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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 days, 1 hour ago

    Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day

    Dear Unsealers,

    The 25th of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. And the month of March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in the United States.

    It hasn’t been easy to say that I have cerebral palsy. As it was so present in the years that I grew up, it almost became the whole story of who I was. But I’ve come around and accepted the fact that CP is a part of my life. Yet, it’s only one part of the larger story that’s still being written to this very day.

    I’m more than the challenges present, and the same goes for everyone in the community in their own ways.

    I’ve written something in honor of the day:

    National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day

    On the 25th of March
    An underserved community’s turn in the spotlight

    I’ve had my fair share of challenges
    From my eyes, my speech to my feet
    But I’ve risen above all of it
    To be me, a writer and traveler

    CP used to be the entire story
    Defined by all the limitations
    Now it’s just part of the plot
    Of a larger story that’s still being told

    On this day and every day
    A reminder to everyone…

    People with Cerebral Palsy
    Live lives of joy and wonder
    Unbowed by the impossible

    Even if things take more time to do
    After all, we bring our full selves to the forefron

    Oswald Perez

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    • CP used to be the entire story
      Defined by all the limitations
      Now it’s just part of the plot
      Of a larger story that’s still being told

      Oswald this is a beautiful line and piece. CP does not define your whole identity! There is so much more to you! you are wonderful. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. <3 Lau…read more

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 1 week, 4 days ago

    Happy St. Patrick's Day!

    Dear Unsealers,

    It’s the 17th day of March.

    After years of searching for Irish blessings to post on this day, I began to write my own.

    With the luck of the Irish, comes this year’s version:

    On this, the 17th day of March
    A blessing from me to you

    May your days be filled with joy
    And all the craic spent in good company

    For the peace to ease weary times
    As the rainbows fill the skies
    Under bright blue, sunny daylight

    With sweet songs sung in tune
    Carrying this message far and wide

    In this moment of Céad Míle Fáilte
    From the Emerald Isle with love, sent across the world

    Happy St Patrick’s Day!
    Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

    Oswald Perez

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 2 weeks, 6 days ago

    International Women's Day 2024

    Dear Unsealers,

    The 8th of March is International Women’s Day.

    I wanted to show a measure of gratitude to the women in my life, from my mom, sister and all of my female friends and acquaintances. Today, tomorrow and all of the days that follow.

    It’s with that idea in mind, that the following poem comes from…

    On International Women’s Day
    A shout out to all the women

    From all walks, ages of life
    And all corners of the globe

    Showing backbone that keeps the world together
    Through shows of tenacity, strength, kindness and love

    I ought to know this for sure
    For their courage and ambition
    Coming to the forefront time and again

    I look up to the women in my life
    My mother, my sister and oh so many more
    As their encouragement makes me who I am

    We celebrate them and admire them
    Every day of the year, not just today

    Oswald Perez

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    • Aww Oswald, thank you for this. You have such a beautiful heart and I love how you celebrate others, including women. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 weeks ago

    Welcome To March

    Dear Unsealers,

    It’s the first day of March.

    A new month has just begun. 31 new days to make them as we wish.

    As the new month begins, it’s a season of transitition. From adding more daylight to the days, to the first traces of spring appearing.

    With the new month beginning, it’s my custom to welcome it in verse.

    A moment to welcome the month of March
    31 new days have just arrived

    A month that’s full of transitions
    From the clocks switching ahead an hour
    To winter’s last hurrah, as spring knocks on the door

    To celebrate patron saints, Lá fhéile Pádraig & Dydd Gwyl Dewi
    And painting the town green, in honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

    As the UEFA Euros finalize their 24, MLS & the NWSL begin and MLB’s just a first pitch away
    The Madness of 68 college basketball teams reigns

    The first quarter of 2024, its ending coming near
    There is nothing to fear and everything to embrace

    Oswald Perez

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  • A love letter to me, from Me 

    Hey, Oz:

    I know it’s been a rough start to 2024. The health issues with both parents carried over from 2023. The skies above have been cloudy and gray for so many days. And since the end of the holidays, the days feel the same. Wake up, go to work and go to sleep.

    Add to that, Valentine’s Day is coming up. Which tends to add on an extra layer to the sense of doom and gloom already being felt.

    But I’m here to remind you, you’re not nothing. You light up in the world in so many ways.

    Whether it be your beaming smile in the most candid of moments. The words that you put out that offer hope, even during the most difficult of days. Or, being as relentlessly positive for everyone in your life. The presence you carry each day resonates with other people.

