The Kite Runner Kransberger

                 Where is the Love
My heart is cracked for people hurting now
They can't control the cards that nature took
Yet pain is caused by hateful minds that vow
Some kinds of humans rank by how they look

Our world is one composed of hate not love
Be kind and accept must be foreign words
A change can occur we can rise above
A new breed of human emerges in herds

And watch in their new hearts love rings for all
They accept others instead hope they fall
   
I wrote my sonnet about racism which is a prominent theme in The Kite Runner. Hassan is looked down upon even as a child due to things about his physical appearance he has no control over. The Taliban targeted him ultimately ending his life simply because he was living in a big house alone with his family as a Hazara. This is not simply a middle Eastern problem however, America struggles with racism as well. I connect that part of the book to all of the police brutality incidents that plague our newspaper headlines. It makes me sick to my stomach that some people really believe they have earned superiority simply by being born looking a certain way. It is my generation's job to create a new breed of humans blind to race in both our children and ourselves.

          Perfect Two
A best friend is a blessing
Through anything I'm guessing
By your side they will stay
Without a thought of going away
A person in the universe made just for you
Together as a pair you are the perfect two

When things get hard and people drift
It is normal to feel a rift
Time may pass without a call
It feels like they would no longer catch you if you fall

Time mends all wounds however
And your friendship is the biggest treasure
So that means at the end of the day
You know who you want around when you're becoming old and grey

A best friend is a blessing
This is a fact I'm stressing

This rhyming poem was inspired by Hassan and Amir growing up as best friends. When things got complicated the day after Hassan ran the kite, Amir dealt with his emotions by cutting Hassan out of his life.The book begins with him discussing his regret towards his actions that day. When he returns to Afghanistan and discovers Hassan is dead I know in a way his heart was shattered. This makes me think of the people I love the most and how it is important to see past the little things and appreciate your people while you have the chance because best friends are incredible blessings.

       Champion
Victory
The cheering on the streets
Deafening roars of approval
Heart pounding
Hands sweating
Smile emerges ear to ear
This is real
A dream had time and time again
Now a reality
Hours spent preparing
Everything to make this moment
Floating on a cloud of joy
No one can bring down

My final free verse poem is a more positive one. This poem is inspired by the emotions Amir must have felt when he was the last kite runner standing. The immense feeling of joy when something that took so much preparation becomes a reality. I connect this to lacrosse and emotions I have actually felt when my team dominates in a tough game. Knowing that you worked the hardest and emerged victorious is one of the best feelings in the world.