Stars

Stars, they glow and glitter
Like gems that you find
Shining so bright, they're a flashlight
In the dark night 

They dance high in the sky
They flicker and twirl
They glow in the dark
They fire like a spark

They act as a guide for sailors
Making pictures in the sky
You can't count them all
They are like shiny dots, and very small

But you can watch as they appear
They play games all the time
Like hind-and-seek in the day
Watch them as they play

Some glide in the air
They always stay in their places
Some shoot across the sky
Watch them as they pass by

Some make glowings in the sky
Some call it "northern lights"
Another special thing, that stars do
Colors that are wavy, like red, green, orange, or blue

Some might be different colors
Red, orange, or maybe even blue
Yellow and white, they are each a star
Looking down on earth, from afar

Stars, they glow and glitter
Like gems that you find
Shinning so bright, they're a flashlight
In the dark night





Image: 'Full Moon Aurora (5)'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39548131@N06/6149069613



Abandon Love

Abandon, why did she abandon me?
Why am I so lonely?
Abandon, is such a strong word
To leave someone....maybe forever

Forever, did she not understand me?
So, she didn't care that I was born prematurely?
Forever is such a strong word............
It will last longer than I have expected

Care, so she didn't love me?
Why didn't she want to keep me?
She made decisions too fast for her life.
Maybe I should try to see her.......

Will she want to see me?
Will she still love me?
I need to find her........
But when I do, what will I say?


Making the incredible journey across,
I meet new people and get caught
I can't believe my "family" lied to me!
Look, there she is! What will I tell her?

Think, think she needs to know............
Or does she really want to know me?
It's the truth, she hates me that I'm here
What a waste of time!


I've realized the truth that's inside of me
I already have a family
There here, loving me and supporting me
Why should I go back?

I want to tell my mom that I love her,
That I forgive what she did to me
I'll tell my "family" that I love them, as well
I'll tell them, "Thanks, for loving me."


Author's Note:
I got the inspiration from the movie OctoberBaby.
It's a really inspirating story. I decieded to create a short poem, not sharing too much of the story's information, but to write the theme on what it was about. The title for my poem, Abandon Love, really gives of what this movie was about. To be honest, this movie/poem was a TRUE story. I hope you'll enjoy the movie as much as I did. Check out this website for more information on, OctoberBaby!

The Diary of Kimberly Wales

August 16,1942
Today, Mama feels that last Friday was the last Sabbath that we
would be together. I know she must be right. Our country Holland, has surrendered to the German Nazis. I feel scared, but maybe it won't be so bad.
But Joey, my older brother, tells me,"Invading another country isn't fun." "I know that, but why is Germany invading us? What can our country provide for them?" "Power. Germany has always wanted power. Grandfather once told me about World War I. He says Germany fought on the Russian side." "Well, maybe they won't harm us." I try to reassure him. But he shakes his head at me saying, "Fat chance." But I'm still wondering, what could the Germans possibly do to us Jews?

August 19, 1942
Anything. They can do anything because they've invaded us. They have control
over us. All Jews have been ordered to go to this registration for Jews. I got scared when my whole family had to go. We had to wait in many lines. They took our pictures, asked information about us, they even--stunning!--printed our fingers with ink onto cards. I felt like I was a prisoner. Mama said she did, too. The worst part was that they ordered us to wear a yellow scrap cloth, in the shape of a star. On the star said: Jude.  We are ordered to sew them onto our coats and wear them only when we go outside, if we don't we will get arrested.
To cheer us up, Papa said, "Tomorrow we'll go see a movie and go to the ice cream parlor." I can hardly wait!! I am so sure, that I won't be able to sleep!!

August 20,1942
We will go to the ice cream shop soon, after our picnic on the beach. I've helped Mama and Kathleen, pack a lunch for us. "Could we bring pickles?"I asked them. Mama nodded. I packed six pickles, two extra for Mr.Hatters and his dog. Mr.Hatters owns a small shoe shop near the beach. He and his little dog Fido love pickles. I decided to bring them each one.
When we are all packed up and ready to go Mama says, "Kim, run down to your father's store and tell him we're all ready to go. We'll meet you all there." "You'll walk?" I ask her surprised. "Yes, and make sure you'll tell Joey to come,too." "But you said you don't like walking in the sun because--" "Do as I tell you, Kimberly." So, instead of arguing, I run to my papa's coat shop. It's the largest one in town, and the most popular one, too.
I open the big heavy door and say, "Papa! We're ready to go!" I don't hear a reply just a woman's voice saying, "Hey Dolly! Nice to see you!" It was Elsa Clare, one of Papa's best workers. When I first met her she said I looked like a doll-baby, so she called me Dolly. I don't mind, really. "Papa's in his office finishing some papers." said Joey walking in. We waited awhile and finally, Papa took us, (Joey and I), into our car. We drove to the beach.

August 22, 1942
The beach was fun, and now we are planning Sam's and my birthday. (Sam is my younger brother) His birthday is on August 24 and mine's on the 30th. To save money, we won't have two separate parties, just one. At first, I didn't agree, but then I realized that my parents were working hard for us, to make it special. The party is on August 24 because Sam will be 13. I will turn fourteen.

