You see that I have a big family

You think my siblings are disgusting

And that we’re weird cuz my mom and dad are separated.

 

You see that I am quiet when you point and stare,

My silence is begging you to stop staring

But you don’t know me.

 

You would know me if…

You knew how hard it was to be pointed out like homeless people

Or if you knew how I feel hurt sometimes, like a caged elephant or giraffe

Or if you knew how my sister and I help each other do our hair
It takes 4 hours and hurts so bad

Or how my sister and I gather our 4 siblings when they misbehave at the store.

 

You see that I am not what you think

You see that I don’t point at you the way you point at me

But you don’t know me.

 

You would know me if…

You knew how I color butterflies like I’m a famous artist

You knew how I cook noodles with lemon flavor for my whole family and

I’m only 9 years old.

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This poem is published in The World in Me, a compilation of original poetry written by young people ages 8 – 17 who stayed with their families in housing at Solid Ground’s Broadview Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing for women and children. The young authors who contributed to The World in Me are not identified by their real names, and some details have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of them and their families. The authors retain copyrights on their individual works.