CU Upward Bound Speaks! Vol. 3 Cafe Cultura Community Speaks Project #34 Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
CU Upward Bound Speaks! Vol. 3 Copyright Š 2016 by Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
To the powerful and insightful students in our Advanced Creative Writing class...Continue speaking your truth as you uplift your tribe/nation and family #CafeCultura #XpressYourself #TellingOurStories
Acknowledgments Thank you to CU Upward Bound staff for providing us another opportunity to guide your students in telling their stories using our Telling Our Stories curriculum. Special thank you to each poet in our class for pushing yourself to that next level of creativity and performance. Remember: “It is our responsibility and choice to express ourselves and lift our voice, together building unity, leaders in our community. This is how we tell our stooorrrryyyy!�
Foreword It was a privilege to complete our third year partnering with CU Upward Bound program with our highest number of students participating. This book includes powerful poems representing the experiences of sophomores and juniors attending schools on or near Native reservations. During Café Cultura’s Art in the Park, their peers and the greater Denver community witnessed the insightful and incredible young people we saw in our class every Wednesday and Friday. We trust that these students will return to their communities with an increased level of confidence that will allow them to be our new Native leaders. Enjoy their work in this collection! For those who do not know about our organization: Café Cultura is an award-winning arts, culture, and youth develop-ment organization in Denver that promotes unity and healing among Indigenous peoples through creative expression while empowering youth to find their voice, reclaim oral and written traditions, and become leaders in their communities. Café Cultura has been providing positive, creative, and engaging community spaces for the Denver metropolitan area for more than ten years. After the passing of respected elder and veteran poet Abelardo “Lalo” Delgado, we accepted responsibility to continue using our oral and written traditions to provide opportunities for creative expression often not offered in schools or in the larger community. Café Cultura also drew inspiration from the movement connecting Indigenous people from throughout the Americas. We use creative expression to unify people representing southern Indigenous nations, known by terms such as “Chicana/o” and “Latina/o,” with those Natives of northern nations, referred to as “American Indian” or “Native American.” Café Cultura hosts one of the best open mic venues in the Denver metropolitan area, and the only space focused on family and
youth. We also conduct highly engaging and culturally relevant spoken word/poetry workshops for underserved youth throughout Colorado. CafĂŠ Cultura partners with select organizations and schools to facilitate an intensive workshop series, publish youth poetry, and organize participant showcases. In an effort to develop young leaders within our community, we also coordinate a youth leadership program for Indigenous youth. If you or your organization is interested in collaborating, feel free to contact us. For more information about our open mic events, workshops, youth leadership program, and other programs: info@cafecultura.org 720-394-6589 www.cafecultura.org
Table of Contents Archery by Brianna ................................................................................1 Nisha Baa by Ranisha ............................................................................2 Life's Work by Voniesha .......................................................................4 My Shoes by Dallas ................................................................................5 For You by Jacqui ..................................................................................6 We Hold by Calista ................................................................................7 Life Run by Wiyaka ................................................................................8 Family and Love by Matthew ...............................................................9 Get On Your Feet by Melanie .......................................................... 11 A Fighting Chance by Josiah ............................................................. 12 Strong Woman by Mechele ............................................................... 13 On a Long Journey by Sarah ............................................................. 14 Strength and Love by Christina ........................................................ 15 Native With a Future by Roshawn ................................................... 16 Me by Brianna...................................................................................... 17 Tse Nistaa Deezah Doo Bilkee hastiinii by Ranisha ...................... 18 Missing Home by Voniesha............................................................... 19 Stronger by Calista .............................................................................. 20 Love by Dallas ..................................................................................... 21 Where I Belong by Jacqui .................................................................. 23 My Passion by Wiyaka ........................................................................ 26 Community by Matthew .................................................................... 27 Through It All by Melanie ................................................................. 29
Amazing Dreams by Josiah ................................................................ 30 Life is Volleyball by Mechele ............................................................. 31 Against All Odds by Sarah ................................................................. 32 Where to Begin by Christina .............................................................. 33 Life Is a Ball Game by Roshawn ....................................................... 34 Bozhii by Brianna ................................................................................ 35 Jool li'nalniihi by Ranisha ................................................................... 36 I Am Dine' by Dallas .......................................................................... 39 Swimming by Calista ........................................................................... 40 Advice for You by Jacqui ................................................................... 42 The Legend by Mechele...................................................................... 43 Wrestling Life by Matthew ................................................................. 45 Hell by Melanie .................................................................................... 47 My Past, Your Future by Wiyaka ...................................................... 48 Opportunities by Voniesha ................................................................ 50 Unite the People by Josiah ................................................................. 52
Archery by Brianna The bow is you. You are strong, no matter what you go though. You are important, no matter what others say. You are needed, no matter what you think. The bow string is the person you love the most. That person is wonderful. Keep them close. That person is inspiring, cherish them. That person is lucky for having you. The arrow is your life. Your life is amazing, enjoy it. Your life is a roller coaster, have fun. Your life is precious, do not end it. The target is your goals. Your goals are heard, so say them. Your goals are noticed, go after them. Your goals are loved. We will help.
