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2003 Poetry Winners

First Prize Poetry 2003:
Two Worlds
by Natasha G., India/Alabama, Age 14

What is this strange mysterious world,
in which I hide and try to get by?
A mixture of two worlds fused together,
I am not part of one or the other.

Living each day one step at a time,
changing myself in every breath that I take.
Balancing two worlds in the palm of my hand speaking
two languages one of each land.

The love for both's food, the hate for both's prejudice,
my brain and heart speak different languages.
Two accents leap from my tongue.
Have I two homes or have I none?

Natasha on life between cultures: The hardest thing about balancing two cultures would probably have to be adjusting to new things around you, while still mantaining your heritage.The best thing would be knowing so much about two cultures and gaining experiences from both.


Second Prize 2003 Poetry:
The Perfect One
by Zhan Tao Y., China/Nevada, Age 14

The perfect one, that’s who I am.
The best of the best, I stand alone.
No one knows my name.
I am only there for one purpose.
One purpose only.

To them, I am the perfect one
I am the one who loves to read,
To those crowds of hypocrites,
With their plastered, manicured smiles,
I am perfect; I shall never fail.

I must be the best; I must be perfect.
I must maintain my family tree.
For the rest, they can idle all they want.
I shall soar higher than they ever dare to dream.

They are there, waiting for me to fail; I know it.
I know that I must not blow it.
I shall remain to all as I seem,
Perfect, unconquerable, withstanding.

Zhan Tao on life between cultures: The hardest thing about balancing two cultures is that there is no one place that you can say you truly belong. Human nature and instinct have taught us that we should always be defined as one thing or another, so balancing two cultures does not fit into that teaching. Though youcan try your hardest at trying to fit in, you will always be known to both cultures as the opposite culture. The best thing about being an immigrant is that you get to help make the place you immigrate to a better place, for you bring with you the best -- and worst -- of the customs, culture, and ethnic background of where you come from. These customs will eventually become part of the place you go to and help to make the place more unique.


Third Prize 2003 Poetry:
From Russia With Love
by Laura S., Russia/New York, Age 13

They look in my face.
They can tell I'm from a different place.
I look at them with pride.
I tell them you'd like me if you tried.

They don't want to be my friend.
They think hanging out with Russians is no trend.
I reassure myself it is not a crime to have an accent.
I know it is not bad to know two languages in any event.

They have inspired me to appreciate who I am.
They made me treat my two language like a gem.
I realized you must understand some folks are ignorant.
I also know when you ignore them, you're truly brilliant.

Laura on life between cultures: The hardest thing about balancing two cultures is not forgetting your native language. You often have a temptation to speak English in front of relatives who only speak Russian. It is also pretty difficult to approach ethical values. What seems right from one culture, seems wrong from another. The best thing about being an immigrant is having the ability to communicate in a whole different language. You can use this for practical things like on the job and for fun, like annoying your friends who don't understand the language. I think I'm blessed to know two languages and be a part of two cultures.