Internal Storm
By Rizouana Prome
Discussed: mental illness

This poem explores the feeling of neglecting different parts of your personality to achieve a certain goal, yet feeling incapable of doing so.
A sudden storm took over me The type I never knew existed It made my world dark and gloomy Swept away my most memorable memories As I tried to survive I forgot the sunny days I forgot the cherry blossoms I forgot the sound of stepping on fall leaves I forgot the touch of people I forgot me myself and I At times it disappears I dream for a while Hoping things would fall into place Just then it presents itself Stronger than ever I seek shelter Try to find comfort Until I realize it’s inside Gradually uprooting me

Taking Root: The Girls Write Now 2022 Anthology

For more than two years, our young writers have weathered an adolescence shaped by an ongoing global pandemic. But a harsh climate can also produce work of rare depth, complexity, nuance and humor. The Girls Write Now mentees in this collection have found new ways to build community and take root. This anthology is a catalog of seeds—each young writer cultivating a shimmering, emergent voice. In short stories, personal essays, poetry, and more, they reflect on life-altering topics like heartbreak, self-care and friendship. The result is a stunning book with global relevance of all this generation has endured and transformed.
Process
The first semester of senior year, going back to school in person and going through the college application process, it felt like every day I was just existing. I forgot what it meant to be a teenager and enjoy the little moments in life. This poem allowed me to put these thoughts into words.

Rizouana Prome
Rizouana is an extrovert, but as much as she likes hanging out with her friends and exploring, she is also attached to her own company. Rizouana believes having an optimistic and peaceful mindset is the key to making the most out of an experience. During her leisure time, she likes to draw, paint and write. Rizouana writes poetry, fiction, and memoirs about young adults’ lives. She likes reading fictional romance novels and philosophy. Rizouana is passionate about immigrant rights, women’s rights, and climate justice.