We are Breathitt County -- Pauletta Hansel and Youth

We are Breathitt County

by Pauletta Hansel and students from Breathitt High

I am who I am; every piece of me 

was formed by a small town. 

I have so many dreams,  

you may say I am a dream. 

I am the roots of grass waiting to grow back. 

I am the road I walk upon, 

tough, but slowly cracking. 

I am someone who refuses to change for anyone,  

except myself. 

Though I’m not perfect and I’ve made many mistakes, 

I know I can come home whenever I break. 

I love who I am. 

I love myself  

for never letting anyone tear me down, 

and for believing in me. 

My story is complex; it is broken, yet sewn together. 

I am the youth of a small dying town. 

I look for leaders and I see no one around. 

But I am also fire, forceful spirits igniting. 

I am from the hills and mountains, 

the valleys and the fields, 

foggy mornings and muggy evenings. 

Here is where I live, 

the place where I grew up,  

where most of my memories were made, 

surrounded by family, a small place 

between the mountains and the creek. 

This holler will always be my home  

no matter how far I go. 

The gushing river flows below my house,  

gently calling my name. 

Here is where I live. In a good spot,  

but in a bad place in town.  

Some don’t see the appeal, 

a comfortable, uncomfortable place  

I call home. 

I love every aspect of all of these things— 

the good and the bad. 

This is not done yet, 

but neither is my story.  

By the Students of Breathitt High, with Pauletta Hansel, a poet, essayist and teacher from Jackson who was Cincinnati’s first Poet Laureate. Her parents cared for and educated Breathitt children and young adults for many years.   

This column is brought to you by Our Breathitt, a community arts and health experience bringing together artists and Breathitt Countians from across Kentucky. Project is organized with IDEAS xLab (an artist-led nonprofit), and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Starting in August 2019, five collaborating writers, each with their own perspectives and ties to the county, will offer weekly columns and audio stories for radio and podcasts. Contact us at 859-397-1317 to join this conversation by leaving a voicemail with your response to the questions we raise and adding thoughts of your own! You may hear your responses incorporated into future posts and narratives! You can also email at ourbreathitt@gmail.com.  Information at www.ideasxlab.com/ourbreathitt.