When I was really little, I ran away from home and I was mad and
really wanted to leave.
I was afraid of getting in trouble.
At the time, I ran toward my favorite hiding place, a swimming pool.
I dreamed about being famous and I wish Gohan and Geo was with
me being famous.

When I got a little older, I ran away from my grandma’s house to my
auntie’s house
when my grandma was asleep.
When I ran, I expected that my grandma was worried.
She called the police to search for me to bring me back to her house.
At the time, I ran toward my friend’s and my favorite restaurant.
When I ran, I hoped for my mom would come and pick me up.

Today when I run, I run away from nothing.
More than anything I wish I could run away from my life.
Today when I run, I run toward my mom.
More than anything I wish I could run enough to be a football star.

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.