Kamani West

The Blessing In Disguise

by Kamani West

I am strong and gifted I wonder if I am safe in the world we live in

I hear police sirens and ambulance sirens I see homeless people left and right I want to start my own business I am strong and gifted I pretend I am okay when sometimes I'm not I feel homesick when I leave my family for too long I touch my grandma's soft hands I worry about my loved ones I cry when I can't get something, for example my hair, or when I'm angry I am strong and gifted I understand things can’t always go my way I say don't worry Kamani there's always a blessing in disguise, meaning some things always happen in surprise just be patient I dream to be on vacation in the Bahamas

I try to be the best I can be I hope my dreams work out I am strong and gifted

The Quiet Face Behind It All

by Kamani West

I am from a painting in a picture frame From using utensils to ending up with dishes from the home where it’s very little quietness to extreme loudness I am from meeting people for the first time til being quiet around them because I'm not used to them I am from magic everywhere I walk something magical happens

I am from a home where Thanksgiving and Christmas is a family tradition I am from a family where when you walk into someone's house you can smell the aroma of cornbread, chicken, rice, vegetables cooking on the stove top. I am from a family where candles are always lit up to catch the aroma of the room I am from a family that finds everything funny I am from a family where everything they see has to be neat or clean I am from a family who once told me to be a leader and not a follower

I am from a family where the song they always played for me was Let It Go by Elsa in the movie Frozen I am from a family that always has family events I am from a family where old school music is the only thing they love