Introduction
The written word is my favorite form of expression. Writing helps me organize my thoughts, record my history and growth, and heal through hardships. I can reflect the world through my personal mirror, add distortions as I see fit, or create a new story of my own.
This selection of poems was originally written between 2003 and 2012, while I was in junior high to college. They represent some of my early thoughts and feelings around topics of school, soccer, politics, the environment, and more. Some of these poems were written as school assignments, while others were written in my free time. The use of rhymes, satire, and personification are some of my favored writing styles.
The following pieces were published and recognized previously:
“Looking Through the Eyes of Time” was the 1st place poem of the Village of Wilmette’s Black History Month Contest in 2003 (which as a white person I was embarrassed to win, but grateful for the honor— my English teacher required everyone in my class to submit an entry).
“My Blue Pen” was published in the International Library of Poetry’s Timeless Voices book in 2006. This organization is now best known as Poetry.com
“How to Survive New Trier” was published in the student newspaper at New Trier High School in 2008.
Poems including “Kindergarten”, “Just Keeping up is Completely Falling Behind”, and “Exposed” were among the writing samples (along with several essays) that earned me the Denison Book Award in 2008.
Other poems to note:
Poems that I have performed as slam poems at various events and open mics include: “Kindergarten”, “Just Keeping Up is Completely Falling Behind”, “Burn my Body for a Kilowatt”, “Mudd”, “The Illusion of Work”, and “Exposed”.
“I Am” was written as a poetry prompt at my junior high using an “I am” template that we sent to our Chicago student pen pals.
“Simplified” was written in 2006 and expressed some of my frustrations with society and politics at the time.
“Dragon and Nighthawk” was a poem I wrote for my friend’s birthday reflecting on silly moments we shared at Oberlin College and the OC Women’s Soccer Team.
“Burn my Body for a Kilowatt” and “In Dust Tree” were written while I was organizing direct actions with Climate Ground Zero to stop mountain top removal mining in West Virginia.
“Consumers” was written after learning about how some families, including children, across Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, are forced to sift through toxic electronic waste (e-waste) exported to them by the U.S. Learn more here.
“The Unconvincing Police Officer Fails to Recruit” and “Orange” were my first attempts at writing sonnets for a poetry class at Oberlin College. For more evolved views on topics of police and prison abolition, I encourage you to check out the work of Project NIA.
This first installment of poetry is dedicated to my Grandpa Joe, a poet and loving family member who passed away in November 2021. Grandpa, I miss exchanging poems with you and will keep you in my heart as I continue to write.
Thank you for taking the time to read my poetry! Please reach out if you have any feedback or would like to collaborate on any projects. CambiumTrails@gmail.com
I hope to share more of my vast poetry collection with you all! Stay tuned!
— Cambium Trails