While I used to feel fractured when it came to my heritage, poetry has helped me realize that these fractures are, in fact, who I am.
Culture
Each Tremolo Reminds Me
Chelsea Lin, Girls Write Now Mentee and My Simple Realization contest winner, writes about her grandfather.
bloodline
A pair of poems inspired by the title “bloodline” and the poets’ own heritages and culture. How do our family and our history connect and define us to ourselves and to others?
Millennials vs Gen Z
The generational battle made famous by TikTok. But can we at least agree to fight the system together?
Stolen to be Given
Stolen to be Given is a piece connecting my name and religion. Two things that were chosen for me and their role in shaping my identity.
Strange Combination
Although this piece is not tied to the theme “Taking Our Place in History,” it does take place in my own history of living in a world where someone of my shade of color grows up Hispanic.
Her, An Indian Girl
“Her, An Indian Girl” reaches out to girls who may feel low about their appearance or features. It teaches her to love how she looks and how she has been crafted.
A Room of My Own
Join me on this four-year journey to become the Meril I am now.
Melanin Tears
A young girl born to immigrant parents trying to fit into American society. She realizes that she is uncomfortable with herself and the nation.
If Only You Knew
Subconscious writes a letter to assure Natalie of the doubts she has about her self-worth.
Banana Bread and Lemon Glaze
A short story about code switching and living between two worlds.
Forever Queens/ The End of the N
We wrote two poems about our relationship to our residing borough, Queens. (Lilly is a lifelong native and Toni moved to Astoria five years ago.)
of remembrance and regret
This essay is a tribute to my grandmother and an immortalization of my biggest regret.
Noodles and Pasta: Different Yet the Same
I wrote this piece to reflect on my favorite tradition every year– my family’s Christmas Eve dinners, which demonstrates my multi-cultural background through the food that we eat.
Butterfly 蝴蝶
“Butterfly 蝴蝶” is an ode to my great-grandmother, who passed away a few years ago. On occasion, the butterfly of her spirit still flies by.