Kelechi Kalu Greenbelt, Maryland

Kelechi began writing poetry while studying for his bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. He graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice in December of 1995. Though he is originally from Nigeria, Kelechi was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. He has published two poems with the National Library of Poetry. His first poem entitled "Individualism" was published in the Fall of 1995 while the second, "Beauty Standards", was printed in January, 1997. He received an Editor's Choice Award for both poems.

INDIVIDUALISM One should not be looked upon with scorn Because he of she violates the norm We all have different ways of expression Different ways of answering our own questions. Life is but a short span soon to pass Make the most of it while it lasts Always be yourself. Some might question your fashion But I ask you to just imagine What it would be like if we were all the same In life's unpredictable game Wouldn't it be somewhat lame? You have a right to freedom of expression So when they ask, give them this suggestion; Always be yourself.

BEAUTY STANDARDS Every look you take in the mirror Distorts your vision, it gets less clearer Society's foolishness knows no bounds Now you judge your self worth in pounds Obsessed with attaining the lightness of a feather Enduring hunger and not caring whether or not your body could be drastically affected You're mimicking skeletal mannequins who are well respected Only heaven knows what kind of chemicals and rituals helped them ascend to their pedestals and pinnacles Walking thin lines and borders, Battling all those eating disorders Anorexia and Bulimia are just two of a few Think of all the damage they could do Not only physically, but also mentally If it isn't natural it wasn't meant to be My plea to you is clear and candid Never torture yourself to fit 'beauty standards'.

All poems Copyright © 1997 Kelechi Kalu. All rights reserved.