Photo by Rebekah Burgess/123RF

I Am from Brooklyn, New York (1)

by Marysol Velez

I am from
Brooklyn, New York
and the streets of
Cortelyou

I am from my
Café en las mananas
with my bread and if
we don’t have bread
we go to the store on the
corner to get some.

I am from las compras
En las sabados & going downstairs
En las tardes to my cousin’s house
To get my eyebrows done with
my cousin and share some girlie tales!

I am from long
conversations with my mom in
the kitchen while she cooks
and my sister and me listen very carefully.

I am Mexican American
and this is where I am from!

Copyright © 2011 by Marysol Velez.

I Am from Brooklyn, New York (2)

by Alyana Pierre

The side where things go down
Gangs, weed, kids meeting kids
But me, Alyana Pierre, I survive it
I ignore those boys when they call me.
But I just keep on walking
Cause by the time I give it up
I’m going to be history
Girls don’t cry for boys
Let them cry for you
Girls give and forgive
And boys get and forget.
Went through same stuff
It even gave me suicidal thoughts
Born and raised in Brooklyn
Delivered in Brookdale
Mom died there…tear, tear…I still do care
New York City
You just talk and see
It’s the whole world that has anger towards me

Copyright © 2011 by Alyana Pierre.

I Am from Brooklyn, New York (3)

by Aneesa Ahmed

I am
From Pakistan
And I hear bells, which means it’s time for mosque.

I am
From the words
Believing, caring, trusting.

I am
From the promise of honesty, affection, and intelligence
I believe in myself

I am from
French fries and chicken nuggets
Strawberries and apples

I am from
Gorgeous and pretty gardens and flowers

I am from Brooklyn
And I am happy

Copyright © 2011 by Anessa Ahmed.

Lindamichellebaron Says…

We celebrate three very different young voices from Brooklyn, New York, where more than a tree grows…