SITUATIONS 24 Spring
2025
Writings from the Alliance Creative Writing Workshop
Situations 24
Situations Editor: Gerry Gomez Pearlberg
Publication Design & Origami: Talo Kawasaki
Poet Photos: David Nager
Alliance Poetry Leaders: Azeem S. Khan, Harriet McNeill, and Rosa Velez
Alliance Program Liaison: Ramona Cummings
Situations Editorial Coordinator: Dan Knitzer
Alliance Executive Director/CEO: Sharen I. Duke
Special thanks to: Kaitlyn Fudge, Caroline Hogan, Emily Levine, Kristin Lysko, and Brooke Montes
Introduction……………………………………………………………..…4
Poem by Eagle Marie Vazquez Cabrera..………………………………………5
Poem by Gertrude Frith... ...……………………………………………………6
Poems by Jesus Rosado...……………………………………………………….7
Poems by Milagra Cortés….……………………………………………………8
Poem by Cassandra Austin………………………………………………..……9
Poems by Iris Elizabeth Sankey-Lewis.………………………………………10
Poems by Alicia Maples……………………………………………………….12
Poems by Alease Davis..………………………………………………………13
Poem by Christopher Amalbert………………………………………………14
Poems by Darryl Wells..………………………………………………………15
Poems by Christopher Hagins..………………………………………………16
Poems by Erinka Ford..….……………………………………………………17
Poems by Harriet McNeill (a.k.a. Star Heed)…………………………………18
Poems by i.a. (a.k.a. Virgin Poet)………………………………………………20
Poem by Dudley Joey Moss..…………………………………………………22
Poems by Julius Samuels...……………………………………………………23
Poems by Rosa Velez........................................................................................24
Poem by Juanna Guillen………………………………………………………26
Poems by Mars iii..……………………………………………………………27
Poems by Nildi Avila……………….…………………………………………28
Poems by Maurice White..……………………………………………………30
Poem by Nathan R. Williams…………………………………………………31
Poems by Nathaniel Timmons..………………………………………………32
Poem by Phillips………………………………………………………………33
Poems by Viola Hairston...……………………………………………………34
Poems by Vladimir R. Best (in Memoriam)..…………………………………35
Poems by Wilhelmina Love…………………………………………………..36
Poem by Reginald Gunnell…………………………………………………...37
Poems by Fred Street.…………………………………………………………38
Introduction
“Writing opens doors for me.”
“Writing is the music of the soul.”
“Words can open your eyes.”
“Writing opened the door to my heart years ago—now I am beginning to shine.”
Eagle Marie Vazquez Cabrera
ROLLERCOASTER
Life is like a ROLLERCOASTER— you got to start from the bottom to go up to see the top. But as you see, life becomes a ride and you go up and down in life.
Once you notice that you don’t wanna ride the ROLLERCOASTER, you see that going up and down wasn’t your calling so now you have a clear mind to keep enjoying these other rides and having fun.
Remember to not let the ROLLERCOASTER control your fun and remember to stay positive even when you feel down, and no one understands.
POEM
Gertrude Frith
HELLO, GERT
I believe in you! I always did!
I’m so glad that NOW, you do too!
You fought so hard, Gert— each time that you fell.
I saw that your smile had faded.
I rejoiced when you celebrated.
Day One—Gert, you did not use!
Day Two—Gert, you were done with the Blues. Here it is today, Gert—recovery is on the way.
WHOSE BACKYARD THIS IS
No one comes to my backyard alone. Leave immediately and otherwise it truly is a familiar site, more so than ever. No one seems to know of my own backyard, underestimating the value of my lovely backyard. I feel strongly, this the only backyard I knew of. Then let’s share the backyard together. Let’s share and look at the beautiful backyard. Once you’re away, nothing becomes more precious than my own backyard. Leave it alone right now, it’s more than beautiful. However, the purity it gives off will only match its time and effort.
