Recently one of our Youth Mentors, Dana Kinsey, performed her poem “Ten Things to Say When Meeting a Miracle” at the Ware Center in honor of her mentee, Miracle.
Ten Things to Say When Meeting a Miracle
- I never knew a woman who skyscrapers a cornfield like you.
- Life plucks Hope’s feathers, but you sew them back. Never pierce my skin.
- Your “amen” translates into 500 languages, a Kapok tree teeming with animal sighs, a storm of Nigerian tears, a dog-eared book of psalms.
- I love how you allow dreams to rouse you from bed mornings when each bone wants to sink into sheets.
- You chase laughter down long dark hallways, even days with no pay and rent due soon.
- A GED agreed that your mind opens wide for knowledge, even dead American presidents who never spoke your name.
- The 3-year-old boy clinging to you hears Love whisper in his ear, tell him he’s smart and strong, bold and funny, kind and gentle, even when he’s tangled in noise.
- Isn’t it wild how you traveled 5,499 miles to a new continent to teach me Christmas lights aren’t strung on fir trees?
- Your smile in scrubs on CNA pinning day was 8th Wonder-worthy, the masterpiece I’ve waited my life to see.
- You are my country; I pledge allegiance to you.
“This poem is my attempt to express how influential Miracle and her child have been in my life. This mentorship gifted me the opportunity to witness one of the bravest women I’ve ever met navigate countless obstacles to not only achieve her goals, but immediately set new ones. I’m forever grateful to CWS for matching us,” Dana said.
“Dana is always willing to help and motivate me, even when you almost feel like giving up,” Miracle said. “She’s patient and encouraging. I’m even at a loss of words to use but she inspired me a lot.”
“Making a new home in Lancaster was different at first and then I got used to it and it feels really good here, and welcoming. So many people are willing to help you grow no matter what and taking out time to share information.”