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Nisha Baa by Ranisha I am proud to be Dine. I am the traditional corn. I come from the harvesting fields of our ancestors. As a kernel, I am in the womb. As a stem, I am a child. As the corn grows, I age. The roots and leaves are my knowledge of my culture. The tassel and pollen is old age. I am a representation of life. Tadidiin k’ee atiin bikaa’go Nizhonigo yishaah do. I am proud to be Dine. I am my shiny ch’ah. My crown means everything to me. As I wear the silver and turquoise on my head, I am an ambassador to my people. My language, teachings, and knowledge of the Dine culture is my role. I go places on the reservation, sharing what I know about my culture To Ama doo Azh’e’e Amasani doo Anali Tsexkai doo Jikai Dou Atchini
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My crown and sash allow me to help guide and teach my people. My crown allows me to see the beauty, the beauty of what is being lost. My crown is my life. I am Tse Nitsaa Deezahi Dine Biolta’ Bich’eeke’ I am proud to be Dine. I am the sacred tipi. I stand tall to heal my loved ones. I am woven beneath the canvas. I am the poles joined together like family inside. I am the strong smell of sage. I am the sweet cedar that fills the atmosphere. I am the healing place for my loved ones. I am the moon continuing my journey. I am proud to be Dine, following a young lady who impacts my everyday life: Shadi Crystanya, an independent, hardworking, and helpful individual who makes me feel that I can succeed. She tells me to go deeper than the sea, higher than the sky, and further than the stars. She reminds me to work hard in silence and let success be your noise. These are just some of the many reasons I am proud to call you my sister Ahéhee’ Shadi
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I am proud to be Dine. Success through culture can be defined in many ways: a young lady, a student, a Navajo, a combination of all. She has two different paths, one where she has an education, while walking with her culture in her shoes. I will always remember the stories that teach me. I will always remember the songs that guide me. I will always remember the prayers that give me the power to continue to succeed in life.
Life's Work by Voniesha What is it that gives us the strength to continue, when we are tired and burned out? Sometimes an inspirational idea can help renew ourselves and fill us with strength to fulfill our life’s purposes. People come into our lives disguised as angels, and sometimes angels come into our life disguised as people. All it takes is the willingness to see miracles. Having friends inspire us to rise to higher and greater levels is an awesome gift. Open it for your future.
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My Shoes by Dallas I reflect on having to wake up in my own shoes. I walk through difficulties blindfolded, having fear of removing it because I have seen visions of reality and it is not pretty. I carry doubts about taking steps because I have already faced stepping on cold-hearted stones. I have bruises upon every part of my body because of the mistakes of walking into things. I listen to people yelling and screaming at the same time to send me on my journey. I hear words coming from little ones, knowing I am making a difference in their lives, knowing I am their idol. When I get the courage to finally taking the blindfold off, I see something different and maybe it is because my eyes are trying to adjust to the light. I see what I have accomplished and what needs to be done. Now that the blindfold is off, it is my turn to take charge of where I go.
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Responsibility, options, and courage are the ingredients that make me who I am. This is what it is like to walk in my own shoes.
For You by Jacqui Words cannot explain the way I see you from morning to night. You are my throne that shows me that there are no tears in sight. You are connected to me, as I am connected to you. It is the blood string we hold. And momma is the one that we hold Without you, I would not be a runner. Without you, I would not have had you. You are my basket of blessings that I asked Shi ma to send. Ashkii ei shi na ayooanishlii You are all I have and all that I had ever asked for. I will not let go of you because this here I have is my love and gift for and to you.
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We Hold by Calista We hold the world in our hands. We, the protectors, keep it safe. We hold the rivers, streams, creeks, and trees in our palms. Our job is to keep them safe. We hold our family in our hearts, trying to guide them to the right path, trying to teach them ways that they will pass down to their children. Our job is to keep them safe. We hold our culture in our hands, trying to keep our culture alive, trying not to let it die. Our job is to keep it safe. We hold so much in these smalls hands, trying to keep the important things safe, so our little ones can see it. We cannot afford to let these things die. If they are gone, no longer existing, then who am I? They are fading away. It seems like our family is not there anymore. The world is falling apart and our culture fading away. If one person stands up to fight the fight, we can bring us,
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our culture, the world together like one strong bond. But we have to step up. It has to start with me. We hold the rivers, trees, creeks, and mountains. We hold our culture and families. We will keep them safe.
Life Run by Wiyaka I have to get my mind right. This is where I really have to push myself, breaking my last time and old habits. Stretching and preparing, I step foot on the track of life, finding the path I wish to live. I have to pace myself mentally, getting ready for the challenge life will have me hurtling over. In this run, it is just me, my mind, and thoughts. We all run across the same finish line. The award I have been running for is knowledge, wisdom, and success.
