DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2 CafĂŠ Cultura Community Speaks Project #27 Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2 Copyright Š 2016 by Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
To the insightful and deep-thinking students in our Spoken Word class...Continue seeing the power you have to be great and impact the world around you. #CafeCultura #XpressYourself #TellingOurStories
Acknowledgments Thank you to DSST College View High School staff for another opportunity to provide spaces for creative expression with the 9th grade. Special shout out to the amazing students in our class for pushing yourselves to become powerful. Remember: “It is our responsibility and choice to express ourselves and lift our voice, together building unity, leaders in our community. This is how we tell our stooorrrryyyy!�
Foreword It is an honor for Café Cultura to continue our partnership in teaching a Spoken Word elective in DSST College View High School’s first year. We enjoyed learning about the 9th graders in our 2nd Trimester class while using our “Telling Our Stories” curriculum to hear what they had to say. They shared incredible insight and creativity as they analyzed and wrote spoken word poetry. This book gives you a sense of their thoughts and potential for the future. We look forward staying connected as they develop into leaders in our communities. Enjoy and share their words! For those who do not know about our organization: Café Cultura is an award-winning arts, culture, and youth development organization in Denver that promotes unity and healing among Indigenous peoples through creative expression while empowering youth to find their voice, reclaim oral and written traditions, and become leaders in their communities. Café Cultura has been providing positive, creative, and engaging community spaces for the Denver metropolitan area for more than ten years. After the passing of respected elder and veteran poet Abelardo “Lalo” Delgado, we accepted responsibility to continue using our oral and written traditions to provide opportunities for creative expression often not offered in schools or in the larger community. Café Cultura also drew inspiration from the movement connecting Indigenous people from throughout the Americas. We use creative expression to unify people representing southern Indigenous nations, known by terms such as “Chicana/o” and “Latina/o,” with those Natives of northern nations, referred to as “American Indian” or “Native American.” Café Cultura hosts one of the best open mic venues in the Denver metropolitan area, and the only space focused on family and youth. We also conduct highly engaging and culturally relevant
spoken word/poetry workshops for underserved youth throughout Colorado. CafĂŠ Cultura partners with select organizations and schools to facilitate an intensive workshop series, publish youth poetry, and organize participant showcases. In an effort to develop young leaders within our community, we also coordinate a youth leadership program for Indigenous youth. If you or your organization is interested in collaborating, feel free to contact us. For more information about our open mic events, workshops, youth leadership program, and other programs: info@cafecultura.org 720-394-6589 www.cafecultura.org
Table of Contents Representing the Truth by Annete ......................................................1 Follow My Dreams by Jacky.................................................................3 Invisibility by Janai .................................................................................5 Ganda ng bahay ko by Conner ............................................................7 My Road by Daniela ..............................................................................9 I Am by Marilyn .................................................................................. 10 Soccer As Life by Fabiola .................................................................. 11 Who I Am by Jasmine ........................................................................ 12 Power for an Hour by Davit ............................................................. 14 A Place Within Me by Jorge .............................................................. 17 Just Under the Surface by David ...................................................... 18 Make the Difference by Jacky ........................................................... 23 My Life y Mi Fuerza by Daniela........................................................ 25 They Said That I Cannot Sing by Conner ....................................... 26 Reflection by Annete .......................................................................... 27 Video Game by Marilyn ..................................................................... 28 Swimming by Janai .............................................................................. 29 The Real Me by Fabiola ..................................................................... 30 Goal to Achievement by Jasmine ..................................................... 32 Motivated by Davit ............................................................................. 33 If Life Was Like a Movie by Daniela................................................ 34 This is My Life by Jacky ..................................................................... 35 The Blanket by Janai ........................................................................... 38
Who Are You? by Conner.................................................................. 40 The Camera of Life by Annete .......................................................... 41 I Will Never Forget by Marilyn ......................................................... 43 The "Commandos" by David ............................................................ 44
