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ARtwork by Alexa Motz from Central VPA High School

Black Rose

Poem by Jelani Penny-Johnson from Metro A&C High School

Desperately trying to escape from death.

Desperately trying to bloom.

We are roses that grew from concrete.

Tainted black from the hatred surrounding us.

We carry promises passed down through generations.

But no matter how far our petals extend from the pavement.

We will always carry that chip of the concrete.

We will forever be tainted,

to represent the dreams and hopes,

as well as the sins and darkness we carry.