From Mr. McEowen's 6th grade students at Venetia Valley School in San Rafael, California. The students wrote their poems with California Poets in the Schools poet-teacher Lea Aschkenas.
Dear President Obama
We don’t want more war, but more peace.
Let the grass grow, not burn.
Let the people live, not die.
Let the soldiers come home to their families.
It’s us that make the change,
so why don’t we change things?
When someone shoots a gun,
someone dies, but when we don’t start war,
thousands live.
—Jesus
Freedom Star
Freedom Freedom
Freedom Star,
How we wonder where you are.
Even though we have Obama as president,
we know he isn’t permanent.
He may have voted against
the war,
but peace and harmony are very
far.
Even though there is violence,
some of us stay in silence.
Getting rid of poverty
is one step closer to harmony.
Why do we have a bad environment?
Why don’t we stop being silent?
Freedom Freedom
Freedom Star,
Show us how
powerful
your instincts are!
—Adil
You Won!
“You won!”
we all said,
people crying.
A long journey for you and me
too.
I was at school when it happened.
You won!
—Stacia
Obama Help!!
What do we call
that fabric
with those colors
Red, Blue, White?
with those stars
shining so bright? Nothing left
to say but the issues,
so there goes poverty
and the economy,
but what about discrimination
and something called immigration?
How about helping education?
And violence, the environment.
It’s hard
to say what’s
happening
TODAY.
I know we’re the future,
but can’t we
have a little help?
It’s time for
change. Can’t you hear
the clock?
—Ane
Mr. President
Don’t start wars.
Finish them with agreements.
Help the people in poverty.
Don’t let them suffer.
Give them jobs and they’ll
give you back the favor.
Mother Earth
needs our help
with more earth friendly cars
we’ll have a
better conscience,
recycle more,
make it easier!
Little by little…
may turn out to
be more than enough.
You can blame us,
but please
help us.
—Cristina
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Hillsdale High School
More from Marty Roberts and his amazing students at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, California, who shared their work in the hallway of their school after watching the inauguration together:Dear President Obama:
My name is Saki. I am a senior at Hillsdale High School. I have been living and learning English in San Mateo, California for two years. Congratulations on your election! When I watched your election speech, “Yes, we can," I was sure you were going to make this country, as well as the world, better. I have two things that I would like you to improve. One thing is that everyone gets a job so that there are no homeless people in the streets. When I see those people, I feel pain, so I hope you come up with helpful ideas. I have already heard you are preparing jobs for about three hundreds million people. I am really impressed. In Japan, there are also many people who were laid off, so your new policy will impress the Japanese president and help him consider wonderful ideas like you did. The other one is the environmental issue. In recent years, almost every grocery store or shop sells the eco bag and I often see people using it a lot. I hope you will encourage people to participate in planet friendly life more. Recycling is also a significant way to save our lives. I noticed people use too much paper in this country, especially fast food shops. Every burger and item is wrapped with paper, which is only used once and thrown away. This is very wasteful. I suggest people bring plastic container to the shops and wash it at home. The things can be used again and again that need to be increased. I do not want to create more garbage any more. This is important because we need to save our world not only for ourselves, but also for next generation.
I hope the wonderful future will come during your term in office. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Saki
Dear President Obama:
My name is Felix and I’m from Guatemala. I’m a Latino student at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo California. I am very proud that you are the President because you are going to change the United States. My dream is that you can make reform for all the immigrants that came here without permission. My other hope is that if you can find a way to give drivers' licenses to immigrants because they need it to work. I hope you can help me to change our country in a better way by not separated families and giving permission of work to all immigrants.
Sincerely,
Felix
Dear President Obama:
I am Hatibe from Turkey. Actually I cannot send this letter from Turkey. I am no longer in my country. I came the U.S, your country, for my education. Two years ago, I cannot even imagine coming here. I and my friends were planning to go to the same university. To be honest, we were only planning because it is hard to go to a medical school of an average university. We need to spend our every minute to prepare for the big exam. Also there are so many students and not enough university. I wish my friends could be here and see how easy it is to have same chance with all students.
