CHARM (Ryan Scott, 8th grader at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School)
CHARM, the voice of Baltimore, the voice of youth
When you’re there, tasks feel complete, like the stars in the night.
Work feels righteous, as it’s constantly evolving.
Words feel enchanted.
Highlighter in my hand, making the words shine.
Kokee Tea Boba Shop (Safa Paya, 8th grader at Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle)
The pastel colors dim the light,
Low lights and a quiet, beautiful sight.
Sounds play melodies of music,
Emphasizing the calm nature,
Not to dull, but to inspire.
There are options for food, and you can even choose from drinks,
Sweetness helping soften bitter tastes.
Yet it brings a quiet peace of mind and heart,
Leading to a focus
You can only find in the warmth of a home.
Although it’s not home, it’s a shelter you can use,
Plushies from different shows,
Some bringing nostalgia,
Some making you wonder more,
So you could spend hours writing, reading, or working more and more.
The Grand Library Downtown (Erin Wilson, 10th grader at Baltimore City College)
The tall cathedral-like ceilings with those musty old books smell, that smells like memories. Pen-drop quiet, a great place to study and work. The building is like a maze, with its different corridors, small spaces, common areas, and so much more. It’s modernized with the feel of an old library. This downtown sensation doesn’t stop at historical books, like ones about Alexander the Great. It has movies, digital books, shows, and much more. There is comedy, action, and history. There’s peace—kinda like waves crashing on the shore.
Druid Hill Park (Mikal Larkins, 10th grader at Baltimore City College)
Grass like whispers, wide and slow.
The big oak trees watching as the children grow.
The Rawlings Conservatory standing tall and gleaming.
Druid Hill stands tall, marking Baltimore’s dreams.
Red Emma’s Cafe and Bookstore (Margaret Dalbey, 11th grader at Baltimore City College)
Snug Books (Zamirah Hall, 9th grader at Baltimore School for the Arts)
A summer internship is what brought me there. The calm blue building invited
Given the name, I wasn’t surprised by the inviting atmosphere.
The bell above the door chimed as I was greeted for the first time.
There were labels lining the shelves
Along with little craft kits. The small trinkets, pens, and stickers alike made sure everyone could get something.
White walls, rows of books
I could only call it cozy–
No other word would really cut it
The sound of quiet music
The scent of freshly shelved books
The easily navigated system.
The lights were warm, not harsh in the slightest.
Everything was alphabetized by last name
Finding a specific book was a breeze.
You could sit in the kids section and write all day, I should know.
That’s how I passed time every other day.