Youth Center Spoken Word Poetry Jam

“Right now, I been makin plans to keep you proud
My future gon be better, I can see it in me now.”

Words of hope from a young poet, currently being held at the Hamilton County Youth Detention Center.

She is one of 15 Youth Center residents to read their original work at the first Youth Center “Spoken Word Poetry Jam” on July 19. In addition to the youth poets, six staff members shared their poetry. Pearl Anderson, who oversees administrative operations and volunteer programs at the Youth Center organized the event with support from Youth Center staff.

Also presenting was guest speaker, poet and author, Edwin “Orlando” Swan, who shared passages from his book, “Introduction to Orlando 101 Soul Edition.”

The heartfelt, original works performed by the children and staff, moved the audience, which included parents, HCJC staff and friends of the Court, to tears. Members of the Youth Center’s Youth Council scored the participants work and awarded E.W. first place for her poem, “Dear Ma.” We are proud and to share, with permission, the full poem below.

Dear Ma
by E.W.

I’m walkin on my own now
I know it took me a minute
But it’s fasho u raised a strong child
You told me ima end up dead if I keep hangin with the wrong crowd
It’s crazy iant dead but iah be gone for a long while
You said it hurt you deeply when u got that call
Answer the phone, I’m sorry momma but I can’t come home
My uncle gone
And things won’t get no better
Even through weakest moments
My love for you will last forever
See I was broke down wit trauma
But I’m doin better now
You always showed us you was strong
When daddy tried to beat you down
You always told us when u leave
We gotta learn to take control
You always said that we yo better half
Without us, you ain’t whole
So now I know all the pain and suffer u went through
All the women in the world, it ain’t another one like you
You our hero
Our warrior
A heck of a woman
And I just wanna say I’m sorry that I said you was nothin
And I just wanna say I’m sorry that I ever said I hate you
You the only mother that I have, I can’t replace u
Right now, I been makin plans to keep you proud
My future gon be better, I can see it in me now
Thanks to you, I’m finished wit my baby steps
I’m walking on my own
When I was lost, u helped me make it back
And I have pride that you’re my mom
Ima do what I’m supposed to do
And here’s my strongest words, Dear momma, I love you