SHALL WE SEE THE SUNNY RIVERBANK
Nobody knows what a riverbank is all about. A quiet riverbank is a thing we often dream about. There is nothing quite like it. Seeing is believing. Nobody knows why rivers do not always have a hazy, calm look. My own riverbank seems so subtle, always relates to one thing only. My fine riverbank—be completely curious about my own riverbank, not anyone else’s riverbank. Are you happier now about what riverbank really means to you? Look no further. Here it is.
Milagra Cortés
LIVING CLOSE TO A RIVER
My parents moved to Puerto Rico where there was a beautiful river behind the house. It was a disappointment the river was contaminated with feces, where there was a toilet depositing smelly shit.
My day is full of joy when I sit by your side, rivers, listening to your waves. Oh rivers, you gave me so much by your side— peace, relaxations, and a mindful of hope.
Please, keep our rivers clean!
A NEW DAY
The morning inspires my day. There’s a space in my mind letting me know I’ve been distressed for a while.
My thinking is moments of prayer, it helps me clear my thoughts to start an exciting day waiting for me.
I am so happy to meet new people today. I feel good with myself to achieve more + space in my mind.
My passion is to keep the peace in my life and the surroundings. I love sharing my love feelings, good or bad. “What a wonderful world…”
POEM
Cassandra Austin
HANG IN THERE
When times are fun, Hang in there. When times are hard, Hang in there.
Sometimes you don’t know where or what to do. Just hang in there.
Things will look up. All you have to do is just Hang in there.
God is always hanging in Keep your head up high.
Iris Elizabeth Sankey-Lewis
LETTER TO MY ADDICTION
Dear addiction,
I am up to inform you:
You will feel shock as your hands reach this letter. Electric current galore will crush your diabolic spirit— My spiritually grown third eye has showed me, You were a phantom creeping on sponge feet, You wreaked physical, emotional, and mental havoc daily. My dreams became as barren as my appetite— You vied for attention in the morning of my waking, You who gave portions of fatigue, fear, and paranoia, You who sought to win me over with your insidious lure, You are as bitter as sin with gall to entice numb palate, I rejoice that you’re nowhere near.
Morning after morning of my waking you came calling, Feel the fire set to dissolve you from here to Timbuktu, Feel the burn like ice to my chest you pressed, You paused perfect projects; and caused me heaps of regret— You would bribe sober life, and see it pass me by, But I’ve been drenched in pool of hope, So now, I am showing up for life unmasked. Depression and confusion like twins, once lingered unasked—
No more crossing Prestige Boulevard to my neighbor, for your sake, No more cunning the husband into thinking you were absent, No more running to quench crave you gave, Substitutionary lure is barred from my door.
I have had, by grace, zero run-ins with the law, shame on you! I now revel in ownership of my vigilante committee, Understand I’ve got oil in my lamp.
You are as repulsive as the smell of slow death, I’ve seen you on pseudo-pedestal like a braggadocious bully, You’re explosive like a Unabomber’s bomb. Do not simply die slowly, die at the flick of a switch— Die empty and alone already.
SERENDIPITY
Cravings that caged me into drinking Morning after mornings of suffering Pseudo joy of numbing and stinking thinking,
Shame became my middle name haunting Blame—I blamed the husband arguing I shall refrain from responding.
Water—I’ll presume water as friend, helping. Yoga has been my go-to while meditating. Connections—I know of church folks welcoming.
FINDING A FRIEND
She embraces solitude as a friend. Alone, her heartbeat simmering, Bold mirror beckoning, Courage comes undressing.
She embraces rest as a friend. Alone, she’d look to inner light, Spark of gratitude ignite, A smile spread wings in delight.
She embraces the Savior as friend. Alone, her vision sharpens, She enters her own garden, Sharing seems small token.
She embraces her Maker as friend. Alone, she perks with Its presence, Bold prayers make all the difference, She is never alone in stillness.
POEMS BY Alicia Maples
CHOICES OF RESPECTING WILDLIFE
We wake up in the morning. I hear the bird chirping. During the day, Mother Bird is protecting her young, nurturing the beautiful gift life is. See the birthing of birds. Caterpillars turn into butterflies.
Take a look into the skies. That’s God’s love— spreads right B4 your very eyes!
A beautiful thing. Hear the birds sing.
