From a high school student in Florida:
Toot My Horn
By Yesenia Rey
I was a little ball of flesh
straight out of the womb and fresh
my father was nowhere in sight
it seems he had taken flight
He was a devil, a knave, a rogue, a scoundrel
GOOD-FOR-NOTHING-HEARTLESS monster.
Even though I had a lack
for smiling I always had a knack
since June the 4th the day I was born
I was never afraid to TOOT MY HORN!
I started Standing and Crashing and Falling and
Crawling and Rolling and
SUDDENLY Walking and Running and Racing
and facing the joys of being a toddler.
My mother had a reproving finger
But I was armed with a heart melting giggle.
I would sing on a stage as big as the world
I had now perfected the act of
TOOTING MY HORN!
Slowly my childhood drifted away
Along with the smell of cotton candy in ’98.
There are now mountains on my chests
And a hidden valley under my dress.
Boys refused to look me in the face.
Hormones flowing, gushing, rushing through our
Bodies
Making a fool of everyone.
I would NOT be overcome!
I swung my hips and I licked my lips
Only for the pleasure of seeing men act clownish.
My mirror NEVER lied.
I had God given grace
And an angel blessed face.
The joy of being a conceited teenager:
trading toys for boys.
Now my train of life rounded Miami
With an ear popping nervous wracking
‘TOOT TOOT”
The train has changed directions.
Along with today’s sunrise has come y epiphany.
My “Yes sir” has become “Oui monsieur”
“Mom can you buy me a bike” became
“When will you get me a car?”
My future is on the horizon
Mirroring my journey towards the Court.
The seat on the bench of the Supreme Court does not
Know the revolution to come:
Justice YESENIA
I am an independent, self-sufficient, indestructible,
determined WO-MAN
And I WILL make it because I have always been
Willing and able to
TOOT MY HORN!
Tomorrow will bring graduations, wedding bells,
big bellies, laughter, tears, and class reunions.
I will be proud to be Cuban.
Proud to fight against the odds.
Dare you get in my way?
I will push you, shove you, make you want to cry.
Life will be my canvas
I will make a masterpiece worthy of Michaelangelo.
And YOU will NEVER forget my face.
I will be engraved in your mind.
I will TOOT MY HORN around the world
I will make a name for myself
And I will make my happiness a twentyfourhour
DUTY!