The Houston Chronicle reports today on the city's district-wide annual Immigrant Writing Festival, where high school students meet once a week to articulate their experiences of dislocation through poems and essays.
"Poetry is the clearest form by which I can cry without shedding a single tear," said one student. "It is the form by which I may scream without bothering anyone ... Poetry is the language of my soul."
"It is a way we can write what we are feeling, but aren't brave enough to say," added another.
This is exactly why I love reading submissions to the Fire Escape's annual poetry and short fiction contests for teens between cultures. Deadline this year for submissions is June 1st, so please spread the word.
"Poetry is the clearest form by which I can cry without shedding a single tear," said one student. "It is the form by which I may scream without bothering anyone ... Poetry is the language of my soul."
"It is a way we can write what we are feeling, but aren't brave enough to say," added another.
This is exactly why I love reading submissions to the Fire Escape's annual poetry and short fiction contests for teens between cultures. Deadline this year for submissions is June 1st, so please spread the word.