I write this, 12:28am… a few drinks in. Guess who’s back? Back again. My second book drops tomorrow. What a journey it has been since my first. The world is vastly different. I am vastly different. Hert changed my life in ways that I never would’ve imagined. Now, I am here ready for whatever’s next… before the thank you. I’m so thankful that I’ve gained supporters that accept me for me and have had my writing change their lives. I wrote under the alias of DELACRUZ which has slowly made the world… mi familia. I was living under the metaphorical mask before everyone was forced to wear one. Mask (is) off — seeing into the future. The purest and honest that I’ve ever written. My face is free as this is the grand finale. The fireworks are about to blow as my works of art set the world ablaze. The cities have been burning. William Shakespeare wrote “Kings Lear” during the black plague. I wrote Paint. I turned the darkness into light. Colors need light. From suicidal to surfing the (emotional) tidal waves. Nostalgia drowned me though. The more I rose from drowning, the more I thought about the Titanic — my life used to be. The doors were there for me to open… and float on. Now, I win(s) … letting others see my (hard)ships. What a life that allowed the romance of life to flood in. I ran away from my hometown, catch me if you can. This town called Hollywood, I’ve made a home. I finished my book here as I found the colors to paint my reality. I wanted to be more than just a heartbreak and love poet. I wanted to show that I had versatility within my verses. That my words could play beyond the sadness. I had more inside that I needed to put out. These are core memories within my headspace. The spaces that my head went towards as I allowed it the freedom to be free. Write about anything regardless of what others would think. Display the most potent vulnerability I ever have as I take you all with me through nostalgia lane. The lanes opened and I began speeding towards my destination. God’s not finished as my words come to life. The life that comes from these stories will leave the world in awe. I can’t wait till it’s in your hands and you step into my world. There are plenty of stairs as the world stares at greatness. I’ve ascended from poet to artist. From the Mexican Shakespeare to the Picasso of Poetry. I will paint the world beautifully. The world needs more beauty. Masterful work has lacked in our society so I decided to write a masterpiece. From the pieces that I used to be — I learned peace. I’m so blessed to have such a beautiful family. Thank you to my parents, brothers, cousins, uncles, aunts, etc. You made me who I am. The colors were within my blood. I’m blessed that I picked up the pen that turned into a brush. These lines came from my bloodline. I’ll make sure our last name is known around the world. The Gods of the cross as I cross the levels to obtain it all. 

Roses are thrown onto the stage as I bow towards the crowd that rose to applaud. 

Thank you, God.

Love,
Erik De La Cruz.