Representing the Truth by Annete I am the inspiration of my parents and come from all those dreams that are not shattered. I come from a recipe marked in history hundreds of years ago making our hearts closer to each other. It comes from a mother who will always let her love grow and shine like the sun. She arrives from work tired and exhausted, her feet hurting and hands aching. She still keeps that smile like she won a million dollar prize. I am the fresh Cuauhtemoc air I breath through the window every year as I enjoy the summer skies in my real home. I do not visit often, but it still feels nice experiencing the true land of my birth, having left at just three years old. It is such an unknown place to others, but well known to me. I am the black owl bracelet my mom gave me a year ago. It is something simple that people wear for fashion. But I use it to connect with my roots. I will always remember the happy cheers and applause from the audience
2
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
as they saw the future walking down the auditorium to receive the keys for achievement. The evidence of self-improvement, and hard work reflects on my brother’s face. Just like that, I know I have the power in my head to graduate high school and keep on my best. See, I have a feeling in my chest that I am trying my hardest since that is my target. I am who others wish they were. It is unfair knowing others do not value my power! I am the inspiration of myself.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Follow My Dreams by Jacky Everyone sees the cover of my life, but no one is brave enough to see the pages in my heart. No one is there to see if I can make some art. Everyone says things behind my back, without knowing who I am. I have to rise and show them who I am so I can take away all the fears that I hide inside. I have to define my light, as it guides me through life. Before, I was walking with my eyes closed. I heard too many people screaming behind my back, telling me what should I do with my life. Then, I opened my eyes and saw all the chances that I have to be what I want to be. I decided to not look down at the rocks in my path, because I knew that I will fall. I chose to notice the beauty because I knew that I would fly. As I am rising all the way to the sky singing out loud so my people can hear me. Shouting out loud,
3
4
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
I have to rise and share the light to mi gente. My people abran su ojos y sus oidos. Come on let us rise, and be brave so then we survive. All I want is to reach the stars as I follow my dreams, to become what I want to be. I will take my choices and chances without them. I know that all they want is to guide me. They do not know that I want to be independent girl. So I will rise in dark nights letting the light shine through me. Then, I will be free to determine my destiny.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Invisibility by Janai “I am pansexual,” I try to say, but the words cannot leave my lips. “I am genderfluid,” I want to proclaim. When did it come to this? They say, “You are only a boy or girl.” Why can’t they see how I feel? Just because I am different, I am pushed a side. I cannot catch up to those others even at my quickest stride. Few people understand me and stand by me until the end. Some of them are family members or extremely close friends. People blame me being myself on some others like me. They say that it is their fault. Why, oh why can’t they see? No, I'm not bisexual. No, I am not gay. I am not a boy or a girl. Can’t you just go away? The depression creeps up to me and yet I still ignore it. People only classify me in ways that they see fit. I feel like I am invisible because parts of me “do not exist.”
5
6
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
I am sorry that this is the case and I wish for the torture to desist. I just want to be accepted and loved for who I am. All of this annoyance is something I will never understand. To everyone out there like me: stand together, do not be alone. Provide support for each other. We will all be together as one. We are the ones who do not exist. We are all seen as invisible. Together, we will stop the pain and stand indivisible.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Ganda ng bahay ko by Conner A third world country, a poor place, a savage island. You do not look at statistics to call a place home. Look at the memories of the people. They will help you know where you belong. You look at the dull colors, but I see vivid lights. The economy is plagued with emptiness and just a few pennies. It may be poor and quiet, but it will always be rich to me. We literally eat out problems away, soft inside like the resolution, crunchy like the problem. There until it rises again. Suppose that nothing goes right. It happens. We are human after all. But you see, my family solves it another way. Ano problema mo? Kasi tigas ng ulo mo’ Tama na, Tama na, Tama na Just stop, roll everything in. Grab the meat. Grab the veggies. We will make this problem go away. We start to smile with the smell of the oil
7
8
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
and stir-fry wafting into our noses. It comes from the islands, coming here to make me feel at banay, home. Stuff your problems and leave it there until it rises again. Crunchy like the problem, soft inside like the resolution, we literally eat out problems away.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
My Road by Daniela When you think about it, we are all the same. We all have goals and struggles. What makes us different is how we overcome those struggles and achieve our goals. Achieving my goals is my #1 priority. I wait anxiously for the day that I can finally make my parents proud. So, I just keep walking on this road of mine. Yes, there are struggles, but none that I cannot overcome. I ignore all the people trying to hold me back and the ones who say I will not make it to the end. “You will get tired,� they say. I smile because I know they are wrong.
