In my first creative writing class, we were visited by a famous author, (I've forgotten who). I actually first met him as my then wife and I, walked to class. He was this seedy looking and frightening to me guy in riding leathers riding this very noisy and big Harley Davidson. He looked like he might maul me in the parking lot. (This while I was yet trying to pretend to be a male) LOL. He stopped me and asked me where he could find the class that it turned out that I was on my way to.

As we walked toward it, it came out that I was taking the class, to be with my wife and to help her with it. He looked at me like he did not believe a word I was saying. At that time, I thought that all I had going for me was pure stuborness.

Once in class, his eyes periodically drilled me, and I distinctly remember one of his remarks. He said: "No writer is worth his salt unless he has written some demented poetry". I would say that your poem evidences a lot of struggle and steadfastness. I would not say at all that it is demented, however, but considering the talent that you show, I would say that your dance card is punched. :)

Ma Salaama

Khadijah