Perseverence

I am from endless rounds of Elefun,
The board game Trouble,
pink tubs of Legos
and Japanese Karuta;
from playing with stuffed bunnies,
kittens
teddy bears and penguins,
placing them on pillows
with vibrant handkerchiefs on top,
tucking them into bed.
I am from Mama's bedtime readings
and listening to classical music,
clutching tightly to a bottle of water.
I am from climbing magnolia trees
in clammy Louisiana weather,
scratching ant bites
as I went up higher and higher,
unwavering.

But
I am also from being teased at school:
My small almond eyes
Too skinny
I am from whispers in history class,
and the mantra-like murmurs
about my race, my culture, my heritage
Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, Nagasaki
I am from mixed emotions,
twinges of pain
from being torn apart
by the very countries
that ended the last World War.
But then again,
I am from climbing those magnolia trees
with the ants.
And I keep moving,
determined
to never let go.

---

Shoko Morikawa, age 17
2008 Finalist
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana State University Lab School
Teacher: Connie MacDonald