Last week I was delighted to attend the graduation of Dream Keeper Elisha Branch from the Academy of Learning and Leadership Middle School in Milwaukee. In the above photo, Elisha is giving her Salutatorian Address. I am so proud of her. Read on for Elisha's latest poem and writings from some of the other Dream Keepers. Our theme for the day was, "I Write to Change." I Write To Change
by Elisha Branch
I write to change the lives of others,
I write to influence my sisters and brothers.
I write to change for the sake of us,
I write because I want and because I must.
I write to say, let's make this a great day.
I write because I have a lot to say.
I write to day and preach my word.
I write because I have a voice that needs to be heard.
I write to protect equalness.
I write to fight for what is just.
I write to protect justice and peace.
I write to protect—to keep your mind at ease.
I Write to Say
by Natalie Branch
What is this world coming to
I feel nothing but anger when I turn on the news—
Murders, robberies, and child abuse.
And not much good is coming from our youth.
Yeah, sometimes they show the thing we do that's a little right.
But followed right behind is a story about someone killed last night.
I can't take much more of this violence—
raising children in a world like this doesn't make sense.
I want my son's life to be worthwhile.
I don't want him growing up with false idols.
Rapper, gang banger, or a basketball player—
None of those things sound good on or off paper.
I want him to know that you have to work hard for a brighter future—
A big house and riches aren't just going to be handed to you.
These are valuable lessons to learn.
Not just for him but for everyone.
So for all of God's children both young and old—
Work hard to brighten your future and help save our world.
One of our Dream Keepers, a ten-year-old girl, lost her baby cousin to SIDs. After she told me about his death, I asked her to write about it. These are her words about what happened.
We Miss You!
by Trayvece
Meekel. A two-month old baby. Dead.
Meekel died a day after a wedding.
On a Sunday morning at 9:15.
Little Meekel found dead on his stomach,
His face got smothered on the bed.
His mom woke up
because she thought her niece and nephews were making noise,
so she could tell them to stop before they woke him up.
But it was the angels giving the baby a party.
His face was purple and red.
His mom put her ear to his mouth and no breathing was heard.
She put her ear to his heart. Nothing.
She started to tap him so he cold wake up. Nothing.
We Miss You!
I Like Monkeys
by Ashawn, age 7
I am going to the zoo
to visit monkeys.
Monkeys climb trees.
They eat bananas.
They say, "Ooh-ooh. Ahh-ahh."
When I see my monkey,
I will be happy.
Then I will go see more monkeys.
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