By David Rodriguez

We Held a talent show on May 23rd. Here are a couple of poems from participants.

I Am, By Henry Brill

I am gay, aroflux, and allosexual. I am proud, I am Jewish with an Israeli ancestry and connections. A victim of anti-semitism and anti Zionism. Had to hide my identity to protect my life We have the right to practice any religion. I have Middle Eastern ancestry. I am of mixed ancestry. I am a proud American Israeli. I am a proud Benjaminite. I have Down Syndrome, a victim of ableism, I only see my abilities. I am a victim of xenophobia, ancestry and national origin discrimination, and out casted I have Volhynian ancestry. I am an American Volhynian. A direct descendant of the Volhynian tribe, descended of those from Kievan Rus, Antes tribal polity, Buzhans/Dulebes tribal unions, Drevlians tribe, Serverians tribe/confederation, and Zeruiani tribe The Israelites from ancient Israel. The tribe of Ben from ancient Israel. I am a grand nephew of 15 immigrants, and grand cousin of 13 immigrants. Some were survivors and victims of the pogroms in Eastern Europe, a distant cousin of Israelis and Ukrainians I am a great-grandson of Polish-Israeli immigrants Who are 1939 invasion survivors.

A Butterfly

Wings never broken, Fragile but sweet, A beauty struck by life, What am I without my wife? It’s quiet stillness, But who would be my witness? Shutter with kindness, Mindfulness, If only we could rewind. Is it a bind? Am I allowed to whine? Or am I stuck? Surely, I’m out of luck. My butterfly I hope one day you can flutter on by.