Where I am From Emily Montes (2022) I am from the bright blue- gray adoquines To the colorful building you see while walking down the street I am from the endless blue ocean And the crisp wind Where the sun shines at all hours Where no matter where you go you are greeted with kindness I am from el canto del coqui And the streets full of music I am from having summer all year round And the endless nights I am from cafe con leche in the mornings and night And the beautiful views all around I am from a small yet full of life island And one with a great deal of history I am from la Isla del encanto
Carolina Chávez (2022)
Homeland Carlos De Ontañón (2022) Welcome to my homeland, Where the Rs become Ls, Where the snow becomes sand, Where a handshake becomes a hug. Welcome to my homeland, Where holes on the street become craters, Where a light drizzle becomes a hurricane, Where plains become rainforests Welcome to my homeland, Where rap becomes reggaeton Where a guitar becomes un cuatro Where fish sticks become bacalaitos Welcome to my homeland, Where the Cherokee become Taíno Where a group of people become a movement Where two languages become one. Welcome to Puerto Rico, The island engraved in my heart Where barren walls become murals And where the ordinary becomes art.
Sebastian Delgado (2024)
I Am From Stanley Cheng (2022) I am from “Are you Chinese?” I am from “Wow, you know Spanish!” I am from “How did your parents arrive here?” I am different I am from a Chinese community Where everyone knows each other, Where everyone is related to some kind of restaurant business. Restaurants with Asian food and a stain of plantain. I am from Chinese parents who came to the island with nothing I am from the top beaches in the world I am from parties with lechón and peking duck I am from an island that no matter where you go, you will find someone you know. I am a Chinorriqueño
Alexa Giulimondi (2025)
A Solemn Confession Adriana Alvarado (2022) Tears stream down her face As she watches the whole world fade away Dreaming that this is not real Alone she was again The end was near Like the feeling of the emptiness that grew Watching the unexpected turn into reality Tears stream down her face From vivid to gray Life was being drained out of the light She just sat there As she watched the world fade away The one thing that she couldn’t give up Slipped through the cracks Without her even noticing and left her Dreaming that this is not real From always to nothing and from full to empty He was the one that let go Alone she was again
María Levis (2024)
A Closet of Smiles Julieta Bruno-Ferré (2022) “I’m fine,” I say as smile #4 reassures the comment. #4 is the one that hides my teeth but shows my dimple It’s the one my family thinks is the normal one #4 is the “smile” I’ve been using for the past year and no one has noticed the difference. When I’m with certain people I can truly smile. I don’t have to pick one out of the closet or conceal my feelings by pursing my lips, I can finally smile. #4 has become my go-to. Thankfully, it’s convincing enough that people stop asking questions but sadly, it's convincing enough that people stop asking questions. I use that one because all my other smiles have failed to hide essentially that - what I want to hide. I don’t know what to do. Should I choose another smile? Maybe #2 works? Maybe #3? They’ll notice if I change it, right? But… then again, who cares? When people ask you how you are, they don’t really want to know. They ask you to fill the void of silence. They ask you as you’re passing by and only have a couple of seconds to answer. They don’t sit you down for coffee and rephrase that unwelcome sentence. They always simply ask, “How are you?” And there I am… stuck at a crossroads. Do I tell them every little detail? Do I tell them how I really am? Do I even know how I really am? I freeze as their eyes look into mine for a quick answer. I feed into my habit and say, “Yea, I’m fine, thanks,” as smile #4 reassures the comment.
She Valentina Flores (2022) In the future-focused all day, as she promptly runs away. Leaves you an empty-handed fool. After all, she loves to ridicule. Tik, Tik she passes me by She pushes me out of the way She never looks behind her In the future focused all-day Everyone craves her attention. We all want her to stay. Beg her to be here one more second. As she promptly runs away. I don't think she’s a good person I would even call her cruel She steals beauty health and memories Leaves you an empty-handed fool One day I wish to meet her, and avenge all she took But I'm sure she’ll laugh and snicker After all, she loves to ridicule.