    I totally get it. As much as you appreciate everyone’s kind words, it tends not to stick around for very long.

    This is your inner voice saying that you matter. You always have and always will.

    Now, go forth and be the light that you wish to see in the world!

    Oswald Perez

    Voting starts April 16, 2024 12:00am

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  • Looking Ahead To 2024

    Dear Unsealers,

    It’s the halfway point of January. Though I’ve been taking it a bit slow, I still have plans that I want to achieve in 2024.

    I’ll tell you what they are…in verse

    As 2024 rolls on
    Here’s what I know…

    I hope to expand on my writing gains
    With the fourth attempt to bring the next chapter of the Poetic Journey to life
    To complete the Tupelo Press 30/30 challenge
    Go the distance through NaPoWriMo once again
    And possibly, write my next chapter

    To make it past my probationary period in February
    Seeing in my first anniversary at work full-time come October

    Come the fall, my next destination beckons
    As I trade the Aegean for the Adriatic
    With visions of being by the sea in Dubrovnik

    This is just a taste of the plans in store
    Knowing that the rest of this year is open for so much more

    Oswald Perez

    Voting is open!

    Voting ends April 15, 2024 11:59pm

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    • Oswald, I always love your poems, as they always have a positive and uplifted tone. And I love hearing about your love for travel. I can’t wait for you to achieve all your goals and uncover what else this year has to offer you. Thank you for being you and sharing your heart and your art with our unsealed family. <3 Lauren

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 2 months, 4 weeks ago

    Welcome to 2024!

    Dear Unsealers,

    As I begin this letter, it’s Monday January 1st, 2024. The first break of day hasn’t happened yet. But there’s a sense of optimism in the air.

    With the start of a new year a launching point for all things that we want to see happen. I wish for you a new year that brings everything that you’ve ever dreamed of coming to fruition.

    This is my welcome message to 2024…

    As the clock strikes midnight
    The calendar turns once again
    2023 has gone into the good night

    For the start of a new month and a new year
    On the first day of January

    A blank calendar is now at our feet
    To create portraits with all the hopes and dreams on canvas
    Taking shape over three hundred and sixty six new days

    May 2024 be everything that you’ve ever dreamed of
    Full of peace of mind and oh so much joy
    And a world filled with light peering through darkness

    From me to you…a toast with a raised glass
    Here’s to a Happy New Year for us all!

    OswaldPerez

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    • Oswald I love your positivity and how you always uplift everyone! You are a true joy! Thank you for always sharing your beautiful heart. <3 Lauren

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 3 months ago

    Merry Christmas!

    Dear Unsealers,

    It’s Christmas Day.

    I know, it felt like December went by so fast, yet here we are at the last week of the month and of this year.

    I hope that everyone celebrates this day in the company of those who they hold dear. And if this day is difficult to celebrate, all the love and light in the early morning dawn.

    This is my annual Christmas message, from the city to the world and my family to yours…

    On this, the 25th day of December
    The last week of this year begins

    A celebration of life in the midst of winter
    And goodwill towards all
    After a difficult and trying year

    A message of love for those that find the season difficult to celebrate
    As bright as the north star in the night sky
    May it reach all of the souls on earth

    For hope lies eternal in better days
    Today, tomorrow and in the year ahead

    From the city to the world
    From me to you and from my family to yours

    Said many times in many ways:

    Merry Christmas!
    ¡Feliz navidad!
    Nollaig Shona!
    Feliz Natal!
    Joyeux noël!
    Buon Natale!
    Καλά Χριστούγεννα!
    Sretan Božić!

    Oswald Perez

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    • I love your heart, Oswald. You are positive and uplifting and you bring so much light to the world. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren

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  • A Long Day’s Journey Into The Night In Iraklio

    Dear Unsealers:

    2023 is rapidly coming to a close.
    365 days have come and gone.
    Yet, one particular day this year stands out from the rest.

    It was Sunday, October 1st.

    After spending a week running around mainland Greece, our group boarded a plane departing from Athens and arrived on the island of Crete. Kalimera to the city of Heraklion.

    Island time had kicked in with a later start. But it would be a busy day nonetheless.

    Our first stop brought us to the archeological site at Knossos. The open air seat of the Minoan civilization. The Labyrinth was underneath our feet, alas there was no sign of the mythic Minotaur around.

    The next stop was to the Titakis Winery.

    A tour of the vineyard began amongst the vines. Walking through vines and picking off the grapes to eat. The production process was explained further before we tasted the wine. Two tables under blue skies, sunshine and four different wines. Each one getting its due.

