And, To Be Honest,

AND, TO BE HONEST, NARRATIVES

And, to be honest,

Narratives by students in Caitlin’s American Literature and Literacy classes

September 2022

Students in Caitlin’s American Literature and Literacy classes started off the year thinking about our own identities, our names and namesakes, and what makes us unique. Students read Jamaica Kincaid’s Girl, Sandra Cisneros’ My Name, Esmeralda Santiago’s How to Eat a Guava, and Rudy Francisco’s Honest Poem Students then chose one text as a model for their own writing In these narratives, we get to learn more about each other, what makes us who we are, and what our passions are We can see similarities across cultures, as well as start to hear our powerful young people and their voices shine through. We hope you enjoy reading.

My Honest Poem Sali

September 2022

I was born on Friday the 13th of December. Does that make me lucky or cursed?

I hear that makes me a Sagittarius, a fire sign. Does that mean there's fire in me?

I am a daughter, sister, niece, friend and to some just a person.

I am a sucker for my mind, for the fantasy that I create in it.

I am still learning how to live, I have been out for 15 years and I feel like I'm still trying to grasp reality

I often don't cry that's what I think it is a sign of weaknesses

I often cry knowing that I'm weak.

I like my safe space and I tend to stay there a lot. I've been told I need to focus on the present and not worry about the future. People say that I need to focus on the future and not dwell on the past. People say that I need to focus and all I can focus on is what's in my mind. Secretly, I know nobody can break my heart because someone already took that spot.

I have this odd fascination with broken things, maybe that's why I surround myself with broken people.

I assume it's because all I've ever known was broken.

I know it sounds crazy, but I like helping because I never knew how to help myself. And to be honest, I don't know if I want to.

I know this sounds weird, but sometimes I wonder if I'm not this sad little girl who am I. I wonder if I didn't go through what I did, would I still be the sad little girl. I'm afraid that if I move on I won't be the sad little girl and that’s all I have ever known.

Hi, my name is Sali.

I enjoy being with my friends and hanging with my family. But I don't allow myself to get too comfortable. I have a good brain but a distracted mind.

I have good thoughts but my mouth won't let them out. My hobbies are dancing or more therapy, I say

I don't know when it will get better, but I do know it will. I know what my name is and what my life is. I know it will take me somewhere good someday.

My Name

September 2022

My name is Salimatou but I prefer Sali for short I come from a single mom who not only is the best but from whom I received my middle name,Anne Marie I come from a dad whom I received my first and last name: Salimatou and Diallo

My dad gave me the name Salimatou because it was in my dad's family It is tradition to name your kids after your relatives There are relatives a lot of Salimatou andAissatou, which is my sister's name In my dad's culture when you have a baby you are supposed to wait 7 days and then on the 7th Day people have a party and get together and there are these people called elders and they name you or give you the name and ice water go at the same time which is kind of weird to me

My grandmother and I have the same name but my dad spelled it wrong on my birth certificate So I guess we have the same name but I have a little spin on mine My name means rich and kind and empathetic.

The name is from WestAfrica, which is where my dad is from. He was born and raised there until he moved to Paris and then he moved to Vermont and then he met my mom. My mom is half white and half Spanish. My middle name comes from her Marie is my mom's middle name and I don't really know whereAnne comes from.

I'm not saying I don't like my name because I do get compliments on it all the time. Sometimes I wish my parents were more creative with my name: something that's not a relative's name, something that's just mine and no one else has it.

Going toAfrica, everyone has my name. It doesn't feel like it's mine. I know it's traditional to name your kids after relatives but if I'm being honest, I'm not going to do that. Maybe if I was closer to my father, I would, but I'm not.

