by Vivian Rapacciuolo
The only light is from the window
I carefully choose a CD
Cradling it in my hand like a jewel
I press play with anticipation
Then step back
And the music brings euphoria
Young Poets OutLOUD
Many young Islanders (18 and younger) submit their original poems, and we publish them here on our website. We rotate poems continuously, so this page will change from time to time. Keep checking back to see what new work by young Islanders appears, and tell your friends to visit too!
The Listening Experience
CP
by Nigel Coleman
You don’t know what you see when you look at me.
I might look fine, but I’m not.
When I’m at school people whisper,
They talk about the boy with the limp.
Some kids even ask if I’m trying to be a pimp.
When you look at me, you really don’t know me.
I have CP or Cerebral Palsy.
When I was five and started school I had a brace on my leg.
My momma told me God made me this way for a reason.
My confidence speaks for itself. Look at me now!
I have CP but as you can see, it really doesn’t matter to me.
There were some challenges that I faced
Like riding a bike and roller skating all over the place.
Sometimes I get frustrated and I SHOUT
I cry when I know I can’t do something because of IT.
But I know if I can’t do something I want because of CP
It’s going to make me a stronger person.
Now you know what you see when you look at me, you see a person who is okay to have CP
YEAH, I HAVE CP BUT CP DON’T HAVE ME!!
Riding the Road
by Sal Cento
Riding the Road
at the speed of light
the vibration of the music
fills your lungs and mind
The sluggish don’t stand a chance.
The fast are not fast enough.
You barely feel the warning of the wind
The blur of motions following the backside of your hand.
You were so out there you didn’t seem to notice the piercing of the glass on your skin
doesn’t seem to hurt
until it is too late and you feel the coldness of the concrete embracing you
It feels so good on your spine but you soon come to realize
that all is not what it seems
The sounds of the siren are coming near
but your eyes are closing my dear.