The Call Inside

Who am I?

I am a man who loves his community,

A father, a veteran, a husband,

A creator who finds opportunity

In the complex, diverse world I stand in.

I am a healthcare worker, an advocate,

A queer man, a person living with HIV,

And these intersections are the fabric

Of the impact artist I’ve learned to be.

The voice inside sings a different song,

It’s not a whisper, but a steady drum.

It’s known my journey has been long,

It knows the places I have come from.

And the call isn't out there at all, it's inside me,

It’s like the tide, always falling and rising,

This deep desire for the world to see

The transformation I’m visualizing.

I am everything I've learned and more,

Through painting, sculpture, tech, and light.

My mixed media opens up a door

To share my vision and my sight.

I am inspired by the world around us,

This is the true foundation,

To build a space where we can discuss,

To start an organic conversation.

I carry these stories here in my heart,

With UNBOXED, we share what we’ve found,

Believing each piece is just the start,

A seed planted in fertile ground.

I hope that others are moved and empowered,

To share their own experience, too.

For in this connection, strength is flowered,

It’s the hopeful work I'm called to do.

The man I am has been defined

By all the roles I've come to be.

The advocate and artist combined,

This life, this path, has chosen me.

And the call… it is inside me.