I only know that learning to believe in the power of my own words has been the most freeing experience of my life. It has brought me the most light. And isn't that what a poem is? A lantern glowing in the dark.

I only know that learning to believe in the power of my own words has been the most freeing experience of my life.It has brought me the most light.And isn't that what a poem is?A lantern glowing in the dark.

Pero, tú no eres fácil.”You sure ain’t an easy one.

Because after all the poemsI've written for him and othersthis is the first poems ever written for me.I'll never be as good of a poet as you, Poet X, and I believe you're strong enoughto defend yourself and me at the same time,but I'll always have your back,and I'll always protect your heart.

And now his smile is a little sad. And I think about all the things we could be if we were never told our bodies were not built for them.

If Medusa was Dominicanand had a daughter, I think I'd be her.I look and feel like a myth.A story distorted, waiting for others to stopand stare.

The way the words say what I mean,how they twist and turn language,how they connect with people. How they build community.

And as she recites Scripture words tumble out of my mouth too, all of the poems and stanzas I've memorized spill out, getting louder and louder, all out of order, until I'm yelling at the top of my lungs, heaving the words like weapons from my chest...