Man of Few Words is my story. It reads like a journal that chronicles my life. It’s a compilation of poems, songs, essays, short stories, and thoughts derived from experiences both direct and indirect, fiction and nonfiction. This book is my truth, my autobiography, words that are written on the pages of me. The irony of the title is not to be lost on the reader; though I’m a man of few words, I have so much to say. I discovered a passion for poetry at the age of fourteen. During this period, I was going through a lot of changes in my life. I had just moved with my grandma to what was a spiritually binding neighborhood and I was just beginning high school. As I felt my childhood was over, I quickly fell into a depression and subsequently dropped out of school. I was confused and overwhelmed by emotions that I’d never felt before. Feeling the need to express myself, I was fatefully inspired to write. I began writing what I call “albums” of conceptual compositions, collections of poems that would later become the chapters of my book. While I didn’t use my entire catalogue for this book, I chose the compositions that I feel best represent my artistic vision. These poems are listed in chronological order, revealing my journey and evolution of words. This book was inspired by my irrepressible need for creative expression. I always thought that I’d write a book somewhere down the line, but that somewhere became here and that here became now. It’s amazing how your destiny has a way of claiming you before you realize your destiny. I used to dream of being a music producer, and I thought that because I dreamed it, this was what I was supposed to be. But my dreams were interrupted when my true calling chose me. Writing became a passion of mine because it allowed me to fully and fearlessly represent myself. Anything I want to be or say can be done with the boundlessness of artistic freedom. I am free to be an artist as I paint images with words. In many ways, writing communicates a message more clearly and profoundly than spoken language. When someone is reading your written word, they are forced to listen and actually hear what you have to say. I believe that the hardships I went through as a teenager was for this purpose, to write these words that tell my story. It might even seem like a gift from depression, but I believe that my calling is a gift from God. For this reason, it is my obligation to share my gift. I just might inspire someone else to write as they read my story and find the motivation to tell their own. My goal, through my words, is to be the impetus that provides people with a deeper respect for the craft. What I hope to accomplish with this book is to have people gain a more profound understanding of me. I believe that I have a lot to offer through my words for those who are interested and willing to listen. To many people, I’m a man of few words because I don’t often reveal myself through my personality or my existence. What I want these and other people to know is that there’s more to me; I’m not just one-dimensional. I’m a host of imperfections and contradictions with a multifaceted depth. I encourage you to learn me, to read my words and not my silence.