PHOTOGRAPH
A photograph of grandpa in love with grandma, watching the fireplace, in her dress pretty, made from lace, you better listen to grandma & look at her face, or she will put you in your place.
So you should just listen, learn something, enjoy, stay cozy warm watching the fireplace.
POEMS BY Alease Davis
TONY BENNETT
He voiced like Jazz. He was a great singer who passed away. He was a New Yorker. Tony will be missed. RIP.
TREES
Trees are green. Trees can fall down. Trees give shaded big leaves. Trees are nature. Trees dance in wind.
RAIN
Rain brings May flowers. Rain is water. Rain washes evil ways. Rain comes from the sky. I love the rain.
Christopher Amalbert
Art imitates life, life imitates art. POEM BY
This poem relates to life, reality!
I feel like everyone can relate & understand in some shape, form, or fashion.
Darryl Wells
LET’S THINK
Do you know underneath the city that never sleeps there is a city. It’s where the elites play. I say that to say that “underneath” means layers.
Here’s some layers: Bang the gavel, my thoughts range from here to Seattle. I have a steak in life like it’s cattle.
Skedaddle, I come from the era that in school you got beat with a paddle. Sometimes I’m caged, but I’m never rattled. Only snakes rattle. Don’t do crimes and then tattle— you’ll end up down Dawson’s Creek with no paddle.
I get Red when people say they have the Blues. You could be somewhere sick as the flu or on somebody’s news. No mission is Impossible. Ask Tom Cruise.
Do what you do but do pay some dues. Look, there is something on the ground. I’ve lost my screws— Crazy off of just life, no booze.
RAIN AND SUNSHINE
What is the difference— your sunshine can be someone’s rain, someone’s pain.
Imagine someone killed your brother or sister. You would want justice, and when you get it, someone will suffer.
Maybe it’s the person that killed your family or maybe it’s their parents. Someone always suffers.
It’s a ying 2 every yang, people confuse choices with pure fact.
A choice is your prerogative but don’t deem it the truth. It is your truth. Rain or sunshine, carry an umbrella— or don’t.
Christopher Hagins
You can learn a lot from people, from the richest man to the poorest widow. The person you pass by every day on the street can show you things you never thought you’d see. We must understand that we all live different lives but we all are one collective mind. You must treat people as you want to be treated. The people you see when you’re flying up are the same people you’ll see when you’re falling down.
I’m optimistic, like Rocky. In my mind, nothing can stop me.
I’m confident, not cocky.
I’m neat and not sloppy.
As long as I wake up, I’m happy, but go to sleep missing Mommy and Daddy. It’s a beautiful day, but some days are crappy.
“NEST”
I need some rest in my “nest.”
The world is wild. I need some rest in my “nest.”
It is my own.
I worked hard to get it.
So be grateful for your “nest” and rest.
I need some rest in my “nest.”
POEMS BY Erinka Ford
THE SUN
The sun will come out. The pain that you and I have.
The sun will come out. You hold it in.
The sun will come, but it is love.
The sun will come, Come.
POEMS BY
Harriet McNeill
(a.k.a. Star Heed)
LIFE THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS
Life through a different lens comes in many sizes. In one lens it says, I can see nothing right in another lens it says, I see you a little bit, but not clearly and also… in another lens it may say, I see you in me because of the bright lens that your heart beholds.
Life through a different lens can also mean carrying other people’s burdens as your own that puts a smile in someone else’s eyes, heart, and spirit, that shows you care.
In all reality that lens is God. God helps us, help us see ourselves in other people’s lives, not to forget where we come from and to care, share, and grow in life in spite of our past lives and differences. Life through a different lens.
