I am from | Teen Ink

I am from

December 9, 2022
By Alliesuliman BRONZE, Eureka, Missouri
Alliesuliman BRONZE, Eureka, Missouri
1 article 1 photo 0 comments

I am from a shy little girl, 

too afraid to speak in class

yet ready to listen-

too comfortable with my silence 

yet longing to be the charismatic student.

Always thinking twice...no, three times before I spoke 

and patiently waited to say my few words for the day. 


I am from a line of resilient Syrians,

brave enough to visit home despite the horrors of war.

I am from a Ukrainian grandma

who still remembers the bombs of 1944.

Aware of their silence, 

I cannot be quiet anymore. 


I am from a compassionate Lithuanian mother 

who struggles to pronounce the -th sound in thirty 

and who has employed me as her personal Grammarly. 

I am from an outspoken father, 

who with I share my thick eyebrows and dark hair, 

but whose sociability I cannot share.    


Deemed the shy kid at school, 

I became a mime.

Limiting myself to nonverbal communication, 

and praying I wouldn’t be called on in class 

because 

I couldn’t crack my artificial persona.


Although I am from insecurities and self-doubt,  

I am also from courageous grandmas, self-assured mom, and outgoing dad-

whose battles against adversity have inflamed me to be uncomfortable. 

Uncomfortable with sharing my voice, thoughts, and beliefs. 

Starting off by writing this poem. 


The author's comments:

I've used my shy demeanor as a cloak to cover my insecurities and beliefs. However, my family who battled and overcame advisory inspired me to share myself through words. Whether written or spoken, they have motivated me to share my voice. 


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