Poem for Kenny Santana

I seldom write dedication poems
and if I do it's because they have provoked an image.
An image so powerful it has been engrained
in my heart and soul.
I am the product of your poem
the chemo, the diabetes, the stabbing the shooting
the time I put a 357 magnum to my head
and that will always be my one regret.
I am a product of your poem
starring death in the face and knowing
God has saved me for what ever reasons
he feels I should be redeemed.
I am a product of your poem
when the paddles restarted a heart
that once was rancid, and now
wants to give love, and nothing more.
I am a product of those hypocrites
that welcome you with open arms
while their motives are pure and simple.
I have died and have been reborn
without the guns, and hatred.
I have died and have been reborn
in love and laughter.
I have died and have been reborn
inside your poem.
So I truly dedicate this poem to you
Kenny Santana.
Today this poem is in honor
of your birth.

June 4th 2004