Joaquín Estopinal (2025)
The Bird That Lost Its Song Ignacio Garcia (2022) Once upon a beautiful day Three birds sat upon the doorsteps shade. Two birds flew off, one bird stayed. The one with no whistle or tune to give way. The bird knew not a single rhyme or tune, And as such, couldn’t find anyone to swoon. So it sat until it was beneath the moon, Hoping it can learn to sing soon. Once the first light of the sun shined, And the wind started to blow high, The bird heard it’s first wind chimes, And began to listen to the sounds of life. It heard the sounds of cats and dogs, The sounds of leaves, kites, and frogs, The sounds of bells, clocks, and cogs, And the sounds of people and love songs. The bird once again sat below the door, With a new melody that it adores. And thus the bird would sing once more, And would continue to sing so forevermore.
In the that of my those Peter Joseph Gonzalez (2022) I touched the whomst’ve of the that to hear the those of your thou, My that is that thee name of though for that as a glimpse that the dough would that inside the that of biting my those names of the that. I’m am that and those and this and the and that, That color known as the formerly those, reveals the it as that self for those. The Ranch Dressing Soda. The that of those did the this, The third that clock this rung those wind that the Man whomst'd've'ly'yaint'nt'ed'ies's'y'es'nt'ed'ies's'y'es'nt't're'ing'able'ric'ive'al'nt'ne'm'll'ble'al the. But then, that the those who did this that though, This That.
I Am From Katie Jurgel (2022) I am from A fishing town full of hockey addicts. Nobody is as Irish as them. Where the sports fans go wild. The clam chowder is on every menu. But you can never go wrong with the Boston cream pie. The “Rs” are as rare as the car blinkers. Pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd. Dunkin Donuts is on every corner of each street. Tom Brady represents the city. Where the architecture comes from England. Colonial-style buildings are mixed. The cobblestone streets in the North End. To the 19th century brownstones on Newbury Street. From hot summer days in Fenway Park. To performing the “wave” endlessly. Sweet Caroline is playing. Fireworks are going off on the third. not the fourth of July. A city of firsts. Known as “Beantown”. Originated from colonial times. I am from a place called Boston, Massachusetts.
Chloe Lawrence (2025)
The Feminist Movement Victoria Kaufer Casas (2022) I understand why many don’t want to say it out loud, But being a feminist should make you proud. The problem is that feminists are misunderstood, While men may think they’re working for themselves, they are just working towards the greater good. Feminists can be any gender including non-conforming folks and men. Feminists are not working against men is what I’ll repeat if I have to do so again and again. Feminists are just advocating for women to have a life full of zen. They advocate so that women feel safe when they’re alone after ten. They fight so that people don’t have to conform to the standards of Barbie and Ken. They fight so that women can receive equal pay. They fight so that women stop getting catcalled and don’t feel like prey. They fight so that women have power in their homes and don’t feel scared when in bed they lay. They fight so the government realizes women have a right to abortions and stop trying to take it away. They fight so that gender violence is never regarded as okay. There are women who, trying to reach what society thinks is perfect, kill their natural beauty and fray. “Society loves skinny but thick straight-haired blondes with blue eyes and a perfect smile,” but in reality it’s okay to have brown eyes and hair that’s getting gray. Feminists fight so that everyone loves themselves and that in their bodies they wish to stay. They fight so that all body types are seen as beautiful and that it doesn’t make a difference how much you weigh. They fight so that society realizes beauty can be found in every little thing and so that women’s physical appearance doesn’t affect how they are treated by society and will never get in the way. They fight so that no one feels invalidated and when taking actions others’ opinions, a role doesn’t play. They fight so that society recognizes that it causes many women a mental disarray. They fight so that even though society has dictated that women need to shave, regarding their bodies, they’re the ones that have the final say. They fight so that women have equal rights, no matter if they’re straight or gay. They fight so that women have equal rights, no matter their religion or to whom they pray. They fight so that women’s lives get better, even if it’s hour by hour, or day by day. But honestly, there is a misconception that present day feminists are ridiculous women who have nothing else to do. Remarks range from “In previous decades, women accepted their realities,” and “There’s no reason to fight since there’s nothing to do.” However, the reality is that the concept of feminism is not even new. Women have always been combatting the patriarchy and advocating for being granted basic rights too. Feminists just fight for basic needs after all we’ve been through. That feminism may include “Girl Power” is a statement that’s true. But even if you don’t identify as a woman, or when it comes to experiencing a gender issue you don’t have a clue, The feminist movement needs your help: It needs you! More girls, boys, and non-conforming folks joining the feminist movement is long overdue. So, even if you’re not a girl, never be afraid to be the real you. Because even if many don’t want to say it out loud Being a feminist should always make you proud.
