10 Piece of Me

Around 2006 she promised she would come home the next day. So, I said see you later.

Your last words were “Make sure Banita eats her chocolate cake”

I cried in sadness knowing you were gone forever.

Around 1999 when she was born, I thought I would hate her.  Instead, I smiled at my best friend.

She bought peace and joy into our lives.

Around 2008 I move to Hammond from Chicago leaving behind the home I only knew.

Scared what awaited me but happy to be out of an unsafe neighborhood.

Been here six years, I want to go back.

Around 2018 I graduate from high school. Glad to be free from the shackles you call Gavit.

I fell asleep at graduation. I woke up in time to leave the building and never look back

Around 2019 I start college choosing my major as nursing happy to be start down a new path.

I changed my major within two weeks.

Around 2009 I was in class learning to do timetables. We had a competition for Ice cream.

I won by default. I used a calculator.

Around 2018 I started my new job at amazon excited to be making so much at the age of 18.

I am now a supervisor and get paid every week. I hate it.

Around 2021 I turn 21 on May 25th. I was kicked out of the bowling alley within an hour.

Around 2020 I decided to become a social worker. Three years in I wonder if I can change it to Art.