I do not have any wish about my life. I want something that every person who wants peace in this world. My real country is not in war but I cannot stand looking at crying children because of the war, famine and poorness on televisions. This is a truth that nobody can deny the U.S is one of the most important countries in the world. If the U.S wants, other countries might do something to stop wars. That is all my hope about future. A peaceful world…
Sincerely,
Hatibe
Dear president-Elect Obama:
Hi, my name is Araceli. I am a 15 years old Latina and I live in San Mateo, California. I am a student at Hillsdale High school. I am happy that this year you are going to be our new President. I hope you will end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the war people are dying and many families are getting destroyed. They just can’t live a normal life and thousands of people are suffering. Moreover, I would like to see some changes in this country. I know it is not easy but I would like to see you give immigrants the right to stay in this country because they come to work, to get a better life, and support themselves and their families. Additionally, I have a dream. I want to graduate from high school and hope I can go on to college and get a job that I am going to love. This dream is important because I want to be successful in life. Thank you for taking your time reading my letter.
Sincerely,
Araceli
Cleveland Elementary—5th grade, Mr. Sugarman
And still more from the very busy Maureen Hurley at Cleveland Elementary in Oakland. A sad note on the state of arts funding in California (and the U.S.) right now: Maureen's residency at Cleveland was cut short when funding for her program there was eliminated. If you want to help keep poets like Maureen in our schools, please visit the California Poets in the Schools website to make a donation.
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
Let it be heard, told and remembered
I remember when I first heard of Rosa Parks
I was amazed, I was scared because I thought
She was going to be beaten
Then I realized she was just trying to fight
for Black people's rights.
It amazed me when you read a poem
and you said, We, the people, starting today…
And the time has come.
It made me want to sit in the beautiful green grass
And write every word you said
And make it into my own poem.
Just like you, starting today.
Let's help the hungry, let's make the violence stop.
Now we've had 43 presidents fighting like the wind
freezing on my face.
I remember when the beautiful birds
flew in the sky. That gave me confidence.
I know you will make a good example.
You can change our environment.
That can change everybody's lives.
I remember when the ocean
was so beautiful during the sunset…
I remember, We the people
Are in your hands.
— Mako
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
I remember when my mother and I
would pray for you to be president
till there was no tomorrow.
I remember when I saw you on the TV
When you were giving your speech.
Your eyes glistened like a lake
In the afternoon.
One for sure, is, I won't forget
This day, no I won't.
A Young Believer,
—April
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
I remember the part of your speech
That made it seem as if
The winds of change
Just blew onto the U.S.
The clapping from the crowd
Sounded as if lightning was striking
Just for you.
I remember some parts of your speech
As if it was a son.g
Your speech made smiles seem like sunshine.
I wouldn't care what color your skin is
As long as you keep the country in good condition.
—Yao
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
We, the People will not judge
if you destroy, but when you build.
The time has come
for a president to change this country.
Starting today, I believe in you
to change this country
And make it a better place.
It is up to us to support your ideas
So that there will be change.
—Alex
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
Let it be heard, told and remembered
I remember when I first heard of Rosa Parks
I was amazed, I was scared because I thought
She was going to be beaten
Then I realized she was just trying to fight
for Black people's rights.
It amazed me when you read a poem
and you said, We, the people, starting today…
And the time has come.
It made me want to sit in the beautiful green grass
And write every word you said
And make it into my own poem.
Just like you, starting today.
Let's help the hungry, let's make the violence stop.
Now we've had 43 presidents fighting like the wind
freezing on my face.
I remember when the beautiful birds
flew in the sky. That gave me confidence.
I know you will make a good example.
You can change our environment.
That can change everybody's lives.
I remember when the ocean
was so beautiful during the sunset…
I remember, We the people
Are in your hands.
— Mako
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
I remember when my mother and I
would pray for you to be president
till there was no tomorrow.
I remember when I saw you on the TV
When you were giving your speech.
Your eyes glistened like a lake
In the afternoon.
One for sure, is, I won't forget
This day, no I won't.
A Young Believer,
—April
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
I remember the part of your speech
That made it seem as if
The winds of change
Just blew onto the U.S.
The clapping from the crowd
Sounded as if lightning was striking
Just for you.
I remember some parts of your speech
As if it was a son.g
Your speech made smiles seem like sunshine.
I wouldn't care what color your skin is
As long as you keep the country in good condition.
—Yao
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
We, the People will not judge
if you destroy, but when you build.
The time has come
for a president to change this country.
Starting today, I believe in you
to change this country
And make it a better place.
It is up to us to support your ideas
So that there will be change.
—Alex
Cleveland Elementary—5th grade, Ms. Loeser
And still more from the very busy Maureen Hurley at Cleveland Elementary in Oakland. A sad note on the state of arts funding in California (and the U.S.) right now: Maureen's residency at Cleveland was cut short when funding for her program there was eliminated. If you want to help keep poets like Maureen in our schools, please visit the California Poets in the Schools website to make a donation.