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Family and Love by Matthew I am a taste with a variety of foods mixed into one delicious meal which my grandma makes. It comes from a long time ago with great people making this delicious food. It reminds me of my family, bringing people together. I will always remember how round the fry bread looks and its soft taste that makes me satisfied and crave for more, constantly running in my head. I will never forget the times fry bread brought families together. I will never forget my dad. I am his actions, standing up for anyone and helping us with problems we face in life. I see my dad standing there like a champion. He has a story of love and cares about family more than anything else in the world. I will always remember how much my dad loves me, holding my hands and guiding me to a great path in the future. In every situation, he is always there for me, figuring out problems I face in life on a pathway to my dreams.
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I will always remember my loving mother. She put me in a spiritual dance, a dance I call love. I am a pow wow dancer of a new generation of people representing our culture. We make it strong for the people, keeping our traditions alive. They make up a ladder to a better world full of happiness and joy. I will always remember a young warrior like me when I was a grass dancer. Fridges dangling, every spin I take makes me feel happy inside. I will never forget the connections of the many pow wow dancers I have met in life. That connection stays with me, from the past to the present I call home. Nature is calling me. I am nature, used for our love ones. I am the sweet grass of our people, the prayers we said, the words that have been given to us to save and to protect
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the Blackhorse family. The scent of that sweet grass, smells good flowing through our body and out. The lighted tip of the braided sweet grass can read the thoughts of our loved ones with the scent of happiness. I come from the prayers that people brought to us, praying to the holy people for good things in life. It raises our thoughts for the people. It is a reminder to always be positive.
Get On Your Feet by Melanie No matter how anyone treats you, always remain positive. Strive for better. Stand tall and strong. Let loose of those weights on your shoulders and be strong. Only you can hurt yourself. You are the only one who makes your decisions. They are only in your hands. So today is the day for you to stand up for yourself and make a better future for you.
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A Fighting Chance by Josiah I am the past, present, and future and come from the ancient ones who passed their traditions to me. I look in the mirror and see my ancestors. I am a remnant of the hardships my people had to endure with the Long Walk and Boarding schools. I cry when people do not respect all the things my people before me have done. I am not alone in the long struggle to remember what they lived and died for. It is not fair that the old ways are being forgotten. I feel angry when others try to change my people’s beliefs. If I could change one thing, it would be to make everyone remember what our elders try to preserve. In my dreams, I imagine becoming one of the great warriors fighting for change. I am the past, present, and future.
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Strong Woman by Mechele The Elders say that Native American women will lead the healing among the tribes. We need to especially pray for our women, and ask the Creator to bless them and give them strength. Inside them is the power of love and strength given by the moon and the earth. When everyone else gives up, it is the women who sing the songs of strength. She is the backbone of the people. To our women we say, sing our songs of strength, pray for your special powers, keep your people strong, be respectful, gentle, and modest. Great One, bless our women. Make them strong today. May the sun bring you new energy by day. May the moon softly restore you by night. May the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk gently through the world and know it is beauty all the days of your life. A strong woman is one who feels deeply,
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and loves fiercely. Her tears flow just as abundantly as her laughter. A strong woman is soft and powerful. She is both practical and spiritual. A strong woman is her essence. It is a gift to the world.
On a Long Journey by Sarah Life is a long road trip with bumps in the road and signs to guide us in the right way. Bad times find us, but they prepare us for the good to come. Rain and thunderstorms can arrive and hit against your windshield. But the sun will shine again. I can take the wrong turn, but there is always a way back to the right direction. Bumps filled with negative comments from others bring damage and self-doubt, causing me to stop. But there are greater goals ahead, the stopping point of a very long journey. The finish line will come when I have reached every goal, finally finishing pre-med, medical school, and becoming a physician. It will be a long journey that was worth all the bumps in the road.
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Strength and Love by Christina I seem to catch myself falling out of the universe with no clue where I am. But I realize that every day is a blessing since I come from a beautiful reservation surrounded by a strong family with big hearts. Everything seems to change but where I come from, I feel safe. As the humidity and tenderness go through my bones, only one person runs through my mind like a song. I will never forget what memories we created and what made us become best friends. That person will always be my mom. Since day one, I have seen the sunset rise. I will always remember those late night drives home to the Rez, feeling the bass pound with my heartbeat. Every bass hits my body like all the love felt like power and strength, pushing me to finish my education and live a longer life with great effort for my future.
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Native With a Future by Roshawn I am a writer, full of stories to tell. I come from Twin Lakes, New Mexico, a place holding all my memories, laughter, sadness, and issues my family and I solve together. I will always remember how it holds beauty. The smell opens your eyes to a better life. Our long hair flows like streams. Scissors cut the memories off to forget, as if water is drained from the dried lands while my tribe suffered from terror. All you have to do is always be strong no matter what. You are telling me to never forget who I am and who is my family. You encourage me to move forward never putting me down. I come from a door that opens my future. Earning a key is the plan. Once you have earned what you wanted to accomplish, you will never have to look back. Just move forward. I am a Native with a future.