    Further around the island we went for lunch. It would be a multi course affair with abundant food and conversation. At this point of the trip, our group had become like family. For good measure, the meal finished with a round of the liquor Ouzo. Don’t be fooled by its clarity, the drink packs quite a punch.

    As we arrived back at the hotel, the day wasn’t over yet.

    Upon arriving at the hotel the day before, I had seen the logo of the soccer club AEK Athens in the conference room nearby. I didn’t understand the reason why it was there, though.

    As I made my way up to the hotel’s lobby, the sound of soccer chants filled the air. A big smile on my face, the star struck look on our guide’s face as AEK is the soccer team her and her sons support and bewilderment from everyone else. AEK Athens was in town for a match against the local side OFI Crete F.C..

    The group of thirty two became thirty six as a pair of college students and a pair of professional Greek dancers joined us on the bus heading to dinner. The sun set over Iraklio as day turned to night.

    We arrived at a taverna on the other side of the island. Nary a soul around as we walked up the steps to the terrace. Tables laid out below the vine covered roof. And on the horizon, a full moon changing colors in the sky.

    The meal began with a pair of musicians providing the soundtrack for the night. Without saying a word, the island’s passion was felt.

    After the meal was done and the dancers had shown us their moves, it was time for us to join the celebration and dance. The joy in the room was so strong, the ouzo that had been brought out wasn’t needed.

    I went up to the musicians to thank them for the music. I mentioned to them that I was a writer and a poet.

    And one of them made a wish for me: that I would return to Crete to spend the summer writing.

    As I looked up at the full moon on the way back to the bus, I knew it was an amazing day.

    And there was still the visit to Santorini on the near horizon.

    Oswald Perez

    Voting is open!

    Voting ends December 4, 2024 12:00am

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    • OMG I love hearing about your travels. They sound so enchanting. I have always wanted to go to Greece, This whole trip sounds like an absolute dream (and I was a soccer player back in my day). Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family! <3 Lauren

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of Magical MomentsMagical Moments group 3 months, 4 weeks ago

    38 Years Old on The First of December

    Dear, Unsealers:

    Welcome to the month of December!

    After the marathon that 2023 has been, we’ve reached the last mile. The finish line is in sight.

    The first day of December is a very special day, as it’s my sister and I’s birthday.

    38 years.

    I’ve already been in tears twice today and I’m sure it’ll happen a few more times before this day ends thinking about it.

    As my sister and I weren’t supposed to survive being born prematurely. My parents didn’t expect us to live but we did. And through all of the challenges that life has brought us, we’ve thrived.

    If not for my sister, I wouldn’t love traveling, live music and theater. She’s been the source of strength and resilience that I look up to every day. Most importantly, she’s the first person to believe that I’m capable of a lot more than my cerebral palsy lets on.

    My sister is my twin, my other half, my best friend and my hero.

    Oswald Perez

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    • Firstly, Oswald let me wish you and your sister a very happy belated birthday! December truly is a special month, and it’s heartwarming to hear that you both are celebrating another year of life together. Your letter touched my heart deeply. It’s beautiful that your bond with your sister goes far beyond the conventional sibling relationship. The…read more

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 4 months, 1 week ago

    A Note Of Gratitude on Thanksgiving

    Dear Unsealers,

    A Happy Thanksgiving to those that celebrate the day. All the love and light to those that are going through difficulty at this time of year. It hasn’t been an easy year on my end with changing jobs and a major health scare within my family.

    I wanted to share this list of people, places and things that I’m grateful for this year. It’s not an exhaustive list, so if I’ve missed anyone, I apologize.

    So, without further adieu…

    On the fourth Thursday in November
    We come together to celebrate Thanksgiving

    With family, friends and loved ones
    This year, there’s a lot to be thankful for…

    For the full time job, hired after nine months of temping
    Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, meeting the Aegean Sea

    Feeling my friend Wendy’s magic in full effect staying with her for a weekend
    For my friend Felice’s unwavering belief in my full capability

    Reading my poetry in front of an audience on a sunny, summer day
    Becoming a best selling author, once again Going Places

    Opening my mind to new experiences virtually and in person
    Renewing friendships with previous acquaintances

    For my sister and mother’s unshakeable strength through difficult straits
    With the faith that everything would be okay
    Our family bond still held together one day at a time

    And I’m thankful for all of you
    For the positivity, encouragement and support

    On this day, and every single day of the year
    A moment of gratitude, from me too you!

