JamSpeak apprentice artists!

by Cassie F.

I was told to live life one day at a time

To work hard and the world would be mine

But what if you want something that’s hard to get

That no matter how hard you work

It’s still not in your reach

Maybe something like that is just hard to find

Like one hundred dollars or the love of your life

To go the farthest you have ever gone before

And just make that person happy,

no matter how much of you it tore.

I guess people can’t always get what they want

Even if you try

I’ll just work hard . . .

Someday it might all be mine.

by Cassie F.

Life can be confusing

It’s hard to understand

It has many obstacles

Sometimes you need a hand.

You might be in a dark place

That’s hard to get out

It could be stressful, confusing,

and all full of doubt

It’s ok to call on friends

Or ones you love

It’s good to ask for help

Though sometimes it’s tough

No need to feel trapped

In a room all alone

People need help every day

Even when they are grown

Whatever life throws at you

is there for a reason

It might be good, bad, easy, or tough

But for sure it’s not leaving

by Alex L.

All of my life I have loved pets, from cats to dogs.  You can learn great lessons from your pets, like how to love and care for each other, and also for all the animals on this earth.  Sometimes it is sad when I see something on tv showing cats and dogs with cuts or something awful just because they are treated badly.  I am grateful that there is a humane society in Lawrence to help lost or left-out animals find a good home.  Every pet needs a chance to be loved.

by Lisa W.

This is cool

Just like school

This is awesome

Just like a possum

This is sweet

Just like feet!

by Erica D.

My first major difficulty that I had to face was in seventh grade when my parents got divorced.  The divorce itself was expected, but the effect it would have on me was not.  After that point my grades began to fall, and my attitude towards my peers was unacceptable.  Not only were my grades and attitude going downhill, but I was also getting suspended on a regular basis.  This continued all the way to tenth grade when I finally pulled the last straw.  I had an altercation with one of the staff at my school and was arrested and detained at the Juvenile Detention Center.  Of course, I was also expelled, and I was later put on supervised probation for the next year and a half.  Throughout the time of being on probation I wasn’t able to play school sports or participate in any school activities.  I was placed on house arrest, and several times I was caught unsupervised without my mother.  Therefore, it resulted in me being arrested again and again.  Finally, my probation officer and the judge residing over my case decided to send me to a rehabilitation facility for the next ninety days.  During these ninety days I had a lot of time to think about my choices.  I didn’t want to be in a place where I couldn’t see my own mom without being searched after every visit.  Nor did I want to spend the rest of my life wishing I had made better choices. Thankfully I still had some time to learn from my mistakes and start a new beginning.  Fortunately I completed most of my required senior courses.  Shortly after leaving the facility I also completed my probation successfully and was able to begin my senior year with a fresh start.  I went on to graduate early and am now pursuing an education in law.  Hopefully, by doing this I will be able to help other troubled youth before it’s too late for them to start over.  No child should have to miss out on their high school life due to poor choices that were made just as I did.

by Cassie F.

I met you as someone else

I was quiet and calm and kept to myself

Onew week with you

And that all changed fast

You’re the first love I had

And hopefully the last.

When I looked in the mirror

I never saw who I am

Than I met you

And that changed with just a touch of your hand.

We have been through a lot

Our ups and our downs

We make it back on top

And ready for another round

Yes we fight

Sometimes it’s a lot

But I just can’t let you go

And that’s how I was taught.

Life throws crazy stuff at you

Every single day

You can’t control it

Or change it in any way.

I would tell you I love you

And want you to stay

But to tell you good-bye

Is something I could never say.

by Emmie B.

This wonderful New Orleans cafe is sure to bring you back for more! It’s a French, jazzy place in Kansas City right near the Overland Park Mall serving choices of meals that will blow your taste buds away! One of many is the jambalaya and French Salmon.  This is a very good restaurant that is not like any other!  I give this a four out of five stars for the best foood choices and excellent service.  Mimi’s Cafe–you will not be disappointed!  ****

by Kirsten B.

I am proud and thoughtful

I wonder what it’s like to fly into the sunny blue sky.

I hear the wind blowing and the birds singing

I see waterdrops driping off a leaf after this morning’s dew.

I want to travel and see other lands and explore the earth.

I am proud and thoughtful

I pretend to love my home and how beautiful I am

I feel like I want to be free and do anything.

I touch the grass and feel calm, happy, and joyful

I worry that if I leave my house, I might not come back

I am proud and thoughtful

by Alex W.

I am important and needed

I wonder where my life will be in ten years

I hear a buzz

I see the blue skies

I want life to be simple

I am important and needed

I pretend to be a superhero

I feel confused and excited

I touch hope

I worry that I won’t be successful in life

I cry when I think about the future

I am important and needed

I understand life isn’t always easy

I say life is worth living for

I dream of being successful in my photography

I try my best in school

I hope to find the right college

I am important and needed

by Abuk D.

I am special in my own way
And beautiful in my own way
I wonder if people know that I am there
Sometimes by them
I pretend to be a model
But I don’t have the right body for it
I touch the sky
I worry I might not pass my classes
I understand that I’ve got to respect others
If I want them to respect me
I try to be there for my family and friends
No matter what
I hope to follow my heart
Wherever it’s going to take me.