Flavors for Friends: Poetry for Children

I was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, the borough that is known as "The Boogie Down Bronx." In Flavors For Friends, I revisited many experiences and lessons I learned as a child. I am the only daughter of Ms. Sadie Marie Applewhite. When I close my eyes, I can still hear her voice! "Julie Ann," she yelled as she stood in the front yard looking up and down the block for me. "Where in the world have you been?" Or, "Who is this you're bringing home now?" Or, "What did I tell you to do in the first place?" Or, "Didn't I tell you that everybody isn't your friend?" Or, "Where is your homework?" Or, "No... You can't go back outside." Or, "No... You can't have any company" and "No, You can't spend the night!" Or, "Don't ask me if she can stay for dinner because I can barely feed you." Or, "Girl, you better go somewhere and sit down!" From what I have observed and learned in the classroom, as much as things change, many of our life lessons are still necessary and remain the same. There is a common thread of situations and conflicts that children encounter. As a poet and writer, I felt the need to express myself and become the voice of love, joy, pain and sometimes angry for children of all ages. I have tapped into the little girl inside of me to write and share this book of poems. In her voice, I show children when an adult says, "I understand," there is truth in their words. The adult Julie Ann and the little girl, Julie Ann both love you!