9
10
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
I Am by Marilyn “Native American?”.....”No” “Mexican?”.... “No” This is something I deal with when I run into people on the streets. People are so blinded by what they see on the outside. They do not care to see the inside. I am a Palauan Native and I come from a long line of powerful and strong people. Yes, I come from an island, isolated from the rest, surrounded by a blue crystal sea. Our flag does not have stars to represent us taking someone's land and claiming it for our own. Our flag is simple, but it binds us together in unity. Every inch of fabric sewn together gives our people the power to stand up for what is right. I am a girl, a Palauan girl. Why is it hard for people to understand?
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Soccer As Life by Fabiola I live my life just like a soccer game. There are victories and struggles. Only you can see how the game ends. Not every game is fair, just like life. No matter how hard you try, you will sometimes end up losing. That just means you have to get up and compete sometimes against the same team and situation that beat you. Playing soccer is not easy. You have to dribble around the people who want to hurt you. Sometimes in life, they are right next to you. While you play soccer, the only thing that can burn you is the sun. In this life, we get it from the words said or unspoken. Problems are my yellow and red cards. Sometimes I make mistakes and cannot go back. From those experiences, I have learned. God gave me a gift and that is the potential at my feet. He sits back from the clouds, watching me sprint for my dreams.
11
12
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
Who I Am by Jasmine I am the yummy delicious mole my mom makes from the secretive recipe. I can taste her hard work when we all come together to eat. It makes me think of the person I truly am and my roots. It will forever remind me of where I come from. I am the place my parents call home, Aljojuca, made of hard work and suffering. There, people leave their life prints of who they were. I come from those unforgettable memories my parents share with us. I am from the cerros verdes y los lagos grandes. from the people who will sacrifice anything to make family happy. I may not been born there, but my blood and culture live there. I am proud to call Aljojuca people, mi gente. I am my grandmothers worked hands, my uncle's arms building houses so that at the end of the day, mi gente has a home to rest their tired bodies. I come from the family who isn't brought down easily, with mi madre as the motor. The moment when I touch her soft flower petal hands, I feel her love
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
and care. Her pain bounces off your heart and goes into mine. I can feel what she has gone through to keep this family together, to never give up on what she wants to achieve. I come from her famous quote, “Voy a luchar y salir para delante� I am the painted feather that hangs on my walls, giving my heart joy knowing my grandparents are present. I can see the colorful view my people see. It comes from struggle and sacrifice. We might not be rich in material, but rich in beauty. I come from the family that believes in La Morenita, La Virgen de Guadalupe, a la que le rezamos un padre nuestro. She is the only person who will truly know all my problems. She is the one I believe in and she believes in me. This is what make me who I am.
13
14
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
Power for an Hour by Davit Knowledge is power but lately everyone’s knowledge lasts around 1 or 2 hours. Well, I mean depending on your battery power. Things just are not how they were in the past. I am not saying that is bad, nor that I am glad. Remember talking, you know, texting with your mouth? Oh, I am sorry, I am a little ahead of myself. You are probably thinking, what does this kid know about back in the day? Why should I listen to what he has to say? I will explain. I am from a country that was underdeveloped. When PlayStation came out, shops did not sell it. Not only that, my neighborhood was run down and poor, the kind of place that had so much lore that it could stomp L.A. Noire. So we had to go outside and talk to each other because there was nothing indoors, just walls and floors. Books were normally used to prop open doors. But nobody read them because they were boring. They were history books, books that nobody cared about.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Nobody gave them a second look. Then, one day I picked one up and asked my mom to read it for me. I was mesmerized by all of the information, mesmerized by all of the human creation: from cavemen to ancient Rome; from Victorian London to scientists discovering chromosomes; from the Beatles to Aerosmith. Actually, never mind. I do not think Aerosmith was in the book. I am pretty sure I did not see a chapter on “Love in an Elevator,” but if there was, I should have looked. After this, I visited my great gramps. He is over a 100 and he is still going strong. I asked him about his life and he said, “Ha, telling you would take way too long.” So I kept asking until he told me the things he went through, all he has done and all he had to do. There were things you do not find on a page, things that cannot be reenacted on a stage. And once again, I was mesmerized, the feeling of being overwhelming with all the information.
