Do You See Me?

A poem written and performed by students at the Derby Ball on May 4, 2024

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

Of seven younger siblings

I’d like to run track, but

I’m the caretaker

And today they need me

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

I’d like to get a job, get some spending cash, but

I have three younger brothers

Most days I look after them

While Mama goes to work

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

A boy asked me to the spring formal today

I’d love to go, but

How will I afford a dress?

A haircut? Some shoes?

Today I’ll say no

Dances are stupid anyway

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

I wanted to use Christmas money for a new phone, but

Yesterday the school called

Said I owe a technology fee

So I guess my cracked iPhone 6 will have to do

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

Last week I was invited to a party

New friends sounded nice, but

Things got out of hand

And now I sit in Juvie

With no friends in sight

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

Some days the skies grow dark

Try this pill they said, but

Now I need them

How can I get more? More? MORE?

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

Yesterday was my birthday

I turned 18, but

Today I moved out

Because if I stay I’ll owe rent

Who are they to tell me what to do, anyway?

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

Mom’s boyfriend kicked me out

Now I’m couch surfing, but

This guy that lives here? He’s so fine

He says he loves me

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

I haven’t heard from Mr. Fine in two months, but

Just today I found out I’m due…

In seven more months

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

I’m smart! I have college dreams!

They say I’ll make an excellent nurse, but

I’ve missed five days of school this month

Taking care of my sick baby.

Will I even still graduate?

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

Spring break is the next two weeks, but

We don’t have any food.

I burglarized a local shop

Because my brothers need to eat

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

Today I was invited to a place called

Narrow Gate Horse Ranch

It was like therapy, but

The people there, man…

They care

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

Next week I’ll go back to Narrow Gate

Where the people listen, true, but

The horses

It’s like they actually understand!

Do you see me?

I’m a healthy teenager

I’m standing right in front of you, but

This place, Narrow Gate,

Has taught me

That my problems don’t define me

This place?

This place taught me…LOVE

-written by shared KHA Homework Club &

NGHR students and their teacher, Angie Sanders

-performed by students Ciera Thomas