first book and so because it is just so true, and so accurate, i want to post something writer bino realuyo e-mailed to a couple groups in thanks for their congratulations on his first poetry book:

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there is this line in my new favorite movie (million dollar baby) i'd like to share:

"if there's magic in boxing, it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. it's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you.

many things we produce for the sake of the arts live in our minds and hearts for many, many years: the stories, the poems, the characters, the voices. there is also this dream of sharing them, in one form or another, a publication, a book, a reading. sometimes, they never see the light.

however, there is sweetness in knowing that our dream is ours and ours alone that's there's no one else there in the rooms of our creation but us.

for me, the passion will always be in the voyage. when my first book (my first!) embarks on your shores, please be rest assured it is everything my dreams are made of.

and i hope all of you keep dreaming, that these congratulatory notes and celebration don't become too overwhelming it is in the nakedness of our dreams that we produce art.

this dream that no one sees but you.

keep your eyes on the prize, not mine, YOURS.

make the dream happen.

thank you for your warm wishes.

b  ¶ 7/17/2005 10:54:00 PM