Saturday, February 20, 2010

A voice unheard...

In my work with the children in the juvenile justice system I encounter a lot of angry, frustrated and hopeless stories. Kids who have been pushed and moved all over and their voice is never heard. I do a lot of writing activities with my therapy groups, and I have been amazed by the quality of writing they produce, as well as the heart and truth behind it. The most hardened delinquent can fill a page with beautiful, tearful words. Here is one particular poem a girl wrote for me last week...a girl who wants her voice to be heard...

Just because…

Just because I’m a teenager
      Doesn’t mean I’m immature
      Doesn’t mean I’m rebellious
      Doesn’t mean I’m obnoxious
           I am unique.

Just because I’m a woman
     Doesn’t mean I’m girly
     Doesn’t mean I’m inferior
     Doesn’t mean I’m feminine
          I am independent.

Just because I’m African American
     Doesn’t mean I’m a minority
     Doesn’t mean I’m a criminal
     Doesn’t mean I’m incapable
          I am strong.

Just because I’m short
     Doesn’t mean I’m discouraged
     Doesn’t mean I’m not opinionated
     Doesn’t mean I’m not good at sports
          I am beautiful.

0 comments:

Post a Comment