The Day I Planned for Change
They say I would never amount to anything.
They say it was too late for change.
They say I was just another number.
But I say…
Tomorrow I will have accomplished cleaning my record.
Tomorrow I will have accomplished getting my master.
Tomorrow I will have accomplished getting a job.
Then I say…
I can still remember when they doubted me.
I can still remember when I started from the bottom.
I can still remember the day I planned for change.
Since that day, it came.
-Written by Camp Gonzales youth participant, 2007
The Unusual Suspects Rap
7 weeks to write a script and taking lessons on how to act
4 teachers named Melissa, Nino, Dustin and Matt
Teaching the basics, placing chairs all in the front
Call it an ad-lib, but round here we call it imprompt
See I can play the role of a cop or a veteran
Even a pedestrian
I’m an upcoming thespian
I love what I’m learning, hell I can do this any day
Especially when we imitate “Whose line is it anyway?”
The only way to fail is not trying so shake your fears
I bet the homies in the hood, wouldn’t know that I like
Shakespeare
Better pay attention or else you’re about to make it fall
Remember who you threw to, make sure to catch the tennis ball
If you don’t know were known as the “Unusual Suspects”
And if you write a play make sure your story has a subject
Elaborate your feelings and express it in your real words
You might just get a break, and write a script for Steven
Spielberg
Now everybody knows, that you’re paid and you got it good
As long as you work hard, it’s not impossible to reach Hollywood
So for now let’s write a play and just chill in due time
And I’m still making much money in the moonshine
Written by Harvey at Heman G. Stark, 2007
Youth Art by Patrice Rubio, 2006
INSANITY
Insanity,
Like dreams,
It echoes in the air.
Remnants of ones nightmare
Shouting in despair
Freeing me to do in vain
All the things that would make me sane
Close my eyes the end is here
Standing at the edge;
Drowning in fear.
Death by water,
Earth,
Or fire.
Does not matter
All are dire.
Free my soul
Destroy this thought
Let me fly
And never cry
Seize the night
Live your life
Don’t give up
Look away from all that pain
Close your eyes and hear the rain
Rest in peace
In death,
You’ll finally be safe.
Written by Lucy at Vista del Mar Child & Family Services,
2007
