Peaceful Journey

(A Poem for PJ Paparelli

(I Will Always Remember You)

Over the years we've met in many a cafe to discuss The Project(s). You were motivated by my passion for writing so much about the subject. We laughed and shared stories of childhood commonalities, Though you were from Scranton and I am from Chicago, which are two totally different galaxies. You were very focused with your interviewing technique and you really wanted to know why I chose to write so prolifically, About Cabrini Green and who I was dedicating my story to so you could convey the feeling specifically. Together we pored over so many poems Then you asked me which one I liked the most, You told me that you really enjoyed 'Ghetto Teachers...I Will Remember You' so with those words in mind that is what I will post: I will always remember your thoughtfulness and kindness, I will remember your creativeness. Your open mindedness. Your foresight, Your insight. Your sense of humor. I will always remember when you met my teenaged son and tried to find him a mentor. I will remember the way you spoke about meeting the dance troupe from Washington, DC. You were enlightened and fascinated. I will remember the food drive you started for patrons of 'The Project(s) to bring canned goods to help support St. Mathews food pantry in Cabrini. I will always remember how you stopped in the park to pitch a tent for the members of a Cabrini Green reunion. I will always remember seeing the intense Project(s) rehearsal. I will always remember how you approached the residents of Cabrini with such humility and not like inanimate objects. I will always remember the way you looked on the opening night of The Project(s). I will always remember you, PJ. I wish you a peaceful journey.