#FlashbackFriday to reflections on the power of poetry in civic discourse: Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” and one of my favorite quotes by President John F. Kennedy:

“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.”

These ideas continue to inspire me today, just as they did when I wrote the inaugural poem, “One Today.”

*COMING SOON: *The Year of Writing with Richard Blanco,* kick-starts with “The Poetics of Protest” in January 2026. Keep an eye on my Workshops page for updates and registration details.

This video was produced by the JFK Library Foundation and the American Writers Museum.

A magical night with the creative team of “Waiting for Snow in Havana,” a musical in development that I am working on as co-lyricist. We shared demos of several songs, talked about the creative process, and next steps as we continue development. The musical is an adaptation of Carlos Eire’s memoir (by the same name) about his childhood in Cuba and separation from his parents through Operation Pedro Pan, a clandestine exodus of over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors to the United States from 1960 to 1962. A tragic yet triumphant story about family, love, and the meaning of home.

Here’s the link to the demo song “Don’t Let Go,” sung by the main character, Carlos, to his 11-year-old self. In the song, he urges his younger self to hold on to his childhood innocence—soon to be lost when he must leave Cuba without his parents.

Last week, I read poems on the lawn of the historic Longfellow House. I left with a renewed sense of hope for humanity — inspired by all who shared the space and placed their faith in words, in a shared vision of the America we know, and are still fighting to become.

Grateful for the meaningful conversation with Sean Murphy on the “Some Things Considered” Podcast about the power of poetry to bear witness, the role of art in resisting cynicism, and what it means to use our voices for good in a divided world. We also talked about craft, hope, and why words still matter.

Thank you to Karen Svoboda for inviting me onto the Defense of Democracy podcast—and for holding space for such vital conversations. We spoke about poetry, democracy as a verb (not a noun), and the role of language in shaping who we are, both as individuals and as a nation.

In a time when so much feels uncertain, poetry has the power to remind us of our shared humanity and help us imagine a better, more just future. Poems may not change the world directly, but a poem can change a person who will change the world.

I hope you’ll take a listen, reflect, and share: defenseofdemocracy.org/podcast

Grateful to share my poem, “Uncertain – Sea Principle” – a contrapuntal ode inspired by Werner Heisenberg—with UNESCO’s Quantum Year 2025 and the Brilliant (Quantum) Poetry Contest, open through June 30, 2025. This contest celebrates both the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, and the centenary of quantum mechanics.

As an engineer-poet, I’ve always felt that quantum uncertainty echoes the human condition—our lives, like particles, pulse between knowing and becoming.

This contest invites poets and thinkers alike to give voice to the mysteries of quantum science through verse. Winners and runners-up will receive cash prizes, but more than that, the chance to explore science not as formula, but as a feeling.

Details: https://www.thebrilliantpoetry.com/

A belated note of gratitude to composer Oliver Caplan for his choral composition of my poem “CLOUD ANTHEM,” and to the New Hampshire Master Chorale with Juventas New Music Ensemble for their dulcet tones. This performance, recorded live on October 29th, 2022, at the Granoff Music Center in Medford, MA, is a moment to pause, breathe, and remember that we are always connected; we “hold light in our lucid bodies like blood…” read more…

Last month, I was honored to unite with all who attended the “Procession of Angels for Radical Love and Unity”; neighbors, poets, historians, musicians, puppeteers, et al who walked the 2.5 miles through the streets of East Harlem, a.k.a. El Barrio in solidarity for a more compassionate future. Thank you to María Magdalena Campos-Pons and all involved in organizing this heart-touching event; for inviting me to read “Declaration of Interdependence”

Here are some photos of the day we all came together.

read more…

I’m humbled to contribute to the groundbreaking, Latino Poetry | The Library of America Anthology. Edited by Rigoberto Gonzalez, it celebrates the work of over 180 poets including Jose Martí and many of my peers, mentors, and friends. Here I am reading from the anthology “Como Tú / Like You / Like Me,” and “My Voice” by Rafael Campo.

Grab your copy HERE

“Like thirst, like hunger, we ache with the need

to save ourselves, and our country from itself.”

Robert Shetterly unveiled a portrait of me at The Gem Theater, in Bethel (ME), as part of his Americans Who Tell the Truth portrait series. I’m humbled to appear in his empowering collection and to read my poem, “Como Tú / Like You / Like Me” (which is excerpted above and on the portrait). I’m sincerely grateful to Robert for his art and all he does to nurture the virtues of our democracy.

CLICK for info and to explore resources for educators.