Le Jardin Sixth-grader Pens Poetic Social Commentary

A poetry slam at Le Jardin Middle School produced a number of original creative entries, including the following poem by sixth-grader Suhana Liedtke.

It was submitted to Windward Oahu Voice by Liedtke’s father, Scott, who stated: “I told my daughter I was going to submit her poem wherever we felt was a larger voice than just hers because it was a great message from an observant young lady.”

SORRY

I’m sorry everyone, for begging on the streets, my mind is not what it used to be,

I’m sorry everyone, for sleeping in our parks, the concrete is wet and cold under the bridge

I’m sorry everyone, for scaring your children, mine won’t see me anymore,

I’m sorry everyone, for stealing food from the trash,

All I hear are the sounds from my stomach,

I’m sorry everyone, for having nowhere to go, my mental health needs keep me out of shelters,

I’m sorry everyone, for using your money, my children are cold and still hungry,

I’m sorry everyone, for not having a job,

I have no choice but to leave the contact information blank,

I’m sorry everyone, for not being one of you.