GIST Verse

• For Teena

  A good life raft can transform even the most harsh, daring waves into a sweet, lulling embrace You need a good crew - maybe six, maybe more a granddaughter or two to help with the oars Thirteen years later, these buoys still float There's really nothing to it, all you need is a little love and some hope.

• For Jess

  Little moments big joys golden eyes coffee in hand A robe snuggly worn, a loving embrace To have To hold Little moments big joys dare to be loved to be so bold

• For Michelle

  My mom, the Chanel model my mother, the saint Windswept, but a force to be reckoned with She is my lullaby, my voice in the night My everything, my full moon rising, maternal delight She is here, with me always on my forearm in my chest My guarding angel because mother knows best

• For Mariam

  True North points hope points home Rudderless, sans compass we can succumb to fear We can get lost forever in the dark But a neighbor's light can guide you back Reminding you that you shine, too Like an electric charge purposeful and here unwavering

• For Saeed and his mentees

  Touch faith, I dare you Let your shaking hand become a fist, or better, let it extend to your brothers and sisters and gisters Call out, though your voice might crack, it won't break Create an echo, of pain, yes wary of the echo chamber Let your cry carry another and another and say HERE WE ARE AND HERE WE STAND FOREVER WE TOGETHER WE CAN. TOGETHER WE WILL.

• For Terry

  The Twins and The Other One Not so far apart Bound by beating heart Marching together eyes straight ahead Stitched together forever by a strong sororal thread GISTer sister sister, my love If I am an angel, you are heaven above

These poems, written by Elizabeth Burch-Hudson of ARS Poetica, were crafted through conversations with members of the GIST community, capturing their unique stories and experiences.