Identity
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Meditations
My recent stroke has left my brain struggling to find words to put into my voice. However, I rest confidently that both my brain and my voice are still functioning, if not fully connected. It has made me realize, once… Continue reading
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golden tequila hangovers
The following poem was originally written in 1994, when Tequila was my poison of choice. I have been sober for fifteen years this coming September 11. wake up/if you canrolling over/from one deadday/into the nextyour moutha dirt filled trench/shoveled with/bad… Continue reading
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An Interesting Life
I’ve often said that at seventy-seven, I’ve lived an interesting life.An understatement. It’s times like now when you look back at your life. Celebrate the victories. Learn from the failures. I often think about where I was born and raised.… Continue reading
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voices from the dark corners
On the eve of the United States Supreme Court considering the Fourteenth Amendment and Birthright citizenship that defines who an American is, I offer the following. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction… Continue reading
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Life Expectancy
It’s official. I’ve got 10.6 years left of this most interesting life. At least, that’s what the U.S. Social Security Administration says. Of course, I’m saying all this while ignoring the fine print, the part about my current health, lifestyle,… Continue reading
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Cool Driving
When you live in the megalopolis called Los Angeles, driving is more than a means of transportation. It is a connection to a network of cultures fueled by people seeking their best lives. The cities, towns, and neighborhoods are portals… Continue reading
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Jose, Can You See?
Jose can you seeby the dawn’s early light police stopping you asking questions driving while Brown walking while BlackWhere you from foo No where you really from What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleamingGraciela can you see… Continue reading
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The Temporary Tenant
When my life convertsFrom matter into energy E = mc2The tombstone will pronounceHere lies The Temporary Tenant I have been a tenant of so many Dreams NightmaresIn so many Cities Towns NeighborhoodsPins on a map Of the U N I… Continue reading
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B l a n k
Dedicated to all those who suffer from memory loss. Memories holding on Without them I am Blank They keep me Alive Joy Anger Without them I am Blank Memories They keep me from going mad I am nothing without them… Continue reading
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41. A Love Story.
January 1, 2026, Sumire Gant and Antonio Pedro Ruiz celebrate forty-one years of sharing their lives. The romantic in me searches for words to speak to youfor feelings to feelto share with you January 1, 1985when I crawled down the… Continue reading
