Sometimes it is hard to choose just one thing we are thankful for. This week the 8th graders of Clinton celebrated gratitude by writing odes for what makes them most thankful. After reading “Ode to Thanks” by Pablo Neruda, students reflected not only on who and what they are thankful for but why and how it makes them feel. Students celebrated family members, friends, pets, music, food, sleep, nature, and much more, using beautiful and heartfelt descriptions to highlight their thanks.
Ms. Krasic
“Ode to the Mosque“
by Omar G.
the place that I can always
go to for support
The place that smells like peace
The place that sounds like a
sunny day
in the grass
while birds are chirping
Feels like a bed I can always
lie on.
The place where I gather with
my brothers, one thing uniting us
Our devotion to Islam
“Thanks to Lava Cake“
by Yashvi P.
for its warm comforting fudge filling
It’s soft outer layer, silent as a falling feather
It reminds me of staying in on a cold winters day
Thanks to lava cake
for comforting me when I was down
For the silent pour of chocolate
when you cut its crunchy but soft crust
It tastes even better,
when you pair it with vanilla ice cream
Thanks to lava cake
for reminding me of home
when I would eat it with my family,
late at night
“Ode to Quietness“
by Rania B.
I am thankful for quietness
Quietness makes me feel calm.
It allows you to roam in your thoughts freely.
Quietness lets you be alone
without the worry of others.
I am thankful for the peace quietness brings.
and the empty sound where you can be yourself.
“Thankful“
by Mustafa K.
Thankful?
There are many a thing I am thankful for
How do I list them all?
I really don’t know how to list them all!
So many things I can be thankful for, but how must
I express my gratitude?
A thousand things!
How must I do this?!
I am thankful for everything
I’ve been given life, clothes, food, shelter
but how do I list them all?
Gratitude can be so hard to express…
A thousand things and yet I’m speechless
How must I do that which is so hard?
Ms. Karas (Group A)
“The Red Effect”
by Anthony A.
Thankful for the color red
the red helps my day.
the bright red helps my
day. The red is seen
in Halloween with the red
bloomy aura around.
Red is wonder it creates
a person. I thank red when I
see it. Life becomes better.
“Gratitude”
by Arnaba K.
I’m thankful for futbol. The
beautiful field with the smell of turf and
rocks getting stuck in my cleats.
The ball on my feet, as I flew past
the defender as they grab my jersey while
the crowd yells to shoot then I kicked
it in as the crowd said goalaso.
“Dream Motorcycle”
by Burouj J.
Thanks 2 the person
who invented Kawaski
ninja H2r
The sound of the exhaust
passing by getting louder
As my heart getting brighter
and my mind dozing off imagining
once I turn 18 finally able to get one
Imagining me riding the H2r in
4 years, holding on to the handle
bars ready to go fast
My Dream just wishing to go
the fastest speed limit on
the H2r on the highway.
“Estoy Agradecida Por:”
by Jhosmary C.
Estoy agradecida por mi
familia, por los platos de
comida, por aquellas personas
que me han ayudado a mi y a
mi familia, por otro día de
vida, por hacer las cosas que
quiero, por poder ayudar a
todos aquellos que piden ayuda,
pero algunas personas no
les quieren brindar.
Estoy agradecida por poder
aprender nuevas cosas con
tal de tener una mejor vida
y un buen futuro más adelante.
Estoy agradecida por tener
la oportunidad de estudiar
para que más adelante me
vaya mejor en la vida y
pueda ayudar a animales y
personas lo cuál siempre fué
y sigue siendo mi sueño por
cumplir.
Ms. Macmillan
“Ode to my Radiant Enthusiastic Family!”
by Bilal Z.
Grateful, thankful for my parents,
Radiant side of the family
Hearing my out, seeing problems
That I made, seeking solutions.
Me feeling enthusiastic, energetic
Like a cheetah, family
sounding with soft voice
As a soft foam or cotton.
I am thankful because of
How they are happy
Like a sunflower, being
Protective like a true parent,
They would never let me down,
Bravery resulting in making
me proud, grateful, showing gratitude,
As a formal respect towards family!
“Ode to Athena”
by Jovanie M.
Thanks to Athena,
I’m thankful for my dog Athena.
Always there for me when I’m at my lowest.
Always begging for pets and food.
I’m forever thankful for my dog Athena.
“Untitled”
by Erkeaiym B.
I am thankful to my parents that they never
refused me anything and tried to support me
in everything and do it for our future.
I am thankful to my friend and my cousin
because they are honest and always supported me.
Ms. Karas (Group B)
“Thanks to Summer”
by Alisina M.
I’m thankful for the season Summer. It reminds me of the first time
I came to America. It makes me feel happy and warm.
Whenever I think of Summer I remember the warmth of
the sun hitting my face, the sound of waves that are like
music for my ears, the delicious taste of ice cream in my mouth.
“Ode to My Mom”
by Nelly V.
I’m thankful for my mom because
My mom makes me feel like I’m the
most luckiest kid her smile on her face brings
light to the day, her soft touch makes my
whole body feel calm being between her
arms feels warm, without her being with
me would be like a stormy day, the words
that come out her mouth is like calm soft
waves of the ocean, she’s sweet like a spoon
full of sugar she’s like a whole field full of
many beautiful flowers fresh grown, she brings
peace to my day with her way of acting.
I love my mom.
“Jellycat”
by Mariah C.
I am grateful for my plushies /
Jellycats. I am grateful for them because
everyday I get home they are there
and make me feel better. It
makes me feel warm, comforting,
cuddly and happy. The cozy
fleece feel on my skin with
bright colors and button eyes.
