For all the Toledos
Darkness and suffering
Sadness and fear live in the streets
Some of my own never get an opportunity
To be scientists
To reach the planets
But light lies ahead
It surrounds us
Sometimes physically around a neighborhood
Dry to those who cannot see
But full of soul and dreams
Who I Am on the Inside
On the inside I am
Strong Super-cali-frigi-listic Sophie
On the inside I am the
Brave beautiful Believer
On the inside I am one
Respectful Resilient Rodriguez
On the inside I am a
Passionate Peaceful Protester
On the inside I am a
Caring Creative Kind Community
On the inside I am the
Heavenly Hopeful Huasteca
On the inside I am the
Meritorious Motivated Mexica
A Mindful Marvel Miracle
Who are you on the inside?
By Sophie Rodriguez, age 9, Huasteca and Mexican American, Illinois. The poems were entered for the 2021 Youth Awards Program.