A Poem From Austin

The following poems were written by a 6th grade girl in Austin. Her name is Kimyatte. Each day she wins my heart more and more, as many of them do. I don't know if these poems will impact you, but they keep me awake at night. Here's a glimpse into a life none of us will ever experience.

LOCKED UP

Locked up behind bars; you can’t see daylight you can’t even see stars. Locked up in a place that is lonely; the ones that you miss aren’t your one and only. Locked up arrested by cops; your only job is working with mops. Locked up they won’t let you out; no matter how much you scream, holler, or shout. Locked up you say it doesn’t matter; but when you get out all your dream just shatter. Locked up you say it aint true; but the one who’s really locked up is all you. You’re locked up with no where to go; and you say to your self “say it aint so.” But it’s true because it’s you; now you sitin up in there all down and blue. He’s locked that man is gone; and just when you thought, he was the only one. He’s locked up and you may feel sad; especially when that man is your dad.

YOU'RE GONE

You’re gone you’re gone you’re out of life; and you weren’t even old enough to have a wife. You’re gone and out of sight; you were like a son to Terreca dispight the fact that you loved to fight. You were a cousin to us all and now you’re gone;

You left us but you’re not the only one. You will be missed dearly but never the lest; L.F. loves you and we are all here to put you to rest.

We are all here to put you in your grave; and to honor a young man who was very, very brave. You’ve always been loved by people around you; I just want you to know that I love you too. You’re gone and never to return again; you were a lovable young man who was never plain.

You’re gone you’re gone and we are left with pain; now that you’re gone life will never be the same. You left without warning, life is a dread; but you have no life now that you’re dead. Dontay you weren’t related to me by blood; but my cousin kept you out of trouble and out of the hood.

Starting in January I'm going to be teaching a writing class in Austin. God has a sense of humor. After I read "Writing For Dummies" I hope I can continue what Kimyatte has started. These kids have a story to tell, pray I can help them tell it.