In the Fall of 2020 Freshman students at Academy SF @McAteer HS worked with Teaching Artist Paul S. Flores from Community Works West and Art Teacher Max Allbee to create artwork and writing. Their projects included photo poems, text portraits, and double exposure photos, combined with self-praise poems, powerful/ powerless poems and other writing.
These two compilation videos showcase students reading their poetry, combined with their visual artworks.
Powerful by Alejandra B
I cant help those kids who cross the border for a better life. This makes me feel powerless. This frustrates me. These kids have to go through miles of walking through the desert and under the blazing sun, blusters on their feet, buckets of tears because of exhaustion. Walking in the dehydration and hunger, little sleep, the danger of kidnapping, or caught by border patrol.-I felt powerful when I sat in the front seat of the car for the first time. I was excited ready to Poke my head out the window like a dog.To control the radio and play the song I want to hear. Dogs like to poke their head out the window because they can enjoy all the different smells. I pokemon head out because I like to see all the different store colors.
My Leg Poem by Nathan T.
When my family sees me, they notice my face. But they don’t see my legs.
My legs are natural, and flexible. And that’s beautiful. They help us walk. They help us run.
I always love my walking appendages. They never get noticed.
But I notice them. They are sleepy and tired. And it deserves to be noticed.
It is a ugly idea to avoid using legs. They can’t be hated.
They need love. They need heart.
By Day, By Night by Brooke A.
By day, I'm doing chores trying to wash a never-ending pile of dishes
By night, I'm talking to my friends online for hours non stop
By day, I'm laying down on my bed the whole day doing nothing
By night, I listen to music constantly like Tyler the Creator and Clairo on repeat
By day, I'm on zoom doing online classes waiting for the day to end
By night, I binge watch anime with my friends
By day, I annoy all of my friends when I have no one to talk to
And by night, I sleep late to do all the assignments I didn't finish.
Class of 2013 by Joselyn C.
When I look in the mirror I see all the people who raised me.
My mother in my eyes and my antsy mannerisms, I feel her constant compulsion to move, take a walk, watch a movie, to make tea and forget about it. Finding it cold and bitter hours later. Only in desperate need of a task.
My dad in my strange way of speaking blunt and to the point. Never pausing to think of a thing to say but blurting how you feel all the time. Emotions described as candid thoughts. When I look at myself in the mirror I see myself and I see every small bit of interaction I've seen and copied like a theft. And I prize these people in my memory as patron saints and follow them without thought and am glad of it. Without them I lose so much of myself.
Happiness by Aniyah B.
My brown eyes shine like as brights as my smile My heart rejoices to the sounds of laughter and the view of smiling faces and family gathered around talking amongst themselves My melanin brown skin glowing like the sun Appreciating life and showing enjoyment
This work is about having confidence and appreciating ourselves as a black women and showing love to everyone and being positive. I created to express my feelings and show positiveness. you should know about my artwork that it also expresses individuality. - Aniyah B.
Self-Praise Poem by Mohammad Z.
I look into a mirror
I see beautiful green mountains on the middle east
Beautiful clean rivers beautiful view of the oceans in Syria and watched the history of my country i see a lot of wars a lot of guns a lot of shots
I see a lot of soldiers working so hard to live and i see soldiers trying to keep people safe They can't come back to their homes until they finish what the leader told them to do some couldn't make it back home some could
Some could save the world Some could not make it alive I see how soldiers trying so hard to live and save the world.
Self-Praise Poem by Lily B
What are you looking at?
Why do you always stare?
Is there something wrong with me?
Why?
Is it because you don't understand the complexity of my hair? I used to see my hair as “less than” I abused it, and i damaged it because it didn't look like everyone else's. I wanted my hair to be like everyone else's, I wanted it to be straight because i thought that my natural hair was ugly, I thought it was weird, i wondered what was wrong with me,
Why am I different?
I’m not gonna lie and say i don't feel this way anymore, I do, sometimes I hate my hair and I get frustrated and angry, But i am starting to realize my hair is beautiful, Its apart of my identity and my history It's what makes me stand out in a crowd,
It's me.