I want to name my kids something unique, something that's just theirs, something that people are like wow I wish I could use that but I can't cuz it's my kid's name I'm not going to do anything like Salimatou orAissatou but something that's unique and just theirs

My Honest Poem AnkitAcharya September 2022

I was born on February 2nd

I heard that makes me anAquarius

I am 5¨7 and 138 pounds

i'm a sucker for a girl with nice style

I'm still learning how to take care of myself

I’m often helping people

I’m often living it simple

I like soccerALOT

I been told that my life is boring and simple

People say when I have passion for something, I will always give it my 100%

People say i'm trying to escape

Secretly, You was a part of me, and since you left, I'm incomplete

I have this odd fascination with being financially free

I assume it's because I grew up being poor

I know this sounds crazy but I want to retire my parents

And to be honest, I don't quite know how to do that

I promise I'm a die a legend, I'm a make sure that you remember me

I know this sounds weird but sometimes I wonder if God can hear my prayers

I wonder how life would have been if i didn't take them risks

I'm afraid of losing my parents

Hi my name isAnkit

I enjoy being with friends

But I been thinking about the old me, I swear I miss you dearly

I have solar powered confidence

I have a battery operated smile

My hobbies are playing soccer and volleyball.

I came a long way but I ain't as far as I'm gonna be

I don’t know much but I do know this:

I know I’m still figuring it you, I know I’m the chosen one

Honest Abdi Osman

September 2022

I was born on September 5, 2006

I hear that makes me a Virgo

I am 5 foot 8, I weigh 125 pounds

I am a sucker for a girl with a kind heart and smart mind

I am still learning about life

I am often overthinking my mistakes

I am often drowning in my sorrow

I like skittles a lot

I've been told often “hard work pays off”

People say that I am a nice person with a sweet heart

People say that I'm late a lot

Secretly, I've been running from life since I was five years old trying to escape, roaming the streets with my cellphone, a headphone over my head

I have this odd fascination with a girl with blue eyes deep as the sea sometimes I drown in them with no escape

I assume it's because I can't swim

I know it sounds crazy, but sometime I can't stop staring

And to be honest, I'm scared to wake up and face the world every day

I know this sounds weird, but sometimes I wonder if she knows she's my kryptonite

I wonder if she knows I'm a ticking bomb every day ready to explode with emotions built up

I'm afraid the sunshine isn't gonna shine tomorrow

Hi, my name isAbdi

I enjoy playing with kids, listening to music, and praying 5 times a day

But I don't allow myself to lose control

I have solar powered confidence

I have a battery operated smile

My hobbies include dribbling my pain away, and trapping my life away

I don't know how much but I do know this:

I know I got dreams

I know I’m a shooting star under the midnight sky

My Name

Abdi Osman

September 2022

My name isAbdikadir I am 5 foot 8 but with shoes, I'm 5 foot 9 I am a black male with dark spiky afro hair, a slim face with braces.

I was born in Kenya, in a gated neighborhood When I was born, my mom wanted to name me Shabaan after my grandpa, but my father wanted to name me after one of my great uncle’s names My father and mother had a dispute about what my name should be My father won the argument and my name reminds me that I'm “The servant of God ”

My last name reminds me that I'm always protected by God My last name is Osman and it stands for “God's protection.” I’m a Muslim that tries to pray five times a day, but honestly, I’m still trying.

When I’m at home, my family calls me Dadir. When I was little, my great aunt called me that and “dir” is the last half of my full nameAbdika-“Dir” but everyone at school calls meAbdi, short for my full name. My grandpa’s middle name was “Abdi.” I like being calledAbdi, because it reminds me of my grandpa. I feel connected to him.

I came to the United States when I was very young. I’m from Kenya, but my family is Somali. I used to live in a gated neighborhood with a big gate and that gate closed at 9 PM. Everyone should be inside the gate before it shuts closed like a door

I would have had 9 siblings but 3 didn't make it. Three brothers died before I was even born due to health issues. I have 3 older sisters and I would've had 5 older brothers, then me, and 1 brother younger than me. I've been thinking, it’s a dream to help the places where I was from, to help the people like my brother who didn’t make it. I will work hard to make it happen. I will strive to be the best I can be for them.

My Honest Poem

Mohamed Mohamed September 2022

I was born May 14

I hear that makes me aTaurus

I am 5 foot 9

I’m a sucker for a girl with style and drip

I'm still learning how to swim I’m often keeping it real I’m funny trying to be funny I like keeping it simple

I've been told that am calm person People say because I just be doing my thing Secretly, I am shy

I have a odd fascination with being with a rich or well financed

I assume it's because I grew up in the projects I know it sounds crazy but it’s true

And to be honest, I am not good with math but I try I know it sounds weird but sometimes I wonder how life will be in the future I wonder I how long I will live

Hi, my name is Mohamed Mohamed I enjoy chilling with my friends But I don't allow myself to show a lot I have a problem with showing emotion

I have problem with loud noise My hobbies are basketball and sports in general

I don’t know much, but I do know this: I know I am going to be successful

I know I am going to find a way to make money regardless.

