Shanice Jackson

I Am poem

by Shanice Jackson

I am broken and a fighter I wonder if I should draw my thoughts away I hear my grandma’s voice I see my sister waving I want to be happy like my friends I am broken and a fighter

I pretend to be normal I feel happy in my dreams I touch my sister’s and grandma’s hands I worry every time I hear the words “bad news” I cry every time I see my dad drinking I am broken and a fighter

I understand that my life is worth fighting for I say there is hope in life I dream about me and my family not going through poverty I try to draw my thoughts away I hope happiness comes my way I am broken and a fighter

Backstage

by Shanice Jackson

I am from electronics from food and candles I am from the smell of my dog and feeling safe I am from the plants that sit at the window to get sun The yellow flowers I see when I walk out the building

I'm from telling childhood stories and laughter from siblings and cousins I'm from eating and cleaning and from watching movies

I'm from never give up and have fun and be better than me in life I'm from celebrating simple things that make my parents happy

I'm from Brooklyn and I'm Puerto Rican and Black and eat rice and chicken all the time From dancing with my grandma when music turns on knowing that my grandpa is watching us with a smile on his face seeing pictures on the wall and videos from when I was little and seeing everyone happy puts a smile on my face.

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