LIFE IS…
Life is beautiful
Life is great
Life is also magnificent with all its glory
Life is colorful
Life is spontaneous Life is spectacular with all its brightness
Life is amazing Life is granted Life is glorified with all its stages
Life is… beautiful, colorful, and glorified with everything that you are and what you have become through that, that you hold dear to you through your eye of your heart’s desire, and through your pains and sorrows
Life is what you make it to be and not what no one else thinks of you
Life is God’s Life is yours choose life wisely to make a life legacy for yourself and others
IT’S ALL FINE
It’s all fine to find joy after sorrow or a big let down
It’s all fine to enjoy your life after a downfall or illness
It’s all fine to love someone when love finds you
It’s all fine to follow love even if love don’t follow you back
It’s all fine to follow your heart when everything screams joy
It’s all fine when your outside matches your inside
It’s all fine when your past does not equal your future
And it’s all fine when your current friends are not able to follow you where God is leading you to.
i.a. (a.k.a. Virgin Poet)
INTROSPECT
This personal entrapment of my realities keeps me in a cage of selfishness, framing instability + domiciled counterparts of emotional tolls that erode my emotional well-being. It threatens my mind by not allowing me to fix intricate barriers that alienate me from myself as I carry a distressing experience from my childhood that externally overwhelms my everyday life by ensuring allostatic loads that expose my own false stories where my uncertainties don’t change to certainty with no location I know not what to do. And in not being understood, this place I am is shattering my identity, killing the image of myself, my dreams, my hopes, and in misunderstanding my words and my intent to push life away I keep you out, in this present moment where I live in a disconnected place with “0” goals.
Messages derive from loneliness, my feelings, my sensibilities have scenes of mountainous valleys exposing rhythmic verses of buried memories that cannot be remade or removed.
These dreams I no longer recall as the light of the sun is translucent, wide and endless with glittering traces of elusive thoughts.
Come to terms with things I need to know I have difficulty framing my words as feelings vanish into the fragranced air
I am myself, as I once was b4 reclaiming my true place as I, create poetry.
UNTITLED
She doesn’t understand these loose words that imprison her in her mind losing their design in endless corridors with no entrances or exits 2 the reality of it all
These impacting night-falls are careless mistakes that engage in illustrations she has to go thru as she is broken and confused by words left unspoken
Time 4 her changes nothing leaving her with entanglements that create cumulative tolls in a sanctuary where silence is cherished as it reawakens her sense of loss + hopelessness, not letting her remove the mask that protects her from the world and from being seen by others.
Scarred as she is she hangs on 2 every word and stares intently with wondering stares that remind her of things unresolved that never weaken their rhythm + how fleeting life is + how quickly it passes like ripples in a pond of fragile roses that echo memories making her seek outside solutions to her shattered dreams + heavy heart where scarring pain precludes thoughts inside her head where a lifeforce is filled with the darkest parts of her + things are forced and obstacles manifest smokescreens of words that have speed bumps causing her to lose sight and ideas yet to come.
Maybe she has to believe that it’s all in her, look within herself, what is within her allowing 2 share experiences in poetry a part of Reality.
Dudley Joey Moss
DAYS IN DAYS OUT
Just for today I woke up. Days go by, time goes by. Winds may blow, rain may fall. I look at day and night. Rain falls. Snow falls. I look up just for today and wonder what day is the end of the day. Wake up, a new day.
Not wanting to move on because the pain is so great. But the reward is so great. It’s a challenge of not giving up but it also helps me with my self-esteem for me to work on. So no pain, no gain in meetings and feelings.
POEMS BY Julius Samuels
I LIKE THE LIGHT
I like the light. It brings out the darkness in me. It brings stability to me. It’s my guidance to keep moving forward. It’s my medication, so I won’t get sick spiritually physically and mentally. I have to keep on going toward the light. Hello, good morning, and good night. I love that light!
POEMS BY Rosa Velez
I AM
I am the peaceful silence that quivers in the presence of hope
I am that sun that shines whenever I see them smile
I am a quilt of many faces looking and dreaming to just be “Me” I am she
CAN WE QUIET THE MIND?
Can we quiet the mind?
Tell me— tell me
Where do you go when chaos rummages in the depths of your mind?
Where do you go IF the mind screams for attention like a hamster exercising on a wheel?
Can we quiet the mind?
Or does the mind have a brain of its own?
Ssshhh— Quiet—listen. He fell asleep.
Time for me to go—to an unknown zone.
BEWARE, THE SOUNDS OF DEEP PERSPIRATION
He drips in sounds of deep perspiration
The sound of a lost soul gasping for air
What is he searching for? Did he know that was his last class with us that day?