My Honest Poem

Sherihan Abdulaziz September 2022

I was born on November 1

I hear that makes me a Scorpio, but I don’t believe in that stuff

I am learning that honesty is the truth

We hide so many things from one another In hopes to make ourselves a more likable But doing that we are creating lies.

I'm scared to trust now

I had my trust broken many times before I was left a broken girl I am still broken inside

I’ve been told that I have pretty eyes

People say it’s really nice to look at Secretly, they don’t know much these pretty eyes have cried the most

I know it sounds crazy, but the nicest souls get heartbroken the most And to be honest, I experienced it myself

I know this sounds weird but sometimes I wonder why a heart like mine is damaged

I wonder if I had bad heart would I be treated that way I’m afraid that I can’t trust anymore

Hi, my name is Sherihan

I enjoy staying in my room and watching k dramas But I don’t allow myself to cry as often as I need to

I don’t know much, I do know that God is by my side

I know through all my prays, he is listening to me I know the life will get better just need to be patient.

My Honest Poem

NurtaAhmed September 2022

I was born on July, 18

I hear that makes me Cancer

I am Somali, but I was born in Kenya and live in Vermont. I'm a sucker for K-drama, a country far away from here.

I’m still learning how to control my emotions

I’m often loud in places where i should be quiet

I’m often quiet in places where i should be loud

I like to be in my room Alot

I’ve been told that I’m quiet

Secretly, I get nervous when i tried to talk in front of people

I have this odd fascination with K drama

I assume it’s because reality looks prettier in K drama land than the reality I live in

I know it sounds crazy, but a dream of becoming a nurse

I know this sounds weird,but sometimes I wonder what my future will look like I’m afraid of snakes

Hi, my name is Nurta

I enjoy driving and listening to music when it’s raining

I have a passion to trying to help people

I pray five times a day

My hobbies are K dramas, as you know

I don’t know much, but I do know this:

I know that God is listening to me

I know that my dreams can come true.

Story

BintiAweis 9/29/2022

My name is Binti, in Swahili it means girl and in Islam it means young,bold and careful.The original name “Binti” came from a young girl who accepted Islam

My parents are from Somalia but stayed in Kenya for a long time after the war My mother gave birth to my older sister Maryan in Kenya After a while, the conditions in Kenya became terrible and my mother, father and my older sister came toAmerica. Next, my mom had me. I was born in Chicago, Illinois Then my mom had my sister, Hawa Ayear later she had my brother, Mohamed.Then, she had my second younger brother Abdullahi In 2016, she had my brotherAbdirahman Finally, she had my last brother Hamza He's the youngest

I am one of 7 siblings She is Binti

My name was passed down from my aunt. Her name was “Binti”.My aunt is a very kind, loving and a sweet woman She was always the light in a dark room She is a wise woman with a healing heart

My last name isAweis Aweis came from my grandpa It's distinctive and most definitely delightful. My grandpa was always clever and even though I never got to meet him in real life, I will always know he will always be major and forever be a good man

I have been living in Vermont for six years so far. When I came to Vermont the first school I attended was Shelburne Community School I liked going there I met a lot of people and friends and people I still know today At the moment I live in Winooski One thing I like about Winooski is that it has heterogeneity, a lot of different people with unrelated backgrounds and divergent stories Living here, though, has its challenges:

We hate when they ask us if we are from Jamaica or Nigeria; We hate when they ask if we have weed or if we stole expensive luxury; We hate when they ask black guys if they are criminals, thugs and rapists; We also hate being accused of lying;

We hate when they ask us “Why is your skin so dark?” or why isn’t your as beautiful as mine;

We hate when they make fun of our cultural food;

We hate when they call us ghetto or ratchet for how we dress and the way we talk;

