Pangs of Growth

“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 expanded into Chicago to create tangible high quality opportunities that nourish the minds, expand the voices and share the personal truths of young people who have long been underserved and underestimated.

Through the process of drafting, revising, illustrating and publishing memoirs, the Authors’ Circle members develop reflection, critical thinking, camaraderie, conflict resolution and positive self-projection.This Roseland Authors’ Circle has been based at the Youth Peace Center in Roseland, as part of Chicago CRED program.

In collaboration with:

breath.

Grandma I miss you dearly I wish you would hear me.

Got my diploma, walked that stage, Wish you were right there with me.

It’s so much that’s going on someeme I want to call you.

I look in my mother’s eyes and just say, “Damn, that’s all you.”

Baby Richard ssll can’t understand why he can’t come over no more.

It hurts me that you’re gone but on the bright side you ain’t hurt no more.

It’s taking so much for me to not just start crying right now.

Wish I could pay you back for all those long nights I stayed out.

I remember cousin Serle coming down here to talk to me.

He pulled me to the side, he said “Come here lil guy talk to me.”

If you keep stressing yo grandma out, you gone have to box with me

Grandma you took us out them row houses, them projects.

I thank you for it, and all the hard mes we had I wish I could pay you for it Even though I never showed it, I’m grateful for it.

There are so many nights I cried, I wish you was right by my side.

I look in the mirror and see your eyes I Knew you been hurrng for a while, I hate the fact you had to leave me.

Ouuu grandma, baby it ain’t easy.

I ďŹ nally made it up on TV! Oh how I wish you would have seen me.