The Writing Artist- Reina Miranda
Today's pick, another writing artist that I know personally, is someone that I met at an open mic in 2009. Reina Miranda a.k.a RedClayWoman is a New York resident, born and raised in Washington Heights and is of Dominican heritage. The pride in her culture and the love of her family colors her words and work. Honoring a strong display of spiritual Taino roots has allowed for her art to be shown at the Museum of Natural History, The United Nations and the HBO Building. She has performed poetry at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Notice Lounge and Cemi Underground. Back in 2012, Reina began a personal creative project, merging her love for painting and poetry. She acknowledged fellow poets by painting their portraits in honor of National Poetry Month. Please click the link above to view the project.
Reina published a poetry book Tree of Life: The Roots of My Journey which is available on Amazon. You can also follow her art and poetry on her website www.redclaywoman.com
Below is her poem, Laying About, a demonstration of her love for her family.
Laying About
I'm laying on my parent's bed
Next to my mom
Constantly thinking and worried about her
But I know she's doing the best she can to remain strong
She calls out "Miranda"
It's how she would refer to him
And I answer cause it is my surname
But then she starts to cry and says I'm so sorry mi hija
I forgot he's gone
So I comfort her and say it's ok
I miss him too the way he used to say my name
Mi Bella Reinita
Bueno ya tu sabe que yo te queiro mucho mi hija con todo mi corazon
And gives me a big hug and kisses me on my cheek
And I hug him even harder to take in his aroma
Memories flood my mind and I can still hear his voice
Smell his cologne strong in this apartment
Hearing him clear his throat
Yelling and asking who's in the bathroom (lol)
As I lay on the spot where he slept next to my mom
Childhood memories continue to come
When I used to jump into their bed when I had a bad dream
He would comfort me and wish them away
Carry me back to my bed and kiss my forehead
Making me pan con mantequa y chocolate
And placing it right on my night stand
I've always strived to be the best daughter I can
Making him proud of me
Doing well in school
Seeing him smile when I walked into the room
Watching him sleep
Giving him mani and pedi
Making sure he always looks good
My dad had such swag
That everyone respected him
The kids in the neighborhood wish they can be just like him
The last of a true gentlemen a class act
I want him back
Am I being self
I only wish I could have had more time with him
To o tell him how much means to me
Answer all his questions
Tell him I'll be fine just don't worry
I know you have my back
But time waits for no man
Guess it was time for him to go home
To become my guardian angel along with so many of my relatives
But I truly miss him so
Knowing he won't be around to see my kids graduated from college
Or even get married
Seeing my grandchildren grow
Seeing me finally paint more artworks that will be exhibited
My Poetry being published and books being sold
Having him see me preform in different shows
Constantly sending him so much love
And dedications
But I know that he's always with me
Whispering in my ears
Visiting me in my dreams and having conversations
Asking to forgive those who hurt me
Giving me advice when I ask for it
Continue to strive to be like him
A proud Dominican-American
Work harder and become a better person
Share my story so everyone can
Try understand me
Wishing and hoping
For now I'll remain grounded
And grow much like the tree of life
With branches that stretch upwards as well as all over
No need for leaves or fruits to prove it's alive
No not really
So I pray and meditate for clarity
Papi you are my rock that keeps me grounded
Making sure that the legacy you left behind is strong
So I'll lay here on your favorite spot
Remember all the good and bad
It will make me stronger woman knowing
I have my mom, your wife's back for life.....
- Reina Miranda