We hate when they refer us to monkeys or apes;

We hate when they use the word “negro”;

We hate when people that don’t have color act like they are black;

We hate when they say “I can say the N word because my stepdad is black”; We hate how the news hides when a colored person is showing kindness behind closed doors; We hate when the media says rumors without hearing our side of the story

What do all those immigrants and refugees that are fromAfrica think?They thinkAmerica is a great place to live but trust me, if I could say something that would change their minds, I would

We hate that we are discriminated because of the color of our skin

We hate when they say our voices don’t matter

No matter how much we protest there is never a day that crosses others minds that we need freedom

Do you not remember Martin Luther King and how his speech was moral?

Until this day I am still told to go back to my county but this is my country How can I claimAmerica to be my country if my country doesn't like people like me?

We hate when they ask “Can I touch your hair or How’d you get your hair like this?” We hate when they ask why is your hair stiff?

I can’t say much because I don’t show my hair

This is a message to girls like me who need to hear it I know that sometimes girls like me struggle to love their skin and hair for what it looks like But having dark skin is not a crime And having kinky hair isn't ghetto.

Like they always say “You got something she doesn't.”Yes that indeed is very much true.

This is to girls who always stand out in a big crowd of people; at all times, know that a black woman is art; a perfect expression of pain, strength and beauty.

Don't ever confuse what you're offered with and what you're worth Do you see how they get malicious when they see a woman so beautiful they want to be?Always remember your skin will forever be like blinking gold diamonds that never die

Having that is the best thing in the world. Never trade you for anybody.

My name is Binti, in Swahili it means girl and in Islam it means young, bold, and careful.

Honest Poem

Nixandy Ferdinand September 2022

I was born on January 18th, I hear that makes me a Capricorn.

I am very sarcastic, which explains why I’m a Capricorn I’m a sucker for nice smiles and silky hair

I am still learning how to laugh.

I’m often told that I talk too fast and that people feel like I am trying to end the conversation.

Actually, it’s because I am

When I talk to people my hands sweat like a river, and my heart beats out of tune, so I rather just avoid it

Secretly, I practice how to smile.

I have this odd fascination with fiction books

I assume it’s because the harsh reality is too much for me to handle

I know it sounds crazy, but it is more uncomplicated than you think. And to be honest, I think it’s better that way

You see, reality reminds me that I’m not scared to live or die, but I am afraid to cry Because each tear of mine holds an unspeakable story that I'm afraid to share.

Being afraid to share, means I am afraid to be judged.

I don’t want to be stripped naked of my confidence and self esteem while standing in court waiting for me to be sentenced by society’s words

I carry a backpack filled with really, reallyheavy responsibilities, hoping that it does not bring me down

Hi, My name is Nixandy.

I enjoy reading and Dalgona Coffee

I have a counterfeited smile.

I have a board game life.

My hobbies include rolling the dice of life to see if I take two steps forward or three steps backward, or guess if I'm ever going to reach the finish line

I don’t know much, but I do know this:

Life is a web weaved with very sticky situations

And it’s up to you to decide if you’re going to fight to survive or give up

My life in a nutshell Sean Larkin

September 2022

I was born on October 11 2006

That makes me a Libra, I don't really know what that means but I don't really care

I love to talk and hang out with my friends

One of my friends dresses really nice. I like her style. She is very pretty Oh no I meant like her but i will never say

I don't like when strangers talk to me it makes me have a bad feeling in my gut

I don’t like driving with my mom cuz she goes crazy even when I'm doing fine

I hate that my dad lives so far away

It makes me mad that he moved to NewYork but he is getting me a hedgehog for my birthday.

I can’t wait until I have a car and I can drive wherever I want to I have a bunny that I love, she is so cute, she is a big fluff ball. I love going to the movies I want to go with a group of friends

People say I give great hugs and that it feels like hugging a big fluffy bear. People also say I'm fat or that I am not very smart and that my writing sucks But I know that it's ok to be a little big and I know that I'm not dum.

My hobbies are working and hanging out with my friends

But I also like to code games and play games as well.

