In Their Words: Appearance

Youth in our programs explore many themes, ideas and perspectives in their poetry, art and creative workshopping, and they often have some remarkably profound insights. We thought we would share with you some of the most prevalent themes we see, and some of the beautiful and life-changing discoveries that come with them.

To start, here are some youth poems centered around the idea of appearance.

“I Seem To Be…But Really I Am”

Raul

I seem to be a troublemaker
But really I am a peacemaker
I seem to be a failure
But really I am a success story

But really my future is bigger and brighter
Than you think

 

Andre

I seem to be a thug
But really I’m a good kid
I seem to be a Dad
But really I’m a father
I seem to like sports
But really I’m a baller
I seem to be a Raiders fan
But really I’m a Broncos fan

 

The way the world sees me as an animal
The world sees me as a devil
The world sees me a demon
The world sees me as a devil’s favorite child

The way I see myself is I’m a baller
I see myself as a care giver
I see myself as a successful man
I see myself as a positive guy
I see myself as a positive role model

 

Chantel

I seem to be a bitch
But really I am not willing to trust everyone
And let them in
I seem to be white
But really I don’t have color
Because my heart is more than that
I seem to be a mother
But really I am not perfect
Nor is any parent
I seem to be the class clown
But really I am hurting deep down

 

Natalie T.

Most people look in a mirror
And see what they don’t want
Someone who is ugly and disgusting
Like the person who told you what you were
The image holds power and meaning
Interpreted by yourself
Because each reflection is different
Each negative thought is different
But you are different
And that’s what makes you powerful
And that’s why it’s significant