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I've always been fascinated by poetry. Even as a child, I can remember memorizing Dr. Suess and Mother Goose nursery rhymes. I would write my own
limericks about things I saw and heard, you know, just everyday experiences. Then, when my father paroled from prison, he showed me poetry written
by himself and other inmates. I learned that not all rhymes are sweet and innocent. Poems could be expressed from the endless Spectrum of Emotion:
Love, hate, happiness, fear, joy, anger and frustration could all be inspiration.
When I was in the 6th grade, I entered a poetry contest at Gates St. Elementary. It was titled "I Am Chicano" with a BROWNPRIDE theme to it. But the
school administration considered it inappropriate and disqualified me- too much attitude! My teacher sided with me, though, and told me, "There are people in this
World that take offense to a person being proud of who they are, and describing it with beautiful words". A lesson in life that I learned at an early age
(good lookin' out, Ms. Tomono).
After that, I went through my adolescent and teen years like everyone else. But my poems were left unwritten and fragmented in the chambers of my mind, until about three years ago, when my Primo Sal asked me for poetry to put on the
internet. He encouraged me to put it up for the people that could relate to the "feeling" of my words... and that it didn't matter what everyone else thought.
So I started to write about occurrances that took place in my urban surroundings and release emotions that lie deeply buried in my soul. This became an
important tool for me, personally, that helped me through some of the harder times. I really have found sanctuary in rhymes and I give credit to The Most High for
giving me a way to escape physical trials- mentally and spiritually. Every poem, for me, is written evidence of my life's journey and a document of my existence. I only hope you enjoy reading them, as much as I enjoy sharing them with you:
THE BOOK OF RHYMES by Gato Suertudo
Incarcerated Chronicles
Gangster Anthology
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