Claire Rohrs, a junior at Pius X, has been honored for her poem, ‘My Truth’, which is now in a published book. ‘Mediums for Change Youth Expression Project’ was published by the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
What inspired this poem?
Society has taught us that it is OK discriminate against a certain viewpoint or opinion. We need to recognize that a difference in opinion doesn’t mean that the other person’s opinion is “invalid” or “uneducated”. We need to stop trying to force are opinions on others and instead have a respectful conversations with each other. This poem was written because someone tried to condemn what I believe and force their opinion on me.
‘My Truth’ by Claire Rohrs
“I sit in the back of the car. The conversation that was once innocent is now a hostile debate. My opponent speaks of freedom while simultaneously taking it away from me. Her words fire like bullets piercing my dignity and beliefs. The shots are heard but those that hear do not come to my aid. I sit straighter like my bullet wounds are nothing more than scrapes and bruises. I will defend myself with every fact I have. I will be heard. My voice will ring above my adversary. I will not let an ignorant mind silence my truth.”
Why do you enjoy writing, and when did you begin writing poetry?
I do enjoy writing and trying to word things so that I can convey a certain mood or emotion. I want to make people feel something with my poetry. I started writing poetry when I was in grade school for reading class but I really started getting into writing it in 7th grade.
What does it mean to you see your words in a printed book, and to have that book in your school library?
It is so empowering to see my work published. I feel so much pride for my work because it is a labor of love to write each one. I try to word each poem in a way that evokes emotion. I also try to write about things I’m feeling which makes my poems come straight from the heart and is a represent who I am at my core. The fact that it is in the library is so cool!
What else do you like to do at Pius X, and what are you looking forward to during your junior year?
I am a part of the Color Guard for the marching band, pep band, Spectrum show choir, Acapella barbershop group, Ambassadors, WRC, and the Pius X trap team. I am looking forward to getting back to ‘normal’ classes, retreats, and Godteens. I’m honestly just trying to take this year one day at a time and not look so far ahead that I forget about what is going on right in front of me.
‘My Truth’ by Claire Rohrs
“I sit in the back of the car. The conversation that was once innocent is now a hostile debate. My opponent speaks of freedom while simultaneously taking it away from me. Her words fire like bullets piercing my dignity and beliefs. The shots are heard but those that hear do not come to my aid. I sit straighter like my bullet wounds are nothing more than scrapes and bruises. I will defend myself with every fact I have. I will be heard. My voice will ring above my adversary. I will not let an ignorant mind silence my truth.”