    Oswald Perez

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    • Love it! And I am thankful for you. and all that you add to our community and the world. Happy Thanksgiving. I included your piece in our newsletter today.

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  • On My Own Two Feet

    Dear, Unsealers:

    I’m grateful to be on my own feet. Each day, I see them with all the scars and calluses as symbols of confronting the biggest struggle with having cerebral palsy.

    Yet, they’ve carried me from the streets of NYC to sailing around the islands of Santorini. They wobble and tire out easily but they don’t give up on enjoying life.

    It’s with that idea in mind that this poem came along:

    I’m grateful for being on my own two feet

    As I’m able to open my eyes
    And see them in scarred, callused glory

    It wasn’t always this way, though…

    Years of being held back
    By varying braces and orthopedics
    A mentality that sunk into my mind

    Of being helpless
    When all I wanted to do was walk
    With normalcy, like everyone else

    Now, I treasure each step
    Whether its out of my room, walking down the block or in a new destination

    No matter the difficulty
    On hills, boats and all uneven terrain
    I step into my power

    To be on my own two feet
    A feeling that’s worth so much to me

    Gratitude doesn’t do it enough justice
    For the magic of walking on my own two feet

    Oswald Perez

    Voting is closed

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    • Your piece is truly exceptional, thank you for sharing it!

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    • Hi there, Oswald. Aiša here. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us <3

      I can only imagine the places those fighter-feet of yours will take you this year 🙂

      Happy New Year, Oswald!

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      • Oswald!!! I love this part:

        “No matter the difficulty
        On hills, boats and all uneven terrain
        I step into my power

        To be on my own two feet
        A feeling that’s worth so much to me”

        You are incredible. I am so inspired by your attitude, heart, and spirit. You are incredible.

        Lauren

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of Magical MomentsMagical Moments group 5 months, 2 weeks ago

    Returning Home From Hellas

    Dear Unsealers,

    Kalimera, from my office cubicle.

    It’s been four days since I’ve returned back to NYC from Greece. I’ve been alternating between being glad to be back home after the fourteen day trip and missing being out on the road. As this trip has been quite an odyssey, of the non-Homeric kind.

    Never did I imagine being able to climb up the Acropolis and seeing the Parthenon bathed in morning daylight. Or the twists and turns at Mycenae, the elevation to reach the monastery at Meteora and the seas of humanity at Fira and Oia. But I did all of it.

    Nor, did I imagine taking part in a Greek cooking lesson, and Greek dancing not once, but twice. Lest I forget, a soccer team, AEK Athens and their fans invaded our hotel in Crete with their chants bringing a smile to this soccer fan’s face.

    And for the big finish, a catamaran cruise around the islands of Santorini.

    With me at my most blissful state, going down the ladder with my shirt off into the water and not feeling self-conscious for even one second in doing so. Just soaking up the sunlight with my fellow travelers on a sunny day.

    The thirty two travelers in the group began to be like family as the trip went on, looking out for me as one of the few solo travelers.

    As I responded to the email from the customer service department of the travel company used to book this trip, I couldn’t help but feel sad after I pressed send. After nine months of waiting and fourteen days of travel, this chapter of the travel story is closed. I haven’t been adjusting well to being back on this side of the Atlantic, though.

    The sadness of being home will pass. Yet, the memories of this trip will stay with me forever. And there’s always the next trip to plan for.

    I’m hopeful that I’ll be back on the road traveling internationally at this time next year.

    A heartfelt Yamas! to our guide Dina, to our drivers during the trip Yannis, Nikos and Vorgios, to the college students and professional dances that joined us in Crete and to the thirty one fellow travelers that joined me on this trip.

    The company that one is with makes the journey all the more special, as this trip was.

    OswaldPerez

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    • Aww Oswald, the trip sounds amazing. I have always wanted to go to Greece. You will be back on the road or in the air again soon. <3 Lauren

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    • Hello Oswald,
      I am glad you had such a wonderful trip and you were in the oompany of such lovely. people. I hope you will be able to travel more.

      Shelley

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of Current EventsCurrent Events group 6 months, 2 weeks ago

    9/11/2023

    Dear, Unsealers:

    September 11th.
    The events of that fateful day in 2001 resonate throughout the ages.

    From the sheer horror of seeing the attacks unfold on live TV during ABC 7’s news break with News Copter 7 overlooking the scene. To the rest of the day being a blur. The scenes of Times Square being a ghost town during TRL’s broadcast that Friday.

