The Poetry Of Michael Muller: Latino Fire Latino Pride
Born in Syracuse, NY in 1968. His father was Venezuelan. Since he never knew his father growing up, he decided to forge his love for his Latino roots in his own way, mainly by taking Spanish in High School and College. From there he also became a devout fan of Salsa by listening to the old Saturday night Salsa radio program on WBFO in Buffalo, NY, in the late 80s and early 90s. He also became very engaged into attending Latino festivals in Western, NY and also taking up Salsa dancing. His love for poetry began when he visited NYC in 1997 and purchased books by Miguel Pinero, Martin Espada and Sandra Maria Esteves. He began writing mostly haikus but has also developed a free narrative style focusing on Latino issues, current events, and different things going on in his life.
Here is a sample of his work.
"Latino Fire Latino Pride"
A fire burns
but it does NOT destroy
it is a fire
of ENERGY
a fire of LATINO PRIDE
that INSPIRES the heart
that EMPOWERS the spirit
of the body
it dwells inside.
This fire of Latino pride
reminds the woman
and the man
to never forget
where they are from
and to always do
the best they can.
It inspires us all
to make our presence KNOWN
in every city
town
and nation
and to pass the torch
bright with HOPE
to every YOUNGER GENERATION.
This fire ENCOURAGES
Latinos ALL
TO NEVER SURRENDER
with backs to the wall
to THINK
and DREAM BIG
so that above the crowd
we may always stand OUT
we may always stand TALL!