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A poem titled “When Forever ‘Gon Come?” recently landed an APS student in Washington, D.C. Joe Boyd penned the poem while studying at South Middle School. His poem was one of 50 chosen from a field of 50,000+ entries in the “Do the Write Thing” Challenge Program.
Joe travelled to Washington, D.C. in the company of his mother and his teacher, Sandra Abu-Bakr. His poem addresses issues of violence in the world and its impact on youth. Joe was listening to the album “Finding Forever” by Common when he found the inspiration for his poem, which ultimately earned him recognition in the “Do the Write Thing” Challenge Program.
The challenge gives middle school students an opportunity to examine the impact of youth violence on their lives. Through classroom discussions and writings, students communicate what they think should be done to reduce youth violence. In addition, they make personal commitments to do something about this problem.
Joe’s poem earned him recognition in Washington, D.C.
“Overall, the trip taught me that if we were able to make the monuments, memorials, and government, then we can surpass our ancestor’s and create a better society,” said Joe.
Joe now attends William Smith High School.
When Forever ‘Gon Come?
by Joe Boyd
I’m beset, terror stricken, and shocked
The world is so corrupted, when will the madness stop?
It’s so bad that when I go to rest my head
In the silence, all I think of is the things that can make me dead
But for information I’m far away from suicide
I love my life; I wouldn’t take it away to see my family cry
Forever doesn’t have to start whenever I may die, forget it
“Forever begins just because I thought about it”
I hope for Forever to be peaceful and tranquil
No gangs, neglectful parents, no one berserk.
Forever should consist of people who feel
No one heartless, careless, or hurt
Because I have a heart I don’t want to see my peers in tears
Just because no one wants to hear how she feels
Yep, my sister had suicidal thoughts
Half of her wanted to die, half of her thought and fought
Through the trials and tribulations
We bonded as a family and grew through conversation
“United we stand and divided we fall”
We’ve worked through the problems; we’ve experienced it all
I want Forever to be here right now
So underachievers can succeed
So non-believers can believe
So villainous schemes can turn into positive dreams, but how
Maybe if we treat our women with more respect
Like checking out their minds, instead their bodies, we inspect
Maybe if the parents teach their children to be kids
Instead they’re acting grown, getting pregnant, no discipline
Maybe if we loved one another and put the guns away
But right now the future victims are doomed not to see another day
And maybe, just maybe we’ll treat each others as equals
But to be criticized for being light or dark in a life with no sequels!?
In my mind I know were far from Forever
Were only human, hopefully we can make a change for the better
The thoughts expressed on this paper was talked about with the dumb
So I’ll write out how Forever got here, when Forever comes.
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