Today is my birthday. The students sang “Happy Birthday” at lunch; its was loud, boisterous, and a bit off key.  I might have blushed. While we were cleaning up afterwards, Wisly whispered for me to wait for him. He ran upstairs and came down with a piece of notebook paper in his hands. Then he sat where I had at the table, waiting for a break in the conversation. The guys gave him some friendly ribbing, but the eagerness and vulnerability on his face was telling. He said he had something to read to me for my birthday. My jaw dropped, my eyes watered. I looked at Kirubel then Lucas, in disbelief and awe. Everyone was silent…

 

MY INSPIRATION

“Eh! You’re not alone”

The words Lucas said when I was in the Dorm home

And Naomi cares about me, and be my mom

Now my writing could be the key of the light noon

Thanks for Ashley, to show me how to keep trying

Thanks for Q, it’s knowledge after the world I can buying

Thanks for Gabriella Capasso, cause in art you put me in

The wind and love, the peace and cold; just turn me in

Thanks for Lily, by your help I’m still happy

Thanks, Brady, for Bible; so much secret you learned me

Thanks for Keira, when I had failed who still holds me

Thanks for advise, inspiration, all from Harry

On musical, more sensation, thanks Gillbert; just be friendly

And thanks for Get, be seriously and your help in chemistry

Yah, I see the way now

I will just keep trying.

No transition, Just good action

Passion

Just push me to say

You are My Inspiration.

ⒸWislyPierre 2018.  Used by permission.

 

A breathe of silence followed by words of exclamation and encouragement. So beautiful.
At LCHS, you are not alone. We are community. We are family. It takes all of us to make a difference.