Question 1

Musical Dreamland || Clarissa Robertson || Mitchell HS

Accepted Answer

My audience is quiet, until the dark of night, when we enjoy the sight of the city.   I see lanterns stretching far and wide, the clouds hung high        over the city.   The people dancing to a new tune as a song plays on Beale from the dark of night until the dawn of day. 
Our world is magnified.   Can you hear their blows and bellows drifting down the riverbank searching for a soul to sow?   The streets are full of people from the tallest to the smallest- They all dream This place is happy.   The smokehouse flows as I walk the road touching the walls covered in color,    while I sing to the song of the horns.   That girl dancing in the road with the eyes of many and the man with his guitar in his own world unaware of his acquired crowd.   This is home. The home of music and many colors.   These strangers are one of a kind. They’re carried by music and dance and the culture of the people of this place.   You see that Hope is the host to dreams. Hope has brought these many people here to enjoy what we have to show. This dream - this dream has soul, rhythm, rhyme and time, to change as the new and old collide to put on show what we have now and can accomplish by tomorrow - which is a dreamland, a dreamland of hope.

Question 2

Hope || Jason Anderson || Cordova

Accepted Answer

Memphis, A place built on a bluff A place built on grit and grind A place built of Hope   A word so strong it can move mountains A word so strong it can build Countries   Memphis may be a small city but there is much of this word called hope   This hope built a city known for many things A city known for Jazz and Blues A city known for Barbecue A city where Elvis sings A solemn pulpit for Dr King   Look and you may find Memphis is far from perfect This city may have crime But with hope for a brighter life We may achieve it   Ask yourself, Which is it I lack? Grit, grind or hope? We live in a city built of those things   We may not be perfect But we have what many don’t… The grit and grind to go after anything   Memphis a city of hope…

Question 3

Ohh Memphis || Melina Gabriel || Overton HS

Accepted Answer

Ohh Memphis How beautiful you are  The aroma of sweet barbecue  Through those beautiful streets of yours Filled with beauty    Ohh Memphis  Those dancing bridge lights  A beacon for those lost in the dark  Beautiful Mississippi water  that flows through us  Ohh Mississippi  The calmness you bring To those who are stressed  Ohh the sound of hope that you carry  Through those waters of yours    Ohhh Memphis  Home to kings Home to BB  Home to Elvis  The memory of dr king  Home of History  A place of wonder  Ohh how beautiful you are     Ohh Memphis As another day passes  We remember you have brought us laughter You are comfort for many   And peace to all    As I think about you   You are a sign of Hope   Ohh my hopeful Memphis

Question 4

In This City || Amya Williams || Central

Accepted Answer

In this city we constantly flourish, And never will we ever leave it malnourished. From food to family to friends, We’re a city were the fun never ends.   In this city we’re a work in progress, And never will we ever stop the process. From buildings to roads and bridges, We’re a city that overcomes any ridges.   In this city we are always strong, And never will we ever prove that is wrong. From fights to arguments and drama, We’re a city that never succumbs to trauma.   In this city we are known for the blues, And never will we ever forget our muse. From Elvis to Aretha to B.B. King, We’re a city that won’t stop at one scene.   In this city we are always united, And never will we ever become so divided. From you to me to the Heavens up above, We’re a city called Memphis, a foundation of love.

UNITE

CELEBRATE

ELEVATE

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We are currently creating videos for each poem. Stay tuned and support our students!

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