Akoni Drysdale-Ash

I Am Poem

by Akoni Drysdale-Ash

I am Manly and Weak I wonder if I can make it to be successful

I hear all the Black lives lost and I hear revenge I see protests I see tears I see fights I want to save lives and avenge my dead ancestors I am Manly and weak

I pretend I'm Happy I feel my success I feel happiness coming I touch the halfway mark there but around me is pain and defeat

I worry if I'll be happy and successful I cry when I'm unhappy and when I feel alone I am Manly and weak

I understand that I'll never be what I really wanna be I say in my next life I'll be a male and that I'll be comfy I dream to help the world and myself I try to have better times and better days I hope to be a better person I am Manly and weak.

I pray my Grandma gets better Peace and soul—Jaqueline Davis

Where I'm From Poem

by Akoni Drysdale-Ash

I am from My computer and My phone From my TV and my TV remote I am from the slums and the trenches

The smell of bacon eggs and cheese and a sunny project breeze

The coming back to life trees and grass Whose long gone color and value is long gone but returns in spring.

I'm from vanilla-tasting pancakes and Family barbecues From grandma and grandpa's house I'm from becoming distant and reconnecting and from our family bond resurrecting.

I'm from “you’re not a boy” and “are you a boy or girl” and from "you got a friend in me" I'm from going to birthday parties and celebrating I'm from Manhattan hospital and Trinidad and waffles with bacon

From you look like your great grandma I am from pictures of my mom and my brothers and my cousin’s house and my bedroom window.

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