Jennifer Petsko

I am an ordinary girl who has a big dream,

Inspiring other girls to work in STEAM.

My potential drives far, in the lines of my code,

But the war in my country broke the road.

I can not make myself fall asleep,

Air raid sirens howl like wounded animals.

The sounds of explosions, broken glass, and tears,

Echoed my home, along with screams and prayers.

These awful sounds had made me run away,

From where I spent my splendid life.

The airplane is taking me to the United States,

Where decent humans live, and people thrive.

The sounds of the airplane’s turbines,

Serve like band-aids to my ears.

They really felt like Mama’s lullaby,

That takes away all tragedy and fears.

I fell asleep and slept through the entire flight,

I dreamed of a country where I finally feel safe.

I was surrounded by people who were fair and just.

America felt like the safest cave.

It was the place where people worked,

Forming a community,

United in their plans and dreams.

Where races and religions from around the world

Respect each other’s worth without deems.

I really want to prove that women can,

Lead positions in the Big Tech world.

That’s why I spent my life before,

Preparing myself for it, like a big brave girl.

It felt so nice seeing myself achieve my goals,

But suddenly, I heard the pilot’s voice.

“Arriving in the United States,”

No doubt, it was the greatest choice.

When exiting from the customs, I passed by a TV,

The news was playing on the screen, and I

Again felt pain so deeply in my heart

When seeing people from my country die.

Oh, how I wish all people in the world,

Could use their potential to make others think.

That there are things more important than the war,

And our lives can change for the better in a blink.