Welcome to Cafe Ujima, the best place in town to hear exciting new poets! Today’s featured poets will leave you dazzled, provoked, and inspired. Enjoy the event, and don’t forget that hot beverages are half off. Just ask your server, Kevin.
1. Select your best poem, one that you feel comfortable sharing with your classmates. As you type your poem look for opportunities to continue improving your techniques, word choice, or structure.
2. Post your poem in the “comments” section of this post.
3. Respond (reply) to each other by commenting on language (word choice), techniques, structure, or style. Discuss what you like about your classmates’ poems, and try to explain what those choices made you feel, think, or consider. When possible, “refer to the text” as you comment.
4. Please respond to at least two of your classmates. Tina, you may comment on more than two poems. And reply to those people who comment on your poem!
Just An Ordinary Life
Apartments where socializing begins
And the aroma of foods fly at sunset
Sweatiness rush through the drains
And dark shadows move place to place at night
Then from whence thy came thou shall go back
A giant house with 4 apartments
We were just installing the exhaust
Swoosh! Cops jump out of nowhere
Dogs are barking, birds chirping, trees
Swinging and with the view of the yard
Brings along the the smell of poo!
And the guitar, being played inside
The house gave me eargasm
After the long rush hour day
I went to the lake to enjoy and
Peer the particles floating
It was an exciting dream
I rode a Godzilla with full power
Terrorizing the streets
With its loud roar like thunder
Smashing American muscle like nothing
And rivals with King of Streets
The eagle stands strong
untouchable in the sky sound
of a cool breeze.
The eagle is like a sight of a moon
a clear vision of its glorious light
leading a path for a change for
the world.
It is like a turbine of power
moving fast as electricity.
The eagle speaks, rises up on a
flag, resembling-Freedom
My Inevitable Journey
When it comes to my childhood,
my mind refuses to render much.
Much of the love laughs hugs and giggles
Perfection began to seem surreal
The struggle was so real
My medical condition was a big deal
It was the cause of my visit to the E.R
I know this a sound a little bizarre
As young as a few weeks old
News is what my mom was told
What else could it be?
The news was about epilepsy
She had worked for the D.O.D
But was somehow always there to comfort me
Regardless of the thoughts in her head,
She always prayed,
no matter what the doctors had said.
I don’t hate the struggle you see
It’s the reason I met Mao and Nancy
These two oddballs ?
Yeah, they make me happy
Whether its screaming in the halls
Or laughing when the other one falls
I’m selfish when it comes to these two
They belong to me … not you
It’s inevitable how we met
Meeting them is one thing i would never regret
In the future,
I don’t want things to change
But we don’t control that
I want to stuff my face with them,
Until we get fat
Until we get all chubby wrinkly and old
I want to watch our journey unfold.
i appreciate the “oddball” part, thanks cx great imagery especially “until we get all chubby wrinkly and old” cant wait for that too. Love your poem Alicia <3
Cx LOL. I love you too Nancy <3
I think your poem was wonderful. It was filled with emotion which made me feel happy for you when you mentioned “Yeah they make me happy”. Also, I like your end rhyme on line 23-26 where it rhymes “hall” and “fall” and “two” and “you”. Great job. 😀
That is so cute i can imagine you guys all fat wrinkly and old. Its cute
LOL . Abrego Thank You <3
Where I’m from
I’m from green trees and pinto beans
from stereotypes and fall hikes
I am from romantic music and quarrels
life goes on like a rolling barrel.
I am from clumsiness and bruises
from winners and losers
I’m from dark times and a ghetto hood
friends pressure me to look “good”
from rejection and acceptance.
I am from Hispanic folklore
superstitions and charms
wear a bracelet to keep from harm
I am from an old blanket
antiques and memories,
scattered everywhere
nostalgia lingers at home
being there is to be alone.
