Back in February my dear cousin’s wife reached out to me and asked if I’d be willing to write a poem for her sixth grade class. She teaches at a Spanish Immersion program in St. Paul, Minnesota and suggested, “anything encouraging or acknowledging of their awkward age”. Every week the class reviews a new poem discussing theme, figurative language, and whatever else they fancy exploring. She was hoping to feature a poem by me and “maybe even FaceTime the author!” I was honored, and excited, and immediately said Yes. Though I’ve been a total snail at providing, 6+ months later I’m finally offering Up with the piece below to both her and her beautiful new class; it can be read as both page poetry or spoken word.

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When they write you off with, “You’re so young!” —

Smile anyways.

Delight in it’s Truth and Ground in your Self.

Let any condescension you catch from them fall away.

They are the ones missing The Point,

spending time shaking fingers at numbers that don’t matter,

figures that don’t add up.

You Are Important.

You Matter.

Trust Yourself.

(it’s okay to be confused. we all are.)

 

When the conversation starts with

“When you grow up —“

“Cuando crezcas —“

Remember that no matter what you build out there, it’s what’s Inside that makes The Base.

No need to worry, or plan your life with haste,

No need to compare, or be in any other space —

Have they told you yet that where you’re standing is the perfect place to begin?

¿Te han dicho que dónde estas parado es el lugar perfecto para empezar?

Begin.

Empieza. 

Begin.

Empieza.

Begin.

 

Leave fear at the door and speak from your heart. Begin.

Deja tus miedos en la puerta y empieza. 

Habla desde tu corazón y empieza. 

 

Revolutionize Your Life With This Moment.

Learn How To Be Your Biggest Fan.

Strengthen your Intuition by LISTENING.

and then Act Accordingly. (this is Key)

You were born with tools and gifts and gems that Only You can uncover and reclaim

(this is Key)

 

Don’t stop digging.

Do Not Stop Digging.

No dejes de cavar. 

(this is important, are you listening? are you listening? who are you Listening To?)

 

There is a space between words and actions that You will have to fill.

Are you listening?

There is a space between words and actions that You Will Have to Fill. 

Hay un espacio entre las palabras y las acciones que tendrás que llenar.

Choose Wisely.

Escoja Sabiamente. 

Choose Wisely.

Escoja Sabiamente. 

Choose Wisely.

Escoja con el alma, y el cuerpo, y el amor.

Trust Yourself.

Are you Listening?

Trust Yourself.

 

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To empowering those behind us, before us and beside us. We’re in this together. Adelante.