Poetry. Cultural Studies. This volume gathers 150 poems written by WritersCorps youth over the past 12 years. These young writers have much to say about their individual experience and about the world we share. They describe the stresses that impact their lives and the tension that results. They express, as well, the strength and compassion born from their efforts to stay steady as the ground beneath them shakes. Writers Corps teachers have met with thousands of youth in public schools, detention centers, halfway houses, after-school programs, and many other community settings. To better the conditions our children face, we must first listen to what they have to say--to themselves, to each other, and to parents, teachers, police, and presidents. This volume provides just such an opportunity.