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Me by Brianna I am a Dine and come from sacred places and prayers. I miss the canyons, canyons filled with mysteries of the Anasazi, castles made of rocks, and broken pottery on the ground. It makes you wonder where they went. I come from a recipe that has been shared over the generations for centuries. I imagine my great grandmother teaching my grandma, she showing my mom, then passing it along to me into the future. Everybody sees him. They see him when they notice the stones around my neck. My cheii will always be with me. “Ayoo iinish ni� I look in the mirror and see someone who needs more adventure. In my dreams, I imagine how I will help people.
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Tse Nistaa Deezah Doo Bilkee hastiinii by Ranisha In my world, I see what is being lost: our culture, our tradition, our language. There are few who still have faith. As I wear the turquoise, silver, and tse nistaa deezahi dine bi’olta’ bicheeke’ on my head, I show that I am the few who still have faith. I bring forth my community to strive for the better, to strive for the unknown, to strive for the impossible. Each piece of turquoise I wear represents the people in my community. My sis lichi’i is the corn pollen road. My biil ee’ is our land and all its forms. My tsiyeel is our knowledge we carry together. My kenstaa is our achievements wrapped around one another. Last, but not least, is my crown. It represents leadership. As a leader, I help, support, and present myself as a young Dine. I am a young Dine who listens to my community, knowing that I am trying, trying to bring back our Dine ways.
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K’e, family, friends, relatives: As we join hands in our community, we will be able to carry on our Dine culture, traditions, and language, generation to generation.
Missing Home by Voniesha My home is where love lives, where my family comes together. My home gives me a place to eat and sleep, better than high class hotel. My home comforts me the best. I will always remember the green roof and the brown sides. I would not do anything to change it. I will always remember my grandma so near by just a few steps away. She opens up the door and greets me with a beautiful smile. My grandma will always have a cherished place in our memories and in my heart. She would overlook our faults, encourage our dreams, and praise our every successes. She is a remarkable woman, showing strength in what she has done. Knowing she is gone makes my heart break into a million pieces. Just seeing her one more time would fix my broken heart.
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Stronger by Calista I am the positive role model for my community. I come from the green lands, where the rivers run deep in our veins, where the water is warm, the place I call North Carolina. I am a future graduate, a role model for my family, trying to bring light to my future and become something for my family. I am the river that flows through my ancestors’ veins, giving relief to those around. It brings everyone together, representing who I am, the Lumbee River. I come from my mother, a strong hard-working Native woman who stands up for what she believes. She hides things in her heart. But she can only keep in so much, until she bursts. She still shows you a smile. My mother is my world, the beat to my heart, the air that I breathe. I love her so much. I came from a town where we eat collards. Collards bring us together as one. My ancestors cooked them to bring nutrients to our families and the people. They are soft and sweet,
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bringing warmth to our bodies. I am a strong Native American, stereotyped for being “brown-skinned,” being called something that I am not. I am judged every single day and will probably be for the rest of my days. I am a strong Native American, who is still fighting battles with more to come. I became stronger. I learned from my mistakes. I became stronger.
Love by Dallas In 2005, the words murdered the 5 year old, the girl who could not say a word because no dead person can talk. 2007 became a year of remembrance living in poverty, as shotgun shells filled with laughter ripped opened the rags draped over her body. Her shaking voice told the educator that it was just because she loved the rags more than anything. But in reality, it was not. In 2008, she was 8 years old, but heard the words, “Are you pregnant?” They filled her ears and heart with sadness because she was just chubby.
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During 2009, her feelings were stabbed over and over again, as they continued tormenting her because she was mismatched to their equalities. In 2010, she joined sports as a 5th grader, but with hesitancy sitting on her shoulders and a brain filled with a gloomy outlook. It was not because of others, but herself. Her own thoughts filled with discouraging words, words like fat, useless, and stupid. 2012 comes, the second year of middle school. She joins wrestling, her only stress reliever and freedom. Instead of being accepted into welcoming arms, she was told to turn her face the other way because of the blueish purple paint on her skin. In 2013, she finished 8th grade, noticing that her life is developing into something tremendous. 2014 arrived and she lost consciousness of the past, starting a new chapter in her life. In 2015, she looks in the mirror and tells herself, “You are beautiful.� At first, she laughs, as the words sound like gibberish. Months pass and she starts to feels confident.
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She actually believes in those 3 words. During 2016, all the hate, anger, frustration, and thoughts of being ignorant are muted. She creates self-love. Now, she carries the love for the little girl, who is different and feels like it is a bad thing. To the girl who feels she should not have a life to live for, to the little girl who is not accepted: She will carry the love.
