By GD
I was still a juvenile and convicted as a child
Though sentenced as an adult
But still I smile…
I think about my reality and realize just how real it is
Then I laugh….
I don’t laugh because it’s funny
But because its “funny” how a young black man could
So easily succumb to his environment
But still I grow…
I’ve come to know many things, dreamed many dreams
All while living a nightmare
But still I ponder…
I’ve created wonderful things once I considered my intellect
As a key to unlock the box my mind’s been in for years
So now I know….
Though life has its adversities, and sometimes it can
Be a tremendous burden
I still got to walk that extra mile
Even if my feet are hurting
So, I’ll continue to smile….
This is beautiful. I really like how you repeated they “smile” theme in the beginning and the end.
Thank you for your strong words. I am sending you strength to keep walking the extra mile.
This is a lovely poem that echoes Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise. I like the very personal perspective it takes, it’s more relatable because it is your own story. There is also a very clear progression from your past and all that you have learned growing up in the system of incarceration. I would say to stay in these little snapshots more. Give more details about what you felt and what you were thinking back then vs. now.
I really enjoyed this poem. I find it super courageous that even with all the adversity and hardships you have faced you still seem to find it important to keep your head up and smile. This type of poem really allows me the reader to understand what you are going through and touches the soul. I think it is important for you to continue to smile and make the most of the situation you are in because at the end of the day everything will be alright and those hardships your going through now will not last forever. Keep up the great poetry!
This is a thoughtful and beautiful poem. I hope one day soon you can fully smile from inside your mind as well. Keep growing, dreaming and learning.
GD,
I really respect and admire the stubborn gladness that you carry with you at this time in your life. Your commitment to showing up with an outlook of how to grow is an inspiration for me. I hope that you continue to write and share your experience with the world. It needs your voice.
Sincerely,
Sito
You can do it! This poem is so motivational
Everyone has a different story on their struggles, you have yours and I have mine, but being able to continue life with a smile is a lifestyle that many cannot replicate. It shows strength and courage to be able to work towards the future.
Hi, GD,
This poem speaks to me. I love marveling at the resilience that builds in us when we face profound difficulty. It changes your perspective, it alters your worldview, and overcoming challenge creates a sense of empowerment.
I like the line, “I think about my reality and realize just how real it is,” in particular because it says a lot. I can feel the weight of your reality just from reading your words. I love how you wrote:
“I don’t laugh because it’s funny
But because its ‘funny’ how a young black man could
So easily succumb to his environment
But still I grow…”
These lines mean a lot to me. They show that you’re making the intentional choice to grow. You’re growing in spite of everything your reality is throwing at you, and that is such an incredible feat to be celebrated. I admire your growth.
Thank you for sharing your poetry.
This is amazing; an amazing poem, an amazing outlook on life. Adversity is inevitable and the attitude you create within that adversity will determine your experiences in the long run.
You are stronger than you know and tremendously talented. Don’t let this gift slip away from you.
Keep on smiling!
Thank you for sharing this extremely personal piece with us.
Yes! I’m rooting for you! Thank you for sharing this poem it was very well written. I love your attitude and your tone throughout the poem. I felt sad during the beginning but the mood shifted to a persevering vibe. Nice.
This was a very good poem. You repeating the word “smile” mad the piece come together. It was truly a very good poem! Never stop writing or smiling!!
I loved this poem, show vulnerability. It is inspiring to me that you can be so positive even in your situation. Motivates me to be more positive in every obstacle I face. Thank you and good job!
Dear GD, I have found your poem exceptionally moving. I believe that the positivity you are bringing to the world is underestimated. Given the circumstances you are in, you are still able to be happy and remember to smile. You are teaching many people in your situation this along with any readers, like myself, an amazing reminder to smile. I found it very interesting how you have been through so much that you are still able to just know to smile. Even when things can be going the absolute worse sometimes the only thing you can do to benefit yourself is to smile. After reading this I consider you a very positive leader. You are showing many people the power of a smile. I think it will be important for you to never lose this concept as it can help in all aspects of life. I know I won’t be forgetting this poem as it is very powerful and deep. I can’t imagine what you are going through, but never give up on yourself and keep the positivity from this poem. Thank you for teaching me such a valuable lesson.
-Drew Yeager
GD
I was still a juvenile and convicted as a child
Though sentenced as an adult
But still I smile…
I think about my reality and realize just how real it is
Then I laugh….
I don’t laugh because it’s funny
But because its “funny” how a young black man could
So easily succumb to his environment
But still I grow…
I’ve come to know many things, dreamed many dreams
All while living a nightmare
But still I ponder…
I’ve created wonderful things once I considered my intellect
As a key to unlock the box my mind’s been in for years
So now I know….
Though life has its adversities, and sometimes it can
Be a tremendous burden
I still got to walk that extra mile
Even if my feet are hurting
So, I’ll continue to smile….
GD,
Thank you for sharing your story through the art of poetry as I know it’s not easy to be emotionally vulnerable like this. You use great detail and critical thinking in this work and I love the repeating of hope, that although you are faced with challenges you still “laugh” “grow” “ponder” “know” and “smile.” It reminds me of the quote that goes, “We fall down, but we get up.” Great work.