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SSPL Literacy Students' Creative Writing: Home

SSPL Library Literacy Services English students have rich and varied experiences. Read their poems and essays here!

Poetry

 

Ode to my heart

Betty - SSPL Literacy Volunteer

 

I saw you there unexpectedly

On the ultrasound screen

Pumping faithfully away

So many years of unseen service

Taken for granted, unsung

Alive on your own

And still a part of me

Untitled, by Mariia, Ukraine

These are of those days

    when I feel lost.

There are too many feelings

   and I’m its host.

What to strive for and

   what should I do?

I’ve spent so many days and

   nights without you.

All things we shared

   had left behind

I’ve grabbed my bags

   but not my mind.

Only kids and I had escaped

   by the plane.

The world has totally changed

   since evil came.

I don’t understand

   where to move on.

How to help my kids when

   I’m on my own?

I know that I’m strong

   I just need time,

Breath in and exhale

   the sadness of mine.

Ode to Rice, by June, Vietnam

Rice

You are a seed

You are so little

But you have a magic

Make us stronger and fatter

 

Rice

You are so sweet

I’ll kiss you then       

Eat you and

Turn you into more kind of food

Cheerful

Useful

It’s you

 

Rice

Thanks for coming to us

And thanks to farmers

Who plant you for us to be

Wealthy and healthy.

I'm From...., by Nidia, Columbia

I am from the coffee and panela taste,

From the sunshine and the warm rain.

I am from the small but bright home with blue floor and white walls.

I am from the palmeras, guayacanes and mangos

whose long gone limbs I remember

as if they were my own.

I’m from river trips and hot chocolate with bread

from Prospero and Silvia.

I’m from dinners and table games

and from long talking walks.

I’m from pichiquita and remanita

and the song “El Patito Chiquitito.”

I’m from candles day.

I’m from Bogota and Cali,

Changua and Champus,

from travels to the beach,

hugs, many kisses

and  “I love you’s,” just because.

Where I'm From, by Lien, Vietnam

WHERE I’M FROM, By Lien


I am from a small village,
from the immense green rice fields,
gradually turns yellow as the afternoon falls.
People were harvesting rice
Children running around,
picking up the fallen rice
with happy smiles.
I am from long rivers
where my siblings, my friends, and I
swimming together in the hot summer.
I am from the line of coconut trees
beside the pond with clear blue water,
no any ripples
and ducks
enjoying the feeling of peace.
I am from the old TV,
only 2 colors white and black,
with a favorite movie.
Happy laughter,
spreading around the corner of the house.
The starry sky,
Everyone fell into a peaceful sleep.

I'm From Jamaica, by Kami Young

 

I'm from Jamaica, surrounded by water, beautiful sunshine.

I’m from Kingston,

The capital of fourteen parishes

With crafty people that make baskets.

I’m from a small area,

Grew up with my grandmother who sings and goes to church.

I’m from a loving, caring family.

We cook fish, bananas, ackee,

Drink coconut water, coconut milk, etc.

I’m from a home

That is loving – we take care of each other.

We like to laugh, walk, sing, our tradition

Is to help people, take care of neighbors.

I’m from a beautiful place

That grows trees, vegetables, and running rivers and water.

I’m from Jamaica,

A place I love to be with family,

And friends, and neighbors.