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Holding Truth

The Dream Keepers have been reading short stories from the book Who Am I Without Him? by Sharon G. Flake. The books came to us as a gift from Venice Williams, the executive director of Seedfolks Youth Ministry. (THANK YOU!)

Last night, the girls chose titles from the book as a starting point for their writing. Story titles such as, "So I Ain't No Good Girl" and "The Ugly One" allowed the girls to create some edgy rants (my term to describe a spoken-word poem). With the permission of the girls, I've published three of the poems below. I wish you could have heard these poems spoken aloud. They rocked.

Gentle readers, be warned. None of these poems are pretty or nice. I think the girls meant to shock. I like that. As their writing teacher, I want them to be honest. I want their words to reflect what THEY experience, think, and envision. I do not want to censor or shape their ideas—spoken or written—so that their work will be more palatable. When writers have the freedom to write what they want, they are more creative and, according to psychologists, more likely to reap the benefits (increased health and self agency).

When I asked the girls if the poems were true, they laughed at me. I deserved it! If someone had the gall to ask if one of my stories was true, I would laugh, too. All writing holds truth. Perhaps this is one of the best gifts the Dream Keepers offer. In writing and sharing their work, they hold truth for us to learn from. Enjoy!


Don't Be Disrespecting Me
by Elisha Branch

I have crusty lips and crooked teeth
but don't be disrespecting me.
I have scarred legs and chubby feet
but don't be disrespecting me.
I have big thighs and ashy knees
but don't be disrespecting me.
You can talk, say what you please
but don't be disrespecting me.
Go ahead and talk. I'll ignore you three
but don't be disrespecting me.
Don't look if you don't like what you see
but don't be disrespecting me.
I look like I do; that's how it's gonna be
but don't be disrespecting me.
I am who I am; you be who you be
but don't be disrespecting me.
I am Elisha, and that's who I want to be
so don't be disrespecting me!


I Ain't No Good Girl
by Natalie Branch

"I ain't no good girl!"
I don't always go to school.
I don't always follow all the rules.
"I ain't no good girl!"
I've been to jail before.
I curse and scream even more.
"I ain't no good girl!"
I argue, fuss, and fight.
I sneak out of the house at night.
'Cause I ain't no good girl!
I sneak.
I peek.
I cheat.
I beat.
Because I ain't no good girl!


The Ugly One
by Natale Branch

I don't go to school dances.
I don't have any romances.
Because I'm the ugly one.
People don't like me.
They beat and tease me.
Because I'm the ugly one.
They call me rude names.
My face shows shame.
Because I'm the ugly one.
I scream and shout
With a pillow over my mouth.
Because I'm the ugly one.
I laugh.
I cry.
I sometimes want to die.
Because I'm the ugly one.

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