My grandfather, Dr. Jose Maria Carmona, was a poet. He taught me so much about passion, dedication and strength. He was writing well into his 90s and I had a front seat to his artistry. Little did I know that when he would ask me to type out his handwritten poems, he was showing me the way.  

When I was writing this I felt as if a spirit was putting the words on the page. Can't help but think it was him.

SOUL

At the center of me is a vast space,

where all my fears dissipate.

Where all that is,

and ever will be,

rest in peace and certainty.

That’s what I’ve been told,

and want to believe.

But belief has always been hard to conceive.

For someone that seeks answers to all,

belief is a problem that I cannot solve.

But now I have allies to help end this war.

And heart over mind is leading the score.

The slaughter of stories created and killed,

the burial of shame and resurrection of will.

One day right and wrong

will no longer make sense.

And on that day no more need to repent.

For all’s been forgiven and the path laid out,

to enter that space no longer in doubt.