8th Grade Celebration of Writing Winners
1st place
MAMA GONE
By Quesann Reynolds
mama you know I love u you’re my heart and my soul
if I was a leprechaun then you know you are my gold
only mama that I have so what I’m saying is bold
getting it off my chest because Uncle Reg in jail
past months it seem as if your life was in hell
dirty people the judge wont even give him a bail
but mom we making it through, I got your back can’t you tell
you know the talking back I do and all the problems I cause
I just want to let you know I’m putting that to a pause
because I understand your pain and I know it is a lot
have to say you are the best and me loving you won’t stop
do your best do your best is what you always saying
well in school I’m doing good but I need to stop playing
attend church every Sunday because I need to start praying
father figure I’m without so I’m becoming a man
2nd place
Snow
By- Matthew Johnson
As cold as ice
Brings you shakes and quivers
Bright white and nice
Fun and joy to children it delivers
Snowmen are brought to life
Balls of frozen water become joy
This stuff takes away struggle and strife
It is better than any toy
It only lasts till the sun comes to play
Then fun and memories get washed away
Children are saddened but do not fear
It may come around next year.
3rd place
Letter to Mother and Daddy
Amaris Boone
Dear Daddy and Mother,
It’s a cold winter day. After I get off the bus and got to the door to open it, I gently tug on the lock. It doesn’t budge. I realize I’m locked out of the house. I sit and wait for my mother to show get home. You would think I would call and ask where are you, right? Well there’s one little detail you missed. I don’t have a cell phone. I’ve repeatedly asked for a cell phone but every time you’ve rejected me. To me every teenager should have one in this technology age.
One of your reasons why I can’t have one is because I’m too young. Well next month I’ll be fourteen and next year I’ll be in high school. Which means I’ll be staying afterschool and going places with my friends. I might use a cell phone to tell you to pick me up early or later than I said. Yes I could use my friends, but that would get annoying. So to say that I’m too is really not a legite reason.
Your next reason was that it’ll take away from my school work. Ever since I was in first grade I’ve been making A’s or B’s in my classes. Never have I made an F or C. Even if that were to happen, you could easily take it away from me. Doesn’t that sound reasonable to you?
Your third reason was that I’m not responsible. I’ve been juggling my social life, grades, chores, and extracurricular activities for forever. Sure I may forget to do something or lose things. But doesn’t everybody? But you’ve got to admit I’ve grown up a lot since when I use to not be responsible. If you still don’t believe me then maybe you could put it to a test. If I don’t pass, I don’t get a cell phone.
The fourth reason is that I don’t need one. On that I agree with you. It’s kind of half and half. It’s a need not a want. But like I said I might need you to come home early one day. Or worse, I’m stranded somewhere with nowhere to go. I bet I’ll need a cell phone then.
Your final reason was that it is too expensive. If you really think about it, it’s really not. If you get the minute plan I really won’t be talking to anybody but you two, Janine, and my friends, who have Cingular. This won’t cost anything. So you know it won’t be expensive at all, and plus it doesn’t have to be those high tech phones. I’ll be happy with a regular phone with a camera.
You already know I’ve wanted a cell phone for a long time. If you don’t get it this time I’ll understand. Like I said all teenagers need a cell phone. But I’ll respect your decision. Thank you for considering though.
Your daughter,
Amaris Boone