The Poem “Little Me” by Ty Bale
Texas CASA is honored to share the impressive works of Tylene “Ty” from Austin, TX. The heartfelt poem “Little Me” written by Ty was sent to us by her CASA advocate of four years, Juli Gilson with Highland Lakes CASA. Juli excitedly said, “Ty will turn 21 in October and she has taken advantage of all that the department has to offer. She just moved into her first real apartment and making a beautiful life for herself! Ty has written a poem and I believe it has a powerful message that should be shared,” said Juli. Read on to learn more about Ty and her inspiring journey.
Please tell us a little about what inspired you to write the poem.
I have done a lot of self-reflection recently. I enjoy the space where I am right now in life and I am very thankful to have a place where I can learn about myself. I am happy that I have a space where I can process a lot of things from my past. I got inspired to write this poem because I had these thoughts about certain things that just don’t make sense sometimes and you don’t understand why. Wanting to understand, I put a name to them and wrote “Little Me.” The poem for me was like an itch on your back that feels so satisfying when you reach the right spot and scratch. It was a version of myself that I couldn’t figure out, but just wanted to be seen. Sometimes that’s all that we need.
How has your experience been with your CASA volunteer(s)?
I have only been with one CASA volunteer, Mrs. Juli, and I love her. I hope there are more volunteers like her in CASA because she has made my life wonderful!
What would you say/recommend to a child who is first entering foster care and who has been assigned a CASA volunteer?
I would say that no matter your age to always advocate for yourself. You have a voice and if you say something loud enough, someone will listen. I would also say it is nice to keep a backpack with you to keep everything that’s sentimental to you so you won’t lose it. If you get assigned a CASA volunteer, make sure to be nice to them because they’re not getting paid, they are there because they want to help. It made my life just a little easier sometimes.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself with a wonderful husband and a couple of beautiful kids I can take care of. I have a nice house that I can host in and share my cooking with the people that I love. I have everyday tasks that are enjoyable because it’s for the people and things around me that I care about. I get to be a part of my community and live out my dream by taking care of others and making sure everything is in its place so my family and friends can relax. I will also have a lot of my other works published and hopefully a career I can pursue. Then at the end of my day, I’m at home with my loved ones.
Little Me
Little me
Little me
Little me
I’m sorry
I hear your cries and I hear your sorrows
But unfortunately there are no more tomorrow’s
Your blonde hair turns to brown
And your sweet smile turns into a frown
Time passes day by day
But unfortunately the past will always stay
You can no longer wear your veil of innocence
Because of the people around you and their dark presence
So cute and small turns to so easily lost
And the people’s hearts around you were never on defrost
A moment in time that keep on reliving
A lost part of me that feels like much needed fixing
Naked, cold, and forgotten
But not in my heart where it lies rotten
A lost part of my soul with much needed soothing
I try and I try but however I keep losing
How do I put you to rest?
How do I quench your thirst for feeling less?
How do I fill your cup that’s in your chest?
Can I blurry you in a field full of flowers?
Can I wash you away with much needed showers?
Can I throw you to the sea?
In the hopes that maybe you’ll be set free
But in the end you’ll always be
A lost soul sitting next to me
For as long as my souls alive
for all eternity
— Tylene Bale