I am starting to love it and recognize my hairs true beauty, People can stare all they want because i know my hair is different, Its unique and not very many people have hair like me, Or at least it's not as common, I’m different and that's a good thing, I’ve stopped trying to be someone i’m not,
So i will no longer try to force you to conform to conceptualized standard beauty, I love you, you're my hair and a big role in who I am.
The Runaway by Jianne F.
It was a cold night I was having a meaningful conversation with my friends I felt something was off with the way one of my friends were texting
Her “okay”’s were turning to “k” She was misspelling words like she was shaking
Then she texted “Guys I wanna run away” Before we could even say something We get another; “guys I am ready I am outside my house”
My whole body went stiff like a dead body I and my other friend were panicking telling her to go back Then she wasn’t listening
I am not sure how long it took her to come to her senses But I and my friend did everything “This is dumb, go back in your house,” says my friend
A few minutes passed our friend texted “Hey I’m back in my house” My body has never been so relaxed and relieved about 6 words I felt so happy she came to her senses
She says she regretted ever thinking that And she told us how grateful she is for us
My Self Praise Poem by Jaila S.
I look in the mirror everyday ,
To remind myself of my perfections.
I don't let my imperfections get the best of me
I flaunt them like they’re a trophy
I've never been ashamed in the body i live in
My big forehead
big enough for kisses
My slim body
As slim as slim shady
I see so many girls tearing themselves
And each other down
Their flaws are beautiful
Everyone including myself
Is perfect in our bodys
Every chance i get
I complete another female
You honestly never know
That one compliment can brighten a single souls whole day
All shades are beautiful
From our melanin queen to our light brights
They all have a special place in my heart
Society wants each skin tone
And Race
to go after each other
But
In reality every skin color
Every shade
Every “imperfection”
Is BEAUTIFUL
Imperfections are what make you
YOU
Be confident my love .
The Comb by Martin K.
The mirror told me.. When I look in the mirror I see..The Amazing colors and different varieties of Butterfly Combs, Not just Ordinary Combs, Combs that give passion and will dance around the person’s hand giving t the person joy as entertainment and a useful tool for haircuts during quarantine daily life. My Butterfly Comb reveals the entertainment of my friends who liked using it and practicing it as a fidget. But mostly when my Butterfly Comb was brought out to my friends it mostly made a surprising and curious expression to them which shows the person’s joy and entertainment.
Self Praise Poem by Sinaii W.
In the mirror i see a mixed girl with curly hair
My brown skin like the color of caramel
In the mirror i see my ancestors who fought for my freedom as a person of color
Women of color don’t get enough praise
Being a woman is hard but adding race into the mix
You have to work ten times harder
In the mirror i see somebody who is insecure but empowers other women
Society has a beauty standard and i feel that i don’t meet any of those
In the mirror i see a young lady who is scared for her basic human rights
I see that my body is in the hands of a grown man and a supreme court
Who shouldn’t have any right to have an opinion on my body or others bodies
Self Praise Poem by Wisdom L.
I could have my own friends live in my house.
My body to have them to stay inside and healthy and safe at home.
My community has them in every other place to have a safe home and house.
My family was kind of little mean and angry to each other of their part of the family.
My culture is to have them in each other's place at home and at other friends' houses.
My language is praised for speaking chinese which means cantonese.
My celebration with others to have the starting of the school.
I can not have others to praise each other.
Powerful/ Powerless by Randy M.
I was powerful when I took a good photo, I felt free and I could hang out and chat with my friends about it. Also I can have some free time and also spend time with family.
ThenI felt powerless and the reason was I got loads of homework and it was difficult and confusing. But I got help from my parents and everything was okay.
My Mirror by Stephanie L.
I look into the mirror
and see the path I’m walking on.
I see all the
Hardships, happy moments, sad moments
I have gone through.
I see
The steps I have taken
That led me here today.
I see
Things that I went through
That no one has seen.
I see
My emotions unfold.
I see
Smiles, tears, laughter.
I see
Me.
Unknown by Yoltzin A.