To be or not to be
self-sufficient lessons from my sister
Where I’m from is not the same
without her, my parents never came
I am from where she stands
beside her, holding hands
– Glenda Ramirez
Beautiful poem Glenda!! 😀 Your imagery was self satisfying and the flow of you poem was perfect. I like how you include your traditions of “superstition”. I also really enjoy your end rhymes like “quarrels” and “barrels” and “hood” and “good”. Great job!!<3 <3 😀 😀
“Where I’m From”
I am from a little smile
from a warm, old house
where grandma cooks me food
and watch Korean dramas
we laugh at their plastic tears
with my strange siblings
while they willfully play the Wii
accidentally breaking a lamp
with a “clank!” and “oops”
I am the heart
like a fruit tart that my grandma
start to bake with love
I am from the “LOL” laughs
that echo in our corner
of leather, wood, and memories
As strangers join our conversations
and leave with a “tap, tap”
arriving again with a “sizzle”
on a plate
we devour our delicacies
until it was done
with a drive back home
I am from a land of mystery
where I am happy
“chomp, chomp”-ing on food
forever on foreign land
but then, I’m alone
mostly at home
shivering like a bone
suddenly opening my eyes
left in a blankness
where I struggle to find
real happiness
Symbol poem
The willow tree stands graceful,
Leaves moving with the breeze.
The willow tree dances elegantly In the wind like a ballerina Striving for success Through Every obstacle that gets in the Way.
There is a silence behind that Grace, to only speak when the Wind blows.
The willow tree stands still in its Gracious silence. –
Graciousness
I really liked your imagery of the willow tree. For example, “dances elegantly in the wind like a ballerina” shows that the willow tree is delicate yet strong. Also , your description of the willow tree makes me think the tree is humble.
The Lion with pride
The lion hunts ferociously,
digging its claws
into the stomach oh his food
The lion is like an
image of death, barely
approachable through terror
It is a defender of
his pride, protecting and fighting
in the grasslands
The lion roars, rising
from the mountain
Pride
by Alejandro Flores
I like how you described the lion as ” an image of death ” Cx it goes to somewhat show how you yourself personally view the lion in your own eyes.
it kind of reminds me of the term harbinger of death for some odd reason.
Where I’m from
I am from strong black coffee,
Bitter, warm, pleasant.
I am from long walks with friends
Parks, downtown.
I am from beaches
Soft sand,
Soothing sun,
And fresh air.
I am from camping in the woods,
Large tents,
Large family,
Large lakes.
I am from boat rides,
Scary, fast, windy.
I am from collecting bugs with my cousin
Lady bugs, large mosquitos.
buzzing , swooshing, flapping.
I am from Sunday family time
From breakfast to dinner.
Forgetting problems
Laughing
Talking
Smiling.
A fresh new start every week.
On a wall were memories.
From pictures to tickets.
CLouds of happy memories
Precious comforting items.
Items that display where I’m from.
Roberto, I think your poem is intriguing. I really like your third stanza. It makes me wish my family could spend quality time together.
Your poem is interesting. Like for example, when you describe black coffee as “pleasant” since usually majority people dont see bitter stuff as pleasant. also the alliteration in the first stanza (“soft sand/ soothing sun”) creates a nice image. and then i really like the last stanza cuz it reminds me of my room, that is filled with old little trinkets and photos
Where i’m from
I am from apple and apricot
trees.
I am from cats, dogs,
birds, fish, turtles, bunnies
and chickens.
I am from summer
water balloon fights
and a whole lot of sunscreen.
From chaos in the kitchen
when i’d offer to help.
Till this day those enchiladas
remain my favorite.
And when i make it big
and finally own that mansion
of my dreams,
I’ll make sure that those enchiladas
get whipped up in my kitchen
aswell.
My Love for You Won’t Never Change
When I hold you, happiness fills my heart.
Ball of sunshine that would never just fade.
Your face is a beautiful piece of art.
God made you just one of a kind, homemade.
I love you with all my heart, that won’t change.
You’re my niece so my love is eternal.
Growing up things be a little strange.
Just know I can be your inside journal.
Growing up you’ll get a lot of haters,
Because you have something that they don’t have.
Don’t cry, just say you’ll get to them later.
I would apologize on their behalf.
As long as me and you can see or breathe,
My love for you will never leave.
i like how you told her she could rely on you and use you as a journal, and to basically brush off everything the people say.. Haha cx i read this Mao and she also said it was cute
Emotions
Oh how time passes every single day,
Although you always pop up in my mind.
