Introduction

I grew up, moving from place to place
Ridiculed, bullied and lonely, so I hid my face

Left from birth, my father never in my life
Robbing me of the opportunity to even start out right

Childhood surrounded by anger, alcohol and abuse
Moments alone with my mom, were my only refuge

I retreated from the bombardment of hurt
Finding shelter in my silence... yet never my worth

Disgusted at my own race, I claim something I’m not
Truth accompanied by to many hardships long fought

I became my best friend and my own worst enemy
Hoarding my emotions deep within me

Running over in time, spilling onto paper
These sentences were forged by my labor

My poems kept hidden, most still yet never read
Many times my works became my saving thread

Bravely I stand here, daring to expose light
To places where there had never been need of sight

I listen and learn to all those before and after
Enjoying this art intricately laced by each crafter

I’ve discovered solace in my like minded new found friends
Elated I can picture new beginnings now, no longer feeling at ends

With this I thank each of you and these our hosts
For the one day each month, I look forward to the most.