In my ocean, you were a dolphin

Because you made me jump with joy, you kept me afloat

But I doubted you would keep me happy all the time

In my grassy field, you were a flower

Because you were delicate

I admired your beauty

In my galaxy, you were a planet with moons

Because you kept our family in your orbit

I want to be just like you

I wondered how I can be like you

In my heart

You were the beat

Because you kept me alive

I will always remember you

But I will always regret why I was a bad child

I will always dream about being like you

And this is what you mean to me.

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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.