We were inspired by Amanda Gorman’s incredible Inaugural poem “The Hill we Climb” and we asked past, future and current Learning Across America students to join us by writing a poem with this prompt:

“What is your hope for your generation?”

Student entries have been compiled here.

Thank you for your participation. We hope you share your entries with your friends and families and hope you enjoy these poems.

 

Winner:

CONVERSATIONS AT NIGHT

by Sofi Schneider

I want to remember

there is hope

but you whisper in my ear

“I’m tired

Aren’t you, too, my love?”

 

We need to let the pain go

and get to work

and hustle

for a better world.

 

In your hands

your feet, your brain

under every inch

of your skin

there are light and power

and love

you make the future

and the present

better, not worse.

 

I know you feel

the wound is bleeding

the scar is not closed.

And that is why I will

nurture your soul

take care of you

if you commit to

be an ally

fight -please- fight

stand up and

speak up.

 

I want you to know

I see you

I hear you

I’ve known you

since the beginning of life.

We shine and

we will shine brighter

if you do it together

today now

right now.

 

If you feel like you

Can’t breathe

there is hope for you yet

get up and scream

I promise

a new dawn is almost here.

 

 

 

Runner-Up:

Just like Sunflowers

by Nicole Malan

As sunflowers look up,

We should continue to lift our eyes above. And as sunflowers turn to face another,

Let us be certain, we have another next to us.

 

 

 

Linnea Johansson

the clock chimes and the

days tick and though

my word may not always

fit

I think

that some time maybe

someday that I may

hear every voice

in my ears as they

call in the new day

with the echos of the bells

 

 

Sofia Becker

Shh…

Can you hear it?

A whisper in the wind

The tip of the tongue.

An inch of an idea

Forming in the front of our minds.

Something’s fast approaching.

I can hear it.

Can you?

 

Hope

by Maud van Malenstein

Hope is silent

Hope is loud

Hope is fake

Hope is real

Hope is whatever you want it to be

Hope can make a difference

If only you let it

Hope can be invisible

When you don’t want to see it

Hope is something you make

Hope is hoping for a better future

Even if that future is not certain

Hope is there, that is certain

However small or big

Hope gives hope

 

 

“What is your Hope for your Generation”

Anonymous

Only this:

Space,

a deep good breath

of clean air

For as long as your lungs can hold it.

 

That we remember what we have forgotten over time

That we hold dear to us sweet teachings and take only what we need.

 

And that we learn new things too:

How to care for each other, without fail.

 

 

 

Here…

Enid Aguilar Herrera

Open your eyes

Look at the sky

Can you see yourself?

I’m looking into my soul…

Seeking for peace and  searching  for love

Take my hands help them to be proud of themselves

Listen to the melody of the water running down the street

Love is running down the street reaching everything that exist

You are never alone.

Be aware…

Be patient

Tell me how you feel

I’m here…

Never alone and always next to you

Inside you…

My love will be deeply  eternal

It will be strong and so will we…

 

 

Sunshine after the storm

Hazilee van Leeuwen

May we find peace in the chaos and hold on to the hope

That life has much more to offer at the end of the slope

Although we go through rough waters

Let us  remember always

Sunshine shows up after rainy days.

Get to the root of happiness, which is within your soul.

May peace, love and kindness be our generation’s goal.