Why I Don't Like Poetry Poem by Ariel ~

" I hated poetry … I want to read a poem by someone who looks like me."
Miguel Loredo
Native American Poet

I want to read a poem
by someone who looks like me;
I want to look at their picture
and see my skin shaded with life.
I want the poet to be standing -
talking to other people;
them listening to this poet's words
that will be my words,
them hearing stories of the poet's life
that will be my life.
I want to know that even if
I do not find the words
someone did, my family's life
my peoples' life will live on,
my momma and her chili,
her momma and her poi.

I want other people
to know them
learn the lessons their hard
lives have taught them.
I want to know
when our children look
at old photographs
I am there, in this poet;
this poet that gave me voice
gave you voice.
I want someone in school
one day to hear
what life was like for Uncle
to herd hoary sheep in Ireland,
for father's grandparents' to run
silently through the streets of Salzburg.
I want one day to open a book
and read my best friend
how she stood up to
cracking boys on the street corner.
If we don't find the words, write
the words, I'm glad someone did.