A donde?

Where I been? I been in classrooms where the light was so dim children couldn't find themselves in the dark. At events where love was expressed with the gift of a fist waving in the air. On an island that suffers from the parasite of dinero and misses the beauty of its passion. Loving a Goddess and being loved by her wisdom. In laboratories experimenting with words as healing salves. Purifying my body and mind with natural earth ingredients and the cleansing experiences of "la vida". Building tomorrow and allowing yesterday's false existence to remain evident. In summation...I been being be while I be.

Latin Translator
Poet, Host, Educator, Speaker, Writer
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Learn, Educate, Repeat!

A dormir

Inhaling the sweatness of the night as I exhale the putrid flavor of the day. Morning will bring NYC as I see what will seem of me in Matt's photography. Hoping that time will abound for my heart to be warmed by the familiar faces of blood and family ties. As in me lie the feelings of guilt for chasing a dream that at times seems farther than it might and closer than it is.

Learn, Educate, Repeat!

Working En Un Dream...

Waking up to the sun without the satisfaction that my soul is where it's meant to be leaves a taste of deceit upon my tongue. A comedian once said..."God's gift to us is talent and our gift to God is using that talent". The feeling at times is almost fraudulent as God's gift remains unreturned.

Throughout the months of sun I've pondered on where my path might lie rather than where I shall go. For a path has already been cut for us all...we only need walk it once it is found. I've sat in utter despair as ancestral spirits caress my mind leading the way. As the voices of brothers and sisters lead a way they know not of. "I am from a people destined to be contrary to Master's expectations and the opposite of Media's representation". I have been granted gifts that remain unused. Gifts that I have yet to pass on while the hands of time are not deterred. Easy it is not and musn't be for if it were the end of the journey would not taste as sweet. Regardless of time, difficulty, or the horrific fear that abounds within...

I must and shall be!
Learn, Educate, Repeat!

Amor

"Love is a joke with no punchline"

Latin Translator
Poet, Host, Educator
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http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

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Buscalo Y Lo Encontraras

Is it there where I seek that all searched for shall be found. Has it been hidden purposely in order to train my being. Am I even seeking in the correct vicinity. I seek truth. Thus, whether I find it or not...what will be the deciding factor... is the journey.

Latin Translator
Poet, Host, Educator
http://www.myspace.com/readnex
http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

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Sigue Forward

They can lie, cheat, make life more difficult, discriminate against you, treat you as lesser than, take away all you've ever dreamt of, remove all you've worked for, laugh in the face you used to smile with...but...they can't take away your beauty...they can't take away all that lies within. That is what allows the day to exist...not the sun...for you are the brightest star that has ever lived.

Latin Translator
Poet, Host, Educator
http://www.myspace.com/readnex
http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

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She

She wispered in my ear...never run. My love flows for her like Niagara on a rainy day Falls. I cannot fall further than I have so instead I hover over myself and gaze downward for a glance at her eyes from two perpectives. This way I can prove to myself that I'm not dreaming. Still, I know not why I've stopped needing to breathe. At times it just feels unneccesary to do so having this newfound consiousness. All tastes and feels new. As if I hadn't been reborn but instead born for the first time. Evidence shows that I did not live before this. Therefore, this must be the first time I've needed to breathe even if seldom required. Those that have felt know. Those that have not... wish they did. I merely am aware that emptiness is void until I need to breathe again...and I need not breathe when I do not run.

Latin Translator
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http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

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Wonder Moments

Wonder. Wonder why the mind has the power it does but the body cannot follow through in communication. Wonder why others are lost in their thoughts while others are lost in other's words and I seem lost in my finding self. Seems like the choice of wondering leaves us destined to be misunderstood. For if we always wonder...who is left to explain?

Learn, Educate, Repeat!

Be Poetically Free

Poetically, minds flow freely allowing thoughts to cascade with dreams and current realities. Harness the poetic voice within and begin to see the dreams of words become the realities of existence.

Latin Translator
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http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

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Sooooon

I know, I know, I know...I will write. I promise. Been busy doing some important work...relaaaaaaaxxxinnnnggg yes relaxing. I've been busy for months and I need to just breathe for a bit. When I'm done breathing I shall write again.

Latin Translator
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http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

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I Back

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I know it's been a while but I'm back. They'll be more frequent updates from now on. A lot of good and many blessinga have been bestowed upon me. Please free to comment on them as well. Even if you're not a Blogger member.

Peace, Paz, Salaam,
Latin

Latin Translator
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http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

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Searching For Paz

Done with breathing for the sake of feeling the gentle touch of unseen life against my lips. I crave to see all that may be seen in a lifetime of unseen qualities. Listen to the sounds echoed through ancient corridors of existence and reality. Feel what can only be felt when one finds peace between mind, body and soul. Running has begun to feel hackneyed and walking seems to be a waste of time, space and energy. Now...I choose to levitate to a reality...that I have yet to create.