I know that i won’t get my way,
I feel like i’m in a very tight bind.
Worrying about the day you leave me,
Thinking about how i would live my life.
I guess we will just have to wait and see,
Just wondering if I would be in strife.
I start to think when things will be alright,
And when you will just stop wasting my time.
I know that it won’t be a very good sight,
Just holding my feelings in like a mime.
Watch when my emotions begin to change,
Although I don’t know if you’re in my range.
this an outstanding poem, its like your emotions are flowing to me
“Where I’m From”
I am from the sparks
Of fires that light up
The night
I am from the flour
In which my mom
Wields her whisk
I am from the dance
Floor in which Monsterz
Roam
I am from the vibrations
Of the floor
To the beats
Of the song
I am from the evergreen
Trees
To the rocky
Mountains
I am from the morning sun
That shines for us
I am from the mist
That holds
Nothing but mystery
Happiness is a Nightmare
He is who provides me with happiness
Embraces me with knowledge
He, who’s welcoming is like a bliss
His undying love takes me to the edge
He moves my heart with his touching movement
His harmony kills me softly inside
Secretly he told me I was decent
Our love had raised like an ocean tide
Slowly his endless love had died for me
But little did he know I still loved him
Sadly he told me we aren’t meant to be
Without him my life seemed to be more dim
I want to wake up from this nightmare
But my inner self does not dare
Your poem has touch me
very well Tracy
I love the story your poem conveys
Tanka
Pretty colored trees
That are orange red yellow
In autumn air
An old barn by the water
With a white fence around it.
-Muneeb Ahmad
Its nice and short and has good imagery to it
Momma
You are like the glowing and shining sun
Always there to brighten up the dark day
I would not trade you for no other one
When i was young i wished for you to stay
You were out the house working the hardest
It’s like you were a group of machines
You never stopped and you went the farthest
You got what i wanted by any means
It’s nice to know we are a family
I hope it’s an easy life you’re living
I’m lucky you can now live happily
Times have been hard but you are forgiving
You were there since I was a small baby
And also there for whatever may be
-William Keopanya
Great Sonnet Will! Very clever word choice!! The rhymes on each line are straight BARS!!!
I love how the poem relates with me and probably many others expressing in this poem how the mother is precious and hard working just like in line 6 “It’s like you were a group of machines
The Laughing Hyena
The Laughing Hyena lays on its back
It’s howl echoes throughout
The neverending night
The Laughing Hyena is like a
Sound of happiness, barely
Can be heard through
The weeps and shouts
It is like a light of
Its own, shining and glowing
On everything it comes
In contact with
The Laughing Hyena continues
To laugh
Welcoming anyone or anything
To join him-
Happiness
-Duke F.
Duke, I love the animal that you chose. It is a great representation of you.
I am taking this chance to write to you
To say the emotions I truly feel
Although I know you do not feel those too
Even so, these feelings are still quite real
For you to love me back is my desire,
But the hopelessness of that breaks my heart
Not giving up sets my lost soul on fire,
And at the same time it tears me apart
You probably don’t even notice me
I know quite well I’m not the greatest choice
Still, for us to be I’d forever plea
Because other guys have much greater poise
I know that in me there’s not much to find
But I hope this poem will change your mind
I like how your use of word choice that is unknown to me and makes me wonder what it means, for it’s not just a love poem but a mystery to me
Jose, your poem is very deep. I never knew you had this side to you. I would have never expected to see this. The poem has a nice flow to it. It’s cool how you used the word “poise.” Great job!!!
Jose, you got the most bars in this class.
Yay
I am from vanilla Ice cream
I have went to Domino Pizza
I have ventured to the deserts of Mexico,
To the lands of Disney
Dogs have chased me from once
Drowsy to energetic
Life is a workout from the light weight
to the heavy weight of obstacles
I am from video games
Once pixel and old fashion
To HD to futuristic
I am from music,
That soothes all problems of life
I am from the titans,
From track to football
I am from the colleges of sports,
From small to great.
