I wrote a poem about justice and understanding, inspired by experiencing change and responsibility at a young age. The poem explores how I learned to adapt, move forward, and even give up certain things in order to keep going. I learned to stay steady through instability. holding responsibility, resilience, and growth at the same time.
This is a letter that I never sent. It’s for the wish I’ve made more times than I can count – the quiet ache of wanting to be enough for someone you love deeply (especially when their love feels conditional). Sometimes our parents withhold approval to push us, but they still love us just the same.
Mental health issues can stick with you your whole life, even as you heal. Young people need the support of the older generations of people in their lives. Knowing you aren’t alone in your feelings, and that other people have experienced what you feel, is crucial to the process of healing. Being open is the bridge that will connect us all to each other.
I chose the word “seen” because sometimes people feel invisible or unheard, like they don’t have anyone to talk to. True friendship doesn’t always come right away – you often have to wait patiently. That was my experience in elementary school, where I felt alone and mostly turned to screens for comfort. But when I started middle school, everything changed; I made real friends who cared, listened, and truly saw me.
I chose the category ‘Justice’ because it resonated with me.
*** Content Warning: This written work contains mentions of sexual assault. *** My poem is about a girl who faces a traumatic event. My piece brings recognition to a serious topic, as well as justice and courage.
My poem is about how people can sometimes trick themselves into thinking that they’re a burden for reaching out for help. I want to emphasize that they’re not a burden, and what they’re going through is valid. Sometimes it can be hard to reach out and trust someone to talk to them, but it’s usually the right thing to do for yourself.
My poem is about how people can sometimes trick themselves into thinking that they’re a burden for reaching out for help. I want to emphasize that they’re not a burden, and what they’re going through is valid. Sometimes it can be hard to reach out and trust someone to talk to them, but it’s usually the right thing to do for yourself.
You are not alone, but you also don’t have to be afraid to take up space. I want people to know they are allowed to feel like they belong no matter where they go.
My poem is about a digital utopia, a world where social media is perfect – built on common values of honesty, trust, patience, safety, and love.