Students read Shirley Geok-Lin Lim’s poem ‘Learning to Love America’ before they wrote their own ‘Because’ poems.
Lesson Note: Born in Malacca, Malaysia, Shirley Geok-Lin Lim was raised by her Chinese father and attended missionary schools. Although her first languages were Malay and the Hokkin dialect of Chinese, she was able to read English by the time she was six. At 10, her first poem was published in the Malacca Times; by age 11, she knew she wanted to be a poet. She earned her BA from the University of Malaya and her PhD from Brandeis University.
Lim considers herself primarily a poet, although she has also written books of short stories, criticism, a novel, and a memoir.
Mrs. McClain, 7th Grade
because poem
by Jovani H.
because I was born on its territory
I do not wander far
because of its unique way
of telling a story
America shows how it went from
nothing to something
because of its issues brought with
it
because everyone has a say
in any opinion stated
because no matter how diverse
everyone shall be treated the
same.
Because in America
by Kathleen M.
Because I had to be born here without a choice
Because we have brought our lives into America
in which we cannot fix
because people live their own ways. they have their own
feelings
because anyone has their own thoughts
because the crowds downtown sway to areas
because everyone has feelings that affect them
because I only have privacy in my own home
because no matter where I go, I don’t feel safe
because my gut tells me that I will never be safe
because there is no escape
Mrs. McClain, 8th Grade
Why America?
by Kylie B.
Because I was born here
Because my grandparents came here from Romania
from the rules
from the restriction.
Because this is a better life.
Because of the freedom
the individuality.
Because everyone has the right
to be who they are.
Because I was born here.
Because Why?
by Sara B.
Because my family was born here, I am them.
Because I am them, I have to do everything they do
Because Anything they do is ALWAYS right.
Because I have to floor our exact steps
from a baby to an adult
Because why?
Because I am everything my family ever wanted
from pre-adult till now
Because they grew up poorer than ever
Because the difference from there to here is a struggle
Because to others, there is no other to here
Because now they’re full of doubt and regret
from coming
Because my country is “bad” yet America isn’t?
Mrs. McClain, 8th Grade
America
by Liv H.
America
Because of its beautiful landscapes
Because of its space
Because of the people
Because it has raised me
Because of the discrimination
Because of the pollution
Because of the people
Because of the destruction
because of
America
Because
by Samual D.
Because there are many opportunities here
Because all my family is here
Because I enjoy it here
Because there are so many kids of influences here
Because you can build your future here
Because everyone has their own say and opinion here
Because there are many career paths here
Because America is where I was raised
Mrs. McClain, 7th Grade
Because…
by Liam P.
Because I was born here
Because it is my hometown the windy city
Because of the violence
Because I was born there
and I would want to
celebrate it
Because everyone has a right to
be here so they should with rights
Because something might not
hurt my feelings could hurt
someone else’s because they
believe the certain things
because of their religion or
culture
Because everyone is human and deserves to
have rights.
Learning to Love America
by Brigid R.
Because my family decided to come here
Because I am half of this country I should still celebrate and be proud
Because I see how much freedom I can have
Because everyone is equal
Because of the hatred and pollution here
Because no innocent person should have to suffer
Because we all deserve the same
and because we have many opportunities here