Where I Belong by Jacqui Growing up and starting to mature, I never knew I could learn. The difference is in sight, where my life balance finally feels light. I always thought that the Rez was my cure, where all of our elders love has to be earned. In the city, it was nothing but big fights. I guess that was all for nothing but the fame. But for me to be around the sweet bitter smell, where my toes finally felt pain on the home ground. That is where my grandpa’s body is found. This here is where I belong, where I always clear my mind all day long. This is where I finally discovered the real me and where I saw the future,
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that I am about to score right ahead of me. This is where I came from. There is not any shame to who I am. This here you see is the real me because right here is where I belong. Growing up and starting to see visions, I was raised by my momma, who taught me from right to wrong. After my dad left, I was the one who really had to struggle. Now I know who made me this little girl from a boy just so my mommy and daddy had the baby to be a lady She had her life already figured out. Even though a lot of you saw a shy me, now you see I am finally coming out. There is no more problems right beside me because I have scholarships waiting for me. So to those I hurt, I am very sorry. I promise to you, you finally discovered the real me. This is me. This is where I belong, where I always clear my head all day long. This is where I finally discovered the real me and where I saw the future that I am about to score right ahead of me. This is where I came from. There is not any shame to who I am. This here you see is the real me because right here is where I belong. Growing up and out on her adventure, as she goes on and on. She misses this greasy little taste and all the ashes makes the smell.
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That is okay. She has to go home anyway because if she never did, where would she find grandma standing in the corral, at the mutton stand, or where everyone was always gathering It is all cool. At least, I know where I am going to stand Her little eyes glow. Those eyes will always bring me back home. This here is where I belong where I always clear my mind all day long. This is where I finally discovered the real me. and where I saw the future that I am about to score right ahead of me. This is where I came from. There is not any shame to who I am. This here you see is the real me because right here is where I belong. Growing up and bullied before, was put down a lot of times just because I was being the real me. Then depression came and got to me, But it is alright. You still see me here alive, spreading my reality so I can fly. Now you see the real me. I must be with the rest of the butterflies because that is me.
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My Passion by Wiyaka I am from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, which is filled with poverty and beauty. I love the way it looks, the way it feels. I would not be able to wake up to the badlands every day if it was not for “her.� I say her because she is a part of me now. When I cry, she is the one who guides me. She is the one who reminds me to do me. She tells me not what I want to hear, but the truth behind what I have and had to see. She knows me like nobody. She knows the past. She cries with me when we talk about my mom and when she passed. She reminds me to get to class and use my education to help the people. I have a passion for learning, especially our religion. I daydream about running, running for my religion. I keep my prayers in mind and what I am running for.
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Community by Matthew Our community builds unity of people as a whole, a whole in which people interact with each other. I had a vision, a vision that our communities would focus on activities. It is the relationship between my family and me together with love, a love I call home: my community. I think of our blood, connected to one big mountain, a mountain symbolizing life for a better future. The blood of our families are connected in one whole, an entire people growing the roots of life and staying connected to each other on this sacred land. Being a leader in my community is hard, hard as a nutshell you are trying to break. After you open it, you can see everything you accomplish in life. See your community as a people’s bond as they get along with each other. Getting involved with people is the key to becoming a leader. You never know how you will have an impact. People will know you as a leader, doing something good in life and representing my family, my grandpa. In the future, you bring your loved ones to the world of wonders, wondering what you see on the road of life. Success is a key opening to a new world, a world of generations of people. Your people carry on your traditions and goals. You are not going to get there if you achieve something big in your life. Work hard toward it and never give up.
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Seeing myself in a couple years, I will make a change, becoming something big for myself and my family. I will teach the young ones. Life is hard. You have to push yourself the extra mile so you can get ahead and see what is your future. Through it all, I always remember my grandpa, seeing that mountain when I pass by, like he is looking back. It is a symbol of honor, telling me not to take the wrong route in life and stay on the same road until you finish your story. This is the future of your family, letting them know that you are going to make it and pass it down for many generations. The people will accomplish something finally opening the nutshell, opening it to a better world, a better people. Climate might change, but we will not always stay on mother earth. She knows. But if all of us make a change, we can make a change to nature, making it better. Imagine creating a better world, a better future just like that mountain. that connects to everyone and everything. We are losing our bond that pumps up the mountain, because we are losing water. Water is life. Water is everything, the nature we stand for. The solution: care for your mother,
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your family. Mother nature cares for you too. She gave you everything to live on. So use it, and have the impact on life, like you worship it. Hold that nutshell in your hand and plant a new one, a new generation of your family, your culture, your Grandpa.
Through It All by Melanie I am very outgoing. I come from Pembroke North Carolina, a very poor and small town full of crime. I dream of a better life. I am a strong Native American Woman. Through my battles and wars of having no one, the loss of my sister, then my brother, I stood strong and positive for the sake of them. I am striving for the better. I am mistreated and betrayed. It is unfair that I am always breaking my neck and back but have no one. I feel angry when I am alone and have to give myself advice. I still remain strong. My power comes from beautiful musical place with drums and wonderful beats everywhere. Here, it is not perfect, nor easy. You have to work for everything you get.
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Knowing this, I am the future high school graduate. As I walk down the aisle, I look to my right then to my left, looking for my family but cannot find them. It is now my turn to receive my diploma. As I walk across stage, tears begin to fall as I have my key for the future of me. I was only trying to please my family and give them something I never had. I am the future graduate.
