A Rising Phoenix Rio Mississippi

A Rising Phoenix

This morning I woke up with a lot on my mind. I rose out of bed— all these problems I can’t solve consuming my thoughts , like flashcards flipping through my mind. Will my generation really solve any of these problems? Maybe they'll just stay scared to be themselves, drink or smoke something just to numb themselves. As I looked in the mirror and started brushing my teeth, I got scared as I looked in my eyes. I had a vivid image of a homeless man on the street, a woman with fury in her eyes telling him to get away, like he's a filthy animal. I stopped and had a sickening thought: What if I'd turned cold? I hadn't given money to a homeless person since I was, but a few years old. I used to carry my wallet with the few dollars I had, handing money out the window; finding meaning when I saw a smile on their face. I took the toothbrush out of my mouth, spat out the toothpaste. Often, I get caught up in burdens that aren't mine, wondering how many years it is time before we're left with barely anything on this earth. We could put in our best effort but really, how much is it worth? Ah

I ate a few bites of breakfast, but didn't have much of an appetite. I open the curtain and take a look outside; I know that my future is bright. I’ve got a fiery passion in me, but it doesn't always ignite. It's 7:50 as I step outside. I take a few steps and shiver inside. I don't feel this way often, but today feels just a little hopeless. Tonight, I'd probably hear about another shooting. The republicans won't hesitate to blame it on black people. We'll all sit in our houses brooding, and the cop will be let off— another unfair prosecuting. But as I kick a rock down the sidewalk, I see some children run by; something about the joy in their voice, and the leap in their poise— I'm given hope like a wave crashing against a rocky shore. Even though we have a long way to go, I know my friends have got some ideas to show. I raise my head up. You should too. Take off your hood; stand apart from the crowd. Now, as my bus stop is in sight, I've got a new image in my mind. Me and my people: a rising phoenix.

No matter the challenge, I know we can beat it. We'll raise our fists, plant our feet, and demand more. I know in my heart.

Rio Mississippi, Grade 8 Northeast Middle School, Minneapolis Teaching Artist: Frank Sentwali