I Really Need You to Hear This

<p><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>It's hard to be young</em></p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>When you are among</em></p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Others who also are struggling with some</em></p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Of the challenges of growing up-finding a voice</em></p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Can't measure the pressure to make the right choice</em></p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>You want independence be on your own</em></p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Must be respectful and use the right tone</em></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>In Kim Bearden's first poetry collection </span><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)>I Really Need You to Hear This</em><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(34 34 34 1)> young voices emerge in verse documenting-tentatively at times and at other times boldly-the joys challenges fears frustrations hesitations and comforts of growing up in today's world. Many poems are situated in the classroom with their young narrators reflecting on how the adults around them are struggling to see and support them. With huge heart and tremendous insight Bearden captures the complex layered experience of coming of age in America and celebrates what our young people can tell us if we only listen more closely.</span></p>