Amazing Dreams by Josiah We carry the dreams of our parents, the people who want to see us succeed and do more than they did themselves. Every day, I carry the dreams of my parents in the form of a backpack. It contains within it the tools that will help me on my long journey to one day be able to surpass my parents and set new goals for the next generation. We will become the change in the lives of the people here in the land of the free. Everyone has a goal or a dream to become more than what others think they can do. Some think that school is a waste of time that has nothing to do with a person’s future. They forget that school is a huge part of the future. Everything that is in this world right now is thanks to what schools teach us. The dreams and intelligence I gain on my journey will help motivate and encourage me to push through the problems others could not beat as I take one more step towards a greater future.
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Life is Volleyball by Mechele As I step on the court of my life, the adrenaline flows through my body. I feel excitement for the game and my future filled with both obstacles and achievements. Serving the ball and getting it over the net is just the beginning. I save the ball, keeping my dreams alive. I get the block, blocking out all the negativity with my confidence. I know my teammates, family, and friends have my back. Digging, passing, and setting are the first steps as I get closer to my accomplishment. We dominate our opponents in life with a powerful spike while we use our strategies as a team. Having that communication with one another is the best feeling out there on the court. Everybody is having fun. Knowing when life brings me down, there is always my team beside me to brighten my day at every new challenge: my family, my team, my sisters!
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Against All Odds by Sarah I am ambitious. I grew up thinking I could not ever be successful because of where I come from, a place where negativity gets praised, and positivity gets ignored. But it is my home and I hope to make a positive impact on it one day. My momma and grandma tell me to do my best so that I can be successful and take care of them. My sister also motivates me to be the best version of myself. She is always there no matter the circumstances. I hope to follow her example, as her intelligence shines like a ray of sunshine. I am Native American. My people are underestimated in today’s society. One day, I hope to prove that Indigenous people can and will be successful. I am powerful.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Where to Begin by Christina Beginning this life is like getting stuck in mud. You try to find a way or path to get yourself out. Getting stuck in something gives you a hint of what mistakes you made. The mud wants you to know to stop making them, to take the right path next time. Getting yourself caught in mistakes can lead to trouble. Focus on what path to take, rather than looking down, not knowing where you are going. Keep your head up, and chose the right direction that leads to good health. Learning things the hard way can help you get things right. Everything can be a challenge. Reaching for something bigger than yourself is all about the lecture and torture. You feel the moisture of the mud, finding it difficult to pull yourself out of your problems. Life may not be easy, but that is the whole point. When you want to succeed, it wants to challenge. You try every day to strive for your goals while feeling stuck. You cannot go anywhere until you fight for what you want in life, making sure not to go back to what makes your life miserable. We need to get out of the mud by pushing ourselves to the limits and striving for our dreams for the future. Make that mud become smaller while our goals get bigger with every step we make.
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Life Is a Ball Game by Roshawn This is a game that I love, with a team that has an adventure on a field. No matter if you are a captain, player, or coach, we will have each other’s back because that is what a team is for. You are up to bat, thinking you are going to swing at anything as if you do not care about your future or what consequences you will face. You crowd the plate, making your opponent scared. You make contact with the first pitch, one way to make your coach and family happy, knowing that you can play. It is a foul ball. People talk behind your back, as if you are not made of stone. You have a choice: get hit or get out of the way. The pitcher will never know when you will get a hit. It is just unexpected. Getting motivation from everyone is a feeling of wisdom. Taking every attempt serious gets you a hit as you round the bases. Running to first is an achievement as eventually, you will come home. Everyone misses you, just needing you to come home. You run to second, as your two step sisters are away. You have to make a decision to dive or slide. You slide. The blue calls safe.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
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You call time to take a breather, to relieve some stress. You have cuts, scratches, and scars, going through a battle to get your way No one can control you but you. Hitting it over the fence is victory, victory as you will have what you always wanted. My life is a ball game, reaching for my accomplishments to survive and thrive.
Bozhii by Brianna I remember when you were excited to leave. You said we were over-protective, but that was good. You still left. During half of your vacation, you called every day. The other part you did not. The first time you came back, you were happy, happy about your new tattoo: a huge angry bear looking like it escaped from your heart. It looked cool. We all remember you every single day. You were the life of the party. We heard laughter and it was because of you. We remember you when Gary Stewart plays. You always did what you loved and never cared what others said. You stuck by your word always. We still love and miss you.
