New beginnings

Another year is at an end

With it our troubles we send

Let's rejoice as we pass this bend

It's a part of life's journey my friends

The many things that went wrong

Made our days seem so long

Despite the hurt and pain

We do it yet again

How we tried

Still many at nights cried

The world filled with hate and crime

But there were happy times

It's a new year to make amends

To forgive and love again

Spread peace and shun war

Help others to reach the stars

New beginning is a gift

Let's be joyful as our spirits lift

To new dreams and aspirations

And hope for this generation.

- Dawn Camera-Burrows

_____________________

Destiny

I don't know what exactly went wrong

or where and when we grew apart

one day we were together

but the next we were apart

and the years that followed

were filled with sadness

and a haunting ache in my heart

But now, so many years have passed

and we are back together

both of us older and wiser

taking things carefully and slowly

as we explore each other's thoughts

and seek to re-ignite the flames

that once glowed in our hearts.

- Monica Malcolm-Birthfield

____________________________

Terror

The stillness of the silent night is invaded by the sounds of ammunition

Fear hugs the air

People trip in traps of the unknown

Echoing screams escape shaken and shuddering lips

Nerve endings deter breaths,

Choking and tightening each chest

The pungent smell of death pervades the atmosphere

Masculine mass tramples the earth beneath

While afar blue trousers aim at innocent minds

Tears begin to trickle from the heavens

The earth trembles in fear

As bullets cut across the air

The tension tightens when pure red washes the streets clean

Families dare to abandon their dreams

Terror and darkness intertwines

This reflects the end.

- Casieka Dunkley

________________________

You are me

You are

The stars of my wishes

The reality of my dreams

Every promise fulfilled

The essence of my beliefs

You are

The strength in my faith

The hope in my fears

The smiles in joy

The worth in my years

You are

The sight in my vision

The strides in my steps

The bounce in my swag

You are the knowledge of my intellect

You are

The air in my breath

The will of my mind

The calm in my peace

You are my heartbeat

You are

The force in spirit

You are

The depth of my soul

In you I see me

As you are in me

You are my is, my was

My always will be

You are me.

- Donna "Deanery " Rid

__________________________

Secret anguish

I cry at my reality, praying I was asleep

I cry at my dreams, knowing they will never come true

I cry, I cry

Emotional pain so great, I yearn for Aspirin

I cry alone in my dark world publicly concealed

I cry, I cry

Alone not by choice, at least I think

I smile, teeth glisten with pain

It has become my reality, no one else's

I am selfish

I refuse to share my shame, my pain, my dark world and sadness

I cry, I smile, I suffer, alone

For in some sick way, I enjoy the sadness, my pain, my reality.

- Yanique Taylor

_____________________

Fear of silence

We have become afraid

Afraid of silence

We can't sleep

Won't close our eyes

Silence must be haunting

Hence we cloak our fears in noise

Noise to drown our heartbeats

And numb our minds

Zombieswe have become.

- Erica Brown Marriott

____________________________

Give the youth a chance

Be careful how you treat the youth

Remember you once were young

The journey on the path of life

Is full of twists and turns.

There are obstacles along the way

And guidance is required

As the passage of the teenage years

Is paved with never-ending trials.

Reflect on how you used to be

And use this as a guide

For we were not born as adults

We all had to take the ride.

A little smile of acknowledgement

A pleasant word or two

Will give some measure of encouragement

And boost self-confidence too.

So meet the youth with a pleasant face

A kind word or a gentle touch

It will brighten your life, it's true

And to the youth it may mean so much.

- Remelda A. Thomas

_____________________

Time management

Time management

is the key component in

the bid for success

Once handled correctly

will bloom prosperity

blessings flowing, like a mighty stream

with no end.

- Melissa A. Williams

_______________________

The prophecy

(I say)

Emotionally dead am I

God says it's time to come alive

I buried so many years of sorrow and pain

Lord, why should I wake up to this?

What is there to gain?

(The Lord replies)

Child, I see your pain

and I don't want this to ever make you hurt again

My healing will carry you through

I am more than capable of making you new.

I, the potter, have a vision for you

A cup so beautiful inside and out

No cracks

No scratches

Smooth beauty it will be

Strong and refined...held together by Me.

Day by day new mercies you'll see

As I make you over to fit the vision I see.

- Shelly-Ann Woolery

_______________________

Pick one

Pills, injections and condoms, so many options to choose from

Why have an unwanted pregnancy, or worse, why get chills?

Abstinence is best, but if you must, pick one!

When you're young, life is a lot of fun

Why throw it all away? Pick one.

Nurses may be scary, and try to intimidate you

Whose life is it?

Sometimes they make you feel dirty

for being sexually active and active sexually.

But whose life is it?

Don't allow anyone to make you feel dirty about having sex.

Think about it, who will have sleepless nights taking care of a baby?

Rewind, thinking too fast, who will have to drop out of school, achieving nothing, or sent out into the world alone?

Pick one!

They're at the clinics and hospitals for you to collect and use.

Don't be ashamed to ask, it is your right

Think fast, think smart, not everyone will understand

Don't let your pride get in the way of your future

Prevention is better than cure, Pick one!

-Viviene Grant