I like how u wrote youre poem about the things you love and what makes u the most happy
Love the structure of your poem! This tells us a lot more about yourself!
I love how to talked about where you came from and what you like to do.
Not the same
I’m from loud families
not knowing
to close their lips
and the smell of warm carnitas
drifting past my nose
I’m from Grandma’s
house of dominos
which always roared
with laughter and jokes
I’m from Old Pops’s
jungle of a backyard
which always felt like I was
a tiger frolicking fast in the forest
waiting for prey to pounce
I’m from reunions
that never die
to come back to Grandma’s
pumpkin pie
I’m from He fills jars
with water
then He pours out wine
Under my tongue was
hidden treats from Tia’s jar of wonders
then there was cousin Asa
To always distract her
so I sneak back for a second round
However, it’s different,
now I’m older
I realize the important
I now see.
Reality….
Just like a flashlight,
You lit up my small dark world,
When I needed hope.
Thank you for being my friend,
Even when I was hateful.
your poem is really sweet. and it has all the syllables needed. and it seems to have a very important message so awesome job DeAnNa
Lol Kelly!!!
Where I’m From
I’m from the eggrolls,
that tastes sweet and salty.
I am from the fresh
smell of pho.
I am from the tall Asian pear tree,
where I climb to reach my dreams.
From the collection of painted rocks,
that are kept in a blue box.
I’m from the library,
that sound as quiet as a cave.
From the colorful flowers,
which grow stronger each year.
I am from the “smack” of the volleyball,
As I spike it down toward my enemies.
I’m from the sea shells,
that brighten up the beach.
I’m from the traffic,
that everyone hates.
I am from the blue waves,
as it touches my feet,
with a “whoosh”
I like how you use onomatopoeia in the last stanza!
Malika, I really like the imagery in you’re poem. It’s nice how you talk about Asian food in your first stanza! The line ” I am from the tall Asian pear tree, where I climb to reach my dreams” is very inspiring. I think it’s cool how you mentioned volleyball in the second stanza. The beach imagery in the last stanza makes me feel calm and at peace. Amazing job!
I am from the beach
From the waves crashing
Along the shoreline
I am from the campfire
On the beach listening to the waves
I am from from the bursting fireworks
Distributing their vibrant colors
Over me.
I am from the green
Vibrant tree
I am from traveling
Around California
I am from the city
Of trees.
I am from world
Exploration
I am from adventures
I am from traveling
the world.
Your poem has really great imagery, however i think that it would have been better if you hadn’t said waves a second time in the first stanza because it sounds repetitive. But other than that, its really cool
The Angel
Is it fair to compare you with the world?
No, it would not be candid to do this.
You’re the most exquisite, angelic girl.
I want to proclaim my love with a kiss.
Sometimes I think without you, I would end.
But your beauty brings me back to the light.
All of the world, and you still transcend.
I’ll protect you, I’ll be your holy knight.
Even the gods are envious of you.
Your eyes shine brighter than all of the stars
I love you, I want you to love me too.
I wish I could win you over with these bars
Your warm luscious lips, Your beautiful smile
I’ll just sit down and admire for awhile.
This sonnet is wonderful. I love how you provide exquisite words such as angelic and candid. This sonnet has also piqued my interest in the person or thing that you have written this.
I really like your word choice, words like “exquisite” and “candid” whose meaning I don’t know. You also have great imagery. It’s a nice love poem. Good job on it
I like your use of imagery, it is a great way to express to the “Angel” she is beautiful in your eyes and us as readers ur passion for her
Stop Complaining
by Fernando Llanito
Complaints we cry through our limited life
ignoring the fun that our lives once had
Thinking negative will create a strife
and a life with conflict will just be sad
For life you have one chance and only one
Why waste your time demanding perfection?
Complaints aren’t escape routes for anyone
for they harm others and cause depression
Just don’t complaint and learn from your mistakes
Enjoy the time given to you, always
Life is hard so don’t cry over mistakes
because mistakes are fixed in many ways
I hope complaints will banish from this world
So let this poem create this dreamworld
I enjoy the message behind your poem and how you articulated the message.
