I speak in echoes, split in two,
Un pas ici, one step brand new.
My tongue is tied between the past,
Un fil d’argent that holds me fast.
Les murs de mots around my mind,
Je les traverse, yet stay confined.
They say “choose one,” mais je refuse—
Ce mélange-là, c’est pas une ruse.
My roots are rivers, wild and wide,
Les deux me portent dans leur marée.
No tongue will tell me who to be—
I am myself, moi, je suis.
Konstantine Lamouelle
Grade: 10 / Sec. IV
Harry Ainlay School
Edmonton, AB
Bio
Konstantine Rafael Lamouelle is a 16-year-old entrepreneur, poet, and athlete from Edmonton, Alberta. Proudly Indigenous, his poetry explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging. Bilingual in French and English, he is passionate about sustainability, youth empowerment, and advocacy. When not writing or leading community initiatives, he trains as a competitive volleyball player.