He drips in sweat of deep perspiration
His heart thumps his chest rises and drops, his face ghastly grey— almost ghostly looking for one last piece piece of life to set him free
He stops breathing, barely, the ambulance rushes and takes him away
No more drips no more perspiration just a machine, next to you— telling you…
“Did you know this was your last day on Earth?”
Beware, the sounds of deep perspiration
Juanna Guillen
YOU ARE FREED FROM YOUR PAST
Letting go of what you can’t change changes you and that changes everything. Progress and failure— both part of the journey in life. Need the grace of God. Choices made today bring delight or grief to the lord of the universe.
TROUBLEMAKERS
…rule the world from a void that is all their own and yet so familiar like “All of my Relations” trouble guides me trouble makes me trouble blesses me trouble dubs me
troublemakers ruling the world from a void that is all my own and yet so familiar
WHY ALLIANCES MATTER
1. Because we all got to eat.
2. Because change doesn’t happen effectively w/o community.
3. Because vices sometimes only divide.
4. Because having that Metrocard can avoid getting shot by the NYPD.
5. Because my life matters.
6. Because Alliance has my back.
7. Because I have something of value to offer.
8. Because we all do.
POEMS
Nildi Avila
IT’S ALL GONE
It’s all gone in the air. No more feelings, no more care. Walking in wisdom and freedom. What once was is now in the past. Can’t dwell on it—moving on, switching lanes, no stop signs, no resting place. A twilight zone. Emotions running, but running on empty. Where’s the fulfillment? Oppositions in the mist. Numb to the unwanted entering feeling— cold, walking dead, it’s all gone. No return policy, just a beating heart healing, seeking, wondering how this could be, but it’s all gone. Replacing the old for the new, it’s all gone. A sense of peace like the beach, fresh air full of adventures skipping and hopping. People left behind, no looking back to those we call friends, family, or codependents. It’s all gone— old habits, departure lift off manifesting the greatest season. Summer, winter, and fall, all gone, climbing mountains called Reality is what you seen, felt, and heard just an illusion. Now it’s all gone embracing new beginnings. It’s all gone.
LOOK DOWN
Never look down on anyone who isn’t doing the same things you’re doing.
The poorest people are the richest, holding much power and gifts.
Living in a world full of dark clouds everyone always on the go—no healing, no love, selfish, destroying others for no cause.
So many carrying a heavy burden. Some carry it with a smile but the pain is in their inner selves.
Why can’t we love, forgive, and look out for one another. No one is better than the other.
Wake up, smell the coffee. The air might not be fresh but don’t be polluted like the air you breathe.
Never look down on anyone no matter the circumstances because there’s a Heaven and Hell God don’t play with people no matter their walk. We all fall short. So Lord forgive me if I ever looked down on anyone, for this earth is the Lord. Who am I to look down?
MY LIFE IS FIGHT
1. My life is projection of my perceptions within myself.
2. My life process is my personal Reality.
3. My inner truth is a world within outer worlds of life.
4. Projection is perception.
WE NEED EACH OTHER MORE THAN YOU THINK
I was made for you as well as you are meant for me. Together we can rule the world as we plant our seed. If we fight, thy children will perish & there will be no future for thy mothers & fathers. So let’s work together to think positive for a way better life.
POEMS BY Nathaniel Timmons
I AM RAIN
The rain helps me to rest and be safe on my way to life and being happy too!
My soul is waiting for me to be strong and happy to be here with meaning. Life is great and so are all my flowers in life!
SOUL
WANTS & NEEDS
I need $25,000 to help me take care of my personal needs. I need to love myself, before I can love others. I need to focus on my recovery, not think about getting high right now. I need to fall back and observe my surroundings. I need to figure out how to stay away from negative people so I can avoid hurting someone. I need to eat right and exercise, so I can take care of my health. I always speak my mind when I’m talking to someone. I got to learn how to be patient with others and myself.
I always wanted to learn how to swim, just like my friends. I need to have a companion, for I don’t like to feel lonely, or by myself. I want to do a lot of things different than the way I used to.