I actually made a game onces and people like it

I really want to learn how to code robots

My Name

Jayda Lawrence

September 2022

My name is Jayda, I always thought my name meant wise, Till I looked it up and it means thankful in spanish I have Spanish in me I'm half black, half white

My mom got married when I was 5 and had my little brother I'm the middle child, I'm also my mom's favorite child I’m my mom's favorite child because I'm the only girl that she had.

My name is tattooed on her back because not only am ‘m her favorite but it's because it means wise

At home, my family calls me Jade, at school my friends call me JJ, and my teachers call me Jay. There's a girl at my school that has the same name as me

I like my name because it represents who I am and what people call me, Some people make fun of my name but I know that my name is a beautiful name

My last name is Lawrence. Lawrence came from my grandpa's family. Alot of people's last and first names are Lawrence And sometimes I think that I'm related to someone whose last name is Lawrence.

My mom picked my name because it's wise and thankful and it's a name that not many people have.

My Name By Jasuwa

September 2022

My name is Jasuwa. My name comes from the Hebrew name “Yehoshua” meaning “God is deliverance ” My family is not a Jewish but Christian and my name comes from the bible My name is supposed to spell Joshua but it spells this Jasuwa.

I was born on February 4, 2005 on a Friday and now I am 17 years old I heard from mom that a pastor named me. His name is PastorPhillip. He had a dream 7 days before I was born He heard the name Joshua so he named me Joshua

When I was young my neighborhood called me Joshape because it was hard for them to pronounce my name so they called me Joshape I have two nicknames, Joshape and Josha I didn’t even know my real name was Jasuwa because everyone called me Josha or Joshape, so I thought that was my name

I also have 2 last names Pradhan and Shrestha but I use Pradhan. Which comes from my mom. I love watching K Drama, C Drama and k pop songs and I love to watch anime

I am from Nepal. Now I live in Winooski Vermont. When I came here I didn’t know how to speak English When I said Cupa for the first time, I got in trouble because It mean shut up.

It was kind of funny that I got in trouble saying that. I speak 3 languages Nepali, Hindi and English

My Honest Poem Name Jasuwa

September 2022

I was born on February 4, 2005 on a Friday.

I hear that makes me anAquarius Apastor named me Joshua I am 5. 7 feet.

I'm a sucker for K Drama and C Drama And also for K pop and I like BTS

I’m still learning how to speak loud and clear I’m often out of clue.

I often talk to myself I like coffee a lot

I’ve been told that don’t drink coffee a lot People say that I am tall but I don't think that I am tall Secretly, I don’t really care what they say.

I have this odd fascination with school

I assume it’s because I don't want to go to school. And to be honest, I don't know what I am doing.

I know this sounds weird, but I wonder why people say that I am talking with myself. I wonder why they say that

I’m afraid of what's gonna happen next and I’m afraid of dogs It sounds funny but it’s true.

Hi I'm Jasuwa

It sounds funny that my name is supposed to be spelled Joshua. But it spelled Jasuwa

I enjoy watching K-Dramas and animations. But I don’t allow myself to laugh in front of people.

I have 2 sisters I have a computer.

My hobbies are cooking, playing badminton and playing the piano

I don’t know how to play piano, but I know how to sleep

I know math, but I don't know how to do geometry. I love to listen to music

And, How about you?

Athing, I guess Campbell Sweeney September 2022

I was born on January 13th. I guess that makes me a Capricorn; goat of the sea Only problem is, I can't swim.

I'm 5 foot 2, maybe shorter, and I'm a sucker for oversized hoodies and westerns. Somedays, I feel like the High Plains Drifter, Apowerful figure with no name.

I'm still learning how to shut my mouth I'm often loud when I shouldn't be, but I'm often loud when I should be Isn't that a good thing, though?

I like passing by mirrors

The reflection shows me what I am, and what I am not. To be honest though, I don't pay it any mind. I guess I'm too good to see my own flaws

Yesterday, I forgot something dear to me It shattered my confidence and it all went right to my head

Now, I can't bear to keep it from my sight. The evil hiss of the bow across the strings, I can't afford to lose that little light in my life

I know this sounds weird from someone like me, But sometimes, I wonder what people have to say about me when my back's turned. Especially when it's turned to them.

