

I, too, sing America

I am the obese sister.

They stare and laugh at my tight clothes

While I walk by

But I turn my face so they can't see the tears fall.

Tomorrow,

I will wear my size 18 jeans

And look in the mirror and smile at what I see.

Nobody'll dare say

"You don't fit in" to me

Then.
Besides,

They'll see how proud I am of myself

And accept me for me.

I, to, am America.

I, Too, Sing America

By Amanda Ruffles

I, too sing America

I am the physically-handicapped sister.

They stare and whisper,

When I roll my wheelchair down the sidewalk.

But I smile,

And push myself to class

And earn my diploma.

Tomorrow,

I'll be going to college

And get the job of my dreams.

Nobody'll dare say "cripple" to me

Then.

Besides,

They'll see how smart I am

And feel ashamed.

I, too, am American.

I, Too, Sing America

By Shaquella Howard

I,Too, Sing America

I am the mentally challenged sister.

They shut doors in my face

When I ask to join the cheerleading squad.

But I smile,

I sit in the stands and cheer my loudest.

Tomorrow,

I'll look those cheerleaders in the eye

And say, "I'm human just like you."

Nobody will dare laugh at me

Then.

Besides,

God made me who I am

And His light shines through me.

I, Too, am American.