Earlier in the week we shared news and information about WriteGirl, the innovative writing and mentoring program for young women that’s running a poetry drive to raise funds for the group’s workshops.
Showing our support, we purchased a “Girl Perspective” poem, which we just received and HAD to share!
The poem was written for us by Addissyn, a 15-year-old well beyond her years. Addissyn is going into the ninth grade and has been a participant in WriteGirl since the 2013 season. She loves writing, especially poetry, and spends her free time journaling and reading all the books she can get her hands on. Addissyn was an active participant in Student Leadership at her middle school and was named honorable mention in the first Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate ceremony.
Never underestimate the power of a girl and her pen!
pretty faces
thats not all we are
we are a new kind of
generation
empowering an entire race
from the ground up
we do far more than he ever has done
women are a certain birth
of superheroes
oppressed and neglected
but
we don’t ever stop going
mothers – daughters – sisters
AND
doctors – lawyers – writers – store owners
we are more than this world
gives us credit for
while we work
we feed our children
take them to soccer
go on dates
get married
have a drink
go to a concert
women do not fill
one shape
we are thousands of bodies
building a better life
than any man could muster
finding ways to be happy
by making others happy too
we are the
roots branches and leaves
of the same tree
pretty block letters
carved into us like lies and truths
a smile even when the day sucks
we blow in the wind
encouraging a breeze
whispering tales of untold dreams
bathing our babies
and kissing our lovers
we are a kind of
superhero race
we don’t wear capes
or a flashy sign
we don’t need fancy shoes
to walk through life
or perfect hair
or girly clothes
hair gets wind blown
clothes are supposed to comfort
nails get chipped
we are still beautiful
still living life to the maximum capacity
feeding our children
bathing them
kissing our lovers
having a drink
we are a race of
superheroes
we’re going to shape
the future
we are more than just
pretty faces
– Addissyn, age 15
You can follow WriteGirl on Facebook and Twitter. Check out the group’s poetry drive here.