15
16
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
It was amazing, but so sad, since nobody else knows the feeling because not a lot of people find this stuff appealing. They do not want to take a few hours out of their day to learn about what happened back then. Nobody asks their great gramps where he has been. Nobody wants to know the things that happened in Berlin. Nobody wants to know how people used to dance. Nobody wants to know what happened back in France. Nobody even gives history books a second glance. Nobody reads about the man that climbed the Ivory Tower. Nobody reads about how people used waterfalls as showers. Nobody wants to waste a whole hour reading about flowers because everybody knows everything for an hour. Well, I mean depending on your battery power.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
A Place Within Me by Jorge I come from a place my family and I have not often visited. It is a place rooted so deeply within me, it has become my veins, transporting memories of long hours in the brutal sun as a reminder of the blood, sweat, and tears my people have shed on those fields. But why did they wake up early in the morning only to receive a couple of pesos at the end of a day full of hard work? How did a single piece of pan dulce give them energy to be able to receive a severe beating to their muscles and skin? Over time, I have been able to understand. It was not because they wanted to prove a point that they could do the same as others. It was to be able to give their family a better life. They wanted to have this everlasting feeling that they were able to bring happiness and peace to their families. So now I pray that that place never leaves my heart and memories. I know this will help me become a great leader.
17
18
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
Just Under the Surface by David Old man sunshine was proud of his son. It brightened his day to see the chubby kid run, not because what he managed to get done or the obstacles he magically came to overcome. Despite his subtle disposition, he remained the sunny one. He was not always like this. There were times when it seemed better to hide his brightness. You see, a star can never go far without boarding the USS Hardship. He could never forget to bring his light to shine through the darkness. If we go back when he was born in a nebula, he was born knowing he could not be regular. Everyone made that clear because he had a solar flare about him. However, whenever he went near something, it turned a little bronze. Yes, this son was loved more than some others. But when faced to go outside, he would rather be cloaked in a dream coat. Standing outside had its pros and cons. There were those with jealousy. They were those outshined by the sunshine kid’s brightness. This created enemies. Those people were called the Shadow people. They did not like the little shiny kid because he lit up the dark things
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
the Shadow people did. When he shined, he showed the dark places the Shadow people hid. So, they made a plan to kill the sunshine kid. First off, they made fun of his sunspots. Their words were gunshots shooting at his dreams way up in the sky, designed to remind him that he was not very cool and could not fit in with the cool kids at school. They knew he was flying with the stars and wanted to bring him down to earth. They knew he came from nothing, so that must be what he is worth. They told him that he would never get to a university to learn and the only degrees he would ever get would be first degree burns hidden in his right palm. But with every word they said about his light, they created power, they fueled his might. But for those who came too close, they said he was too bright, too smart, too advanced, too different, too.... him? His judgement became clouded, like the sky with evaporated tears.
19
20
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
When in school, his peers never saw his pain, nor knew his fears. So, he would prepare all night to gather his might and show off his light indefensibly. That was not enough. Locked and hidden inside he had a warm personality. But his words and his knowledge were his penalty. The light inside him started to dim upon the Shadow people’s whim. He was hurt, bruised and wounded by the Shadow folk. They spoke holes in his soul and left cavities. As a defense, his heart hardened. The once great powerful spark that burned brighter than the sun darkened. No one knew. Every time they called him names, they cooled his flames. He thought maybe they would like him if he kept his light dim. So his light was eclipsed by what the Shadow people said. It hurt like he had been punched in the solar plexus as he wondered in a lone star state like Texas.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
But then, little Miss Sunshine came along singing a tune on how they were meant to be strong. It should not matter being right or wrong, or where you belong. Be who you are because we are truly all stars at heart. Little Miss Sunshine was hot stuff, the kind of girl when you looked at her, you forgot stuff. But for him, there was no forgetting her. The minute he saw her, the image burned in his retna. She was out of this world. When she grinned, she melted all the razor tipped words the Shadow people said. They gave each other fun nicknames like Cool Star and Fun Son. Gradually the shadowy twisted words came undone. If eyes are windows to the soul, then she removed the curtains. She set him free, finally opening his windows to let the sun shine through the hurting. In a universe of adversity, two stars stuck together. Though day becomes night, the memories last forever, Whether the weatherman said it or not,
21
22
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
it would be fine, a sunny day and forever like that will it stay. Even behind the clouds the kid could still shine. The Sunshine Kid was bright, with a warm personality, and inside he burned savagely. He was fueled by the fire inspired across galaxies, by the girl who showed him belief. She showed him that with pain, suffering, and anger, the real him was just underneath. If his words were a knife, she took off the sheath. With a hurricane that stormed above the ocean, she showed him the soft coral reef. It simply was underneath. She was brilliant and together they learned resilience. She said, “If all the darkness in the world cannot kill the light of a single candle, what makes you think they can handle your light? Only you can choose to dim it, and the sky is the limit. So, silence the critics by burning bright.�
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Make the Difference by Jacky They told me to follow my dreams, but they never showed me how. I stand here in the middle of town trying to figure my way out. As I walk in the middle of the night, I will fly all the way to the sky, looking for the stars. We all know what we want to be in this life, all we need is a little bit of help. I know sometimes it seems hard. We will get confused because we do not know the path. But I am going to tell you something, you can do whatever you want, just as long as you have confidence inside. Then, you will set the example for all the children who are on outside. Now to my life... I am reaching the stars by following the line. Just as I might inspire you, someone else helped me in the same way You might think this is weird but this is what I feel. Now to this world, where everyone seems to care about just money and power. But they do not see:
23
24
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
love is what makes you worth it; love is what makes you feel alive. We all know this world is out of control because people steal, cheat, and lie to you. But I am going to tell you something I learned in the past. You can make a difference in this life if you keep moving forward toward success in your life.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
My Life y Mi Fuerza by Daniela I come from my mom who is mi inspiracion. Everything she has done for me is for a reason. She is a blessing. She has invested money, time, and patience for me to achieve my dream. With my power, I will try my best to repay her. I can already see myself wearing that cap and gown. Above all, I can see the pride in my parents’ face. When I earn that diploma, I will take the first step to repaying my mom, while receiving a key to the door of my future. I will never forget what kept me going when I thought it was over: the strength, compassion, and love of mi abuelita that I carry around my neck. She still lives in the place where my parents have childhood memories. I have some there, but not enough. Going to Mexico gives me a feeling that I cannot describe with words, just like when I eat carne asada with my family. I love how the toughness of the carne and spiciness of the chile represents how strong and loud my family and I are. Son mi fuerza y mi inspiracion Yo soy Daniela.
25
26
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
They Said That I Cannot Sing by Conner She has been running, running, from all the hateful lies that make her cry so much. All she wanted was to sing out loud and be like everybody else, have a chance to be famous. When she took that road, she did not know how hard it would be. She then realized that she cannot be like everyone. Her envy, her jealousy of others fueled her hate as it spat out of the mouth of Mt. Fuji. She had enough. She did not want to be like everyone else, but be herself. She took a road that led up a mountain, no gear, no gadgets. She was going to make her own rules, be determined, and envision who she wanted to be. When tomorrow comes along, bye-bye is what I will say to all my past mistakes. When I reach the top, the world is going to hear me sing.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Reflection by Annete In the mirror, I look at myself and do not just see a 5’0� short girl. I see power in her eyes, strength in her hands, and hope in her face. She stares back at me with eyes that contain the will to do anything. I notice a white lab coat hanging from her shoulders. She has a stethoscope around her neck, a happy grin plastered on her face, and a picture in her hand. In it, she is helping others. There are no words to describe it because she looks happy and I am happy, which is the best thing in the world. I want to be that reflection of me, be proud of who I am and make others believe that dreams can actually become true. That is my message for you: Who do you want to be? See, at the end of the tunnel, there is always light, and a hope to be whatever you want to be.
27
28
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
Video Game by Marilyn I wake up each day with a small weight on my back and I hope for something better. There is always a new obstacle I face and it gets harder each time. Each level is more challenging than the last. I always fall down and feel failure overcome my body. I may die once or twice but my dreams and my motives keep me going The bosses push me down, telling me that I will not make it, hoping that they can keep me down. Little do they know, I rise up, grab the controller, and control my own destiny. I press play and start my destiny, following my dreams, leaving behind a legacy, and hopefully creating my own adventure. I say this with complete honesty, each level gets harder along the way. This is your destiny, now press play.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Swimming by Janai In a world where life is a pool, everyone has to swim, or else they will drown upon the ocean’s whim. Everyone is thrown in, some with psychological floats. Many sink to the bottom, while those on top sit in boats made from supremacy of race and endless riches and towers. Who let them rule over us? Who gave them the power? Other sexes sink low, other races sink lower. Many sexualities fall and are ruled over by these sailors, who say they are better. They argue who is higher. They argue who is wetter in the sea of sadness where I must sink. Gallons of water around me, but there is not a drop to drink. My sexuality is erased, my gender oppressed. When will it end? Will I ever get rest? But I now see friends, who help me rise past the deep and dark and up to my prize. I finally feel accepted in a world where no one is rejected. We bind all together and ascend into space. We finally have found a more accepting place.