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Jool li'nalniihi by Ranisha Dribbling, shooting, rebounding, I am playing the game like it is my life. 1st Quarter: As the ball is tipped off, I learn the game. The first dribble, the first pass, the first shot is like taking my first steps, learning how to ride a bike, learning how to drive. I learn. I practice: suicides, shuffling, shooting. Each drill is perfected, putting each piece of hard work together. We use teamwork, working with students on a science project like working with teammates on the court. Using communication, input, sportsmanship, you learn to work with others, others who soon become your family, as you help one another towards one goal.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
2nd Quarter: With tears, sweat, and pride half way though the game, it is the time to take responsibility, taking care of the ball, like taking care of myself I am doing things on my own, knowing when to go for a shot like figuring out what to wear every morning. I go for the drive, missing and learning to deal with the frustration. I tell myself to continue to play the game, taking on responsibility. 3rd Quarter: Halftime is over. I am striving to do better in the second half taking a charge, feeling pain. The challenges and obstacles I face on the court include getting blocked, committing a foul, missing a shot, losing a jump ball. It is like failing a test, losing someone close, trying to succeed but getting pulled back by challenges. It is the time when teammates step up. Teammates are your family on the court,
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helping you get back on your feet. Family are in the crowd. You remember that they are there to watch you, support you, and motivate you to continue to play the game, as if showing who you are. 4th Quarter: Use time, heart, intelligence during the last few minutes of the game to reach for achievements and happiness. Making the shot, stealing the ball, winning the game is like receiving the Valedictorian award, becoming an ambassador to my community, and finishing this poem, all achievements. Each practice, each game, each victory relects my life, as I work towards my future, playing the game because it is my life.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
I Am Dine' by Dallas Just an ordinary girl? Just an ordinary Navajo girl. Just a mother? Just a visionary. Just rocks and metal? Just traditional jewelry. Just dancing? Just a healing process. Just dirt? Just the four corners. It is not just anything you see out of the blue. I am the one who helps others. I am the future. I am Dine. I am the one who has been told to be the greatest you can be. I am the one who has been told aholya. The turquoise, silver, and red that I wear on my body brings strength, beauty, and grace. I come from mothers’ sacred grounds. I am the earth’s special seed. I am a visionary. I am Dine.
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Swimming by Calista You can swim in the rough currents if you are a good swimmer. Or you can just swim in the shallow water if you are a beginner. Well for me, I am swimming in both. I lost someone I loved so deeply. When she left, a piece of me went with her. It felt like I was swimming in rough currents but could not find my way out. I was swimming in a storm, a storm of pain and heart break. I could not breathe. It felt like hell. I was washed ashore, abandoned. No one cared. I was by myself, trying to find a way to end the pain, the sorrow. I saw a piece of glass, thinking if I go ahead and do it, the pain will be gone. Then, someone grabbed my hand. She dropped the glass and said go further. She promised to always walk by my side, but only if I never give up. She carried me into the shallow end. It was clear and so bright. It was shining like diamonds.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
She stopped walking. She said, “I cannot walk further.” She slowly disappears. I went ahead and swam. I saw a bright light, brighter than the sun. I went into it, still slowly trying to find my way. I heard children laughing, kids playing around. I felt joy again. They both said, “Hey mommy.” I was finally done swimming, now starting a new journey.
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Advice for You by Jacqui Growing up as a kid was one of the most fun things, but we always had problems and that was okay. We take them as mistakes and learn from them. You always think things will go back to the way they were. But actually, the answer is always no. That is all good, because it is best to move on. After you get a lecture, you begin to hate who gave it to you. But you will begin to realize, so think twice. You have a heart that is always broken or ripped. But that is okay. Take your time to heal. You have a body that your mom created, yet you are damaging it. That is your own choice. You choose to never listen. That was also your choice You should not speak unless you are willing to listen. Respect your own flaws, as no one is perfect. It does not matter if you are thick or thin. You are perfect just the way you are. You have seen yourself depressed. There is no point in going back to it again. You cannot go without your drugs. I guess you love destroying your lungs when you are actually hurting others around you. You have been bullying the same human for a long time. I guess you are scared of them. But you never saw how much they succeeded. When you have nothing or nobody by you,
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
you do not have a heart. You are never going to see the image of nature, when nature is watching over you. You have to observe the mirror you are so there is no point in hiding. Come out and see the real you. Do not live life damaged. Pick up the hammer and nail yourself back together. You have tools to repair yourself just the way you want to be. It is your choice if you use them.
