I Am from the Soul

by Faith Iyahen

National flag of Haiti/Wikipedia Commons

I am from the skins
Of strong, wise
And the pampered glow.

I am from the homes
Of the broken little
And the high and mighty.

I am from the love
Of the ones who loved
And the ones who have given

I am love taken mother Haiti
And love given by father Africa

I am from the Civo Piea, heart
I am a sherry, soul.

Copyright © 2011 by Faith Iyahen.

I Am from Trinidad

by Chance Andre

National flag of Trinidad and Tobago/Wikipedia Commons

I am
From Trinidad
From whining and Calypso
And Juve

I am
from an island of beauty
Love, independence, and unity

I am
From roties
And curry chicken

I am Trinidadian.
Venezuelan.
Proud.

Copyright © 2011 by Chance Andre.

Lindamichellebaron Says…

Both of these young poets express such a strong and healthy basic pride and wholehearted embrace of their origins and their differences.