Here, There

Here – in, at, or to this place or position
There – in, at, or to this place or position
I am here
The place that I left you, I am here
The same place I witnessed you grow up
I am here, everyday around you
I am here, my family WILL NOT forget me
I am here, like a marker or beacon over there
I am there
The place you choose not to look
I am there
The choice you decided not to come
I am there, the exact place you left me
You do not understand the pain that is here
You do not understand the difficulties I experience
You do not remember the name you’ve given me

Baltimore Beat is running poems from participants in the group Writers in Baltimore Schools, which offers programming that builds skills in literacy and communication while creating a community of support for young writers.