The Legend by Mechele Dear Grandpa, There is not one day that goes by that I do not think about you. I cannot explain how much I miss your loving entrance. Life has not been the same since you left. I just keep thinking that you are still in the hospital lying in bed, hearing your heart beating and just knowing you are still here with us. I remember holding your hand while you are sleeping, talking to you about our memories together and how my day went. Dad would stay there making sure you were okay. He spent nights in the hospital with you while I had to go to school causing this pain in my heart. I just wanted to shut down and cry
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because I would think about missing your smile and laugh, while having a good time. Dad would always talk about you, sharing what you taught him when he was younger. When you left, it was so hard not to cry. When papa took a photo of you on your birthday, you were sticking your thumbs up before you blew your candles out. That memory plays in my head every time I think of you, crying a river because I was standing behind you, We sang Happy Birthday when you turned 89 years old on December 23, 2015. I will never forget that day and all the days we would visit you in the hospital. I just wish I could have been there that day before you left to tell you bye and that I love you so much. I was reminded of you when I read the quote, “My grandpa was so amazing that God had to make him an angel.� It made me think on the bright side. You did live your life as you could. You were so strong but you are in a better place now and that is all that matters. I will never forget you. Love, Mechele
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Wrestling Life by Matthew Everyone stares, my friend, my coach, and my parents. I look around, having butterflies in my stomach. I get ready. Putting my shoes on reminds me of my dad when he used to wrestle and the same shoes my dad handed down to me. I remember the past, when he used to be a champion. Putting on the black rough shoes makes me feel like I have strength in myself. I put on that headgear representing my family, protecting my loved ones, and doing it for my grandpa. I wear a singlet, as I stand up for my culture, my family. I watch my teammates win, hoping I will get one too. At last, I was next. My heart was beating so fast. I walked out there, wearing everything representing my family. I was up against a tall guy who was stronger than me. I thought, “This is what you will face in your life.�
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There were pounds and pounds of weight on me on that mat. I told myself, “You do not want to give up.� I had to stay strong for my family, keeping my grip on the mat, keeping my family strong. Time counts down so fast as my mind is constantly moving with many negative thoughts. I keep my base, being strong for my family, like a warrior. My family is proud of me. They are proud that I brought back honor that my dad showed. The opponent is bigger than me, reminding me of life. Something is pushing you down so hard making you feel like you want to give up. Do not. Get back up and fight your problems. Be strong. just like your great grandpa. Have pride. Achieve something bigger than you Never forget to be strong.
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
Hell by Melanie I was born in hell, full of disappointments, struggles. No matter which way I turn, thinking there is hope, change, it is still hell. After the hell I have been through, within 15 years, I am just running in every direction. I continue to fall, yet jump back up. I have been shot, alone, even almost beaten to death. Yet, I survived. I have been alone since day one. I am finally seeing light of earth. I am now a sophomore, extremely proud, striving for my future. I have come a long way. I can finally say I have made it, alone in this cold, hard world. I am reaching for college, my next accomplishment. I walk across the stage, the sky of gold. A I become an RN, my future life finally begins. Never let obstacles within life stop you from achieving your goals.
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My Past, Your Future by Wiyaka Hey Wiyaka, I am you. Right now, I am 15 and you are young. I am going to tell you about you, what will happen in your life, and what happened to me. Wiyaka, this is our story. I will tell you as much as you can understand. Yes, you are struggling now already. Just know, I will tell you all of this because no one else will. I do this not to scare you but to prepare you. I know no one told you that your life is going to be hard. No one told you that you will be called Whyaka more than being called Wiyaka. No one told you that you are going to have to do the thing you did not want to like move into the unknown, even though you will not call it home. For a while, you will become someone you do not want to be. Believe me,
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
I have been there, for whatever reason, it feels like twice. It will feel like you are spending your whole life trying to fight. You will attempt suicide. You almost gave up. but you fought. You are strong. You will make a change in someone’s life. You will have an image of what you want life to be like. No one told you that you would lose a lot. By a lot, I mean mom. Yes, mom. So, love and cherish her. She does not have much time left. In life, you will fall but that will only make you strong. Things happen, things go wrong then life moves on with or without you. Stay in the moment and be prepared for life.
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Opportunities by Voniesha I am the type of person who would fail at everything. But the motivation that I have for myself, tells me to keep striving for greatness. I have to face big competition and obstacles. I love the game but sometimes it would get the best of me. When it comes to loving what I do with those around me, I know that I have all the faith I need to get through hard times. Knowing I am not alone. I have no fear what would come upon me. I am excited for what is now. Basketball is my game. So, I need to control the game like I am controlling my life. I score a basket, knowing that I can achieve one of my great accomplishments. There is more to come. I live life as a basketball game, staying on my feet and knowing I will get pushed down during hard times. But I have to get back up and get back in the game. I move my feet all over the court to be #1 and not #2
Telling Our Stories Spoken Word Class
or #3. I run my hardest up and down to be #1. I wear my jersey number and last name very strong. It would make me well known with all of my achievements. I use my body and stay alert to get through all the struggles I am facing. I need to be aggressive when I am being pushed around. There are always going to be someone who would get in my way and take me off my game. I listen to my family sitting in the crowd, knowing they would want the best for me, encouraging me to be #1. In the game, it is not me that does all the work just to be the best. With the help of my teammates, great things will happen. I believe myself, always playing my role and taking advantages of minutes. You only get one shot! Do not always pass the ball. You are throwing something that might be AMAZING. Jump high to get the rebound.
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Once you get it, take care of it and put it back up. Do not throw away the opportunities you have in life.
Unite the People by Josiah How can we come together as family and friends, like at Gathering of Nations? People from all tribes come together to enjoy what their ancestors fought to preserve. Leaders from every nation would just want to see their people come together and be thankful for all the sacrifices that the ancient ones made. We should come together because everyone needs to live in peace, with no more fighting. All Natives wish for peace and not war because they know it would benefit the people.