A Poetic Journey Reborn

Behind the book, is Manhattan By Sail's boat, Clipper City. With the hull, the gentle waves and the sunshine streaking off of everything, I had to stop and take a photo of the book here. As one does when they're on their lunch break but they still want to celebrate their first book being re-launched. 

It’s been four years in the making.

But now, it feels real. My first book of poems, “A Poetic Journey, Staying At Home” is now available in Paperback.

I bet you’re wondering, why come back to the book now after four years?

Truth be told, this is something that I’ve been wanting to do since the first release of the book. At the time, I was worried about how expensive it would be to bring a physical book into the world. I thought to myself, just put the book out into the world somehow. As I needed something to show for the investment that I put into completing the author Cathy Heller’s business course, “Made To Do This”. With the help of designer and fellow MTDT alum Jenniffer Rivera, we brought the book into existence.

Go figure, the inspiration behind the idea that Words Are Art would come nine weeks into the program.

In the meantime, I had Canva make me a poster-sized version of the book’s cover. Every morning, I turn my head back and see it on the wall behind my dresser. It’s in a position of pride for every Zoom call and interview, lurking in the background.

Yet, I wasn’t satisfied that I didn’t have something physical that I could hold in my hand.

I kept dragging my feet in deciding to do this. But my friend and fellow MTDT alum Tina Welsome kept the flames of this idea alive.

And that’s where we are today.

I’ve been on cloud nine since the book went live on Amazon in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Later that same day, the proof copy of the book arrived in the mail.

It didn’t matter that there was a larger box next to the bag that also came that day. I opened the bag and there the book was with the Not for Resale ribbon running around it. I couldn’t photograph it fast enough, and show it off to my family and closest friends.

I can’t thank everyone enough for all the well wishes and congratulations received. It warms my heart to see my work so loved.

This is only the first step in the Poetic Journey, there are plenty more poems and explorations to come in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

Please excuse the not so great selfie. I had the idea yesterday to take my book down to the Seaport for the big reveal. It wasn't easy holding the book and the camera at the same time. I couldn't get all of us in the same shot.