She is a living record of what can’t be found in history books Diluted sheets can never capture the layers of life that she wears on her face like armor. Each crease, sculpted by the love for her children. No nip and tuck to help erase the bitter winters that pierced through her skin like daggers or the nights she laid her head against bare floors that … Continue reading She Is History (3/30)
Shattered dreams always drown in pools of potential once full of promise. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Blood lines are all that remain as reminders of life taken too soon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nightly visits, he gently nudges on my door begging me to let him in. ~a Haiku poem is a Japanese poem with the first verse with 5 syllables and the second with 7 syllablles and the 3rd … Continue reading Haikus (2/30)
A lifetime half lived, spent wondering if I am worthy to be blessed with the Valuable gift of your precious life. Almost eleven years in the making because some things just can’t be Rushed, knowing that in this time and in this place you were made for me I will cherish my new title, in gratitude, knowing that I have finally been chosen to Experience a … Continue reading Acrostic: AVARIE (1/30)
A portrait hangs on the wall Of a Taino queen She has my abuela’s eyes Sugar cane skin Emitting light That illuminates our potential History wears the face of family Looking to the past, to create the future I reach through centuries to reclaim that which we have forgotten, forgone, and been stripped of Honor, power, strength, self-respect Once petroglyphs etched on stone Are … Continue reading Regreso
I was surfing the internet the other day when I came across this blog that has quickly become a favorite. GenderAcrossBorders.com describes it’s mission as being an international feminist community where issues of gender, race, sexuality, and class are discussed and critically examined. The article that intrigued me was examining women and how we have traditionally been left out of history and what we as women … Continue reading Women’s History Month: Writing Our Way to the Revolution
The concept of “Sankofa” is derived from King Adinkera of the Akan people of West Africa. “Sankofa” is expressed in the Akan language as “se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenki.” Literally translated, this means “it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot”. Sankofa teaches us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. That … Continue reading Sankofa: “Looking to the Past to Create the Future”
Life has a way of coming full circle. This time last year I was 3 months into my journey as a Visionera (if you follow my blog then you know what I am referring to). I decided that I would commit to myself and I spent an entire year doing self-work. I decided that I would no longer give life to the lie that had me paralyzed. … Continue reading Coming Full Circle
I have been quite busy lately. There are so many things going on; so many events, so many commitments, and not enough time to do it all. At least, that’s how I’ve been feeling. For starters, I am still trying to get used to my new professional role as an administrator at one of NYC’s public hospitals. I’ve been in my new role for about 5 months and … Continue reading You Are More Than Good Enough
Crickets sing lullabies in uncharted latitudes where earth meets sky, butterflies dance against the tree lined milieu like a Thomas Kinkade masterpiece Shadows cower beneath the shimmering touch of the moon Weaving a future from a tangled past, trying to erase a life rich in history Bells toll, the street light flickers Concrete and cement yards replaced by soccer moms and bustling children. … Continue reading Untitled
My grandmother’s hands have massaged tired limbs and weary hearts they have cleaned homes, swept floors, toiled grass roots in cemented lands laid bricks and mortar that paved the road to freedom. My grandmother’s hands have coddled bodega lotto dreams like her new born child they are lamb’s wool on the naked skin of future generations. My grandmother’s hands have clasped arctic tenement floors shielding 5 … Continue reading My Grandmother’s Hands
nancy arroyo ruffin 