When I'm at home I have control over my life. I feel powerful and not worried about my future. I feel like i can be myself but the moment I enter school I feel powerless, I feel like so much weight was just added onto my shoulders . How am I supposed to work hard all the time and still have time to do stuff that i like to do? People tell me to do it, it will get you to places you thought you’d never be too but in reality one wrong move can bring my whole future to shit and that scares me. It puts a feeling in my stomach that just won't go away. For example getting caught with drugs that aren't mine or that I was forced to carry. In this system it doesn't matter if you were forced or if they are yours you’ll most likely get expelled. Most successful people in this world didn't even go to college. Shit some dropped out of high school. So I ask, is school just wasting our time? Or is it gonna get us to the places adults have been telling us our whole lives?
Powerful/ Powerless by Khalil C.
I was powerless when i punched a men for saying the n word and i felt so mad inside that i can punch the wall but instead of punching the wall i punch his face but in my mind i seen his face shatter into pieces but powerful when i told my teacher It is so funny how Emotions work to the point that you can say something so cruel and mean like somebody stabbing you in the back But its not how you react to the problem it’s how you deal with it.
Powerful/ Powerless by Zach W.
I was powerful when I first landed an impossible on my skateboard after 2 weeks of trying . My friends whom were better than me at skating who couldn't do the trick h. I felt so hyped on the trick it made my week. I was powerless when I had a rolled ankle and couldn't do anything besides just play video games for 6 weeks.
Eye Bags by Alexi E.
The cold night mist leaves me drowsy and weak
A very hot day
My eyes carry bowling balls as I barely keep them open
Energy bursts out
Excitement
I'm quite lonely at night
Anything can happen in a day
A voice in my head speaks
I reply back
Time for my daily adventure
We decide to listen to music
Every muscle loosens
I fall into a deep hole
There I am
Asleep
I open my book
Smooth paper and a rough cover
Butterflies swoon inside m
Close to you by Elvis H.
It all was so lovely
Those blue skies above me
Those funny feelings i had never had before i met you
I tought i stay awhile
So many colors you never imagined
Maybe i'll find myself sitting with you
Maybe i don't have to be so lonely
Then i see myself fading
I see my true self escaping
Have i seen this all before
I know that there is something resisting
A terror deep inside me
But i wonder why you are so bold
Maybe i'll find myself smiling sitting next to you
Self Praise by Anson L.
When I look into the mirror I see a reflection of myself
When my family thinks of me
they think I am hardworking, determine, and annoying
When I look into the mirror,
I see my patient eyes.
Patiently waiting for something
When I look into the mirror,
I see a overthinker
Constantly thinking about something
that won’t even matter in the next 5 years
When I look into the mirror
I see my skin that is the color a oak wood
Which may define who I am
Self-Praise Poem by Archie P.
My home brings me comfort and brings me joy,
My house where I grew up and have been my whole life,
My house is attached to my neighbors, we hear each others loud comotions,
My house is dark blue with a hint of purple on the inside,
My house is a little messy but when guests come over we scramble to clean,
My house is a place where I can lay on the couch and watch Family Guy till 1 Am.
When I wake up everyday I get greeted by my two furry cats everyday when I wake up,
My house is somewhere where I feel at home.
The voice in my head by Ella M.
Why is life so hard?
I see no point in life so why make pain? why make suffering? why make loneliness?
Why do I exist?
Why do they call me their friend?
This constant feeling of sadness is so hard
Knowing that I am always second to everybody is hard
Knowing that they would be fine without me is hard
Knowing they don’t need me is hard
Knowing they don’t want me is hard
Stop
These are just thoughts in your head
Lies that you made up because you don’t feel like anybody could love you
You put up a wall because you’re afraid
Afraid that once you see that they love you and care about you there gonna leave
Right when you feel loved they leave
When you feel like somebody cares theyll leave
And if you don’t feel like they love you
You can just tell yourself that you knew they didn’t care
It won’t hurt as bad
But that’s not true
It will hurt the same
Leaving hurts the same
There gone
And do you really wanna feel so alone even though their there?
Break down the wall
Let them in
Masculinity by Patrick C.
When i look into the mirror
My family watches me
comparing the ancestors who came before me
And trying to make me manly
You have to be strong because your a guy; people say
To be a guy you have to be brave
You have to be masculine
To be considered a guy, no a man
There’s no such thing
As these terms like masculinity
Hide truth from the real thing
There’s nothing wrong with how you are
Your a guy and it feels like it
The way you act is fine
Masculine or not
This is you
And your fine just the way you are
Self Praise by Kimora R.