I want to change for the better in my life.
I already have this positive change program. I always felt that I needed to stand for something. I need to be part of society and life.
POEMS BY Viola Hairston
HOLIDAY SOUL
As these holiday come by, it’s not the same without your loved ones. It’s hard to sit at the table without you.
I missed your sweet potato pie and hot chocolate under the firepit. This year, there’s no firepit or hot chocolate or sweet potato pie ’cause without you, there’s not a soul that wants to come around. We should come together as one this holiday soul ’cause you never know when our time will go.
Give thanks on Thanksgiving day, be thankful for another day. As these holidays pass by, let’s give love and happiness instead of empty plates and an empty belly.
Love one another.
No matter how you celebrate, enjoy your holiday.
Let’s not be alone, let’s share our love around the table once more, ’cause one day we will be gone, too, and there will be an empty chair we once sat in.
So love one another. Let’s take time to enjoy our life.
You only get one life to live.
You can’t be upset to not have your loved one at the table they are up in Heaven watching over us, so you don’t have to feel alone.
PUT YOURSELF FIRST
Never blame yourself for your mistake. Never blame anyone in your life. Good people give you happiness. Bad people give you experience. The worst people give you a lesson and the best people give you memories.
We are often let down by the most trusted people And loved by the most unexpected ones. Some make us cry for things we haven’t done while others ignore our faults and just see our smile. Some leave us when we need them the most while some stay with us even when we ask them to leave. The world is a mixture of people. We just need to know which hand to shake and which hand to hold.
After all, that’s life learning.
POEMS BY Vladimir R. Best
In Memoriam: 1964–2025
IT’S SPRINGTIME AGAIN
Before winter arrives each year my anxieties get triggered by the thought of spring. It’s my favorite, most happy time of the year because I know the warm times gonna be soon upon us. Where most folks are out and enjoying outdoor activities you get caught up so easily in entertaining company and ourselves that time seems to go by slowly thus all of this will eventually come to an end, and the cycle of the seasons will start all over again.
MY “SICK AND TIRED” AFFIRMATION
I’m tired of getting up every day doing the same things and chasing that high. The time it takes to get the money just to fulfill that temporary burst of fake, short-lived high—
I gotta regain my sense of pride and respect. I want my family and friends’ trust back, and them back in my life again.
I wanna make my life more meaningful and leave a positive mark and a good legacy behind when I’m gone.
POEMS BY Wilhelmina Love
INVISIBLE TEARS
The tears kept flowing down my eyes but nobody seems to see them. For many years, the trauma I’ve experienced has been bottled up inside me. When I was releasing my anger and hatred, it was not only towards my family but with the whole world and myself. The terror in me would turn people away. For 59 years it was the only thing I could talk about.
59 YEARS
No matter how difficult and painful your past is it is irrelevant to keep holding onto it. Holding on to difficult past issues is just preventing you from moving forward.
For 59 years, I kept dwelling over those difficult moments thinking that changes could be made for all those painful moments I have endured. But there is absolutely nothing that could repair the damages done to me in the past.
I got to be strong and overcome those difficult times, And start to begin taking charge of my life.
EVERYTHING THAT MAKES ME GOOD
Having my health
Having a new course in life
Having great kids
Having a roof over my head
Having food to eat
Having people in life that are positive
Having great friends
Having God in my life
WHO ARE YOU/ME?
Each day you/me have the opportunity to serve others. In other words—lay down your pride. In our faith, we’re one of each other—together.
Visit a sick person in the hospital—go shopping for a neighbor— let someone go ahead of you. This way, we offer our faith that we honor— but first there’s humility before honor—
Learn from criticism and praises—then move on in God’s grace and love. These two stir up powerful emotions in us— be refreshed with gratitude—yes—
When I was caring for my mom after she came home from the hospital it became the greatest privilege of my life with joy— it’s in the heart—our faith will challenge us to change. Sometimes our prayers can change us in unexpected ways to learn and grow—
This is a part of your/mine. Greatness given freely through your/my faith— we’re transformed by love and grace—
The opportunity to serve others— a precious gift of love and grace.
