Poetry

it won't be flashy, showy, or

even remotely special to the untrained eye

but those who've suffered the burden of 

knowing me will understand why

my next trick is magical.

from the seventh grader who

Warm,

toasty,

happy in my

cocoon of solitude

where no one bothers me

while I read and snuggle by myself,

wrapped up in blankets

hidden in pillows

engulfed in stuffed animals.

Peace,

They came to this country

Seeking a better life.

They started

With a suitcase and

A one-way ticket.

They said goodbye to

Their friends

I love this feeling.

The wind on my face,

The fire under my skin

Doused by the rain.

The ominous clouds overhead.

My natural state it what the storm is,

Right now.

It's just how I've always been.

I walk into the building, greeting my friends

we talk to one another, and we talk about our weekends

We are called into the theater to begin our class

but when she said we had to sing, i was a bit nervous, but alas.

Some of us

will push and push to get closer

others

will nudge gently and give up

but I don't try to do either

I want to wait patiently until you let me in

closer

before you close up

I walk through empty streets that I don’t go through anymore.

The thought of you just caves in, Even though we haven’t met. My heart is full of your name even though I don’t know it.

I was once told “There’s no use in helping someone whose problems are on the rim of the cup” I never understood that saying, but I knew that my own vase was overflowing.

crying over a simple email 

the lasts build a lump in my throat 

last time beaming onstage 

signing yearbooks 

wearing a stiff blue skirt 

Rain.

Laughter.

Smiles.

Swimsuits and twister.

Getting soaked just for fun.

This is girlhood.

This is happiness.

This is freedom.

Gentle waves curl over themselves

Like blue and white ribbons

Twirling together to captivate the eyes

The sky is in flames

Shades of orange and red

Reach through the blue