Ms. Widman 11 & 12th Grade
The cold ice burns through skin.
The makeshift home runs with the wind.
At the end of the day,
we are alone.
If we get chased away
by dogs
by strangers
by our own people
where do we call home?
We are left in the past like old news
but we know
we remember
we are alone.
Just because we lack a home
doesn’t mean we lack a heart
doesn’t make us any less worthy
for a roof over our head
or clothes on our body.
Yes, we are alone, but our souls are connected.
A flag which stood its ground
is promptly torn down.
It rises again, not with a healthy
drive,
but with an invasive wrath
a mindset that wishes it had
embodied strength,
as true judgement calls,
everything that held its fibers up
now beginning to fall.
It won’t accept this is its last call.
Instead, choosing to traverse a barren
land
it’s final standing spot
being its own soul-less throne.
When I think about the future I relive 2016
when I was 8 years old, terrified for my
family’s safety.
When I think about the future, I live in the moment.
Why again?
When I think about the future, I think about
my aunt. Could she really get deported for speaking
Spanish?
When I think about the future I think about
my dad and uncle. How could they vote for
someone so against them?
When I think about the future, I sit and
wonder. Could they take me? My grandma?
When I think about the future, I think
“how could someone be so cruel?” And I cry.
When I think about the future I see the families
that are separated and I feel guilty
for mine still being here.
When I think about the future I see people
in the streets and feel hope.
When I think about the future I see senators
asking questions and calling for change.
When I think about the future:
I see the light.
Sitting in silence
in a big loud world
having friends and family
but no one there for you
that wave of sadness washes over
being in darkness
but can’t get out of it
the urge to slash and rot
people only start caring
when they see what’s happening
trying to be as happy as I can be
always falling back into that darkness.