UK National Poetry Day: From The Projects to Freedom

I wrote this when I was a teenager:

From The Projects to Freedom

It was a under a heavy sky,
That he looked up
With endless brown eyes
And from his mouth spilt forth
Poetic worlds full of hopeful promises.

And, it was there under that sheltering sky
That I found
Solace and comfort,
Knew no pain.
There within the glow
That exuded off
The brownness of his skin,
Magnified by the heat
In the air
And tripled by the warmth
Of his scent;
Of coconuts and blue oceans,
Of Caribbean, warm island breezes
Fused with incense and musk.

There within the magnitude
Of his intellectual expressions
I stood mute.
Taken aback by
The impossibleness
Of his righteous beauty.

And, it was then that I knew.

Freedom lay past him,
Just yonder
In that endless, heavy, blue sky.
All that he was;
Was lust multiplied,
Tying me down,
Claiming me his property,
With promises of his name
And his progeny.

But I knew that the only guarantee
Was one of poverty
And so spreading my metaphorical wings
Like some ethereal, kamikaze butterfly,
I soared.

Off rooftops,
Past projects,
Leaving my tormentors behind.
Bounding off structures
Like a superhero,
Superwoman in disguise.
I tasted freedom
And was inclined never to be victimized.

Spread the love

More Articles for You

On Growing up in East Harlem: Italian (Barese) and Puerto Rican Heritage

I was thrilled to chat with podcaster, and fellow author and family historian Bob Sorrentino earlier this month. During our …

Spread the love

Food Culture: The Best Podcast for “Top Chef” Fans

The food we eat, how we eat and prepare it is so intricately tied to our culture, our heritage and …

Spread the love

The “Frida In Her Own Words” Documentary Is Phenomenal

This lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork, drawn from her diary, revealing letters, essays, and print interviews for the …

Spread the love

Reading Haiti: 5 Books to Explore Its History and Culture

Edwidge Danticat is one of Haiti’s most celebrated authors. Her notable works include “Breath, Eyes, Memory,” “Krik? Krak!,” and “The …

Spread the love

Finding Relief: 5 Books to Help Manage Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but there are resources available to help navigate this journey. Whether you’re looking …

Spread the love

Frida Kahlo As An Iconic Disability Advocate

PBS is once again featuring Frida Kahlo in a new three part documentary series, airing now that seeks to to …

Spread the love