Inspired by The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton
Ancestors
There is magic in everything you do. The way you walk and talk. Everything you do, is built on the backs of your ancestors…don’t let them down now. Pave the way for all of those after you. Dai’Ja Banks, Fearless Writers Intern 2020-2021
to be known
Everyday she walked to school
tiny steps
“step on a crack and you’ll break your mother’s back”
humming to herself
until she reached the corner
then
head down
eyes unmet
shuffling feet
the kids stopped
stared
too young to realize
the pain their eyes inflicted
her skin the color of cocoa
warm and brown
she knew she was different
she felt it
the heat of their eyes on her back
she begins to run
pulls on the heavy school door
bounding breathless
to her sanctuary
the classroom
the teacher
who is dark as the girls’ brown crayon
who looks her in the eye
and KNOWS her
as well as her milky classmates
the teacher sees the girl
smiles
opens her desk drawer
holds up a feather
black as the starless sky
remember
she says
you have secret magic
and one day
you’ll fly – Lori Lux Fearless Writers Intern 2020-2021
Clarity
From an early age our teachers tell us things we know are true.
1+1=2,
Don’t throw food,
Raise your hand,
Use and inside voice.
We follow along unquestioning, muddled, and happy.
But it is when we look out the window that we realize,
What we know is nothing.
War,
Famine,
Pollution,
Death,
Our minds are overwhelmed.
“Go back!” we scream,
“Turn away!”
“Leave the anguish behind!”
1+1=2,
2+2=4,
We chant, we repeat,
We are chained.
We cannot turn away,
For the world is calling,
Uncensored and unafraid.
We step into the light, cautious, but now sure,
Into a new world,
Of clarity. – Libby Barnett Bowling Green High School
BGM 12-1-2020
There is this power inside of me. The strength and courage I have never felt before. It makes me strong and bold, as if I can do anything. I look in the mirror and I see the strong queen that I’m meant to be and nothing can stop me. There are a pack of people behind me and cheering me on as I run this place. Leaving some glitter behind me. Dai’Ja Banks, Fearless Writers Intern 2020-2021
Inspired by pictures of Utopia : Utopia 12-8
Such a beautiful place. Its so beautiful and warm. Your heart can finally be at ease. There are nothing but friendly smiles and warm hugs waiting for you. Everyone just fits right in and they all seem to belong together and its nothing but love and fresh air. I take a deep breath and I finally exhale. This is everything I have been waiting for. Dai’Ja Banks, Fearless Writers Intern 2020-2021
Inspired by song Wonderful World : Wonderful World 12-8
The world seems just a little bit better now. Stars are the only thing that’s shooting and nobody is burying their child. These are the moments that we have been waiting for, when all lives do matter. Dai’Ja Banks, Fearless Writers Intern 2020-2021
Fearless Writers Toledo 