Jairo De Britto is a beloved friend from Brazil where he's an esteemed journalist. He's also highly regarded for his ongoing life's work of beautifully crafted poetry. This morning I awoke to a post on my timeline at Facebook - one of Jairo's poems from his collection English Poems. A sense of wonder that the Britto men are capable of entered my thoughts. How did Jairo know I needed to read his poem - that he had gifted me with validation for my own artistic struggles - how I sometimes feel so stifled?

Jairo, this is what I want you to know: Life and people can sometimes suck - they can suck passion and honesty and expression right out of a person. Thanks for renewing and validating my art. I didn't think it was possible to love you even more.

***************

Jairo's son, Arthur, was an exchange student who lived with us in Laguna Beach. It was a time of wonder for all of us. For me, particularly, I felt like another beautiful child had entered my life. Arthur was an amazing young man. He wasn't the typical exchange student. With much ease he integrated into athletic teams, school musicals, and social events to include all the tuxedoed dances. His manners were impeccable. So was his English. He never ever stopped smiling. And I never once heard an unkind word spoken by him. I mean it - not one unkind word ever ever. He worked hard and received exceptionally fine grades. I'd be hard pressed to find one negative word to say about Arthur. He was walking perfection. Yet deep beneath his cheerful countenance a darkness simmered and that darkness pounced on him two years ago when beyond any sense of logic, we lost him to a tragic death. As I type these words I realize an element of denial will always linger.

***************

The pew bibles at Morton Memorial were given by David and me to honor Arthur's life. Probably more than anyone else at Morton Memorial, when Amanda suggests a bible passage to turn to, a part of my heart reaches out and touches Arthur, too.

Below are a few photo memories of Arthur. And below the photos are two of Jairo's poems.


David and Arthur - one of my favorite photos of them



Mother's Day



Arthur in his prom attire


***************

God Bless You & Family, Dear Friend Irene


ABOUT WORDS

Every word
- even those
sometimes hidden
by hypocrisy
- has its place,
function and time.

None should be left out, when
whispered by your heart.

Every word
deserves to be spoken
or written,
whenever Truth
is to be told.

Fearless must we be
once standing before them:

After all, no one knows when
they'll be the weapon needed
beyond Reason - on the front line!

However, remember to be truthful.

Being truthful, we'll know
each one horror, desire and time
to be what they really are:

Either a hoax letter leaf
or a blessed awesome star!


Jairo De Britto, in "English Poems"

If you want to write,
do it with the words of light.
If you want to write,
do it with the strength of life.
If you want to write,
do it with courage, be bright!
(Never be afraid of poor or fragile rimes:
they're like ferns along quiet river 'sides)
If you want to write,
do it with your blood and heart.
(Do not leave your sorrows apart or Truth)
If you want to write,
do it with your dearest dreams or most dreadful
feelings.
(Do not worry: almost nobody will care about your
failures; Losses or blessings ...)
If you want to write,
do it with a short or long message full of wisdom.
(Words will not count for the ones you love or hate:
only by Those Who read with the minds of the pilgrim)

Jairo De Britto,
in "Poems Ingles"