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❤︎