i wasn't born a poet

I wasn't born a poet.

I was born

mi papi's niña,

la hija de mi mamá,

el bebe that mi abuelita

had asked Dios to be 

sent and born in the U.S.

to form a life there.

I wasn't born a poet.

I was born

an only child, with a few

"specialities,"

with many cousins,

who mi mami would always say

Tu abuelita, Nena,

te quiere más a ti

y ellos te envidian.

I wasn't born a poet.

I was born with a passion

for singing, and maybe if mis padres

would've supported

instead of shaming,

that dream could've been.

I wasn't born a poet.

I was born to be the 

friend everyone would rely on,

the one who's called

"mature" and "intelligent"

all said with love.

I wasn't born a poet.

I was born with the ability

to grip, and I grabbed a pencil,

starting to escape my reality

and become a writer on my own.

I wasn't born a poet,

but I sure wish

to become one.

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This poem has won second place in the 2026 Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts Monterey County High School Poetry Awards!