Love and Nine Numbers

In the Elm City, amongst the deciduous trees and snowy sidewalks there exists a boy that I love The story of our acquaintance is an interesting one, let me tell you I met this boy in search of a DREAM, in an overcrowded, makeshift meeting space He told me his story in that makeshift meeting space, His story of a 7 year old being whisked off of a plane and being told by his father that he could never speak of his unlawful presence in this “great country” Before being shipped off to Mickey D’s, to enjoy the addicting, quick fix that represents the American dream Now, this boy is an uneager STEM major. With every invitation to speak at a rally, or to be present at the city’s address, he is haunted by what he could have been: a politician, a school reformer, someone with an attainable DREAM This boy that I love only represents one of thousands, thirsty for knowledge, and passionate for success Thousands of youth who see their parents return home from work, exhausted Who see the gate to success in front of them, but lack the nine-number code that opens that gate Who still hear the words of Cesar Chavez ringing in their ears, but whose rights are still withheld By nine numbers