COMMON HOPE
1.
In four days the world will be safer.
It will be the best day that came to be.
What will happen to the world
Depends on you.
Do you stand for common hope
Like someone we all know,
Like Martin Luther King, Jr.?
What you want to do for America
Is your decision,
We all want you to make
the right decision, Obama.
2.
We know what these days will bring us.
You became in charge.
You are the boss of America
I will remember when "Yes we can"
Became "Yes we did."
We, the people, hope you make the right decisions.
Today and in the future, we will be safe
From harm and danger.
I remember when you ran for president.
I was with you all the time.
I really like that you play basketball.
Now there is a new president.
I'm with you all the way.
So, Obama, dust yourself off,
And let's go!
— Jackson
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
We are glad that you are the president
We are glum that we have worries
We worry about animals being tortured
We worry about people dying from world hunger
We worry about people losing jobs and homes
We worry about global warming
We worry about our friends and family
We worry about our economy
We hope that you'll answer most of our worries
We hope you make fantastic history
Lastly, we hope you will be
the best president ever
—Crystal
COMMON HOPE
1.
In four days the world will be safer.
It will be the best day that came to be.
What will happen to the world
Depends on you.
Do you stand for common hope
Like someone we all know,
Like Martin Luther King, Jr.?
What you want to do for America
Is your decision,
We all want you to make
the right decision, Obama.
2.
We know what these days will bring us.
You became in charge.
You are the boss of America
I will remember when "Yes we can"
Became "Yes we did."
We, the people, hope you make the right decisions.
Today and in the future, we will be safe
From harm and danger.
I remember when you ran for president.
I was with you all the time.
I really like that you play basketball.
Now there is a new president.
I'm with you all the way.
So, Obama, dust yourself off,
And let's go!
— Jackson
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
We are glad that you are the president
We are glum that we have worries
We worry about animals being tortured
We worry about people dying from world hunger
We worry about people losing jobs and homes
We worry about global warming
We worry about our friends and family
We worry about our economy
We hope that you'll answer most of our worries
We hope you make fantastic history
Lastly, we hope you will be
the best president ever
—Crystal
Cleveland Elementary—4th grade, Ms. Pollack
More from the very busy Maureen Hurley at Cleveland Elementary in Oakland. A sad note on the state of arts funding in California (and the U.S.) right now: Maureen's residency at Cleveland was cut short when funding for her program there was eliminated. If you want to help keep poets like Maureen in our schools, please visit the California Poets in the Schools website to make a donation.
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
In one day the sun will rise with hope
In two days, peace will come
In three days, the wars will end
In four days you will shine like a star
In fifteen days, the world
Will become a better place
Dream, Obama.
Dream like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
—Donna
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
You can make a difference
You can make life easier for others
You can make the world happy
You can help people change war into peace
You can make people smile
You can change the United States of America
You can change life, Obama.
—Uthman
HOPE
Hope, you are Obama
You shine like the sun
In one day you're going to be
Martin Luther King, please
Obama, you can do it
You can help the world
In two days you're going to change the world
In three days you're going to be president.
Hope, you are Obama.
—Tamara
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
City to city, state to state,
Four billion people in one place
How do you deal and how do you think
A thousand questions
And a thousand answers
The people need a president
With a smile on his face
And I think that's you.
Truly.
—Savanna
ADVICE TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
Soon you will move into the White House.
We hope you befriend Lincoln's ghost.
Don't forget to get Sasha and Malia
to school on time and with school supplies
so they can go prepared.
Don't forget to stand up for yourself.
So again, we hope you have a good time
in the White House.
If you like our letters, you are more than welcome
To come to our school.
We love you Obama, you rule
Obama, Obama, Obama.
—Naia
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
Please give peace in this world.
And make a better place for us.
And don't forget to be nice to your daughters.
Remind them to be good A+ students.
Then, after 15 days, the stars will shine
Like shooting stars
and make your wishes come true.
Please dream like Dr. Martin Luther King.
Then, in five days the flowers
and everything will be friendly and fresh.
Remember to be a good president.
Be nice and good to your wife.
And let this hope come true.
And help everyone and everything that needs it.
Thank you so much, Obama. You're awesome.
Thank you, 44th president.
—Angel
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
These are a few words of advice
I need to tell you:
Like, don't forget to feed the homeless
And take care of the hurt and sick
animals and children.
