Maria is an 18 year old poet, daughter of Mexican immigrants from the Bronx NY. 

Maria’s life was never easy, as she had to live with her alcoholic father, mother, mother’s schizophrenic husband and 2 sisters. The family moved between housing projects and shelters and never really had hope for a better future. 

When Maria started going to high school she experienced depression and social isolation which led her to cutting herself.

Luckily she started writing poems. 

 

The movie opens the door to the world of a young woman who, against all odds, keeps the faith; no family support, not an easy life, with only her poems to keep her from falling.

The images from Maria's present life in college and with her parents are weaved with her past in the form of artistic storytelling.