Creative Writing is a new course offered by Cook County Middle School. This semester-long elective is taught by Stephanie Lundorff, a teacher new to ISD 166. The fall semester seventh grade students are learning the power of compressed language. Specifically, students are comparing personal letters to poetry, and learning to use imagery to communicate and connect to readers. The following 14 poems can be thought of as expressions of gratitude and appreciation for people in our lives. Here are the poets—first names only— starting with the front row from L-R: Cayden, Paul, J, Aurielle, Kyler, Hailey, Stephanie Lundorff Second row: Nalissa, Derek, Sean, Kylie, Faith, Katie.
Like a Sister
You are my best friend.
You are like a sister to me
(mainly because you
sometimes
tell me what to do)
Still,
you are nice to me and my brothers.
You also tell me
(like my parents do)
that I’m growing too fast.
Remember when I pushed you
into the pond, when I was just three?
I felt
really bad,
but you have to admit, it was
really funny.
~ NK
Dad
I remember
going ice fishing and catching
a big fish.
I also remember you
being my baseball
coach and flag
football coach.
I remember visiting
grandma’s house
in Moose Lake, going
ice skating and swimming
during the summer.
It’s fun when you
take me to work with you.
Together,
we work on people’s houses.
Every time I think of you
I feel special.
~ DS
Each Morning
I finish my Cocoa Puffs,
put the spoon and white bowl
in the dishwasher,
brush my teeth, and check
my red and black backpack.
I put The Fellowship of the Ring
inside.
Finally,
we get into the purple Honda,
drive to school,
passing the YMCA on the way, and
pull up to the Eagle Doors.
I step out onto the curb.
“Have a great day!”
you always say.
I know I’m lucky
to start my day,
every day, with you.
~ KH
Too Young
I was too young when you died.
I always wish we could play
your large black piano and
go golfing at Superior National.
I miss
eating caramel vanilla ice cream.
I remember
when you used to sing
“Good Morning to You!”
Boy, do I miss that.
I remember
you taking me down to the
splintered dock and we’d fish the day away.
I remember
you always cuddling me when I was sad
or even happy.
Thank you
for everything.
~ KP
Friends
I’m so happy
that our brothers became friends.
Because of that, we became friends.
It was great to meet you
and camp with you.
I can’t forget
that beautiful coral sunset
we watched together, and
paddle boarding, and
reading books.
I will never forget it!
~ KV
Ms. Sjodin
I like
how you are
very nice and
you make
math really
fun and easy,
and you’re always there
when I need your
help on a
problem.
~ SJ
Thankful
I smell those cookies
in the kitchen,
watch you
reading in your chair,
see you
welcome us at the door.
Always kindhearted,
slow to anger.
You sip your cup of coffee
while we play
Yahtzee or cribbage.
Without you
I would feel empty.
With you
I am happy.
~ PD
Dear Friend
You’re funny.
You’re smart.
You’re loving.
We’ve done everything
from going through a
haunted house to
cliff jumping.
We never really thought about
what we were doing before we did it, either.
We just did it
because we’re teenagers.
I don’t want to grow up, Best Friend,
but if I must, then
I want to grow up with you.
~ HW
I Just Wanted to Say
I just wanted to say
thank you,
because everything that you did
helped me.
I remember our trips down the long hallways
to the gym,
to play volleyball and basketball.
I loved how it was just us.
I remember how the gym always smelled like food,
and how you always complained
that your hair was too long or too blond.
It helped me the most
knowing that we are a lot alike,
feeling like I was not alone.
Thank you for everything
~ KP
Thank you, Mom
I’ll always remember
those fun weekends
when we played games all day.
We would bring out Trouble
and play five games to see
who could win more.
Then we would make
pb&j sandwiches for lunch.
We would watch football and
hope the Vikings would win.
Then you made me dinner,
and it was always good and hot.
My favorite was barbeque ribs.
Then you tucked me into bed.
I would fall asleep
thinking
of our great day.
~ JS
Dear Liam
I know you’re a cat and can’t read,
but you’re the best cat in the world.
I love how you sleep with me every night
and snuggle on my blanket.
Your green eyes and black fur
make you look so cute.
I hope
you never
leave my life.
~ ME
Ms. Nelson
You are one of
my favorite teachers.
You don’t really give us
more English homework
than we can handle.
And
you let us sit where we want.
And
you have the Spongebob statue.
And
it is really funny
when you push
his nose.
~ CZ
Dear Mom
When my heart is broken
you’re there
to wrap it back up again.
Days can be good or bad
and the way I most feel
is the one that wins.
I miss you in the mornings,
but I know that by the end
of the long day at school
I’ll see you once more.
~ FJ
I Miss You
It was last year when you died.
I remember
the smell of cologne
and your funny sense of humor.
I remember
how you made us free pizza at The Tacora.
I remember
you used to wear a plaid shirt and jeans
all the time.
I remember
your great smile,
and your brownish green eyes, and
black curly hair.
I miss you.
~ AH
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