fbpx

Words to Live By

Congratulations to Jubi Arriola-Headley of Fort Lauderdale, who earned the scholarship for African-American poets and free tuition to the 14th annual Palm Beach Poetry Festival, Jan. 15-20, at Old School Square in Delray Beach. According to a festival press release, Arriola-Headley is “a first-generation African-American, born to Bajan (Barbadian) parents, who also identifies as gay. As a black, queer man, in this historical moment, he is becoming accustomed to being portrayed, positioned, painted as a liability, a criminal, or at best—at best!—a victim. In a poem by Ross Gay, ‘Sorrow is Not My Name,’ Arriola-Headley found encouragement and moments of joy in the midst of the everyday torrent of rage and grief.”

Arriola-Headley was kind enough to share one of his poems with Lifestyle readers.

 

­­“10 Miles of Concrete”

In the shadows of treasured heirlooms—most delicate bone china, sterling silverware with untarnished provenance, secret recipes handed down over as many generations as the old-growth mahogany altar on which they now perform—your thigh, melting into mine, signing need in ways that thoroughbred bourgeois could never contemplate. As through a fog, a haze, I nod and smile at wasted words floating above, ­­­like dandelion seeds waiting for the wind to lift them to a purpose. The heat, liquid, pouring off you like ten miles of concrete. In Calcutta. I remind myself to breathe. I apply pressure, as to a gushing wound. Folds of fabric can barely tame our flesh, locked in call-and-response. I think, in that boundless abandon, to offer my whispered confession to you …

… If only I could remember your name.

 

You May Also Like
Editor’s Letter: Everyone Under the Sun Starts With Stacy Ritter

Our September cover subject embodies her organization’s slogan.

Read More
Kevin Gale
Visit Lauderdale Ambassador Abbas Karimi Wins Silver Medal at 2024 Paralympics

“Inclusivity is an important part of our mission at Visit Lauderdale,” says Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. 

Read More
Paralympic Games
Stacy Ritter’s Visitor Vision

Visit Lauderdale’s CEO creates a place for everyone under the sun.

Read More
Ritter
Other Posts
Limo Miami’s Upscale and Stylish Transportation Service Impresses

Those looking for a new transportation method have a luxurious option.

Read More
Limo Miami
Editor’s Letter: Nautical Adventures in a Luxury Superyacht

Our August issue delves into an elegant 393-foot yacht scheduled to commence its service in 2026.

Read More
Kevin Gale
Editor’s Letter: Growth Mode at Nicklaus Children’s

The top-flight healthcare provider features 500 pediatric subspecialists.

Read More
Kevin Gale
Matthew Love: Behind the Growth of Nicklaus Children’s Health System

Insights into the expansion of pediatric care in South Florida.

Read More
Matthew Love