October 14, 2018 - YWP "Anthology 9" Book Launch at Maglianero Cafe in Burlington, VT

Congratulations to all the young writers and artists who are published in YWP's new book, "Anthology 9."
It was such a privilege and incredibly inspiring to listen to all these speakers and to be able to be a part of something so incredible. Congrats to everyone!
- Lia Chien
 

Here's a lesson, kid: 

you're gonna
die
for this country.

you're gonna
lie
for this country. 

you're gonna 
bleed 
for this country.

you're gonna 
preach
for this country

you're gonna 
love
for this country. 

you're gonna
do everything and more
for this country. 

but don't expect it to do anything for you. 

because you'll die for this country
and then they'll laugh as dozens like you
cover classroom floors. 

because you'll lie for this country
and then they'll turn around and tell you 
that you aren't one of theirs.

becuase you'll bleed for this country
and then they'll watch as your blood seeps into the asphalt, 
police sirens wailing in the distance. 

i heard today
that they're saying there's only twelve years left
before global warming goes too far. 
twelve years. 
i'll only be twenty-seven. 
i don't want the world to end
when i'm twenty-seven. 
and i honestly don't know what to think. 
there's nothing so beguiling
as the power of denial. 
nothing like wrapping yourself up
in your won problems 
and consoling yourself with the thought
that twelve years is a long time. 
and indeed, 
there's nothing else i can do. 
i can do nothing to change this. 
sure, 
i can recycle,
and walk more, 
and think optimistic thoughts
but the only thing that that bolsters is my ego, 
my sense that i'm helping the world. 
i already do the first two of those things. 
it makes no difference. 
the people who could actually change this
don't, 
or don't do enough, 
or maybe it's just too late. 

Beautiful and unusual
You, a moonshine monster
Open your lips to the heavens
And tell me which it is you dread more
As you howl out your solemn question
Is it the echo or the answer?
Would you rather know that you are alone
Or live wondering what is out there?

I will live as a map on your wall
That you fill with red pushpins and stickers
Marking all of the places you have dreamt of
From the back of a pickup truck in September
On the nights that you barely remember living
Filled with good company and crisp autumn air
Take me with you wherever you go
Whether to the edge of town or the end of the world.

So tell me is this a simple seasonal change?
Or are the trees truly catching fire?
The leaves drift so easily to the ground
While I always seem to fall much harder
Bare branches are all you seem to see
No nuance, no heart to the picture

Big, big thank you to all the writers, photographers and artists who are published in Anthology 9 -- and your families and friends -- who joined us for the launch of this beautiful book Oct. 14! Maglianero's was packed. We counted 130 people squeezed into the cafe to celebrate and share the YWP spirit! If you missed the launch and want a copy of the anthology, please email Susan Reid: [email protected]. Thanks everyone!! See YWP photographer Lia Chien's photos of the event.

Check out this week's YWP NEWSLETTER, edited by our amazing (anonymous) Community Leaders. Exceptional writing, photos and YWP news designed to celebrate your work.
Enjoy all the newsletters here!
 

Are you looking for a way to have your voice heard in the midterms? Check out this project for "students who can't vote to inspire adults who don't."  Create a video directed at the "115 million Americans who aren’t planning on voting in this election" with the message to "please consider voting FOR me!"