    And seeing the Manhattan skyline a week later as I headed to my first follow up appointment following the second surgery on my right leg. On the left side of my dad’s car, I could feel the profound absence as reality hit over the 59th Street Bridge. It took all my strength not to cry seeing the hole in the skyline.

    I would come back to this area over the years to pay my respects. Now, I work in the area and the gravity of the moment is impossible to ignore.

    Coming up from the subway at the World Trade Center, Cortlandt Street or Fulton Street every day, I see 1 World Trade Center rising up into the sky. I walk through the site and sit in silent contemplation from time to time. As a reminder of how far we’ve come while paying my respects to the people we’ve lost.

    The white roses that dotted the names on the reflecting pools on Friday afternoon. The tree on the memorial site that withstood the chaos and carnage of the day.

    As I stepped off the subway this morning heading to work, I could see the streets leading to the memorial blocked off and then at a distance, I stood silent as the first moment of silence began.

    I’ll never forget them and this day.

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 6 months, 4 weeks ago

    Try To Remember This Kind of September

    Dear Unsealers,

    It’s the first day of September. I know, it feels like the summer went by so fast.

    As is the custom at the beginning of a new month, I make it feel right at home.
    And I hope that September brings all of you comfort and joy as the seasons start to change.

    This is my welcome to the month:

    Try to remember, this kind of September
    The ninth month of twelve in 2023

    30 days begin anew
    A season of transition on the horizon
    From summer in the first half to fall in the second half

    Celebrating labor, remembering a most fateful day and Hispanic heritage
    The days shorten as the heat lessens

    A month of going places
    All roads first lead to the Hellenic Republic
    And then, to the next work destination

    Try to remember this kind of September
    A time where everything’s up in the air

    Setting the stage for more reinvention this year

    Oswald Perez

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    • Oswald, I love that you start each month with a piece. It is so uplifting and really sets a positive tone for the new month. Keep being you. You are pure sunshine and I am so glad you found our writing family. <3 Lauren

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  • A Poet, Who Found His Voice

    Dear Unsealers,

    It was a sunny Sunday afternoon, two weeks ago. At the tail end of a hot, busy last weekend of July.

    As the ferry from lower Manhattan arrived at Governor’s Island, I wasn’t sure if I was going to do it or not. Walking past the banner of the New York City Poetry Festival, I stopped for a moment to soak in the scenery. The sun shined bright, blue skies above my head, green grass and the sounds of poets speaking their truth surrounded me. It was as if I had arrived in the colorful world of Oz after surviving the black and white tornado. I was not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

    But I was looking for one stage, in particular, the Ring of Daisies. Walking along Colonel’s Row the amount of stages began to shrink. Once the last rowhouse appeared, that’s when I knew I was in the right place.

    None of the names at this stage were on the schedule banner in the middle of the site. Just a sign-up sheet, the stage, and a microphone.

    It might have been the cup of cava that I had at the Beer Garden as I walked or heard all the poetry in the air, but I was emboldened at the moment. I put my name on the signup list.

    To this point, I’d never performed my poetry in front of a live audience. Most of the time, my audience is on separate screens or the camera that’s attached to my iPod Touch. Today would be unchartered territory for me.

    Yet, I had a poem in hand to read. Two of them.

    The first one was a moment of frustration having to make a grown-up decision to replace my bed after twenty-two years. The second is a moment to recognize the friendships that made my life such a joy. The waiting began.

    As I sat on the grass for about two hours, my name was finally called. It was showtime at last.

    After warning the crowd that this was my first turn at the mic, I spoke my truths. And took a deep sigh of relief the moment I stepped down to the audience’s applause.

    I didn’t know it at that moment, but I accomplished something special. I escaped my comfort zone.

    Oswald Perez

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    • Oswald! I love this piece. You are so talented, and I am glad you left your comfort zone and found another avenue to share your gift and your heart with the world. This piece is wonderful and extremely well-written. Keep shining your light on the world. Thank you for sharing and, as always, thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 8 months ago

    A Welcome To August

    Dear Unsealers,
    It’s the first day of August. It feels crazy that most of the summer and eight months of this year have already gone by. But here we, in the dog days of summer.

    As I tend to do when a new month begins, I welcome it in with a poem and a coconut full of water to take the edge off the late summer heat.

