Another collection of poems from 8th-grade minds! These poems conclude our personal struggles, ups and downs, and friendships (with one another and others) throughout this year. We hope you enjoy and find special meaning for yourself in these poems. May you know that you are not alone and be helped if you are having a difficult year! Also, some of these poems are to each other (there are some that form a "mini poem series," if you will, but it's not stated if they continue each other), some are to other people, and others are just... by themselves. While some of these were inspired by someone, to someone, or about someone, all of these were important to us and have a special meaning. Most were about ourselves and our personal experiences, though. May you LOVE, and STAY with your KINDred!

Raine was born a second child. "Second-borns" are sent away from their families, used as entertainment for the citizens. They are given two chances at living: The first: being so beautiful and strong-willed (or whatever an important societal suitor is looking for in a woman) that they are Chosen. The second: Surviving the Tournament of the Unchosen. If they are unable to be Chosen, most bet their odds as dead. The tournament was instituted by the Administrator, as a way to kill off unwanted girls that are deemed as unworthy and unacceptable. Surviving 17 other girls, who are all fighting for their lives, seems almost impossible to Raine. That is, until she finds out her own secret. A secret that the Administrator did not want her to know. A secret that changes all she thought she knew about the world she lives in. She must fight to be the last one standing and have a chance at a normal life-or, unknowingly, the life the Administrator has planned-and with her secret, she thinks she can win.

Dream Promposal entry. Alice and Kyle have been friends for a while, and just recently started dating, and she finds herself day-dreaming in class about her dream prom.