Latin Translator
Poet, Host, Educator
http://www.myspace.com/readnex
http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

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Colgate and Chi-Town 1

I been back from Chi-Town since Monday morning but the days were and are busy so I'll to sum it all up here. We drove to Colgate University which is a private college with mucho dinero in the middle of nowhere. We rocked the stage along with El Grito de Poetas (an amazing crew from NYC) and had an amazing time. The love was def there...eventhough we had to remind the crowd that sitting at a Hip Hop performance was just wrroooong. Needless to say most stood up and there hands in el cielo. Before we found the school we'd booked a mad nice bed and breakfast that we later cancelled because we realized the price and considering they weren't giving out gold bricks with the bed or breakfast we decided to switch it up. We still had dinner there though and the food was amazing. All organic food, free range chicken and good ole homemade sweets. Afterwards we headed to the hotel. When we got there I proceeded to eat the homemade ice cream that a woman gave us at the mom and pop spot we stopped at for food on the way up. Yes she gave it to us...6 scoops of delicious homeade good stuff for free. Her Chicken and poatoes was amazing too. Even the cole slaw..they put pineapple in it...who would have tought?! Pineapple! I mean who does that. It was great...but who does that?!




Latin Translator
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http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

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I'll See You There...And There...Oh Yeah There Too!

For more info go to...
myspace.com/ReadNex

Performances!!!

Eyyooooooo!!! On route to Colgate University's Political Poetry Concert and Chicago's National Immigration!!! Yeeaahhh Soooonn!!!

Latin Translator
Poet, Host, Educator
http://www.myspace.com/readnex
http://latinsworld.blogspot.com/

Learn, Educate, Repeat!

Go...

Standing confused with the route derailed. Knowing the possibilities but blinded by the desert making the ocean impossible of being seen. The dreams of tomorrow are out there surrounded by the sweat of a possible journey. Let not the journey untraveled be the deterrent between what is and what can be. Walk, run, and fly if must be. No matter what do not fall in the abyss of complacency and strive for the gifts of altruism on the path.


Latin Translator
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Learn, Educate, Repeat!

Thoughts On Where I Am

Inhaling the scent of reality I've become intoxicated by the revelation of tomorrows possibilities. It's for then that I've been stubbornly building my existence rather than feeding on the being of another's creation. Not acknowledging the fruits of dreams once dreamt, nor basking in the greatness of their new found reality. For there is more to do...Y para mas que vivir! (And for more to live!)

-Latin

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Far

Far from where we could be...at where many thought we could get. Why not reach further and expect more. Why give in to the distractions and not think on par to where our minds can fly us to. Why be what is told to exist and not what we feel can be created. So we navigate with maps that were created to be followed...instead of making maps that should not be.
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This Is Going to Be A Great Event!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

If you're going to be in the Hudson Valley this Friday then you have got to check out this event. If you are not in the Hudson Valley this Friday then you have to get over there or you'll miss some of the most moving poetic performances you've ever seen and heard.

This Friday 3/6/09 from 7-9pm the
"Nex 2 B Read Club KHS Chapter" will be performing Spoken Word Poetry at the Kingston YMCA. These young students have been writing and performing original pieces for months and now is your chance to check them out. If you have ever felt that today's youth is lost... come see otherwise. If you have ever felt like someone has to support them... come do so. If you have ever wanted to hear some powerful and moving words then this Friday is your chance.

Hosted by Latin Translator with DJ H20 spinning on the 1's and 2's. There'll also be possible performances by other members of the ReadNex Poetry Squad and a short dance party at the end. Be there or miss out on an amazing event for a wonderful cause. The cause of supporting our youth because without them there is no tomorrow.

Date: Friday, 3/6/09
Venue: Kingston YMCA
Address: 507 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
(Go through main entrance in the rear half of the building where the main parking lot is)
Time: 7-9pm
Price: Young Students $3 donation, Adults $5 donation
(Door Proceeds go to the Nex 2 Be Read Club KHS Chapter)

This event is for all ages!

For more info E-mail Latin at latintranslator@debeforerecords.com


*Note*
Latin works with this group of students every Wednesday afternoon and is extremely proud of them. Be sure to come out and see why!

MSW hmmmm.

Soooo it looks like Humanistic Multicultural Ed. might not be for me after all. Ohh what a world of idealism I live in. Ya see... I've always wanted to help people. To build myself up like a Phoenix raising from the ashes and then raise others along whatever path I walk. This is and has for a very long time been my life goal. My purpose.

