Justine Ramos

Poetry in Voice: FutureVerse Participant 2023

Though having worked with Wakefield for such a fleeting moment in time, his wisdom and warmth have resounded within me, endlessly echoing within my ribcage, and ringing out music of hope and love.

As someone who has relatively just begun her poetic adventure, I am no stranger to feeling overwhelmed by self-skeptical questions—gazing across a barren page and asking if I truly have any story worth sharing, any poetry within me worth writing. 

But in the moments when it seems staring blankly is all that I am doingI hear Wakefield’s words:

I do this because I have to, because it is part of me.

Wakefield, for me, is a lighthouse. Despite being separated by over a thousand kilometers of distance, his wisdom continues to shine through my foggiest days, it continues to guide me on the stormiest nights of my poetic journey.

Listening to Wakefield speak, it was like his presence was candlelight and the walls were melting wax that emanated the scent of home. 

Never before had I met someone so authentic, so passionate, so kind.

Being selected as a participant for FutureVerse 2023 and having the opportunity to work with Wakefield Brewster was one of the most life changing experiences I have ever had the honour of being present in.

Wakefield, you are sunshine in its purest form. Your work, mission and aura are—without doubt—a gift to the community.

Infinitely, thank you.

Justine Ramos