A poem inspired by Willie Perdomo




My maestro wrote
“That’s my heart right there.”
My maestro inspires me because
“That’s a part of me right there.”
My maestro reminds me
“That’s the start of me right there.”
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Losing Papa began a journey of grief that wounded not only me, but Mama as well.
Lost in the haze of heartbreak
Mama lasted two years without Papa.
Now I must last an adult lifetime without them both
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When the opportunity to hone the skills of this written word came around,
Papa believed in me.
When I conveyed to him that I would fundraise for the workshop fees,
Papa gifted me the ability to cover the cost.
When I cried with gratitude,
Papa reminded me that our family history with poetry would continue with me.
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This heart.
This part.
This start.
I owe to Papa.