This is the most important book in the world.
It's a record of the first year in my journey of self-discovery through poetry, as well as the culmination of a lifetime of experiences and introspection that have served to prove to me that the 12-year-old boy who dreamed of becoming a writer is stronger and more steadfast in those dreams than even he could have ever imagined. It's a love letter to that boy-an apology for years of neglect and a peace offering in the hopes that in honoring him, I can move on with him instead of leaving him behind.
It's a declaration; it's me climbing a mountain of my fears and insecurities, planting my feet firmly on the precipice of my imposter syndrome and self-doubt, and roaring my affirmations into the void of my psyche. It's me crossing off the first item on my bucket list and being able to add to my resume the only title I've ever cared about: Robert Fernandez, Author.
Lastly-and most importantly-this book is a living document. I spent a long time putting my dream off because I thought the first time I published something, it would have to be perfect, and because nothing was ever perfect, nothing was ever finished. So, I made a promise to myself to publish this book-my first book-as a living document. These poems are not perfect, because none of them are finished; but they're ready, and that's enough.
Davis, Zenchristian: - ZenChristian Davis is a fiction writer turned poet, new author, teaching artist, youth slam coach, and overall a storyteller residing in Tampa, FL. She received a BA in creative writing and psychology from the University of South Florida and went on to compete in regional and national slam team competitions as well as becoming the Workshop Director for Heard Em Say Youth Arts Collective. Her works have appeared in USF Thread and IO Literary Journal and more can be found at zenchristianmott.com. In 2018, she self-published her first poetry book, The Burned House Resurrects.
Fernandez, Robert: - Robert Fernandez is a Tampa poet who performs throughout the U.S. professionally under the name Unspoken. Finding his voice through slam poetry competitions, he recently placed 8th at the 32nd Southern Fried Poetry Slam, the largest adult regional poetry slam in the nation. On paper, Unspoken has been published in Creative Loafing and is a contributor of Neptune Poetry Magazine. A member of the Growhouse Collective, Unspoken hosts various events throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area to provide a platform for new artists and facilitates workshops designed to help poets of all levels of experience hone their craft. When he isn't writing, Unspoken likes to plan vacations he can't afford, rewatch Scrubs a concerning number of times, and agonize about not writing.
Rangel Orellanos, Laura: - Laura Rangel is a Colombian-born graduate student living in New York City, studying how storytelling can be most effectively used in marketing across industries. When she is not hitting the textbooks, she can be found enjoying a workout class, drinking a well crafted cup of coffee, or indulging in her various artistic pursuits such as photography and painting. Laura sees life itself as the ultimate work of life, and knows that every action she takes, every word she speaks, and every person she meets is ultimately weaving a beautiful tapestry full of vibrancy and feeling
