The first step to building empathy is putting ourselves in the experiences of another, especially if that other can’t speak. The 7th graders of Clinton asked themselves what inanimate objects, animals, or fictional characters they would like to be before reading “Hulk Smash!” by Greg Santos. After exploring what a day in the life of someone or something else would be, students wrote poems in those voices. From earrings to Sonic to phone chargers to butterflies, students reflected on the experiences of characters, animals, and things beyond themselves.
Ms. Macmillan
“Sometimes You Just Gotta Live and Learn”
by Juan C.
The name is Sonic the Hedgehog
I’m short, cocky, serious, confident
faster than the speed of light.
I come from the wonderful place
called Green Hill. I hangout with
my best friend Tails and fight
Doctor Eggman. I live by my own
rules, open your heart and
live and learn.
“If I was Water”
by Abdul N.
I am water and I have no color. I am
very tasty. I came from the ocean and
people drink me. A typical day for me is
people drink me so they can be hydrated
and get energy. I don’t like when people waste
me and I like when people drink me
and not waste a drop of me.
“Money”
by Eshan H.
I am money
I come from trees
People always want me
but the bank want me more
I have plenty of owners every day
People use me for food, drinks,
other stuff.
“Plastic”
by Natan T.
I see myself as an
action figure because
sometimes, there
are times where
I want to play
and times where
I don’t have fun
but it can be
annoying some
times because the
person is dirty.
Ms. Krasic
“I am Glasses”
by Noah B.
I am a second eye
I am a window to a clearer world
in which you rely
I come from sand,
from minerals of the land
The places I see;
so clear
so concentrated
but not a view just for me
I favor that
like a book
I see a life
like a book
I see someone’s world
Though it’s unfortunate
that I see,
sadness
struggle
worry
And that the view
I share
I see
Is soon an aged window
it’s details aged to blur
“Fully Charged”
by Mishka M.
—Beep—
Charger only used when phones are down
Charger always loses his buddy cube
going in the outlet, staying there for hours
using me too much makes me less energetic
too ya’ know?
Where’s that man that created me?
Take me back, I’m always being used
Don’t forget who was always there
for you…
Charger slowly dying…
“Beautiful Thorns”
by Anna J.
Beautiful thorns, Beautiful thorns.
Everyday I lay in the sun.
Bees come, bees go.
People come, people go.
Beautiful thorns, Beautiful thorns.
Time flying, and I still lay.
the sun shines bright as I lay.
Bees go, people come.
Picking on me till my doom.
“I am a butterfly”
by Cielo A.
I am an animal that came in various
sizes, patterns, colors.
I am the result of the evolution of a
caterpillar.
To some kids I am scary, to some I
am a treasure.
I am the animal kids choose to
chase, to stomp on, to squish.
I like the pattern on my wings,
it makes me feel elegant, and
worth something.
I hate how fragile and small
I am, I hate when kids step on me,
I hate when they break my wings
that are very precious to me.
I am the animal that doesn’t get
as much credit as others.
Ms. Logothetis (Group B)
“Sticking Out”
by Larina Y.
I’m an earring and I’m used to sticking out
and I’m always impressing and attracting
others
I come from a Jewelry box in my
Grandma’s old closet
I wake up and see the right and
left side of my bed, and when I
go out I see people looking at me
and complimenting me
I like when people compliment me
but I hate when people stare too
much.
“Soccer Ball”
by Anas M.
I am a soccer ball and I always get kicked
around from people to people.
I get put int he back of the net.
I’m made in Pakistan at a factory.
“Iron Man Tony Stark”
by Aayush D.
I am a brilliant inventor, and a
philanthropist. You might know me for
inventing the infamous Iron Man suit
most likely a handsome looking human.
I am from Manhattan, New York and
from the Marvel Comics Universe, and
the movies by Spider Man.
My typical day consists of a lot
of business, technology, and the job
of a superhero, protecting the world.
I like myself as a genius, my wealth
and success my work and creations
and my heroism.
Some things I don’t like about myself
are my relationship with my father, my
PTSD and trauma, insecurity and
self doubt, emotional distance, being
given tasks, and my arrogance.
I am Tony Stark, a brilliant human
being.
“Untitled”
by Fayza P.
I am the purr, a rumbling song, a comfort
in dark
I am a shadow, sleek and quick, a dancer
in the sunlit room
I love spooking my dog, while just
getting in bed and eating fish
