Roots

by Ronan Brinkley, 18

we grow roots like breathing

we grow roots like the laughter 
of my brother in summertime, 
head thrown back in the easy kind of joy
the kind that makes you forget 
why you were looking straight ahead
in the first place
teeth bared in happiness 
heart open to vulnerability 
if this is what it feels like 

we grow roots
like my best friend’s voice 
on speaker phone, 
giggling about some new boy toy
she’s ten times too good for,
offering him retwists like 
a currency of caring 

we grow roots 
like an old rap song distorted on our
cheap kitchen radio the
blanks filled with memory,
‘member i heard this song in the car
and i thought of you
heard this song on my brother’s ringtone 
and played in cars passing by 
and i thought of you
listen to the message cause
if i ruled the world 
i’d free me, too

we grow roots 
like friends riding bikes to the
corner store and skipping the policed 
streets, sun shining down as i try to keep up
with longer routes and quicker pace 
we move in haste and excitement 
know no popsicle would be worth the beef 

we grow roots
like braiding hair in living rooms,
back against the sofa
keep your head straight and i’ll keep 
your parts straighter
pay no cash 
pay no mind
if the braids are tight 

we grow roots like soul food 
cooked for dinner
done by lunchtime,
like seconds and thirds 
and shared leftovers

we grow roots
like hands coming together 
not in prayer but in silent solidarity,
one snap 
enough said 
get home safe 
call me once you’re in your crib 

we grow roots 
like the art we created
out of their untouchable hatred and
our age old pain 
and this earth shaking love, 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Reader’s note: This poem stood out to me because it skillfully weaves together themes of personal growth, connection, and the transformative power of shared experiences. The imagery of “roots growing through the soil,” “the scent of fresh rain,” and “the warmth of the sun” creates a sensory-rich environment that allows readers to feel the depth of the relationships being described, making them more emotionally engaged in the narrative. Additionally, the poem’s use of nature as a metaphor for personal evolution and the passage of time resonates on a universal level, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and connection with others. The balance between evocative language and meaningful themes makes it both introspective and relatable, offering an experience that stays with the reader long after the words have been read.