Seven kids from the workshop Teens Writing from the Heart of Illness & Healing read a selection of their poems the other night to crowd of parents, friends, community members, medical doctors and staff at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic in Seattle.  They read with power and conviction and wowed everyone in attendance. Parents were surprised at the strength and insightfulness of their words, at the deep emotional clarity and risk-taking.  The audience was supportive and appreciative and I think the teens themselves were proud and maybe amazed, at the effect their words had.

Here are a few excerpts from their work:

from Lost

 

I’m lost in my mind spinning around.

I’m lost in my memories still to be found.

I’m lost in my heart deep inside.

I’m lost in my smile so sweet and kind.

I’m lost in my past I’m lost in my present.

                                                        (Elijah Jones)

Where I’m from smells of fresh-baked bread

and rosemary rubbed between

warm hands.

I’m from dancing like drunk people

on the altar platform

twirling through

Christ is born

and Christ is risen

from Rejoice! and the corners of creation.

I’m from the perfect

is the enemy of the good

and good enough

is never really good enough….

                                                   (Kat Santarelli)

from Sickle Cell

…Constantly in hospitals accompanied by televisions and books

as best friends

tears became my voice, fear was my only choice

at the age of eight.

I was given opportunities to only be turned down

as the pain arised and the devil tattooed the word, “demise.”

my life had reached it’s point…

                                                     (Laelah Ndifon)

You can find the full body of their work in the chapbook Based on a True Story: Just Beyond the Gate, available through the Online Store.

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