Beatriz García (2025)
Helicopter Gabriela Lantigua (2022) My feelings fly away with the letters that you wrote I let you go as the last few tears fall from your eyes Before you left for good you said one last quote I will never forget your words as they were so wise “This is not a goodbye this is a see you later” you said Truth is my heart breaks in two when I'm without you Now I will learn to be alone in my own head But I had to leave you so I wouldn’t be so blue
When will it stop? Catalina Montalvo (2022) Stop, stop, STOP THE CAR. In an instant she was gone. There he was. Their eyes locked. Sweetest eyes in the world. Shivering, scared, and hungry a raggedy collar wrapped around his neck. Injured, left alone to die Who could have done this? Stop, stop, STOP THE ABUSE No one ever wants to stop. Can’t leave without him A pure and innocent soul Never again to be left alone For he is now and forever home.
Guarded Soul Julieta Bruno-Ferré (2022) It isn’t your fault, I told her How could you have known? It will be okay, don’t worry A part of me is broken and she’ll never truly know. I didn’t show emotion for a week People asked and wondered what had happened to me But I'd rather die than let people see me weak. She repeatedly apologized in worry It isn’t your fault, I told her. Who’s at fault? I solemnly must know. Who silently grabbed my arms and cupped my mouth, I surely should know She asked who it was and how it occurred Her chocolate-colored eyes widened as I told her my story, Tears rolled down her cheeks as lowered her head and cried “I-I’m s-s-sorry” I grabbed her chin and told her, How could you have known? Her tears spilled on my shoulders As I told her how the dim bar lights didn’t let me see I told her how I was okay, but I wasn’t. She ignored my comment and mumbled through her cries, “It will be okay, don’t worry.” I closed my eyes and took a breath I smiled through the pain as I relived how his hand moved around my chest She took my hand let me out the stall door A part of me is broken and she’ll never truly know.
Fake Love Elias Ortega (2022) Does love even exist? Sometimes I wonder, I've tried to insist, But it'll just take me longer. They say someone is out there, Waiting for me, But I stopped believing, Because it's better like this. It took me some time, But I learned to adapt Found temporary pleasure, It wasn't good for my heart. It feels good but its bad, It's always making me sad I know I wouldn't go mad, If only true love I had.
Rafael Marrero (2024)
I am from Javier Ríos (2022) I am from the red blood of brave warriors striving for white victory and peace. I am from the blue sky above me and the sea that surrounds me. I am from the star in the middle of the Caribbean. I am from the rising whistle from dusk 'till dawn, the crowing sound that wakes me up, and the bright green feathers that move through the sky. I am from the red blooms in spring and the giant flat crown.
Valeria Latorraca (2023)
After Pablo Neruda Mariana Toro (2022) If love is so short And forgetting is so long, Where does that leave me? I love like it’s my last day I remember like I breathe.
Small Island Girl Carolina Alvarado (2022) I'm for the sweat and dirt of the campy “campos.” Where the leaves and the wind are your nap partners And where the streets are like filing cabinets filled with my history. Hard workers, “campesinos” and farmers are my roots. Running down barefoot to the creek filled with hopes and dreams is what we do. I'm from the beaches of the west. Where the seashell and the seagulls are your friends. From a place where not just my toes get covered in sand. And from where the surfer's second home is the ocean. I'm from the suburbs of Canovanas. Where family is the center of everything. And the smell of a traditional Puerto Rican meal is what fills the air. Where family is not just reserved for 4 but instead 12. From where family is not just blood but love. I'm from hazel and black eyes but somehow mine are brown. I'm from black and red hair but somehow mine is brown. I'm from 5’9 and 5’4 but somehow I'm 5’3. I'm from twins but somehow I'm just me.
My island Diego Díaz (2022) An island that stretches around 100 miles long and 35 miles wide. An island where the most beautiful people live and where one of the purest and richest cultures exist, is where I am from. With music ranging from salsa to reggaeton, And food ranging from arroz con habichuelas to pastelitos con carne. I was born close to the beach and close to the sound of coquis. Calling it la Isla del Encanto is an understatement. Crystal water and perfect sand, Is all I need to be a happy man. The beat of the drums represents my beating heart. Beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking green landscapes, Are some of the great things you can explore here. The island that saw me be born will be forever engraved in my heart. And like the great Marc Anthnoy said, “Yo sé lo que son los encantos De mi Borinquen hermosa Por eso la quiero yo tanto Por siempre la llamaré preciosa.”
