Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Too Hot to Handel CPS Poetry Contest

Each January, the Auditorium Theatre presents Too Hot To Handel as a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, we have invited Chicago Public School students grade 3-12 to write an original poem celebrating Dr. King's vision of the beloved community. The finalists' poems are below; vote for your favorite today!

To save $10 on tickets to Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah, click HERE.


Segregation
By: Ashelee W. – 8th grader
Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center

Segreg ation,

Dr. King put that space there,
No more separate restrooms, no more inferior judgment

Segreg ation

Dr. King put that space there,
We don’t have to bow our heads or move to the back

Segreg ation

Dr. King put that space there,
Our communities can finally be one

Black and White merge in a spectacular sight;

Better jobs, better living, better relationships

Integration,

Dr. King took that space out,
Everyone together, in unity forever!


Unity is Community
By: Sarah A. – 8th grader
Edison Park Elementary

One million starts with one.
This is followed by a chain reaction.

I see a storming ocean

It does not want to be cleansed

It needs new fish.

Pure water,

Calm waves.

But the water is being polluted,
Even when we try to make it serene.

We showed our care physically.

Now we need to become one.

In unison,

We are stronger.

All we need is love and the act of accepting one another,

To calm these waters.

This ocean.

This community.


An Ideal Community
By: Nia H. – 8th grader
Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center

Dr. King had a dream, and I have one too.
It involves all people whether they’re black or blue

I just want to have unity

You and me laughing and playing for everyone to see

United we stand, together we bend

Never any cliques or clans

Dr. King had a dream and I have one too.

It involves all people including me and you.


Enter Optimism
By: Emily W. – 7th grader

Edison Park Elementary

Introduce yourself to neighbors which surround,
Pervasive enthusiasm sure gets around

Faint gestures journey a great extent,

Assist at the hospital every now and then

Gather peers, tutor for the test.

Consistently act at your personal best.

A smile offers bliss to strangers passing by,

Provide manners to elders, do not be shy!
Embrace beauteous nature every minute, every day.

A beloved community shall enter your way.


Love is the Only Way
By: Casey W. – 4th grader

Decatur Classical School

The aftermath of violence
Never turns out right

No acceptance

Darkness all night

Love is the only way
To bring light to our lives

When freedom rules the day

Our beloved community thrives


A Beloved Community
By: Joseph P. – 4th grader

Decatur Classical School

A beloved community’s hearts beat as one,
They work as one group to get the job done.

Not one of them is more respected or treated like a king,
If they were a choir, in unison, they’d sing.

Though they may not share the same opinions, thoughts, or hopes,
They’ll never leave each other’s side, like tightly bound ropes.

A beloved community respects one another,
There is love for all as they help each other.

Dr. King’s message inspired like a song,
A beloved community makes all feel like they belong.



Beloved Community
By: Kimberly G. – 5th grader

Decatur Classical School

All of the people will learn we are one
When we of all races together will run

There will be freedom from wall to wall,
Country to country, freedom for all

This place will be beautiful, very pretty
This place will be our beloved community


Oh What A Man He Was
By: Nihal K. – 5th grader

Decatur Classical School

Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King
Oh what a man he was

He had a dream, and he followed it

Oh what a man he was

Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King

Oh what a man he was

He believed everyone could come together

Oh what a man he was

Segregation would still be here

If it weren’t for MLK

Thank you, thank you MLK

Oh what a man he was.


Martin Luther King’s Beloved Community
By: Zahire S. – 3rd grader

George Pullman Elementary School

Brotherhood, equality, nonviolence and love –
Martin Luther King’s beloved community

Tolerance, color blindness, sharing and caring –
Martin Luther King’s beloved community

Integration, living in true harmony –
Martin Luther King’s dream of a beloved community!

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