Defying Devastation: Bushwick Then & Now (Brooklyn Writers Remember)

Brooklyn, NY- June 1, 2013- Today writers from Brooklyn came together and shared their memories of what it was like growing up in Brooklyn in the 1970’s and 80’s. The first installment of Defying Devastation resulted when Brooklyn born writer Vanessa Martír discovered an image of herself taken 30 years ago by photographer Meryl Meisler. The photo was one of many taken by Meryl as she walked to and from … Continue reading Defying Devastation: Bushwick Then & Now (Brooklyn Writers Remember)

Nancy Arroyo RuffinJune 1, 2013June 2, 2013Leave a comment

Poems

History…

She is a living record of what can’t be found in history books. Not even the most skilled artist can 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 … Continue reading History…

Nancy Arroyo RuffinApril 15, 2013Leave a comment

Love, Poems

Tattoo

he wore love on his arm tatted on his skin, a reminder to love himself because no one will do the job better but instead, he loved her dutifully in the morning in the evening and until the sun rose again her warmth had become his security seeking her out whenever he was afraid she was the sun at dusk that kissed the sky goodnight … Continue reading Tattoo

Nancy Arroyo RuffinApril 13, 2013Leave a comment

Personal, Poems

Word Warrior

Surreal. That’s what it felt like last night as I featured for the first time at the legendary Nuyorican Poets Cafe. The iconic venue which was originally founded in 1973 in the living room of Miguel Algarin, found it’s permanent home at 236 East 3rd street in 1980. There, is where I was given the opportunity to put my words on display. To stand on … Continue reading Word Warrior

Nancy Arroyo RuffinApril 13, 2013Leave a comment

Poems

Writing Prompt: Dear Fear..

Dear Fear, There are days that I don’t think about you at all. You hide yourself well often appearing when I least expect it. I see you in my baby girl’s smiling eyes I hear you in her coos I feel you in her embrace I smell you in her scent, as I hold her tightly while she tugs gently on my face Knowing that … Continue reading Writing Prompt: Dear Fear..

Nancy Arroyo RuffinMarch 17, 2013Leave a comment

Poems

Roots

I carry history in my hair Generations of thick tangled tresses Colored with shame at the roots stripped, dyed, burned, fried trying unsuccessfully to alter its DNA. Since birth, my hair has danced violently to a beat of its own Tautly twined coils stretched like the goatskin that cover djembe drums each lock relentlessly rebelling, defiant like sugar cane trying to make its way through concrete … Continue reading Roots

Nancy Arroyo RuffinMarch 8, 2013October 4, 2013Leave a comment

Poems

NYCLWG Prompt: What I always wanted…

What I always wanted, was to feel her touch like inspiration. Slightly parted lips that greet me hello every morning the way the sun kisses the sky at dawn. She is heaven and I want to live in her forever. Build legacies from the ground up because she comes from a strong foundation. Teach her how beautiful she is, not because of how she looks, … Continue reading NYCLWG Prompt: What I always wanted…

Nancy Arroyo RuffinMarch 8, 2013March 8, 2013Leave a comment

Poems

Liberation

liberation won’t come through prayer, even though I’ve tried to free myself from the temptation of his kiss, his touch, the way he whispers my name when we make love lost deep in the ocean of my scent, his hands, paint petroglyphs on my skin I carry traces of his love like DNA addiction of any kind can be deadly and I’ll admit I … Continue reading Liberation

Nancy Arroyo RuffinJanuary 26, 2013January 26, 2013Leave a comment

Love, Mamihood, Personal, Poems

The Chosen (Part 2)

A few years ago I wrote a poem titled The Chosen which spoke of my struggle to conceive. It was probably the most personal poem I’ve ever written. With the birth of my beautiful daughter I felt that it was necessary to write a follow-up poem because I have finally been chosen to be a mother. These past five months have been the best five months of … Continue reading The Chosen (Part 2)

Nancy Arroyo RuffinDecember 16, 2012December 16, 2012Leave a comment

Poems

De Donde Vengo Yo (Where I’m From)

This want of knowing is greater than the need of oxygen in my lungs For, to be alive and not know who you are or where you’re from is not the same as living. De donde vengo yo is not a question. It is a statement. An affirmation of where I’m from. Because where I’m from, history wears the face of family. It’s my grandmother’s … Continue reading De Donde Vengo Yo (Where I’m From)

Nancy Arroyo RuffinOctober 18, 2012October 20, 2012Leave a comment