Luivette Resto’s vulnerability in her poetry was not only memorable, but it also connected to many students and staff as she shared topics of love, motherhood, the climate crisis, women’s rights, and aspects of her childhood that have shaped who she is today.
The LBCC English Department hosted a poetry event on Wednesday Oct. 23 and the room was filled with attendees of all ages, each taking in Resto’s poetry in different ways.
“I enjoyed her poetry and outlook on life and stance for women and women’s rights. I came for extra credit, but after reading and hearing her story, it was really inspiring, and I ended up purchasing her book,” LBCC student Gregory Thomas said.
Luivette Resto’s collection, “Living On Islands Not Found” sat on sale next to the entrance of the room during the reading for atendees. (Sam Villa)
Resto took the time to interact with attendees, oftentimes pausing and making sure Thomas got the right page for a specific poem she would be reading for the class, ultimately getting the entire room laughing and intrigued to continue listening.
Not only did Resto read her poetry, but she shared them with genuine expressions that helped bring her words to life.
She also gave context to her poems and what exactly sparked each one, one of which was even inspired by Ricky Martin’s 1999 performance at the Grammys.
“Thank you Ricky Martin,” Resto said as she gave his performance credit for making her culture as a Puerto Rican not only mainstream in American society, but appreciated.
Resto elaborated how although it may seem overexaggerated, she truly believes that Martin helped create a wave of change in the entertainment industry, such as the Latin Grammy’s becoming its own night instead of a category, and shifted how her culture was seen in society.
However, she also spoke on some struggles that come from being an individual who seems to share various cultures after growing up in both Puerto Rico and the Bronx.
“I am proudly bilingual like many of my students, but I struggle and I know I’m not as good as my grandmother, my tia, or my mom,” Resto said.
Resto describes this feeling as “vacillating between two worlds.”
The frustration and passion in her writing was easily transmitted throughout her reading, especially during a poem that discusses how exasperating it is to hear that her true self is seen as “unprofessional,” especially in work-related situations.
“Big earrings, red lipstick, this is what I do, and apparently people don’t find it professional. I don’t give a shit about professional, this is who I am. This is my authentic self and I could wear my door knockers (hoop earrings) and achieve whatever I want,” Resto said.
Yoseline Poveda sits among many who gathered to listen to Luivette Resto read her poetry. (Sam Villa)
LBCC student, Yoseline Poveda attended the event and expressed what she felt most inspired and connected to while listening to Resto’s poems.
“The Gus story really resonated with me, especially the woman empowerment and standing your ground. We shouldn’t take disrespect, I’m really glad she said that,” Poveda said.
This was in response to Resto’s poem about her real life experience of feeling judged and looked down upon by a CVS clerk named Gus when attempting to purchase an emergency contraceptive pill.
Resto not only spoke about her own experiences, but those that she shares with her family as a mother to three children, each of which have taught her new perspectives on life.
One of these works was in Resto’s poem, “Christmas Lies,” where she talks about encouraging her son into pursuing his dreams, because society has finally gotten to a point where that phrase no longer sounds like a kind sentiment, but a truthful push towards something that is possible.
A student in the audience asked how she discovered that she had a talent for writing.
“I can’t paint, I can’t sing, I can’t dance, but I can do this and it’s really simple. The only way I knew I had a knack for it was through my teachers,” Resto said.
Teachers, professors, and writers like Resto have the ability to share their experiences and inspire individuals to try new careers and arts like poetry.