Passing On the Love

I remember a time when I was very ill, and I didn't have anyone to depend on except my mother. Her care reminded me that she is always there when I need her which is different from some other parents who ignore their children's needs and let the world raise them. My mother is always sacrificing in some way so that she can make sure that I am o.k.

I respect my mother's bountiful love in a way you couldn't imagine. I adore her so much in virtue of her effort of taking care of her only son.

I've heard great things about my grandmother Ruby and how she took care of her kids, how she worked hard and lived up to her responsibilities. I think my grandmother Ruby instilled the same work ethic and nurturing instinct in my mother. I can see it clearly in my mother. I hope my future wife will have this same determination, because I want the same treatment for my kids so that it can be instilled in them also.

(Yasene Cummings, 11th Grade)

Sonnet for Granddad

I remember the days when I used to spend the night.

I remember those times where I was squished so tight.

I remember when we used to play around.

I remember the times I fell down.

I remember the times you made me laugh.

I remember that you kept me on the right path.

I remember you telling me you loved me.

I remember when you passed, and your soul was set free.

I remember life when you were still here.

I remember when there were tears.

I remember when they took you away.

I remember that it was a rainy day.

I remember all the good times we had.

I remember that the times were never bad.

(Kiara Parish, 11th Grade)

The House on Oak Street

A little house in Texarkana, 806 Oak Street to be exact, has to be the most important place on earth to me. Although it's torn down now due to abandonment, it's vivid. It will never escape my memory. My grandmother raised my older sister and me in that house for seven years until I was moved to Georgia around my seventh birthday since my mother nor father were around.

I remember separating peas from pods with my grandmother. I remember my kiddie keyboard that I used to play songs and me expecting to receive a standing ovation from her. I remember the traditional ghost stories she used to tell my sister and me about our home. I remember that couch my grandmother would sit on to watch the news while pigs' feet cooked in the crock pot.

I remember the blue chair grandma sat on during her cancer years. I remember my mother coming into my life when I was six, which was the best time considering my grandmother's condition was getting worse. I remember the little stand in the den that had a telephone and a phone book on it that I used to act like a receptor. Really, I only had one person to call, and that was my grandma in the hospital. I remember my mom leaving one day in a red car and getting a phone call from us letting her know that our grandmother had gone unconscious and that we needed her.

I love and remember my grandmother and our house on Oak Street.

(Anonymous)

I Remember Cameron's Birth

My brother Cameron was a chocolate baby with beautiful brown eyes with feet so tiny they could fit in one hand. He weighed 9 lbs. 7 oz. when he was born. I remember his first words and the first time he said my name, "Kayla." It was music to my ears. I remember his first two teeth and his new baby smell. I was five when he was born. When I first saw him in the hospital, he caught my attention and stole my heart. He was amazing to me. Greatness, intelligence, amazing, magnificent, intriguing-- these are all adjectives to describe my little brother. I love him. He gives me extra reason to smile and makes things worthwhile. He is mine, my little "shuggie bear." Greatness, intelligence, amazing, intriguing, the characteristics I remember. (Kayla Huggins, 9th Grade)

Grandma is My Heart

My grandma on my mama's side is important to me. She is just so special, loveable, happy and kind. I can go to her for anything or if I want to talk about something. She is the reason why I get up and go to school and behave myself. If it weren't for her or my mama, I wouldn't be in school.

My grandma is sixty-six, and she still looks good. Everybody thinks she is my mama and that my mama is my auntie. I think this is funny.

I also admire my grandma because she is smart, rich and has a lot of money. She is a health administrator. I want to follow in her footsteps working in the health field.

My grandma is very important to me-- one-- simply because she is grandma and I love her. Two, she is always there for me whether I'm wrong or right. She plays an important role in my life, and I don't know what I would do if something happened to her. My grandma and mama are the reason why I do everything. My grandma is my heart.

(Antoinette Sanders, 11th grade)

Grandma's Hands

Here is another example of a narrative poem set to music.