I really like the message to stop complaining about life. I like your use of the word “strife.” I only dislike the fact that you rhymed “mistakes” with itself. Other than that, good job!
I like your topic about complaints and how you describe it in the poem
i like how i relate to youre poem ! it also has great detail
Paradise
Shall I compare you to a cold dark night?
Thunder roars from the black space above
Cries on your shoulder when I don’t feel right
Like light, you guide me with accepting love.
Sometime so dark,you can’t manage to lead
Stars dim a bright path guiding you to me
With hidden letters, only you can read
God gifted you as my husband to be
Like a cold, dark night you bring brighter days
In the morning sunshine, you give me shade
And with your mistakes, comes much better ways
In your protecting arms, I feel unafraid
Before you, my heart was cold as ice
I’ll always treasure you, My Paradise
-Harriet
I love your story and it has excellent word choice, however in some of your lines you either have one to manny syllables or one not enough. Try to count your lines and be double sure that you have exactly ten syllables.
Your lines: “Thunder roars from the black space above” and “Before you, my heart was cold as ice”
includes only 9 syllables.
Also, your line: “In your protecting arms, i feel unafraid,” contains 11.
Amazing imagery and straightforward story, just try to keep track of your syllable count
I love your story and it has excellent word choice, however in some of your lines you either have one to many syllables or one not enough. Try to count your lines and be double sure that you have exactly ten syllables.
Your lines: “Thunder roars from the black space above” and “Before you, my heart was cold as ice”
includes only 9 syllables.
Also, your line: “In your protecting arms, i feel unafraid,” contains 11.
Amazing imagery and straight-forward story, just try to keep track of your syllable count.
Your fleece is as brown as the midnight oak.
Seeing your eyes in the dark is so cold.
Just a glance would give you a painful stroke.
For all you give is a story untold.
When you seem wild, you are truly kind.
With eyes as rare as a moon in the day.
You always sit there with a peaceful mind;
Sleeping by the tree where we used to play.
But time is short as you are soon to fade;
Even though I would find it cruel to wait.
I could never leave you in the nightshade.
Before I realized, it was too late.
Not too long before we began to bond,
The life we gave you began to abscond
I love your word diction in the last two lines of your sonnet. It was great.
Thank you Brandon for your honorable words
Thank you. However you spelled my name wrong. Good job.
Yes, I have realized my mistake and is rather sorry for it 😛
Terry Vang
period 5 Sonnet
Coey
My dearest and most beautiful Ilene,
You shine brightly in my world of darkness.
With passion that even i had not seen,
You make my heart suffer much and much less.
We’ve become so close after five long years,
And never could i had imagined this.
Being by your side rids me of my fears,
And your very presence brings me such bliss.
I love you not just for your looks or voice,
I cherish our waning time together.
I have strong faith to believe in this choice,
To love you in this life and forever.
I was little then, and could not have known.
But I’ll be happy, to make you my own. <3
I am from early
mornings to late nights,
from teddy bears set on a bed with care
moist with unshed tears.
I am from multiple fandoms
that kill me with feels
and OTPs that aren’t cannon.
I’m from sugar, salt, dust,
and gravel, from burnt
tortillas to frozen pizzas
I’m from a place where old mindsets
find new concepts,
and new ideas destroy roles
as old as time
In a world where things move
fast, pictures hanging
on a wall will remind
me of moments, sweet
as cupcakes and bitter
like lemons. And when
life gives you lemons,
trade them for sweets.
I absolutely love the description that you provide. It helps me understand your past, present, and future. 😀
the first and second stanza are actually both my present and the third is my attempt at a future.
Kelly, I think you outdid yourself this time. I like how you mention “OTPs” and “burnt tortillas. ” It’s funny how you talked about your ‘companions!’ I remember you telling me “When life gives you lemons, trade them for sweets.” Though I’m not sure lemons are bitter. I believe they’re sour. Even if you said the lemons are sour, it wouldn’t change the meaning of your poem.
thank you! yea my life wouldn’t be complete without my OTPs and companions. and I forgot that lemons are sour but they are close enough. since stuff that is bitter can sometimes be sweet (like strawberries)