I wonder what my friends think about me, And what they say when my back's turned Though, it's never out of spite that I'd turn away from them, It's only because I forgot something in the other direction.

Howdy, my name's Campbell

I like complaining for just about no reason, drawing, and complaining about drawing. But, I don't draw as often as I used to

I have elves and centaurs, I have fauns and werewolves. But I just can't figure out how to write them, And make them as lovable as they are in my head. Somedays I think, it's probably better if they stay up there for a little while longer

I know almost nothing, but by some miracle, I do know this; My birthday is January 13th, I'm a Capricorn, And I still can't swim.

Honest Poem

Name:Angela Sweet September 2022

I was born on November 1st, that makes me a Scorpio I am 5´3

I'm a sucker for my mom's spaghetti. I'm still learning how to cook the things my mom does

I'm often happy unless someone gets me mad. I like a zero sugar sprite I've been told that I have anger issues.

I wonder what I would be like if I was always delighted and happy Would I be different? I also wonder what others think about me.

Hi, my name isAngela and I enjoy walking dogs, walking down to the Winooski river, going to the beach, and watching movies.

My hobbies are shooting hoops (making a basket), listening to music (Country, Pop), and doing slides other than school slides.

I believe that God has given us this life to make sense of it rather than use it as a waste of time.

God wouldn't have put us in this world if he didn't think we could face the challenges that come with life.

My Name

Angela Sweet

September 2022

My name isAngela.Angela means I'm God's heavenly messenger. I was given my name from my father's favorite song,Angela by Motley Crue

My name's personality is sympathetic, compassionate, and generous. I would not change my name I would not even give it one thought because I like the nameAngela

Some people may think that I don't like the nameAngela but they're wrong, I like the name. It was given to me when I was born, and I will not change it

I am not the type of person to go and change my name Some people do not like who they are, or their name I like who I am and I like my name I am the only one in my family with this name

My last name came from my dad's side of the family, and my middle name, Maire, came from my cousin Kayla

What neighborhood am I from? I am from the north end of Burlington We moved to Winooski soon after my brother was born. We have been living here for almost ten years.

My entire family is from Vermont I have no feelings about Vermont, but, if I had my choice, I would live in the country rather than the city. I want to own a house that obviously has a farm so I can own farm animals I like the responsibility of taking care of animals I know this may seem strange, but my aunt and uncle used to live near a barn Every time I would visit them, the smell of the farm animals would wake me up if I was sleeping. Once I would smell that unique smell, I would know I was there Now, that house is up for sale I hope one day to have a farm myself

I am 15 and I am going to be 16 on November 1st. My brother has a nickname for me and it is Ange None of my family or anyone else has made fun of my name Angela Sweet, a name I am proud of.

My honest poem Laila Hamed September 2022

I was born on June 13th, 2007

I enjoy drinking black cherry seltzers and experiencing the bittersweet taste of the fizz

I also appreciate being in quiet places.

I am a Gemini just like my mom, which apparently means I am intelligent and indecisive

I don't believe in horoscopes because they use the tactic of generalization; the act of making a general statement that could include many different smaller details.

I do not believe I am indecisive but this a trait in people I dislike Decisiveness can help you come to a decision quickly and without questioning yourself. However, this can be negative if you are not careful

You need to make sure you mean what you say and treat your statement like you can't undo it once it's said

In other words, there's no eraser or “actually never mind” once it's said. However, don't mistake it for being stubborn. If you are wrong, admit it

Anything can be negative without moderation but it also goes the opposite way.

For instance the seven deadly sins; pride if you have too much pride, you are cocky, too little and you lack confidence.

Hi, My name is Laila

I enjoy volleyball.

I am still learning how to drive And I really like quiet places.

