We, Poets, We, Lawyers

There are millions and we are all different

Roll Call —

Reginald Dwayne Betts. Martin Espada. Monica Youn. Edgar Lee Masters. Lawrence Joseph. J.P. Howard.

The list is long. Millions worldwide.

Poets who are also lawyers. Lawyers who are also poets. It feels like it is not a fit but it is for me. Always fit.

For many, like Evie Shockley, it didn’t work. I understand.

But for me, it was pure rhythm and kept building as one. My appearances in court and meetings with clients were like poems or poetry readings and my poetry readings were chances to be a lawyer and to speak for equal justice, or to demand the greater good of us all.

I am not sure why it worked. I was never good with my hands as a street fighter growing up. I guess this was my way of learning how to fight my way. All the guys who tried to kick my ass when I was growing up are mostly no longer living or even functioning. Maybe they are in jail.

Here’s one that combines both of my “different” selves:

Law Practice — 28 years; Law Teaching — 17 years; Poet — 36 years

Order Author’s latest book here.

Additional Poetry

Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) KSHernandez Allison Gaines L.A. Justice Kelsey Ogbewe EP McKnight, MEd Berl's Poetry Shop