More Poetry from Evanston Teens*
Just because I am from another country,
doesn’t mean I should be your servant
doesn’t mean I don’t know your language
doesn’t mean I can’t follow the rules.
Just because I’m bigger
doesn’t mean you can call me giagantor
doesn’t mean I am like a tree trunk
doesn’t mean I’m a meany
Just because I’m black
doesn’t mean I can’t learn
doesn’t mean you should treat me like a slave
doesn’t mean I’m from the chocolate world
It’s just how I am.
-Alexis J.
Just Because…
Just because I talk ghetto
Doesn’t mean I’m simple or slow
Just because I am chubby
Doesn’t mean I always “Have it My Way”
Just because my teeth are crooked
Doesn’t mean I’m a freak
Just because I fight
It doesn’t make me a bully
Just because I rap
Doesn’t mean I qualify for the senseless statistics
Just because I’m hard
Doesn’t mean I can’t be soft
Just because I’m black
Doesn’t mean I always eat chicken
Doesn’t mean I always eat watermelon
-Chauncey G.
Don’t Judge Me
Just because I’m a girl
Doesn’t mean I’m weak
Doesn’t mean I can’t win
Doesn’t mean I’m bossy
Just because I’m a nerd
Doesn’t mean I can’t let loose
Doesn’t mean I’m a stick in the mud
Doesn’t mean I’m a geeky bookworm
Just because I’m tall
Doesn’t mean I’ve been held back
Doesn’t mean I’m a giant
Doesn’t mean I’m a freak
That’s just how I am so you
Either take or leave it
-Tyler D
*This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
