Looking Up

“Until the lion writes his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”

The Soy Autor writing process was developed in collaboration with young people at-risk of, victims of or perpetrators of violence in El Salvador. In 2017, this innovative program launched at Cook County Jail with young men awaiting trial for violent offenses. Through the process of drafting, revising, illustrating and publishing memoirs, the Authors’ Circle develops reflection, critical thinking, camaraderie, conflict resolution and positive self-projection.

In collaboration with:

Cook County Sheriff’s Office

Looking Up Robert Hill

I am from the Concrete Jungle from Roses and thorns.

I am from the Henry Hornets, elevators, high rises without back doors.

I am from a bush full of thorns

where it is spikey and hard to breathe,

where we stick together and fighting is the norm.

From The Hill Side and we hustle to eat.

I’m from the block parties and the Bar-B-Q feast.

From the “Stay strong and hold on” and “we will make ends meet.”

I’m from a segregated area, where stupidity rules, where only Grandma ever wanted you to really go to school,

or ever cooks us food so we can eat,

gives us covers so we can sleep.

From the family reunions where we will all meet, we make it better, hold on you will see.

Home is where the heart is, that’s how we fight those streets.

That’s where the Roses bloom, we all have a chance.

Just stick it through.