29
30
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
The Real Me by Fabiola I once wished I had things other kids had, but never was I ungrateful for the love I once received. See, a father is not the one who gave you birth, but the one who raised you. My father does not have the best job. But I tell him to be grateful for the health he has. Just holding my dad’s rough hands makes me look at mine, but with a brighter future. I will give my dad everything, like he did for me and remind the people who said I was not his blood to kiss his feet. Letting them spread the word of his daughter’s success, I will just remind everyone this is the real me. See, I am a girl who suffers from a great depression, growing up wanting her parents attention. I am a stemless petal who floats this world alone. I am always crying out to God to hear me. Can he see me? I am from a society that says it does not matter what you have as long as you are happy.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
But once you turn around, they burst out laughing. You can say I will not make it because I am not a U.S. citizen. I cannot see a bright future because my eyes are not blue. With my brown eyes, I always see a struggle you can never notice. Just because you have papers does not make you a better person. You can take me away from this country, but not my mind or my voice. I can go to college, just with a little more work. I can pack my bean burrito while you pack your salad. I am not a U.S. Citizen, but I am human.
31
32
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
Goal to Achievement by Jasmine The situations I go through take place on the soccer field of life. As I am opening myself up, I try to avoid those mean comments that bring me down. I try to find my way, to take my life to a successful place. My family and my friends are the ones who cheer me on, always by my side. I will not let people stop me from aiming for my goals. Even through those rough tackles, kicks to my legs, it will not make me stumble and fall. Yes, some of them will hurt. But at the end of that game, I will leave with a trophy, a trophy that will contain my dedication, my sweat, and my achievement.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Motivated by Davit Everybody is motivated. Everybody has someone or something to keep them obligated in trying their hardest to meet the social criteria of a good job, an amazing husband or wife, and one hell of a life. Then, am I a nobody? How come I do not have somebody? How come I am not motivated or obligated to do my hardest? How come I do not work out? How come I do not run or jog, or walk my dog? I have been moving in circles because I have nobody to guide me through the fog. No wait, I spoke too soon. I see a silhouette. Is it my mom? No, it is too short. Is it my sister? She is scared of water so she cannot be standing on a port. I know it is not my dad, he is 6 feet 4. Then, it came to me in a flash. It is not my mom, dad, or my sister I’m here for. On the port, stands the person I adore.
33
34
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
If Life Was Like a Movie by Daniela If we were able to chose when to pause or start or even when to go forward or rewind our life, would people still make mistakes? Would people still get hurt? I make a lot of mistakes, some small enough to cover up with a Band-Aid. Others are so big, a Band-Aid would make no difference. I think that that is when I wish life was like a movie. If only we were able to rewind to when we made mistakes and fix all the problems with the people we hurt. This life is not easy. You have to be brave to live it. Life does not need to be like a movie for us to be able to make it. We are strong enough to shape it ourselves. Life could be like a movie but it is not, so live it.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
This is My Life by Jacky I am a beautiful girl and I have sunshine inside of me. When I look in the mirror, I see a warrior. I see a girl who can become a powerful woman and whatever she wants to be. Many people have tried to take away everything that I have inside of me. But they will never erase the beautiful smile that I carry with me. No matter what they think or say about me, they will never push me down because I am the owner of my life and happiness. This is who I am. This is who I will be. I come from a place that at one time was beautiful. Now, it is just a lonely ground. I come from that beautiful space where I was born, where I lived. Somehow it has turned into a violent town. Now, I am living in a strange place and I have nothing here. I am from where my grandparents used to have dreams. Thanks to some people, they are just insecure birds. I remember those days, those beautiful days
35
36
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
when I listened to his beautiful ways. My grandfather, the honorable man, playing the flute reminds me of where I come from. The flute, my musical magical tool, reminds man of you abuelo Tu eres the most respectful man. I am the delicious glue that connects some clues that reminds me of home. I come from a cheesey place made of flour and corn tortillas, where you can settle your dreams. You can taste the stars. These powerful memories will never die. His name is sounding all around the world He is my inspiration and my motivation. In his words, I find wisdom for my soul. I do not even know you personally, but I am amazed by your clever words. Carlos Cuauhtemoc Sanchez, you are my hero, because you saved me from the hole when I had emptiness in my soul. They are 4 British boys and an Irish one. They were part of my whole change because they make me believe in myself.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
While I was sleeping, they woke me up and told me, come on, stand up. These little things are a part of our history. It does not have an end because this is infinity. I know you are not afraid of what they would say because you are strong. The truth is that it does not matter what they think of us because they do not know about us. When we grow up, it will not be hard to look back and see what we have done in our life.
