My Life
Bronx, NY
2024, Senior, Poetry & Spoken Word
My life can be seen through white sand beaches
Vibrant with oceans and palm trees
My life can be seen filled with seashells and animals
As I sit back and take in the summery breeze
My life can be seen through seas of blue water
Away from the world’s commotion
My life can be seen without occupied thoughts
Where my only worry is to be in the ocean
My life can be seen through longer days and music
It is here that my heart holds my home-rich memories
My life can be seen as filled with happiness and new adventures
From the rhythms of dance to newfound treasuries
My life can be seen through higher temperatures and drought
Where floods become more common,
and death can’t seem to be cast out
My life can be seen through fewer houses and homes
Where people struggle to find shelter
While others have to roam
My life can be seen through questions without answers
Whatever happened to my home?
My most beautiful home
Everything is gone, and for the first time I have never felt so alone
Reflection
Reflection
One of the main aspects that inspired me to write my poem the way I did was my life growing up. I was born and raised in New York, but my family is from Jamaica, and I’ve traveled there since I was young. Despite not growing up on the island, Jamaica has always held a specific place in my heart. Ever since I was small, I have resonated with the happiness in the summer breeze and sun rays I felt while visiting over the summer. Still, as I get older, I’m starting to see how much climate change has affected my beautiful island. The temperatures are getting hotter, and floods are becoming more persistent, resulting in severe threats to the island and its people. My main reason for writing this poem was to shed light on how amazing the world truly is. I haven’t even stayed in the country for longer than a few months, but I have never felt as happy as I am when going there. Jamaica and many other countries open up that feeling for people. It connects with your inner self and brings out feelings of joy you never even knew you had. Moreover, if we don’t change how we treat our world, those feelings of excitement and happiness will end sooner than we expect.