To the casual observer, Dilvin Habib looks like an ordinary eighth grade student at Moorhead Junior High School. She jokes with friends, worries about her homework and cares about her family. But ask her what she enjoys doing in her spare time and she will list writing poetry at the top of the list.
     Habib is the winner of the ‘Hope for 2002’ poetry contest sponsored by the Fargo Forum. She credits her family for inspiring her to write. “My brothers and sisters will say things with the perfect words for poems.”
     Poetry has been a part of Habib’s life for five years. Beginning in third grade, she would write about sports and school. But as she’s grown older, topics have become more emotional and personal. Common subjects include her immigration from Iraq to America eight years ago, racial issues and how people should be treated.
     Poetry is a way for Habib to express the feelings she experiences and the issues that challenge her every day. “Sometimes there’s too much stuff in my head and I need to just write it down,” Habib said.

To read Dilvin's poetry, click here.