Marina Pascual (2023)
A Silent Goodbye Julieta Bruno-Ferré (2022) She flips her hair and bats her eyes, She patiently smiles, and a tear rolls down her cheek to wave me goodbye. I watch her leave into the bliss, As my feet stayed frozen on the floor, thinking about the opportunity I just missed as, She flips her hair and bats her eyes. I wonder who she’ll be and where she’ll go, Her tears cloud her thoughts not wanting to go, She patiently smiles. We didn’t hug, we didn’t scream or cry, Because that would be the end of a chapter neither of us is ready to finalize, and a tear rolls down her cheek to wave me goodbye.
Football Sebasitan Diaz (2022) All the late nights. All the injuries. All the blood, sweat and tears. Every car ride. Every game. Every stop. And every TD. The highs reaching far above the clouds. to the lows that left me grounded. The brotherhood. From lessons in loss. To cherish victory. Finishing what I started through any and all obstacles. Thank you football.
Valeria Latorraca (2023)
To my grandpa Ella Fournier (2022) You’re from La Havana You’re from Cuba You adopted the populous streets of Miami as yours And now Puerto Rico is home Your story inspires me everyday How you left your home in Cuba behind Escaped on a boat at 19 and was adrift with nothing for 15 days How you had to watch your friends die in front of you How you kept fighting for your country And you never gave up Your strength is what I hope to one day achieve How you carry yourself How kind and selfless you are Your humor and coffee jokes Your collection of books and letters from the Cuban-American war But most importantly Your story telling It is a rare moment when you like to tell us about your past And they’re moments that I like to take all in To listen and observe You built this family and gave us our now You will always
Wrigley Field a poem for my dad, the supermodel Dana Erickson My father taught me how to drive a stick shift, to wake up early in the morning to get work done when the house is silent, and that singing along with the song with your headphones on doesn’t make you a very good singer. My dad taught me that the crack of a bat by Edgar Martinez sounds different in an outdoor stadium, that an overhead light has worse lighting than table lamps, how to drop a joke at just the right moment to make the room burst in laughter, how to be proud of your loved ones in all the decisions they make for themselves. My father taught me how to love unconditionally, even if it hurts your reputation. I found a lone piece of paper when I was cleaning out his dusty roll top desk with his familiar handwriting; loops and leaning words that resemble his mom’s. He wrote, “I reflect on paths through the forest, where every turn may unfold another scene of colorful beauty. Sometimes of wildlife, which often takes one by surprise.” My sister and my mom are the artists, But my dad taught me the power of words. Unfortunately, My father didn’t teach me how to master the Travis Pick, to save money for tough times, to bbq in the Weber, to buy a reasonable car, to take notes on a legal pad, or how to heal from losing a parent.
Andrea Álvarez (2025)
Russell Westbrook Lara García (2022) In 2008 the journey began The fourth in the draft Orange and blue, they were the fans Committed to the city, He got the bag The triple double reign Went by fast Red and Navy soon turned into fans A short time in the H and the capital Passed by like a flash To the Lakers he went Things swiftly swapped Went from triple double king To the contents of a wall
ABAB ABAB (Blanket) Annia Guindín (2022) Soft and creamy Comfy and clean When you press your face to them, they feel all sunny and dreamy Smelling all like the color cerulean Much like how the ticking of the clock is forever compulsory Regardless of feelin’ Your blanket patiently Always yearnin’
Peace is absolute Richard Ho (2022) One day in a peaceful park, A wave of sounds came that were louder than a bark, An obnoxious guitarist broke the vibe, Some left, Some stayed in disgust, Some prayed that he’d get dragged by the dust, The guitarist cried aloud, He jumped, And jumped, And jumped, He slipped, He did not get up, The scratchy music stopped, Peace is absolute.
