Self-Portrait Inside Those Two Red Fish Eyes

by Zeil Saldivar

They think that we can’t see

With a filter— over these eyes.
But we prefer to say

That we just have open minds.

Everyone can’t seem to believe

That there is more than just— blue
In the vast open sea.

As our souls resemble the color azul.

So why don’t we take a moment to perceive

That there might be— a shade of burgundy
And begin to watch this film

Of a kid and their family.

From shouting to sheltering in a home

Shouting from a—continuous laughter
And a shelter to take care of it.

Outside is where it all goes silent.

The silence lingers as days goes by

until after seeing— a glimpse of what it’s like
to have an uncontrollable state of mind

Not one turning back, causing more of a wounded heart and more
or less of a soothing ground.

Zeil Saldivar is an Indigenous Mexican-American creative writing ninth grader at Kinder HSPVA. They have been recognized by the ACLU of Texas for their video on book censorship. They also enjoy expressing themselves with makeup.