"The legacy of our past, however lived, serves as a source of strength to shape and guide us on the path to tackle anything we will accomplish, experience and bring forth with us to create a future"
I know that in my case, when I was put through the test of fire, I made a choice to deal with difficult circumstances in a way that would allow me to survive and keep my inner core intact. With the knowledge that I would still retain an innocence of heart to not become a cynical person, reacting in anger to a crisis within a world that was crumbling with loss and pain all over!
Thus, I wrote this poem from my experience turning,
"Black on Black"
The chips were stacked
my plans were hacked
Things had taken a turn
from which I had no return
And when I was flat on my back
I had to turn black on black!
A swirl of motion
demands with emotion
I know not what to do
cause this job pulls me through
I think my dreams are dashed
but I keep it strong, go on and smash
Among trays and Queens and linens and things
I move on, put up and think
That if I stay here I won't hear
the music that plays outside, I fear
This job's not for me
I have tons of talent you see!
However, I search my soul
and before I end up very old, working this job I now perform
I'm to be wise and to hold
to my heart's desire and be bold
To not think that this is the end
cause black on black does amend
my needs for now my good friend
So I go off to work
serve scrumptious banquets and meet great folk
Whose dreams and wants they breathe, just as I do
I concede
So in between sweat, water pitches and tray jacks
I keep my purpose, dream on and stay on track
And understand that for the time at hand
I have bills to pay, food to eat and a big job to land
So I work hard for a chance to get back
if just for now, I remain black on black!
Copyright 2011© Lorena Suarez
All rights reserved
Property of livingearthinstitute.org
(In the Food Service Industry, the term "black on black" refers to wearing black pants and black shirt when you get
called in to serve at a function)