The interesting thing is that I think the dream began with Edward Olmos. That intense yet rather not good looking (at least not for me...then again I prefer the laaadies " Giggity Giggity AAAAAAlllriiiight") man stood tall and strong in the movie "Stand and Deliver".

If you haven't seen that movie then you need to go somewhere and get it now...I'll wait...WILL YOU HURRY UP I'VE GOT A BLOG TO WRITE! Ok so get it later. Anyway, I watched it with my sisters and as I watched it I had an epiphany. I am Latino! I am strong and no one can stop me but myself. This new found perception was furthered every day I watched my older sisters leave our project apartment in business attire with briefcases and a determination in their eyes to get themselves and their family to the promised land. Ever since then I've fought to educate myself for a better tomorrow.

Everyday I'd ask myself; who am I to not fight for a better tomorrow for myself and others when my ancestors fought for me to be in the position that I'm in today. When Mami y Papi worked hhhaaaarrrddd for me and my sisters to never go without a meal. We might not have had the nicest things or the coolest cars but we had food, love, a place to live and each other.

Boooyyyyy am I off topic...I'll get back on subject next time.

Peace, Paz, Salaam,
Latin

Learn, Educate, Repeat!

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Ode to My BlackBerry lol

I finally found her. The one that understands my needs and delivers on them. Nothing I've requested of her has been denied. It's like she exists to please me. Oh how I've yearned for this feeling of utter joy. The feeling of success when I wake up in the morning.

As soon as I see her upon awakening I have no choice but to awaken her as well. She immediately updates me on all that I need to know. I barely even have to ask.Many of you must be wondering how her communicating abilities are. Let me tell that we understand each other perfectly. It's like the feel of my fingers let her know how I feel and her tone informs me of her.

HER BODY! Wow her body. She is curvy like no other but firm where she needs to be. Her measurements...8...3...2...0. Giggity giggity. I call her Berry. And now that I have her...life will never be the same.

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We are not now...We are an amalgamation of before...

"There is no Today without Yesterday and there is no Tomorrow without Today!"
-Selebano Mathlape
(South African Freedom Fighter)

That's What It Looks Like...And This Is What It Feels Like!

So Saturday night the ReadNex featured for a packed house at the Julia DeBurgos Cultural Center over on 1680 Lexington Ave. The event was Lyrical Revolt 10: A Celebrations of Hip Hop. The ANSWER Coalition put it together as a benefit concert featuring the 4 Elements of Hip Hop. The ANSWER Coalition is an org that "mobiliz[es] against all wars from Brooklyn to Baghdad. It was a pleasure and an honor to work with them on such a valuable and worthwhile cause. Other features of the night were the crowd rousing Rebel Diaz were the lyrical mindblowing Hassan Salaam. If you were'nt there...WOW I Mean.. WOWIE! did you miss an amazing event.

All night I had butterflies. I didn't know what was going on. It was like all of the drama that I've been dealing with (family, money, workshops...the usual) throughout the past few weeks built up inside of me that day and evening. My mind kept dwelling on what had to be done. The work that I'd have to do to push myself forward. The endless work that has to be down to uplift mi gente of all shapes, colors and locations. It all built up inside and created within me a dense fog the size of a single mom's determination. I couldn't think, hear, eat, taste, feel or be the man that I normally be. Then...lo que paso, paso.

It was time! Osiris (one of the hosts and event organizers) announced us and we had no choice but to grab the mics, allow DJ H20 to get in position and rock the crowd with words, music and truth in the hopes that the sun could shine for just a little longer. After that I recall little. I hear that we were amazing. The photos I've seen show intense passion in each one of our faces. Psychologists call what I experienced "Flow". The point in which the mind looses itself in an activity so much that time, feelings, thoughts and everything else suddenly stops. When I perform sometimes...I experience exactlly that. Everything stops. I see no faces...hear no sounds...I merely feel energy and a presence both within and around me. When I walk towards a micrphone it feels like walking on a cloud and knowing that at some point the weight of your body will bring you crashing down. But when I grab the mic...I float. Peace comes to me. No...I become Peace. Afterwards people shake my hand and or pat me on the back as they tell me how great the performance was. I usually find myself in a state of confusion. Not knowing what occured. Not sure that what just happened indeed did happen. All that I'm sure of...is that I'm alive.

That is one of the reasons I do what I do. Why I educate our Youth on how to use Poetry as a means of expression. Speak about issues that I feel strongly about. Perform pieces that were given to me by a power above me. Because as my life bring thoughts in others to life...they revive and purify all of my being.

Learn, Educate, Repeat!
Latin

All Good.

For those of you concerned about my previous post...it's all good in Latin's world. They're merely thoughts that stemmed from a series of conversations throughout the week that reached an undeniable reality in my mind. We've all got something to deal with. All that matters at the end of the day is that like in "Finding Nemo" we must "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming" Yes I just quoted an animated movie. Hey it was a good movie alright!

