Here are a few poems from Unique and Incomparable, the latest collection of student writing from the University Settlement Adult Literacy Program and the NYU Gallatin Writing Program:

TOWARDS A NEW LIFE
Bettina Ockoumou

I miss the sound of the bells of Notre Dame.
I miss the rainbow of flowers from the Tuileries Garden.
I miss the evening strolls on the Alma Bridge.
I miss the lights of the Champs Elysees.
I miss the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
I miss the picnics on the Seine banks.
I miss the afternoons at the Louvre Museum.
I miss Paris.
But I’m not sad
Because in New York I have so many places to discover,
And even more memories to build.

 

CHANGING
Kelly Chen

I used to wear a t-shirt and jeans in the fall in China.
Now, I need to wear a light jacket in the fall in New York.
I used to go to the grocery store to buy fresh vegetables and fruits every day after work in China.
Now, I need to prepare a whole week of food on the weekend in New York.
I used to meet my friends very often in China.
Now, I need to make an “appointment” with my friends first, and meet once or twice a month in New York.

I used to chat with my neighbors for a long time in China.
Now, I often stop by and say hi and then shut the door in New York.
Our life is changing everyday. I wish I could change the bad things and keep the good things.
I used to wear a t-shirt and jeans in the fall in China.
Now, I need to wear a light jacket in the fall in New York.
I used to go to the grocery store to buy fresh vegetables and
fruits every day after work in China.
Now, I need to prepare a whole week of food on the weekend in New York.

I used to meet my friends very often in China.
Now, I need to make an “appointment” with my friends first, and meet once or twice a month in New York.
I used to chat with my neighbors for a long time in China.
Now, I often stop by and say hi and then shut the door in New York.
Our life is changing every day. I wish I could change the bad things
and keep the good things.

 

TO MY DEAR EARTH
Lorena Mejia

To my dear earth
Who I love with all my heart
I want to dedicate these words
I wish that this sounds like a song
Green valleys, a blue sky, cover the beautiful scene
From the highest top I close my eyes and I can feel
I’m fortunate here
When the sky cries, the flowers smile
Because I think they’re feeling alive
Who says it is always sadness’s tears?
The sky was just joking to wet the earth
How can you forget the big oceans when you see a map?
The people think there are many fantastic creatures inside
Let’s take care of our only home
Love the earth as if it was your own child

 

MANHATTAN
Qiong (June) Zhou

Manhattan, New York
You have strong modern city features
Like the new World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty
Rockefeller Center and the grand bridges
The Empire State Building and Times Square
The headquarters of the United Nations and Central Park
You with your unique temperament
Standing at the top of the American economy and culture
The light of freedom shines to the whole world
Along with urban growth, the spirit of the city
Manhattan, New York
There is food that lets you taste all over the world
Here are leading works of art that take people’s breath away
There are many museums and exhibitions
They can make your view and vision big and extensive
Despite the world recession and
The 9/11 terrorist attacks here
You, the unyielding spirit of the urban
Mixed with dazzling neon lights
Let the city of the world shine on the stage
This is Manhattan, New York
A unique, glamorous, infinite city

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