Rodrigo Aponte (2022)
My Roots Sofia Nevares (2022) I come from hard workers and risk takers. From soil clouded fingers and untaught brains with monochromatic smiles, to Austrian crown jewels and shiny silk gloves. I come from a two sided sphere. From massacres by faciast rulers that caused steamboat journeys to Ellis Island, to threats of people-owners in the Caribbean. I come from adversity. From language barriers and strong German accents, to being terrorized because of the flush of our skin. I come from triumph. From sleepless nights creating a living with limitless ambition, to sleepless nights escaping from home, trying not to be captured. I come from Austria and Puerto Rico. From the moist mountains and foggy sky, the salty breeze of my home, and the smell of apple strudel for breakfast. I come from my mom's dark eyebrows and my dad's resistance to the sun. From Humacao, and Condado Beach, to Vienna and Connecticut. I come from La Pescaderia and Richmond Country Club. From Chicharrones “en la J15” to clay-filled all white-attire tennis, I come from Judaism and Christianity. From chicken nuggets after Sunday misa, to black coffee and weiner schnitzel under thousands of paintings. I am Sofia Nevares Rodriguez Axtmayer and I call the eastern and western hemispheres my blood.
Pétalos de una mujer Sofía Corral (2022)
` Where I’m From Viviana Pereyo (2022) I come from broken legs and a dry cough, From the raspy touch to your voice you can only get from screaming as loud as you can, I come from my grandmother's lap and watching ballerinas on a stage, From dancing, singing, and loving the world in the ways a child only can. I come from the crowded bodied in the Model United Nations room back in seventh grade, From stuttered words to a more practiced, confident facade. From learning to forgive those who've hurt you and forgive yourself all the same, From the way my mom sounds when she calls me to dinner with my name. I come from my parents; as different as they are From my father's proud nature, his anger, his drive From my mother's excitement, her optimism, her need to work hard From chinchorreos, ABBA's music, and the Spanglish in my house I am Viviana Pereyo, I am where I'm from.
Love is a Commitment Natán Lago (2022) I'd rather have loyalty than love 'Cause love really don't mean jack See love is just a feeling You can love somebody and still stab them in the back. It don't take much to love You can love somebody just by being attached See loyalty is a action You can love or hate me and still have my back. For someone so special I would give my all I would go to war with the world All it takes is your call.
What is Friendship? Elena Toro (2022) It is something that is coveted by all people, It is one of the few things that can help you grow as a person, It’s a vortex of appreciation and kindness, Mixed with joyfulness, care, love Amongst other things. Friendships are like families, they are there to stay They are there to see you through your most difficult times in life, To help you find light at the end of any darkness, They are there to rejoice with you, laugh with you, enjoy moments with you. It is reciprocated energy that has the strongest bond, One that both parties work to preserve It’s not something forced, but something created, like love And its loss hurts more than any other broken love Because losing it means losing an integral part of you, Leaving a void that is harder to fill. Friendship is the best thing that could ever happen to you.
Love you Sofia Nevares (2022) Roses are red Violets are blue If I had a giant teddy bear I’d throw it at you.
Laura Pichardo (2023)
American Dream Emilio Solé (2025) The feeling The feeling of needing Continuously third wheeling the unease and the unnecessary need for more The human desire for which is paper To reside in a mansion or skyscraper To ride town in a rolls Royce I mean the choice is yours While the urge is unavoidable The price for fulfillment is unaffordable You’ll need to work for years Sacrifice peers For a future so bright that you just can’t deny But hey wipe off ur tears cuz you’re finally here…
Where I’m from Juan Cabrera (2022) I am from a very unique island A place so small, yet so diverse Where everyone knows each other I am from a place of frequent parties Late night mistakes And the smell of coffee for those tired mornings I am from a place of gorgeous views So captivating and colorful It’s all just so wonderful I am from a place where the longest car ride is 3 hours Everything is so close together And it's so damn convenient I am from a place where the lights go out as fast as they come back A place where I have to find my way around the house with a flashlight And cook canned food with a gas stove half the time I am from a place where storms and hurricanes like to pass by To destroy everything or just say hi Whether it’s nice or not, I still wouldn’t want them to visit I am from a place of amazing food Good music And sympathetic people I am from a very unique island called Puerto Rico And even with all of its flaws I still am happy to call this place my home
Diana Pujals (2023)
18 Viviana Pereyó (2022) When you can’t fit into your uniform anymore. When you’re taller than your mother and can feel your brother growing old. You are 18, does that make your jaw hit the floor? And the only thing you are sure about is that soon you’ll be cold. You are still a child at your core. But your youth is on the verge of being bought and sold. If I’m not seventeen, am I going to be a bore? I’m afraid I do not fit the college girl mold.
Later Lara García (2022) I'll do it later As I always say But later, is already today