If you look around you with your mind wide open, magical things will come your way.
It’s important to go to a calm lake. Be patient,
and you will get food when you want food.
Don’t let bad thoughts take you away. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Move around,
or you could get bored.
If you see something strange flying through the sky, WATCH OUT!
Stay close to the mountain. Don’t dare the dragon.
Fighting doesn’t solve anything.
If you can’t protect yourself, have someone help you.
Sometimes you have to go with the flow. Be aware of your surroundings.
Do not touch lava. It is hot
and nothing like shaving cream.
Don’t get mad.
Look at the good things in life.
If things get too crazy, just close your eyes
and think you’re in some other place. Be like the grass and the animals.
Don’t fall down.
Walk around and find someone or something
so you’re not sad.
Sometimes you are chasing your own tail, and you don’t even know it.
Add people to your game. Don’t be afraid of change.
Everybody deserves a second chance.
You should not judge someone before you get to know him
or her.
Do not let words hurt you. Just because you look mad,
it doesn’t mean you have to be mad.
Think about what you say before you say it out loud.
Don’t boast.
It will sink you.
If a ship sinks,
it’s gone for a long time.
If you have friends who want you to be something that you’re not, don’t pretend.
Be yourself.
Say thank you once,
and keep doing it again.
Live the happy life.
The next time you hear birds sing — now, that song is meant for everyone, even the sky, sun, and rain.
Don’t be dull.
Be very colorful.
Do something while you live. Watch a bug.
Love each other.
Love is love,
and it’s so romantic.
Be grateful to have a home, to have food,
and a good family.
Everybody should just let their imaginations out and have fun.
Never forget to have a day in paradise because it’s a day you get to do anything you want.
If you see a lonely hamburger, eat it!
Life is about peace.
~ This is a completely found poem. I didn’t write any of these lines. Third and fourth graders in the Tahoe Truckee School District came up with these messages in poems they wrote during my Egg Painting Workshop during the 2011-2012 school year. I chose the lines at random from nearly 300 poems written by hundreds of students. After spreading all the messages on my living room floor, I rearranged them to make this poem.
~ Cathee St. Clair
