I don't claim to be a poet but I have had the privilege of being inspired by one of the best - my abuelito, Dr. Jose Maria Carmona. He taught me so much about passion, dedication and strength. He was writing well into his 90's and I had a front seat to his artistry. Little did I know that when he would ask me to type out his hand written poems, he was showing me the way. Every time I write I feel as though a spirit is writing through me, can't help but think it's him.
Onward
I am making my way.
Headed on a journey to a foreign land.
A place I’ve feared.
This journey needs no ticket.
No bags to pack, only to shed.
It will take time.
I may not make it on my first attempt.
The treacherous terrain will tempt me to turn back,
but I will use all my strength to move forward…
Inching closer and closer to the center of me.
What’s there may be scary,
but could also be beautiful.
Onward!
Be brave. Go at ease.
Soul
At the center of me is a vast space
where all my fears dissipate.
Where all that is
and ever will be,
rest in peace and certainty.
That’s what I’ve been told
and want to believe,
but belief has always been hard to concede.
For someone that seeks answers to all,
belief is a problem that I cannot solve.
But now I have allies to help end this war.
And heart over mind is leading the score.
The slaughter of stories created and killed,
the burial of shame and resurrection of will.
One day right and wrong will no longer make sense,
and on that day no more need to repent.
For all’s been forgiven and the path laid out,
to enter that space no longer in doubt.
Shadows
On the other side of darkness shines the brightest light.
I wish to feel that light,
to hold it in my heart,
to share it with others.
to bathe in it.
Allowing it to wash over me I’d feel part of it.
A single ray in the most beautiful flood.
No longer fearing the shadows,
I'd dance with them,
hand in hand,
knowing everything will be alright.