A Poem from a Havern Alum
Phoenix
by Elizabeth H.
I know when someone says dyslexic they think: not intelligent
Like dance without movement or a book of blank pages
“You’re never going to get anywhere in life”
They try to bury me in their lies
Instead of cowering, I hurdle their falsehoods
Their words are the kindling that light the fire of my success
Like the ballerina who is hardworking and resilient but shows confidence and grace; I persevere
I will rise like the sun, and shine light and warmth to those who gifted me darkness
Forgiving those who wounded me
Holding onto TRUTH for myself and sharing it with others
Elizabeth attended Havern for her 6th and 7th grade years. She is currently a sophomore in high school. Elizabeth reports that when she arrived at Havern she was grade levels behind and felt defeated and only able to see the things she could not do. Elizabeth says, “Havern put the tools in my toolbox to help me learn. They taught phonograms so when I see big words they aren’t overwhelming anymore because I can break them into small parts and then put them all back together. Sometimes it is hard and I need help and that is ok. At Havern, I never felt dumb for asking questions. My teachers helped me learn how to learn.”