Peace, Paz, Salaam,
Latin

Hmmm...

Ever feel lost and confused? Like the choices you've made haven't been the right ones? As if the people around you drive you insane but you've got no choice but to deal with it? Concealed how you reaaaalllllyyy felt about something? Kept it in to keep the peace but you live without peace within? Lived your life through the life of another thinking that it was really yours and then you realize the person you were following has been following someone else the whole time? Tough to sleep at times? Got all these thoughts pushing back and forth in your brain? Ya sit and try ta write dem down but they juuuussst wooon't come out.

Congratulations! You're Human! Keep Swimming!

Don't Do It!

For those of you thinking of giving up...Don't do it.
Those of you that think you can't go any further...stop thinking that.
For the many that think this is it...think again.

We can do this. No matter what it is you are working through you can succeed. Just push and push until you need to push again. Go forward because you can. Because there were many that fought for you to be right where you are now. Go forward because if you go back a little boy or little girl will think hmmm.

Sigue, Sigue, Il suit, Il suit!

Go on and push on further because that voice in your head that's saying you should give up is the voice of Fear. You are stronger, than Fear ever could be. You may have not realized it but you are. So push and push and push. The moment you think you should stop push again.

Pa'Lante Brothers and Hermanas...Pa'Lante!

The Time Is Now

We are now living a time of great change. A time when what was can no longer be. A time when the strength that has been implanted in our hearts, by the work of our ancestors must ring free. A time when the thoughts of fear must be crushed by the thoughts of possibilities that now have no choice but to become reality. It is crucial to our existence as people of dignity and justice to work towards the forgotten dreams of our youth. Dreams that we once held dearly and have been blurred by time. We cannot put all of our faith in one man and walk down the road of success. We must put much of that faith in ourselves and each other.

Believe that we as a people can be what needs to be. That we can uplift ourselves to hire plateaus than the ones dreamt of by those before us and by ourselves. That we can lend not one but both hands. So that one can heal wounds with one as the other guides our brothers and sisters to safety. All while our feet remain firm in our pursuit of greatness.

We now more then ever in the history of human existence must remain united. United so that we can fulfill the inevitable good that has been destined from the moment love came to be. United because the annals of history have clearly stated that separation goes hand and hand with failure. Believe no longer that the sole care of self leads to greatness. For it is the love of self, while embracing the necessity of unity and diversity that makes a man or woman great.

Do not forget the greatness that lies within us all. And be sure to imagine and make true what can be if our souls, love and existence pursue what our minds have for too long merely thought of and feared.
For all that know me and for those that do not… I embrace you with these words.


Peace, Paz, Salaam,
Latin
May God Bless us all.

P.S. Big Up To President Barack H. Obama. You have accomplished a dream of many. Those dreams now lay in both yours and our hands. Lead us well.

Grad School Aqui Voy

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Madame speaker of the Hood, Dude that spits reality and all the children of the world...it's official. I have commenced the process of applying to Grad School. I know this because $50 have been deducted from my account. And let me tell you. If I pay $50 for something, I'm going all the way with it. Oh yeah, I will get three letters of recommendation from professors that can and will vouch for my ability to be in Grad School. I will get the money to have transcripts sent over to the SUNY New Paltz Grad school. Oh yes...I will write an essay stating how the experience will further my career. Don't think I won't slap a stamp on a folder and send that mother lover away. Just watch me with my bad self as I get into Grad School. Graduate with a degree in Humanistic Multi-cultural Education and begin Humanistically Educating Multi-Cultural populations.

In other news, another 13 weeks have been approved for the "Nex 2 Be Read Club KHS Chapter". Which means that I shall be meeting with my students (That's right...I have students) and passing on to them what I know. Isn't that something. A group of young sponges yearning for someone to tell them "What it is" and I get the opportunity to do so. I also have a couple of workshops this month and the ReadNex shall be meeting to discuss the 09. What a lovely time this is to be a neuron in my brain. How joyous each neuron must be to be transferring fantastic loads of information via neurotransmitters through my synapses. Oh what a time it is my good friends. What a time it is...

Lost In Reality

Ever wake up and decide to prepare your high fiber breakfast. You get your "bootleg" Raisin Bran your organic "Mini-Wheats" pour in some organic granola with goji berries then add the organic banana chips along with some soy milk. Ya poor your glass of OJ get your Multi-Vitamin and papaya enzymes ready. You get your spoon ready to eat and then look out the window. Suddenly it hits you! It's 2009 and you have been searching for a job for a year. No? Must be just me...

Happy New Year everyone...lets just hope that 2008 doesn't decide to come back and that 2009 doesn't tick us off as much as 08 did.

Peace, Paz, Salaam,
Latin