    And it goes something like this…

    A welcome to the month of August

    Eight months into the year
    With four more left to go

    31 new days ahead
    Deep into the heart of summer
    The Dog Days are here once again

    I wonder how it went by so fast
    As June happened like five minutes ago

    For this month, no holidays on tap
    The drafts where Going Places comes together
    A familial birthday and the US Open at the end

    And the rest of the month, a blank page
    The story’s waiting to be written

    This new month now begins!

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    • I love this. So sweet. So fresh. And so fun. Your writing is so creative and thoughtful and fun. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being a part of our little family. <3 lauren

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  • Oswald Perez shared a letter in the Group logo of PoetryPoetry group 9 months ago

    At The Midpoint of 2023

    Dear, Unsealers:

    It’s June 30th.

    I can’t believe that we’ve already reached the halfway mark of this year. It’s been an eventful six months on my end. From a new job, to new ways of getting my writing across, such as here and new experiences.

    I wrote a poem to mark this point in time. With all the hope that there will be more good things to come in the second half of this year.

    As the first half of 2023 concludes
    Six months went by so quickly

    Yet, it felt like a year has gone by

    With all the changes in life
    New job, new poetry platforms and new experiences
    Surrounded by new and old friends

    The inner leader was welcomed in
    As I took on Manhattan

    With flowers, bamboo and photos
    To document the changing times
    And perhaps, a changing me

    At the midpoint of the year

    A moment here to catch one’s breath
    Before the second half of 2023 begins

    Oswald Perez

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    • It feels like time has been flying recently, it’s like so much has happened in general in the blink of an eye. Also Congrats on your new job and hopefully more good comes to you brother.

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  • To Oswald, At 16

    Dear, Unsealers:

    This is me in 2023, writing to myself at age 16.

    I see the photo of him from December 2001, four months removed from a double leg surgery. In the background at his own birthday party. Clutching onto the walker to keep his balance. While trying to find a reason to smile.

    I want to let him know, there will be plenty more days of joy in the years ahead. He will have the cast removed from his leg and be able to walk on his own two feet. And that moment will be one that he’ll treasure for the rest of his lifetime.

    Once the brace comes off, the world will no longer be as off limits. With all the strength and courage returning, Europe will come calling. A trip every year for five straight years. He’ll keep on going as he keeps exploring the continent and writes about his experiences. The photos and videos taken will also convey what it was like to travel solo.

    He’ll graduate from high school and college, with the diplomas on the wall to prove it. Along with the poster from his book, “A Poetic Journey, Staying At Home” on the wall of his bedroom when his writing and poetry begin to take shape.

    It might not look like it at 16, but there will still be plenty of life to be lived. And your story of resilience will go on to inspire other people to see beyond their limitations.

    Oswald Perez

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    • Oswald, you are such a powerful storyteller. I am so sorry you had to go through that at 16, but you are right, you are so resilient. I am glad you got to see the world, and you didn’t let anything hold you back from travel. You are such a sweet soul and I am lucky to know you! Thank you for always sharing your heart with us. <3 Lauren

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    • Wow Oswalt!! Reading the letter I felt saddened by you forcing a smile on your birthday. It sucks I was there at 17,16,15…. but I am so so grateful you shared the silver lining and you traveled! And every year at that! How was Europe? Where is the next trip? I’m excited to hear more. Wishing you well. 🙂

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  • An Ode To My Scarred Body

    Dear, Unsealers:

    As I looked at my silhouette on the beach in Rincon, Puerto Rico the sunlight surrounds the shadow.

    I can’t help but smile when I see my entire body in the early morning light. I’ve been holding it back for so long. Covering it up with socks, shoes and jeans. Making excuses for not joining in the fun. Now, I’m walking along the beach barefoot. It doesn’t matter that there’s not a soul around, just me.

    The scars on the right leg from a double surgery back in 2001 are ever present, all seven of them. And the scars from the pins that used to be in my three middle toes. I feel the sensation of the sand softly walking up and down the beach. The splash of the water getting closer to the waves. And the breeze of the water surrounding me. Life feels good right now.

    Days like this weren’t possible before. I was so afraid that everyone would gawk at my body. Heaven knows it came up for criticism during my younger years from loved ones. And I’ll be the first to admit that my body is an imperfect vessel.

    But in this moment, I embrace myself fully and all the scars that I have. Without my scars I wouldn’t be the resilient person that I am.

    Oswald Perez

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    • Oswald, you are so amazing. Each one of us has an imperfect body, and that’s ok. I am sorry you were criticized as a child, but I am so glad you found your confidence and your joy. I am so glad that you are part of The Unsealed family. Thank you for sharing this piece. <3 Lauren

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