August 24,1942
Today, we went to the Synagogue today. Sam read the Torah and Hebrew prayers perfectly! Whew!, I thought. My family is so proud of him. We had a small party withour family and friends. "Congratulations,Sam. You're a Bar Mistvah boy!" everyone says. We had the best party ever.

September 4,1942
The Nazis have banned everything from us Jews. We can't go to the parks, certain stores, the beach, the theatre, and even school! The Nazis are ordering my papa to give up his store to the bank. If he doesn't, we will be arrested. So now, Papa signs the papers. All of his employees have to find new jobs. Everyone in Holland is so upset. Will this ever end?

September 10, 1942
No, it won't. I am writing very fast because the Nazis have ordered we must pack up and leave. It's called "relocating". I must leave my home for these horrible selfish people that took my country. "Why? Why?" That's what I keep asking myself. Mama tells us we must be strong. She's right, we must be strong, when bad things happen, espescially to us.......Jews.   

A star of David, that Jews would have worn.

The Battle of Valley Forge

I stand there ready for battle
The Commander yells at us
It is a snow blizzard and is freezing cold
I remember how we must be bold

Our blue uniforms are dirty
I'm missing some shoes
So instead I must wrap a paper bag
I stand up straight, careful not to sag

"Aim!" he tells us and we obey
His voice is strong like thunder, that can be heard
I aim at soldiers that are near
They are close, I fear

Before he orders us again,
I think of the enemy who we are against
I think of being free
This is the only thing I see

Soldiers of bloody red
Soldiers of the Lobsterback
Soldiers that take our freedom to and fro
Soldiers called REDCOATS, as you know

"Fire!" he screams as we let the bullets fly
We dodge under bushes and trees
We are ordered to run,
But we hold tight till everyone is done

I run shooting anything that comes near me
I'm dodging bullets, which it's hard to do
Though I hear people screaming in my ear
I'm scared to death, for the worse I fear

I think about my family
How they want freedom as much as I
But starvation hits us, we all must do our part
The only thing is left for me are the trees, the bark

I can see bloody footprints in the snow
I know we are all ready to quit
"Keep on! Fight on!" he yells "Rally up!"
I realize he's right, we can't give up!

We have to sacrifice our lives
Everyone needs freedom
Even though I'm bleeding
But I know we must keep on proceeding

I run faster and shoot harder
I am no longer a selfish soldier
I will be who they need us to be
Freedom, as far as I can see

Battle of Valley Fordge.

The battle of Valley Forge. George Washington, Commander in Chief.

alliteration Example

See the full PicLit at PicLits.com

Free Bird

March 4, 1906
I saw a free robin today out in the pasture today, before we left Sweden. That's what I want for me, Holly Rubin. We are going to America today. Papa is already in America, waiting for us. Papa wrote to us saying: "I have an apartment already for you. It's small but you will be in the Golden Country soon, just like me." I don't want to leave, but I know Mama and Papa only talked about how wonderful America would be. I don't know what's so exciting, after all it is just another country. I love Sweden, with its pretty mountains and hills, I could never leave........................................

March 17, 1906
We have just reached Ellis Island, New York. We have been standing in lines for hours. I tell Mama, "I'd much rather sleep on the floor." "No you can't. It's filthy, besides we'll be home soon. Now hush!" My four older brothers: Jacob, Fred, Carlos, and Julian are just as exhausted as I am. The doctors, all day long, inspect us and ask us questions. "The doctors stare at you, and always watch the way you walk, be careful. Whatever you say or do, they will remember." This is what Papa tells us in his letters. I walk quickly and gracefully as I can. Mama does the same and so do my brothers. I feel their eyes upon us. "If they inspect a disease on you, (examples: lameness, heart disease, and so on), they mark you on your shoulder with a piece of chalk. (Example: L for lameness, H for heart disease)." Mama tripped on a bag, luckily wasn't hurt. But they did inspect her leg. "You'd think we would get sick from all that." I muttered. Mama's leg wasn't hurt, and so we were passed on.

April 1, 1906
After long days and hours on Ellis Island, we fianally made it to our tenament apartment. Papa showed us three rooms: the kitchen, the parlor, and one bedroom. Us kids will sleep in the parlor, while our parents will sleep in the bedroom. Papa also showed us the sink, with RUNNING WATER!!! Mama is so excited! She says it's much easier than having a well. Papa says there are free schools that we can attend, all except for Jacob. He is past 14, and will work in the Uptown Coat Factory with Papa. The law says a child under 14, can't work. Fred will turn 14 soon, he says he can't wait.

April 10, 1906
Papa and Jacob get paid 5 cents a day! Papa brought home 10 cents! We are so happy. Fred, Carlos, Julian, and I attended school today. We are placed in lower classes, until we learn proper English. Here are some words I know so far that I can write:
I like cats.
Mama says she is so proud of me. I told her I wanted to be a teacher when I grow up. I told her it's  a BIG  start for me.

