Publisher's Synopsis
Till Ink Meets Paper: Poems for Guendalina...My Mommy resonates with the love my mother infused into every letter. She signed each letter with "Till Ink Meets Paper-Love Mommy!" Each one of her letters was a tender reminder of our bond, even as the dungeons of separation loomed. Imprisoned together on Rikers Island, her love letters and our shared poetry became our lifeline-a heartbeat amid chaos. Growing up as a foster child, I felt hopeless, searching for a family. But as a teenage inmate, my mother finally became who I needed her to be, despite the weight of those years apart. I found myself whispering a vow into the void: "My first published collection of poetry will be for my mom." Years apart had bred resentment, yet this collection seeks to uplift Guendalina, to deliver the justice, humanity, and peace she so richly deserves after a flawed system tore her from her children. My mother battled addiction and gang culture, fighting against systems designed to entrap her. Yet her words radiated love and resilience, proving that a mother's affection can bloom even in the darkest places. Till Ink Meets Paper: Poems for Guendalina...My Mommy captures our transformative journey, showcasing how her seeds of creativity flourished even in oppression. Our story stands as both an indictment of the child welfare system and a celebration of resilience, hope, and community. With every line, I strive to honor my mother's strength, restore her humanity, and illuminate the love that binds us forever.
