Childhood

All children are very influenced by and vulnerable to the world around them. Things that happen to them at a young age can greatly affect them and turn them into very cold and cynical people. They can become emotionally unstable or grow to absolutely hate the world and commit unspeakable acts. All of this could be prevented if they were properly taken care of as children.

Endless scribbles in my mind
repeating broadcasts all the time
the same old child running clips
there’s no order to the rift.

My mind functions like a dream
running ream after ream
and although wine matures with age
the way I work will always be the same.

All that has changed is what I reject
I no longer give finger paint it’s respect
not every day is a trip to the zoo

I Am From

By Kalinen Barrows
Rutland Middle School

I am from the tin roof house on the old dirt road
from a pineapple couch and a big wicker chair
from sitting on a little rusty heat vent and feeling the warmth on my shoes
from Barbie Dolls all over the living room floor

I am from one bathroom and five people

Her favorite smell
is more of a feeling,
something that can't be locked inside
a perfume bottle
or a soap,
because,
her favorite scent
only exists on
a summer night,
when the temperature is
as warm as cookies
fresh and gooey from the oven,
and the humidity is
a little higher than usual,
and the flowers sway in the breeze,
stroking her ankles,
smelling like