If I were a dog

then I would love to run around

and I would hate to be kept in a cage

and I would know my owners love me

 

If I were a child

I would love to be taken care of and I would hate to be punished

I would notice my parents love me

I would believe my parents love me

I would realize my parents love me

 

If I were a basketball

Then I would sense someone dribbling me

I would think that they like to play with me

I would never want to be flat

 

If I were a poet

Then I would want to write about something good

I would feel calm because I would get to say all the things I want to say

And I would hope people like them, my poems!

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This poem is published in The Light in My World, a compilation of original poetry written by young people ages 5 – 12 who stayed with their families in housing at Solid Ground’s Broadview Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing for women and children. The young authors who contributed to The Light in My World are not identified by their real names, and some details have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of them and their families. The authors retain copyrights on their individual works.