Each week, Book Group participants have the opportunity to express themselves through poetry. They are inspired by literature, discussion, poetry and their own lives.
Searching
by David, age 19
I was looking for a path in the right direction.
I was troubled, confused, hardheaded, lost.
I just didn't need anyone giving up on me,
no matter what.
I'll make it through sooner or later,
but I won't give up on myself.
I'll keep trying, no matter what -
even if I go blind or can't walk.
Any problems,
I'll overcome them.
I Will Give Celebration
by Alixa, age 18
I will give celebration
just to give
I will raise my head
just to see
I will smile
just to know
that new comes in
each day
Time is constant
Life is a jumble
This year they will
open up
their arms and
love one another.
Hand-in-hand
they will dance together
and I will celebrate them
just to give
just to see
just to smile
knowing that I have
what I have
My Truth
by Kiara, age 20
This is my truth
and there is not use
in trying to ignore it.
Every day I walk out the door
and it's like you never see me,
or at least not the real me.
Inside of me is life,
yet like a tree that's been struck by lightning,
the outside is dead.
My truth is inside and it hides from light,
because I don't give people
a chance to really see it.
I Release You
by Ksharmel, age 17
I release you from my heart
because I can't hold onto the past.
I release you from the hatred in my body
because you're not even worth it.
I release you - all the harm you did to me -
because you made me stronger.
I release you like a bad habit
because it needs to be done.
I release you
because I love you.
I release you.
I release you.
I release you.
I am not victim.
I am not your child.
I am not regret.
I am not your problem.
I take back my life.
Where I'm From
by Albert, age 18
I'm from a sunny beach where the waves are always tall
I'm from the air with no wind or clouds
I'm from the depths of hell looking into the lights of heaven
I'm from the block where there is no finish line
I'm from a vision beyond the hood
I Will Rise
by Antonettia, age 19
You may say I could never
make it in this world
but just like the sun,
I'll rise.
Did you think I would stop just
because you look at me with your eyes?
But just like air,
I'll rise.
Through all the hurt and pain
still I rise.
With the birth of my child and the pain
throughout the whole nine months,
still I rise.
Without a job or anyone to help me
I know it's going to be hard
because I'm a little girl in a big man's world.
But through it all -
still, I rise.
