CONTACT:
Andrea Kotuk/Andrea & Associates/ (212) 353-9585
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BRONX YOUNGSTERS SHOWCASE WINNING POEMS IN
POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE 2021 POETRY ANTHOLOGY
The Police Athletic League (PAL) held its annual Poetry Writing Contest with participants from the citywide PAL After-School Program. Young poets and artists showcased their winning poems and art digitally in the PAL 2021 Poetry Anthology. In this time of social distancing and virtual learning, PAL recognizes the important role art plays in bringing youngsters together.
“We feel fortunate that our young participants were able to create anything of beauty this year. Their resilience and energy inspired our staff, reminding us of the key role our programs play in creating safe spaces for learning and the arts,” said Dana Wheeler, PAL’s Director of Education and Program Development.
Each year, young people from PAL After-School programs representing different cultural backgrounds, age groups, and New York City neighborhoods, share and express themselves through poetry. They skillfully use language to produce writing that resonates with them. Placing an emphasis on creativity and the imagination, the annual Anthology acknowledges the talent of children from PAL centers citywide.
The original poetry in the anthology featured Bronx students including JD, 8th Grade and Andrew, 8th Grade, both from PAL MS 118, in addition to Amyn, 4th Grade from PAL PS 47.
JD, 8th Grade, PAL MS118:
“They go up
They go down
Some twist and go all around
Some loop and make a loud sound
But what can’t they do?
They can’t fly
They can’t cry
All I know is that you’ll have a good time.
Trust me, you will not die because I lived to tell this poem that
rhymes”
Andrew, 8th Grade, PAL MS 118:
“As the weather changes
From hot to cold
We see the leaves falling
Amazing colors some are even bold
The trees remain until next spring
All we hear is birds sing
Winter is here until next spring”
Amyn, 4th Grade, PAL PS 47:
“Green Sweets
Granny apple please
A green that is a treat
The bitterness of glee
Dripping from my puffed cheeks
Juice hitting my chin
Just don’t disturb me”
The 2021 PAL Poetry Anthology is made possible by the generous support of The William Talbott Hillman Foundation, The Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation and DYCD, as well as other generous individuals. New York City’s Police Athletic League is the first and finest civilian-run PAL in the country. Founded in 1914, PAL has served the city’s young people for over 100 years. PAL provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 20,000 boys and girls annually. It is also the city’s largest, independent, nonprofit youth organization. For more information, please visit www.palnyc.org.
