Highlighting the teen writing program this month was a writing workshop with Sarah Shun-Lien Bynum, author of Madeleine is Sleeping (a finalist for the National Book Award) and Ms. Hempel Chronicles. On January 22, volunteers Melissa, Michelle, and Kim took teens Noel, Giovanni, Jorge, and Alejehid to hear Sarah read at Skylight Books. The following week, we were joined by Grace, Abraham, Jessica (a familiar face from the after school program, back with us after many years away), and Chris (it's always a pleasant surprise when a graduate from the program drops by), as well as volunteer Kelly (who is also Sarah's good friend), for Sarah's workshop on prose-poetry.
Using Baudelaire and Margaret Atwood to capture the teens' attention, as well as a compelling excerpt from her own book, Sarah talked about writing a prose-poetry piece in which a situation that starts of fun suddenly, somehow, unexpectedly, turns dangerous or risky. The teens took to the assignment with enthusiasm, some writing non-fiction, some writing fiction, and all using their imaginations to address the world that they live in. You can read a few of the pieces below.
Brainstorming before getting started ...
JESSICA:
Every morning waking up to the same routine. Brushing teeth, using the facilities, showering, changing into the school’s uniform. Waiting ‘til a quarter to seven to confirm the morning ride. Leaving at exactly 7:25 to be there at 7:30. Waiting for two more people and the ride. When he arrives we get in. Three passengers and one unlicensed driver. Music blaring out of one beaten-up car demanding attention, respect, from its cargo from the world. Suddenly the music goes down as a cop car is spotted. Windows rolled up. Total silence. Waiting to see if the cop will follow or turn. Suddenly relief as the cop turns and five minutes later we arrive at our destination. Just another regular school morning.
GRACE:
“I wanna spend the rest of my life with you.”
Words she heard over and over again. To her it meant the whole world. She told everyone, from right to left, how special and different this guy was.
She would die 4 him. Or so she claimed. Giving up her virginity wouldn’t be such a big deal. Right? She’s in love and this is the love of her life. Well, that was what he said.
So everything is all right … or so he claimed.
5 months later. Left heartbroken and maybe perhaps pregnant. “Baby, I love you.” These simple words messed up her life. She wasn’t the same. No school. No friends. Just perhaps pregnant.
2 weeks … a couple of blocks away from her new school and newfound friends. Staning in front of a free pregnancy clinic.
2 hours later. The once brave and in love girl she was is now broken down … now living 4 two people.
Every morning waking up to the same routine. Brushing teeth, using the facilities, showering, changing into the school’s uniform. Waiting ‘til a quarter to seven to confirm the morning ride. Leaving at exactly 7:25 to be there at 7:30. Waiting for two more people and the ride. When he arrives we get in. Three passengers and one unlicensed driver. Music blaring out of one beaten-up car demanding attention, respect, from its cargo from the world. Suddenly the music goes down as a cop car is spotted. Windows rolled up. Total silence. Waiting to see if the cop will follow or turn. Suddenly relief as the cop turns and five minutes later we arrive at our destination. Just another regular school morning.
GRACE:
“I wanna spend the rest of my life with you.”
Words she heard over and over again. To her it meant the whole world. She told everyone, from right to left, how special and different this guy was.
She would die 4 him. Or so she claimed. Giving up her virginity wouldn’t be such a big deal. Right? She’s in love and this is the love of her life. Well, that was what he said.
So everything is all right … or so he claimed.
5 months later. Left heartbroken and maybe perhaps pregnant. “Baby, I love you.” These simple words messed up her life. She wasn’t the same. No school. No friends. Just perhaps pregnant.
2 weeks … a couple of blocks away from her new school and newfound friends. Staning in front of a free pregnancy clinic.
2 hours later. The once brave and in love girl she was is now broken down … now living 4 two people.
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