Profile of Resiliency: Alonzo

At A Place 4 Me, we believe in the power of stories to illuminate truth, build connection, and challenge systems that fail young people. Through our Profiles of Resiliency, we uplift the voices of youth and young adults in our community, sharing their lived experiences in their own words.

In this piece, REACH Youth Action Board member Alonzo offers a powerful reflection on identity through poetry. We’re honored to share his story as part of our ongoing commitment to centering youth voices.

[Untitled Poem by Alonzo]

What does your identity mean to you?
Does it fortify you and give you strength?
Make you feel like a Katy Perry–esque firework
lighting up across the sky?

Well, yes—of course, I mean these days.
But not always.
Not for me.

Ever been told your identity is wrong?
Been told you are not being
what you are "meant to be" properly?

Felt like your life is a prison,
with the pillars of your OWN identity forming the bars?

No!?

Well, don't you worry your pretty little heads.
I'll happily illustrate what it's like on the other side.

Ya' know,
I remember raising tadpoles with my daddy,
playing in the Georgia woods like a wild thing.

I never could have guessed
that's how some people would always perceive me.
But that’s a problem for later—
after our move to the city of pyrite heirs.

I still remember the way the sun itself
seemed to lose vibrancy
the further we got from home.

As we entered the city,
a loveless chill possessed
the space where my father should be shining.

I realized,
for the first time in my life,
that I'm terrified of the dark.

My unyielding flame of adventure
suddenly seemed so dim
without him to guide and light my way.

My love for nature
twisted by misery
into a pernicious pretzel that never ends.

Poisoned by each bite,
I can only wonder—
what will this place make me into?
And how do I survive a poisoned life?

Ignorant of the vaccine
already pulsing
through my veins.