Don't forget to feed the dog, Cleo.
And make sure that you love all people
And your family too.
And don't forget about Dr. King.
I hope your dreams come true
Like you being the president
of the United Stated of America.
I have a dream: yes we can.
Of all the presidents we've had
You are the first African American,
The 44th president.
Thank you so much Obama,
from our little hearts
We believe you're going to be the best
President ever. Go Obama.
—Jayla
DEAR OBAMA:
On the fifth day you'll be president.
But for now you are a star
And you will have to follow your dreams.
Maybe when I grow up, I might be like you
And be a star.
If you donate money you will save lives
Save children, save education
And the money is going to be a good cost.
Obama, you are like my dream.
I like every thing about you.
Now, in five days, you might change the world.
Going to be president is one of my dreams.
To be a good citizen of the U.S.
Oh, how I like everything about you
Because you are like a star to me.
Every day I think about the good things
You will do for us.
And you always think about the world
And not yourself.
Going to be president in three days.
Oh, how you shine like a star.
Oh, how you sparkle like the moon.
Doing good stuff for the world
Forbidding war and rethinking stuff
Like: do we need this?
Every thing you do is good.
Serving your country is good enough.
Every night I dream about you.
Nothing shines brighter than you
Being President today.
—Brandon
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
In one day the sun will rise with hope
In two days, peace will come
In three days, the wars will end
In four days you will shine like a star
In fifteen days, the world
Will become a better place
Dream, Obama.
Dream like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
—Donna
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
You can make a difference
You can make life easier for others
You can make the world happy
You can help people change war into peace
You can make people smile
You can change the United States of America
You can change life, Obama.
—Uthman
HOPE
Hope, you are Obama
You shine like the sun
In one day you're going to be
Martin Luther King, please
Obama, you can do it
You can help the world
In two days you're going to change the world
In three days you're going to be president.
Hope, you are Obama.
—Tamara
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
City to city, state to state,
Four billion people in one place
How do you deal and how do you think
A thousand questions
And a thousand answers
The people need a president
With a smile on his face
And I think that's you.
Truly.
—Savanna
ADVICE TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
Soon you will move into the White House.
We hope you befriend Lincoln's ghost.
Don't forget to get Sasha and Malia
to school on time and with school supplies
so they can go prepared.
Don't forget to stand up for yourself.
So again, we hope you have a good time
in the White House.
If you like our letters, you are more than welcome
To come to our school.
We love you Obama, you rule
Obama, Obama, Obama.
—Naia
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA:
Please give peace in this world.
And make a better place for us.
And don't forget to be nice to your daughters.
Remind them to be good A+ students.
Then, after 15 days, the stars will shine
Like shooting stars
and make your wishes come true.
Please dream like Dr. Martin Luther King.
Then, in five days the flowers
and everything will be friendly and fresh.
Remember to be a good president.
Be nice and good to your wife.
And let this hope come true.
And help everyone and everything that needs it.
Thank you so much, Obama. You're awesome.
Thank you, 44th president.
—Angel
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA
These are a few words of advice
I need to tell you:
Like, don't forget to feed the homeless
And take care of the hurt and sick
animals and children.
Don't forget to feed the dog, Cleo.
And make sure that you love all people
And your family too.
And don't forget about Dr. King.
I hope your dreams come true
Like you being the president
of the United Stated of America.
I have a dream: yes we can.
Of all the presidents we've had
You are the first African American,
The 44th president.
Thank you so much Obama,
from our little hearts
We believe you're going to be the best
President ever. Go Obama.
—Jayla
DEAR OBAMA:
On the fifth day you'll be president.
But for now you are a star
And you will have to follow your dreams.
Maybe when I grow up, I might be like you
And be a star.
If you donate money you will save lives
Save children, save education
And the money is going to be a good cost.
Obama, you are like my dream.
I like every thing about you.
Now, in five days, you might change the world.
Going to be president is one of my dreams.
To be a good citizen of the U.S.
Oh, how I like everything about you
Because you are like a star to me.
Every day I think about the good things
You will do for us.
And you always think about the world
And not yourself.
Going to be president in three days.
Oh, how you shine like a star.
Oh, how you sparkle like the moon.
Doing good stuff for the world
Forbidding war and rethinking stuff
Like: do we need this?
Every thing you do is good.
Serving your country is good enough.
Every night I dream about you.
Nothing shines brighter than you
Being President today.
—Brandon
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