Where They're From

Hey Maxinators.
We had an assignment to write Where I'm from poems about characters in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Here are my two poems below, written about Junior Spirit and Rowdy.

Where I’m From - Junior

I’m from an idea most don’t take pride in.

From being that one person who defies my reservation’s standards,

From perseverance and from defiant actions

I’m from traditional dances and music

I’m from the stories that I can’t relate to

From the Tribal bond that can’t be broken

Where I’m from, the words of ‘wisdom’ echo from my Father’s mouth

“Those white people aren’t better than you”

But he was so wrong

Where I’m from, new ideas are frowned upon

The reservation is a stagnant environment that shows no room to grow.

I leave to grow, and they stay to stay as they are. Where I’m from they can change but they don’t try.

I’m not the brightest. I’m stupid.

“You’re not stupid.”

Wrong answer.

Where I’m from, they stay with their roots, even if it means not becoming their best self.

I’m from the saddest reservation.

I suppose the whole family is depressed.

Where I’m from, my people are caged, and their emotions are even more so.

“I don’t like to cry.” “Other kids, they beat me up when I cry.”

I’m from the most yet least safe reservation in existence.

I don't cry in fear of being beat up, yet I cry because I fear of being beat up

I’m from the words,

“You are a good kid. You deserve the world.”

I wanted to cry.

Junior makes a good leader because he is venturing out into uncharted territory. He is leading children in reservations everywhere to speak out against what they believe is wrong

Where I’m from - Rowdy

I am from no actions have consequences, but from knowledge.

Where I’m from, my answer is always to fight. Not protect.

Still, he claims I protect him.

“Rowdy protects me.”

No. I don’t.

Where I’m from, the line between right and wrong is smaller than my patience.

From words of hurt to actual hurt

I’m from lost futures and lost dreams.

I’m from passing my feelings in my actions and words

“Toughen up.”

The only words that flow straight from my ears into my mouth.

I do to people what others do to me.

I’m from pain.

I am my pain and my mistakes.

I’ll fight you. I’ll fight that. I’ll fight him.

What’s wrong with me?

“Everything!”

I’m from wanting to be a hero yet ending up as the villain

I am not a “Big goofy dreamer.”

I’m the only one who listens to Junior. He’s the only one I listen to.

I am a fighter. Where I’m from, warriors are usually praised.

But I’m not a warrior.

I’m a fighter.  

Where I’m from, revenge feels good.

Rowdy makes a good leader because he is brave and defiant. These characteristics are helpful for a leader to have because they make him appear as a strong role model.

Enjoy Maxinators!


-Maxi❤︎

Where They're From

Hey Maxinators.
We had an assignment to write Where I'm from poems about characters in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Here are my two poems below, written about Junior Spirit and Rowdy.

Where I’m From - Junior

I’m from an idea most don’t take pride in.

From being that one person who defies my reservation’s standards,

From perseverance and from defiant actions

I’m from traditional dances and music

I’m from the stories that I can’t relate to

From the Tribal bond that can’t be broken

Where I’m from, the words of ‘wisdom’ echo from my Father’s mouth

“Those white people aren’t better than you”

But he was so wrong

Where I’m from, new ideas are frowned upon

The reservation is a stagnant environment that shows no room to grow.

I leave to grow, and they stay to stay as they are. Where I’m from they can change but they don’t try.

I’m not the brightest. I’m stupid.

“You’re not stupid.”

Wrong answer.

Where I’m from, they stay with their roots, even if it means not becoming their best self.

I’m from the saddest reservation.

I suppose the whole family is depressed.

Where I’m from, my people are caged, and their emotions are even more so.

“I don’t like to cry.” “Other kids, they beat me up when I cry.”

I’m from the most yet least safe reservation in existence.

I don't cry in fear of being beat up, yet I cry because I fear of being beat up

I’m from the words,

“You are a good kid. You deserve the world.”

I wanted to cry.

Junior makes a good leader because he is venturing out into uncharted territory. He is leading children in reservations everywhere to speak out against what they believe is wrong

Where I’m from - Rowdy

I am from no actions have consequences, but from knowledge.

Where I’m from, my answer is always to fight. Not protect.

Still, he claims I protect him.

“Rowdy protects me.”

No. I don’t.

Where I’m from, the line between right and wrong is smaller than my patience.

From words of hurt to actual hurt

I’m from lost futures and lost dreams.

I’m from passing my feelings in my actions and words

“Toughen up.”

The only words that flow straight from my ears into my mouth.

I do to people what others do to me.

I’m from pain.

I am my pain and my mistakes.

I’ll fight you. I’ll fight that. I’ll fight him.

What’s wrong with me?

“Everything!”

I’m from wanting to be a hero yet ending up as the villain

I am not a “Big goofy dreamer.”

I’m the only one who listens to Junior. He’s the only one I listen to.

I am a fighter. Where I’m from, warriors are usually praised.

But I’m not a warrior.

I’m a fighter.  

Where I’m from, revenge feels good.

Rowdy makes a good leader because he is brave and defiant. These characteristics are helpful for a leader to have because they make him appear as a strong role model.

Enjoy Maxinators!


-Maxi❤︎

Declaring Independence

Hey Maxinators! In History class the lesson we are on is specific to The Declaration of Independence.  Today's blog prompt is to choose something to declare independence from. Enjoy: 

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for me to dissolve the bands which have connected me with homework, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that I should declare the causes which impel me to the separation. I want to declare my Independence from homework. Homework takes a lot of time out of my life, and when I am not at school I can be found studying or doing something school related. Homework takes a large portion of my freedom away. For example, if I have not finished weekend homework, I am not allowed to be social at all until I finish everything that needs to be done. Being social is important to me as a teenager as well as someone who has been separated from close friends. Homework also causes many unwanted feelings such as stress, anxiety, and can cause loss of sleep. It really is not beneficial to me at all. Besides, the side effects are very disappointing. ☹

-Maxi ❤︎

Then and Now

heyy maxinators

This week in History we have been learning about colonies and the lives of people in the colonies and how they contrast to the lives of people in America now. For example, the settlers came to the US searching for religious freedom. After many generations, the freedom to practice any religion is a given, as they had to travel months to get it for themselves and their ancestors hundreds of years later.
Another difference is education. In the colonies, education was limited and little to none of the children living in the colonies had an education. Some families hired tutors or sent their older children to schools overseas. Schools were incredibly small, contrasting the large schools found in the US today. All children are required to go to school as well. There was also a belief that boys needed education more than girls. Lastly, a huge difference is leisure of the colonists. Today, leisurely activities include reading, writing, drawing, sports, as well as video games and more modern activities and various hobbies. The adult settlers enjoyed different activities such as house and barn raising,  fox hunting, card playing, bull bating and more. They also held competitions such as foot races, dancing and wrestling contests. Children played with simple things such as marbles, dolls and spinning tops.

-Maxi

IDENTITY

hi maxinators ;) here's a few words about identity and the book that I am reading in class! enjoy ❤︎

In Sherman Alexie's novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, the protagonist, Junior identifies with many tribes as well as the one he belongs to physically. I personally identify with 3 tribes mainly. These include, The Tribe of Good Friends, The Tribe of Artists, and the Tribe of Dancers. My friends have been a huge part of my life for as long as I remember. The Tribe of Good friends to me does not necessarily mean to me that I am a good friend, but that I know that I have amazing friends. Art has been part of my life for many years, but I have recently graduated from scribbles to portraits and still-life. Lastly, I have been dancing my whole life and I am thrilled to begin a class after many years of hoping.
Those are my 3 tribes! Comment yours ;)

-

Maxi