37
38
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
The Blanket by Janai This object, it does not belong to me, but it is a huge representation of times when they were very bad. Yet I speak of them without hesitation. Tis a simple, fluffy, baby blanket made up of bright and lively hues. My sister carried it with her upon that fateful day when she and I were finally returned after “mother” took us away. The judge proclaimed that we would stay with our kind-hearted dad. We never saw “mother” again, yet my sister and I are not sad. She was harmful and hateful to Fi and me as kids. She would hit us for no reason. But now, of her we are rid. So on that day, our happiest day, we were finally returned. We celebrate it every year, the day our life was turned from very bad to very good. It is needless to say that we were very happy to leave on that day. My dad still tries his hardest
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
to take care of us two. He did everything in his power to raise our spirits when we were blue. To this day, we have the blanket filled with memories from the past, of baby Fi and two year old me. We both grew up so fast. Now we are here together, both of us in our teen years, growing together over time despite our ocean of tears. We will be together forever, as today is a new day. Despite all the years past. the memories forever stay.
39
40
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
Who Are You? by Conner Dear little girl, Did you expect to be a star when you grew up? How about surviving days with crippling depression? What did you want to be when you grew up? I am still pretty lost myself‌ but I believe in you, even when most people do not. I am there for you. So I will ask again and this time, I will answer with you. What did you want to be when you grew up?
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
The Camera of Life by Annete My camera is the struggle of my own life. I try to forget old things that happened in the past but I just can’t. The camera took those pictures and now, every time I see them, it is like having a tattoo on my heart. Forever and ever the memories will stay there. There are now voices in my head whispering to look at the past. The memory of the camera is now full. The pictures, yeah, they are blurry. I tried to focus, but it is really hard because I cannot see clear. There are now cracks in the lens caused by my own previous mistakes. How I wished it did not break, falling apart, as I try to focus more. There might not be a solution nor do I know there is a conclusion. But what I do know is that it might be hard to stop shaking my hand when I am about to take the picture. Then I take a stand and focus more.
41
42
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
I keep scrolling past the old pictures and get to the new ones. “They are so clear and professional,” just how many think. But the truth is that it is actually pretty hard. I had to learn the skills even after many years. I look at the picture I took of my brother, my mother, and father. My brother’s blue gown stands out even more. It might be a flashback, you know. But the inspiration is the one that takes control. I see a clear picture with me, my mother, my father, and brother.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
I Will Never Forget by Marilyn I will never forget being in a middle of a war zone where words were used as weapons, hurting more than punches and kicks. I will never forget the way they looked at each other with such disgust, like someone who ate something so fowl, they might just vomit. The little girl in me would overpower my body and make me look away shedding tears from my eyes wondering, “Will it ever get better?” I will never forget when they spit at each other like fire touching their hearts and leaving a never healing scar. I will never forget when covering my ears was always the first option. I will never forget… I will forget...
43
44
DSST: College View Speaks! Vol. 2
The "Commandos" by David I see a man on a mission sent to represent his division. No one thinks much upon viewing this picture. They think of brutes or commandos. They see a gun and they think killer. They see camouflage and they think hero. But no one ever puts the two together. No one truly knows the whole story, not knowing that those men you idolize, that the media desires to notarize, never told you the whole story. They never told you that they spend weeks in a hole, bloody and gory, to receive your glory, because they do not. The media gains their money not understanding that not all battle-worn warriors strive for glory. In the news' eyes, those who do not "are not a story." If they saw these men, without the fear, motivation, or the blood on their clothes, they look... "normal." They do not understand that the men in this picture are scared for their lives.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Looking into their eyes, you can still see the war. You can see every earth-shattering bomb dropped, every round fired, every roar of gunfire, every sleepless night, every letter home.
45