Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and shaped by the energy of NYC’s streets, my journey into poetry began after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School. What started as an escape from the surrounding chaos gradually became an essential part of my life. Poetry has since enriched me with its beauty and timeless wisdom, providing a foundation I never anticipated.
For over four decades, I’ve immersed myself in the works of great poets, finding solace and inspiration in their words. I never imagined myself as a poet or author, but the path I’ve taken has deepened my understanding of the transformative power of poetry, not only in my life but in the lives of others.
I served in the U.S. Navy as a Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) from 1992 to 2012, holding a TS/SCI clearance. The first seven years of my service were spent in a Special Access Program (SAP), where I had the responsibility of briefing the President weekly and the honor of briefing Directors of MI5 and MI6 while stationed in England. I was also present at the Pentagon during 9/11, working for the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). After retiring from the military, I continued my work as a contractor for the intelligence community. Poetry accompanied me throughout my time in the Navy.
It wasn’t until five years ago that I shared my poetry with others. With the support of cherished friends like Joyce Aigen and Bill Murphy, I’m grateful for the opportunity to now share my work with fellow poetry lovers. For me, it’s always been about the poetry. The fact that I hadn’t shared my poems allowed me to grow as a writer. God only knows how many times I’ve revised and refined my work over the years. I am neither a poet nor a writer. I am just a kid from NYC who had the fortune of discovering poetry early in my life. Poetry has made me more aware of my surroundings, and it has allowed me to see life experiences in a different light. Poetry was my refuge, my happy place that I never shared until recently.
When I’m not immersed in words, I find peace in nature, casting lines into quiet waters, or enjoying the warmth of a cozy café. I also explore the vast expanse of the internet and find joy in reading.