A Single Rose by Mustafa Ahmed, 12

Mustafa is in Grade 7 at Nelson Mandela Park Public School in Regent Park. This poem, "A Single Rose," earned him a standing ovation at the Hot Docs film festival.

Excerpt from "A Single Rose" by Mustafa Ahmed

...about the ridiculous injustices everywhere
About how most don't seem to be aware
About the different avenues to help out there
About how we can start by showing we care
About, about, about
God, do I have to shout?
About, about, about the fact that their cries and tears are so loud and clear
That I fear how our hearts appear
When we all hear
Their severe
And sincere
Pain