Writing: ‘The Gangsta Gardener’ by Nyla Skinner
This piece placed first for middle school submissions in the Ánimo Voices Competition, which invited students to write about innovators, upstanders, visionaries, or rebels that have made a difference in their local or broader communities. The competition was an opportunity to motivate, recognize, and celebrate our strong student voices through writing and art.
By Nyla Skinner
Ánimo Phillis Wheatley Charter Middle School
This two-voice poem is meant to be heard as well as read.
The Gangsta Gardener
I look outside and see
Fast food
McDonalds
Pizza Hut
I decided to do something about it
They call me the gangsta gardener
Ron Finley
I have one goal
We must plant our seed and provide the water
We must thrive
I open their eyes to a new world
The inspiration is an endless tide
Their hands covered in dirt
They learn responsibility
Together, we’ll make it better
Together
Every night for dinner we have
Fast food
Burger King
Jack ‘n’ the box
Someone took action
They call him the gangsta gardener
Ron Finley
He’s made us realize
We must plant our seed and provide the water
We rise from the prison of fast food
We see the beauty of our fruits and vegetables
The inspiration is an endless tide
Our minds fertilized
We plant a new chapter
Together we start the change
Together