Gangster Biker Chicken
never that bird who
starts snitchin’

The coolest person in the
hood just chillin’, he’ll shoot
other birds if they slippin’

If he sees cute birds
he’s tippin’, if you fought
him you would end up limpin’

When it comes to school
it’s Mission — I’m done telling
stories, thanks for your attention.

– Phillip Adams, age 14

From the 2010 WritersCorps project “write/walk” at Mission High School

Poem a Month: June 2010

I love my eyes
I can see the sky and my girlfriend.

I can see my way to school
my eyes are black like my mom’s.

Thank my feet
with you I can play soccer
with my feet I can walk to the park
I can run with my feet.

–Saul Garcia, age 15

From the WritersCorps book “Mangos Have No Borders” at Mission High School
Poem of the Month: November 2009

In English my name means everybody’s name
in Spanish it means a long name, my name
it is like a big tree with lots of leaves
it is like the waves changing and changing
and like flowers because as years pass
many people will have my name

– Catherine Morales, age 14

From the WritersCorps book “My Name is To Grow” at Mission High School
Poem of the month: September 2009

Red and very beautiful
With leaves green and holes.
Small and red.
Very good.
I feel such a good sensation in my mouth.

When I eat this fruit I need my mouth
And my teeth.
In my mouth I feel such a good sensation
And satisfaction in my stomach.

I am with my fruit and we are happy.
I can see the fruits in the little trees.
I feel very good because I see my special fruit.
It’s a fruit from many places.
I think Florida.

It’s the special fruit of the universe.

– Zuleyma Santiago, age 15

From the WritersCorps book “Mangos Have No Borders” at Mission High School
Poem of the Month: July 2009

Kathy Gin, WritersCorps’ artist in residence, visited Mission High School on March 5, 2009 to teach photography to students of WritersCorps teacher Milta Ortiz. Here are the best shots from students Guadalupe Bello, Irene Noh, Jorge Mehia, Steven Morales, Rebeca Zecena, Ertezak Ismail, Chen Tianyang, and Itzel Matias. You can also view the set on flickr.