Poem of the Month

Burning in the Rain by Richard Blanco

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This month, Richard Blanco came to visit Lafayette. In case you haven't heard of hm before, he is one of five inaugural poets in the history of the US! By the time he was a few weeks old, he arguably belonged to three different countries (Cuba, Spain, and the US-- see his tagline "Made in Cuba, assembled in Spain, imported to the USA"). Those who attended his reading were able to hear him read some of his poens and from his memoir. All of his pieces were nothing less than incredible to listen to-- each contained vivid imagery and were able to transport you back to Blanco's childhood in Florida. Though some writings were somber in tone, Blanco also was able to make light of many of his childhood memories-- everyone in the audience was laughing when he told the story of his introducing his stubborn grandmother to Cheez Whiz.

Burning in the Rain is certainly no exception to the quality of wordsmanship which was displayed at Blanco's reading. In a matter of lines (naturally, all completely killer-- see the opening, "Someday compassion would demandI set myself free of my desire to recreatemy father, indulge in my mother’s losses,strangle lovers with words, forcing themto confess for me and take the blame."), Blanco makes his message clear, his imagery decadent and revealing, and every line fluid, lyrical, and beautifully written.

Whether or not Burning in the Rain suits you, check out some of Richard Blanco's other works:

The Prince of Los Cocuyos: A Miami Childhood

Looking for the Gulf Motel

Directions to the Beach of the Dead