On April 15, 2026, I stood at Nassau Community College for my very first public reading of my poem collection, From Mourning To Life. Leading up to the event, I felt a quiet sense of apprehension—unsure of how my words, written from such a deeply personal place, would be received.
To begin, I shared a short video and spoke about how the book came into being. As I transitioned into reading the poems, something shifted—I felt myself settle. The nerves began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of connection.
The audience listened intently. At one point, I noticed several students writing as I read. For a moment, I wondered if they were taking notes—but when I looked up more fully, it became clear: they were engaged in the moment. That realization meant so much to me.
As the reading continued, I felt increasingly confident—not just in my delivery, but in the impact of the work itself. Later, I saw reflections shared on the college’s website, where both students and adults responded with warmth and appreciation. It was humbling, and honestly, a little surreal.
That evening marked more than just a reading. It marked a shift in how I see myself.
For the first time, I felt like a legitimate poet.
And more importantly, it reinforced why I wrote From Mourning To Life in the first place—to connect, to heal, and to help others navigate their own grief journeys.
This is just the beginning. I look forward to many more readings, and to continuing this conversation with anyone who needs it.
Reach out to us if you’d like to schedule a visit to your school or community at large. We’d be glad to bring the conversation to you.