April 16, 1906
A  lot has happened. School is out for 3 weeks of spring break. Fred had a birthday last week April 13. He now has a job. He works in a shoe store where he shines and fixes shoes all day long. He earns a dollar a day!!! Our family is proud of him. We are going to have a small party for him tomorrow. Mama bought a small icebox with the money we've earned. I guess I was wrong, America IS the Golden Country. I saw a bird yesterday in Madison's Square Park with Carlos. "Look at that bird. He's free, just like us. Free bird. Free in America."


THE END

Children worked in factories, such as young as this girl.

Ellis Island, another known as Inspection Island.

Mother and her children in America.

Families on a baot to america.

Pioneer Struggle

This is the worst day in my entire life. My parents have decided to move all the way to the West. My ma spent the whole day packing with my sister Karen and my older brother James. "Andy! Hurry with your chores!" Ma said yelling at me. Why do I have to do the chores while everyone else packs?, I thought. I'm not punished. So, even though I knew it was going to be risky, I popped the question out loud. "Because your Pa is workin' making the wagon and your brother need to help me with the big loads." "But Karen could do the chores, she's only eight." I protested. "She needs to help me with women things. She's too young to do all those things by herself. Now go on, scoot." she swatted me on the back and pushed me to the barn. 
                                                                 Later that night, my Pa had big plans for us. "You kids needn't go to school tomorrow. I want ya to help your Ma goin' to town to shop for supplies. Is the packin' all done?" "Yes, George. Everything's ready." our Ma answered clearing the table.
 "I'll need James for tomorrow to load the wagon." Pa continued. "Can I help?" I asked. "No Andy, you help your Ma at the store." It was settled. I would NOT get to help the men.
                                    The next day, we went to the store and Ma bought some food. She bought some extra shoes for me and more tobacco for Pa. She bought some slate pencils for us. "I'm going to teach you children till you all can go back to school." Then, we carried our bags home.

With all of our supplies, trunks, and things packed, we were ready to go a week later. Pa sold the farm and he hitched two horses up. He traded one of our neighbors the oxen for the plow. With some money left over he bought another small wagon for us. Ma had blankets and food in our #1 wagon. The other was the big wagon: Big Ben. Big Ben would be in the back while #1 wagon would be in the front with the horses. Then, both of those wagons would be attached. 

We left our home 3 hours ago, and caught up with the wagon train. "We're on the Big Move." James told us. "What's that?" Karen asked. "It's where you travel to a new place, called the west. Lots of folks do it." I explain. "But I thought this was a wagon train." she said reaching for an apple. But James slapped her hand. "No food, Karen. Not until later." My legs ached and I barely had any room. Ma and Pa had all the room on a wagon seat. I saw some people walking. But I knew our Pa would never let us walk, besides the question was just too risky. 

Finally, we made camp after 9 hours later. It was dark, so we had to be careful. All the wagons formed a circle. Ma gave us some hot bean porridge and a tin cup of milk. "Did you pack your good bake bread, Ma?" I asked her knowing how I loved her bread. She shook her head. "Takes too long to make it. When you kids are finished, you'll need to go to bed." "Can we explore?" I asked her. "No! You kids don't need to be wanderin' by yourselves at night. That's the rule from the wagon master."  Okay, so we had to go to bed. Not much fun.

While we were riding on the dusty prairie, we all halted to a stop. "The wagon master has decided to take a shortcut." Pa explained. "Has he done this before?" we asked him. "Yea, he has. Don't worry."  While we took a shortcut through the woods, James decided to keep us occupied. We played a game, checkers, and read some books. "Look! Indians!" Karen pointed. We peeked out the wagon. Some were hiding behind bushes, while others were picking berries. James pulled us two back inside saying, "You keep your distance, they'll keep theirs." 

Rain came all the next day and the day after that. For 2 whole days it rained. The roads were wet and muddy. One day, our wagon wheel cam off. James jumped off first, then me, and then we helped Karen. Pa pulled to a stop, and so did everyone else. No one was hurt, maybe a couple bruises. The wagon master, Mr.Steel, ordered to make camp until our repairs were complete.

It took Pa 2 extra days to fix the wagon and make another wagon wheel. There was no extra firewood to make dinner, so we ate cold and wet berries we found in the woods. Somebody got sick and had to be taken care of for another 2 days! Finally on the 5th day, we got back on the trail. When we found dry firewood, we all stopped to collect it. 

We had to stop again, for a day, because someone was havin' a baby. I don't know when we'll ever get to our new home. We are all feeling grouchy, espescially me. The days are gettin' colder, they say. We won't have much food, if the rain doesn't stop.

(4 weeks later) We made it! Pa made us a new cabin and everything is workin' out fine as we planned. We have a barn and some crops. There's a school and a small town we can attend to. Ma is excited as well, because Pa got her a cow.  Everything turned out well, even though, we faced our first pioneer struggle. 

THE END 

A covered wagon for the early 1960's. 

Land pioneers would have traveled through, dusty roads.