When I look in the mirror I see nothing of value.
I’m expected to be modest and I go by those expectations to be accepted.
I am expected to follow standards my generation and people before me set just to be respected. Sometimes I feel multiple emotions like sadness and fear for no reason at all, but I also feel numb with no thoughts, negative or positive just feeling nothing at all.
And I am also someone that is sensitive and will feel useless or like an outcast and because of this I never stand tall.
I try to be everything people expect me to be but I am never myself.
I can never say what I want to say so I am usually silent.
And I do not have anything to be proud of when it comes to my personal success.
But when I have hope in my mind for even a second at a time I always try to push past my fears, I always try my best.
First Generation by Van W.
The mirror told me
Im first generation
First generation australian
Sometimes I forget because im white
Forget what my mum, grandma, papa and all her siblings
went though
Poverty hard work and stress
That's what they went through
For me to
Forget
My grandma uprooted her life so
Her kids could have a better future
They all worked so hard
Then there's me forgetting what they went through
For me to have a better life
Not poor enough to be motivated but
That doesn’t mean i'm happy
Stuck in the middle
My uncles, aunties and mum
Worked hard to provide us with a future
But in turn in a way we became entitled
Its like we forgot what our parents had to do
to give us the life they never had
Our parents worked their little asses off
So we could forget where we came from
By Day By Night Poem by Kaiyah A.
By night I listen to r&b music while laying in bed
Listening to the lyrics slowly on repeat
feeling how kehlani wrote and sang the song
By day I text Stephanie telling her how I feel because we always do a check in.
By night I do my daily scroll of tiktok and instagram.
There's times where I watch a tiktok and understand where they are coming from.
I observed my “for you” page,It's almost like a “this is you” instead of “for you”.
By day I look up at the sky when I go on walks and watch the clouds move slowly or fast. I catch myself seeing different shapes , sizes , and figures .
By Day/ By Night by Jordan Thomas
By Night I am laying on my bed looking up at the ceiling wondering about tomorrow Will it be a sad day or will I feel happy.
By Day I am looking at my phone reading quotes: “Because they save me from me, they rescued me from my loneliness. They were the first to accept me for who I am. They are my friends”.
By Night I go on Tik-Tok and watch videos. Sometimes I comment and tell sad people “It will be ok.”
By Day I practice piano and my Korean lessons piano scales are easy but keeping up with one song is hard I have an app that helps me practice Korean words “Oppa” is a word that means someone that is older then you that is close to you in Korean “Oma” means mom and “Appa” means dad.
By night I am asleep by one in the morning.
Self Praise Poem by Karen C. P.
My given name is Karen , really nice
Daughter of two immigrants who cross the border to give me a better life
Who fears losing her loved ones
Person who wants to make her parents really proud
Sister to three boys, the youngest
Future nurse
Lost in the Rhythm by Evan D.
I was powerful when playing Dance Dance Revolution
Playing with perfect execution
Feeling as if I had an adrenaline rush
It’s as if people would say I “had the touch.”
I practiced so much I surrendered to my instincts
Until both my legs became distinct
I flowed through the toughest songs with ease
Hitting the arrows like a leaf in a breeze
Concentrating on screen making time slow
Knowing that my body and spirit are in the flow
It felt as if time was endless
Like it could go on forever
But suddenly it came to an end
Then the next day I had sores that I could not tend
Self Praise Poem. ( Mount Davidson ) by Dev Y
Everytime I go to Mount Davidson I feel like I am connected to it in some way.
When I climb up and feel the air and wind more and more.
When I get to the top I feel very good and nothing stresses me out when I am up there.
Not many places give me that feeling.
I feel better than ever when I am there. When I’m at home I don’t feel much because it just matters what we are doing. At home I am calm but at Mount Davidson I feel something which is unexplainable.
My Poem about the Moon and Stars by Charli J.
The moon and stars
Shining bright from a far.
Stars shimmering in the sky
staying up late at night
Wondering how the time goes by,
looking for a way out
Of being filled with Fear
And Fright. Every day and night
thoughts running through my mind
heart beating like big Foot
stomping on the ground always
feeling down.
dogs barking in my ear
Stressing so hard I pull out my hair.
Cars zooming through my street, much
Traffic cars, going beep beep
