(A Collaborative Poem Written by the Scholars of Community High School)

They said I was nothing

and for a hot second, I believed them.

Would it be treason to say I agreed with them?

I wasn’t alone. They got to the roots of my family tree.

They spat at our feet and talked down on us

like we’re a herd of sheep.

I don’t want to feel weak

but this life has left me feeble

Not the same as I used to be;

hoping to fade away

while rolling some tree.

They said I was nothing again

but that second got cold,

and I started to get bold.

Don’t listen to those you can’t trust.

Life isn’t about busting slugs

it’s more about failure than success;

either your life’s clean, or it’s a mess.

Failure is not easily defined

unless you look for it like a thin line.

Success is easily defined;

once you start, you keep going like a zip line.

I denied my success

because they thought I was nothing . . .

While they party, I study.

While they travel, I work.

From nothing, to up-and-coming,

I am the one.

One day you said

I was somebody and

knocked the dust off my smile

at least for a little while.

After the cold hour I deceived them.

They confuse desperation for initiation.

Just negativity, so I leave ‘em

Want to pick up the twenty-twos so I can squeeze ‘em.

Instead, I pray for ‘em.

In my own weather, let me brainstorm.

We’re all different but hate in the same form.

2.3.4.5 seconds later why believe them?

Their words mean squat

nothing more than a whim

Thank God I’m unique,

they’re as common as Jim

I still falter because it feels better to give in.

But then I remember if it’s not keeping me up at night,

then what’s the point?

As the valves open

I can feel the explosions

as I speed down this street.

I pray for traction I can keep

and if I slip and desire to slide,

I pray to the Lord my soul to keep.

They said all I have is my face

but I care about my brain.

Not everyone is perfect,

but at least I’m not the same.

The next day you said

I was more than

some body

and I know you are the truth.

Looked in the mirror and saw my reflection:

I’m something, not a nothing.

Just straight stunting

Might be bumpy, but not so lumpy.

I’m on the ride until we die.

I stayed to myself and overachieved.

Never was a hater, I like to see everybody eat.

If you’re riding with me,

we’re all balling Fam, my treat.

My head held high

I’m looking at Mars in space

where I see those stars looking back at me.

I taught myself I’m not the opinion of others.

I am my own definition of intelligent,

my own definition of good enough.

I told myself I’d prove them wrong

and on Graduation Day, they will be wrong.

I’m trying to make my family happy

so I can go to heaven.

I’m never stressing

I just love to receive blessings.

Now I know I am everything;

the beginning during the end

and so are you, my friend.