This is a poem for René

This is a poem for René

so it has to be loud and passionate

loud and passionate

it has to be intense, outspoken, and hardworking

it has to shine with laughter and compassion

This is a poem for my father René

so it must have glasses, white socks, and it’s sleeves rolled up

it must be read, analyzed, and written about

it must be welcoming and relaxed

it must have dialogue

This is a poem for René, Papi, Reenee

so if it speaks, listen

if it has fault, please forgive

if it’s too critical, remember empowerment, advocacy

                          and social justice

This is René’s poem

so let’s be sure it shines with sacrifice

let’s be sure it moves with purpose

let’s make certain it relaxes, telling jokes and 
laughing with a cold beer

This is René’s poem

let’s let it rise with passionate dialogue

let’s let it race to read and think and write, and write and write and write and write and write . . . . and write

and please please please let it rest in peace and harmony

This is René’s poem

so it is

full of wisdom

full of long winded talks about life

full of love, compassion, and beauty