My Honest Poem Sam Galle

September 2022

I was born on Earth Day Meaning I’m a child of spring Which is just a fancy way of saying I’m the burst of color That comes before the world turns gray

I’m aTaurus, like my father

The stars tell me that that’s why I’m so like him I assume it’s because he raised me I keep that to myself though Historically The stars don’t like when people talk back

I’m five foot eight if I round And perfectly healthy depending on what day I check the scale I’m a sucker for mac’n’cheese with crusties on top And eyes that light up when talking about their passion

I used to pride myself on my knowledge But I still have so much to learn Like how to take a decent photo How to draw more than stick figures And how to tell a joke that I’m not always the butt of

I’m told that when I laugh

I use my whole body I double over, Shaking,

My laugh itself is the whistling shriek of a kettle pot

It’s embarrassing but I don’t really mind Laughter is the language of the soul And it’s nice to finally have something worth saying Hi

I’m Sam Galle

I’m fifteen, the oldest of four, and still don’t know where I’m going in life Though, to be honest

I don’t yet feel lost

My Honest Poem

Rehema Jima September 2022

I was born on December 1, I hear that makes me a Sagittarius but I never knew this I am the youngest in my family, I am a basketball player, I am an athlete I’m a sucker for baking.

I am still learning how to play softball

I’m often loud with my friends. I'm quiet when I am alone I like playing basketball…a lot.

I've been told that I'm good at basketball but I'm still learning People say that I look like my sister. People say that I'm not good at running

Secretly, I have a lot of secrets that I don’t tell anyone. I have this odd fascination with soldiers

I assume it’s because my parents left Congo because of fighting.

I know it sounds crazy but I like it And to be honest I hate school

I know this sounds weird but sometimes I wonder what my future will be like. I wonder why I like sports

I’m afraid that if I say the one thing I like, people will hurt me

Hi, my name is Rehema

I enjoy being mom’s last one

But I don't allow myself to be a soldier but I like it.

I have a niece and nephew and a brother and sister. My hobbies are that I really like to play basketball.

I don't know much but I do know this: I know that heaven is full of music

I know God listens to my heart on his iPhone

My Honest Poem Neema

September 2022

I was born on September 30, 2006

I don't really know what that means.

I am from Burundi, I am 5 foot, and I live at 49 Spring Street in Winooski

I am a sucker for dancing and swimming

I’m still learning how to read and write I am still learning how to do yoga.

I’m often quiet in places where l should be loud I like to run.

I've been told that l am a good person

People say that I'm a funny person and some people say that I am a kind person.

I have this odd fascination with learning about the world’s problems

I assume it because l want to know because I am from Burundi so I want to know other countries.

I know it sounds crazy, but I can do it

And to be honest l know I can do anything l put my mind to. I know this sounds weird, but sometimes I wonder what people think about me I’m afraid of hiking.

Hi, my name is Neema

I enjoy eating rice and cassava leaves. But l don’t allow myself to play soccer and cry I have a bad smile

I don’t have hobbies but I do a lot of cleaning.

I don’t know everything about it, but l do know heaven is full of music. I know God listens to my heartbeat on this iPhone .

My Honest Poem Bonne Idee September 2022

I was born on January 1

I hear that makes me a Capricorn

I am musiciation, a songwriter, and I perform live I’m a sucker for watching movies

I’m still learning how to speak and read English.

I’m often a quiet guy.

I don't like fighting in my places and I don't like places where people make loud noises

If I do my thing, I like to write and read because I want to focus.

I often make jokes for my friends and tell them what to do, They tell me what to do, and together we share ideas.

I like bananas because they give me energy in my body .

I've been told that I am a serious guy . People say that it feels like I'm trying to speak English sometimes , it's because I am

Secretly, I mean if somebody tells me something I can't say for another person because he trusts me and I trust him

That’s also Why I tend to fall in love with someone Who will never love me back .

I know it sounds crazy but it's actually much easier than it seems,And to be honest , I think it’s safer that way

My hobbies include editing my life story, hiding behind metaphors, and trying to convince my shadow that I’m someone worth following.

Honest Poem

Furaha Issa

September 2022

I was born on 08/04/2008

I amTanzanian

I’m a sucker for tv

I’m still learning how to cook fufu

I’m often quiet in school

I’mm often loud at home

At home, I like tik tok and fufu, apples, and cooking

People say nothing about me

I don't like when people yell at me.

Hi, my name is Furaha

I enjoy talking to my friends .

I have three sisters

I have one brother

My hobbies are tik tok dancing and watching movies.

I don’t know much but I do know this:

My family loves me and

I will work hard to make them proud