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By Emmanuel Williams

October 22, 2026

Nothing steadies my soul like literature.

Constantly chasing better English than what’s stressing me out at the time…

When you grow up in a ghetto… A low income metro neighborhood where the common lingo are levels of the same Ebonics you find in the Bronx, NY.

It isn’t comforting English.

Nothing against the Bronx, but when there’s nothing but attitude around me, I am grounded by elegance, elevated English, and thoughtful insights.

First I found Brian Jacques. I read his Redwall Series from ‘Redwall’ to ‘Marlfox’ and beyond. Actually, first I found Captain Underpants, ‘Garfield’ graphic novels, and Oregon Trail on floppy disk, and had to upgrade quite quickly.

Then along came Harry Potter and Rowling along with him. With a cameo by Disney’s “Hercules”. I remained a fan until Deathly Hallows. The movies were not disappointing either.

I read when I’m uncomfortable. Naturally, I speak in prose, or an English or Irish, sometimes Spanish, accent if I can not run to a book.

That means being able to read or write or speak high quality poetry or narrative no matter where I am is paramount.

Literature is my companion.

Literature, my first real friend.

I have sought to emanate, linger, and learn the trick.

When the walls are closing in around me… I turn to the most poetic language available.

Ergo, my primary habit is poetic narrative.

It is my golden remedy.

It is my best friend.

And always will be.

Exeunt Emmanuel.