The Broward College student authors of the compositions and poems below come from many different countries. The stories highlight the life experiences of some of our international students and are part of their work in the Advanced Composition I class, EAP1540C. They represent one of the many modes of writing taught in the Broward College Language Program. The poems were written by students in the Listening & Speaking III class, EAP0300C, as part of an exercise in practicing the beautiful rhythm of English.

Who Are You?

Helen Olivera, Venezuela

You are my love

You are my sun

Everything in my world

Who are you?

I need to know your smell

I need to know your smile

I want to know now

Who are you?

It’s Your Move Now

Jean Laurent Pierre, Haiti

Life is so hard, but just be strong.

They will fight you and do you wrong.

First thing to know: life is not fair.

You pray to the Lord and you take care.

Do what you can with all your best.

Sooner or later will be the test.

Pass it, fail it, it’s up to you,

Depending on what you want to do.

I Miss You in My Dreams

Geraldina Constant, Haiti

I miss you in my dreams

Miss your smile in my dreams

Miss your beautiful face

Miss your beautiful lips

Look at me now

I am changed

My heart, my face

All of me

I miss you boy

Please come back to me

I miss you in my dreams

Tripoli

Hala Moubayad, Lebanon

The day I left Tripoli was horrid

I left my family and peers

It taught me everything as a kid

I left not alone in my tears.

The Child in Him and Me

Diane Pierre, Haiti

I loved the child in him

So innocent and sweet

The tender way he spoke

That showed me that he cared

The touch of his warm hand

That gently touched my hair

For when I was with him

I found the child in me.

My Lasting Promise to You

Merlene Leandre, Haiti

Love is a word with many meanings.

So when I say, “I love you,”

I want you to understand

Exactly what I mean.

I don’t say “I love you”

Expecting something in return,

Or just to make you feel better.

I say it so that you know

That no matter what else happens in my life,

There is at least one thing

That you can count on:

Me loving you.