MLK (Written for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony)

I have a dream! No, that’s BS
I live a reality.
A reality of a world in which the men
Who preach non-violence die by it.
A reality where the first time I heard the “I have a dream” speech in its entirety
I wanted to punch a happy clown in the face. As I felt anger ’cause not much had changed.
Sitting in a campus where some had only seen black people on MTV
I’m talking about ’96 not 1856.
A reality where although my photography hangs on the walls
Of this great building.
When I walk outside ignorance still clutches her purse.
Where a grandfather can come to care for his grandchild and end up crippled for not speaking English.
Yes… I’m angry at times… but in reality hope refreshes me like a wave splash or a warm summer breeze.
The reality is, that although Langston Hughes poems read as if they were written yesterday.
Dr King and the whole movement gave us the chance to be here today.
I have an opportunity to teach my sons to be tolerant but never to be stepped on.
In this reality I could read the “Letter from Birmingham” hundreds of times but if I let my anger take over the dream dies.
Instead, I channel that anger into creating positive outcomes.
The energy one could use to hate could power the most precious and intelligent minds.
To bring about the continuous change that we need.
Not mentally castrate individuals as it was done to 49,000 in Europe.
Robbing us of one of the most brilliant minds on earth.
The father of modern day computers. All in the name of intolerance.
You see, even in the darkest hours the hope of that ray of light has made us do great things.
We must each one teach one as History only repeats itself if we let it.
The goal should not be to feel comfortable with each other.
However as a hive work as one.
Through my art and voice I want to shine that ray of light into the darkest corners.
We must stay hopeful but vigilant, because if we stand for a splash of ignorance the wave is sure to bury us!
José Ramirez

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Curls

Curls
The majesty of the magnificent Red Woods couldn’t be showcased.

If it wasn’t for the strength of its roots, curling down through earth.

Cementing a strong hold that would last for centuries.

Individuality becomes hard to maintain when we bathe in the hypocrisy of society.

The power of the ocean is made to be felt by its forever curling waves, smashing against the shores.

Keeping us enthralled with the beauty of every outstretched splash, none similar to the next.

The undulations made by your hair captivate my attention like an insect on a web woven by the most beautiful spider.

Setting the most intricate trap which appears to have its own life, as on a daily basis it is forever changing.

As the most skilled driver, I want to travel with patience, speed and wander through the curves every strand of hair makes.

It’s been said “you don’t know what it takes” to take care of this mane.

Probably I’ll never know, however there’s one thing I do know.

The strength, individuality and magnetism that is conveyed by those untamable curls.

Could never be matched by this twisted society’s or your-hater-friends and family standards of beauty!

But, what do I know?! I’m just an individual who appreciates individuality!
José Ramirez

Valentin

Valentin
Social media newsfeeds are clotted with single life warriors.
Inspiring their troops to forgo shaving, eat sardines out of a can.

Main lining ice-cream while screaming I don’t give a fuck!

Stop the hypocrisy. We all agree it’s a made up holiday.

If I don’t show love 364 how it’s 1 day going to change that? However who doesn’t like a nice dinner or a token of appreciation?

I could care less about material giving. Have no problem about going the extra mile to make you smile though…

You being about material would like clockwork showin’ up early, avoiding me that extra mile trip.

That life has been unkind, and “Cupid” has kicked you in the mouthpiece.

It’s unfortunate you see. Doesn’t give you the right to be a hypocrite to “we”.

When the dust settles remember how happy you could be.😏
José Ramirez

Featured

It is an honor to be the featured artist of the month on the REDSIRENS blog, make sure to check her out! She’s a great artist in her own right, her work is amazing.

https://redsirens.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/featured-artist-jose-ramirez/

Space Odyssey

Space odyssey

At times, I retreat to the universe we created
marvel at the galaxies that were born from that intense heat
emanated by the passion while sculpting that love.
A love cultivated in uncertainty however as real as matter,
providing energy for two celestial bodies
that when together like protons, electrons always cause explosions.

A man has no yearning
To visit Mars when he’s been to Venus.
He’ll forever be enslaved
To the dilation and constriction
Of the Iris experienced when the Zenith is reached.
Leaving him green with envy
Navigating in a sea
As vast as Jupiter’s red spot

The return to earth is always bitter sweet
Have to rely on the 5 senses
Until our orbits trajectories meet
Knowing the one thing that’s crystal clear…

When you know someone so well that you’re alerted of their presence by the sound of their footsteps, it’s impossible for them to walk out of your mind.

José Ramirez

Beauty

BEAUTY
Have you ever been left breathless by the sight of beauty? Your heart stops,  then stomps and flutters while you’re rendered mute. At the same time questioning it’s creator on the audacity of creating something that appears so perfect from the first inch to the last. Has such beauty given you that same feeling no matter how many times you see it? Find yourself fumbling around as to not make anybody aware of the awe that has blossomed in your being? If the eyes are the windows to the soul, would somebody lurking on the sill be a witness to the party in your living room? Have you ever been left breathless by beauty over and over again….?
José Ramirez

What would she do?!

What Would she do if she knew!?!
That from the first time I glanced at her she caught my attention and my thoughts are forever in her orbit.
What Would she do if she knew!? That when I call, I’m glad she doesn’t answer cause it pains me when we do speak and have to hang up.
What Would she do if she knew!? That her voice triggers me and I have to fight the urges of spilling out my feelings like a volcanic eruption.
What Would she do if she knew!? That I don’t maintain eye contact for fear the she can look into my windows and witness the fire that burns deep inside for her.
What Would she do if she knew!? That when I saw her with him, I knew he had no idea of how to make her truly happy. Not that I could do better, however my mission would be to find a way.
What Would she do if she knew!? That a silly dance move exposed me to the depths of her personality and captured my heart.
What Would she do if she knew!? That although I lust for her, what would make me truly happy would be the ability to make her smile, allow her to freely cry without judgment, and hold her body close to mine. What would she do if she knew!?!
José Ramirez