Dear reader friends,
In this edition, I invite you to share with me the emotion of the blossoming of the exhibition “Focus on Poetry”, recently inaugurated in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). I brought along a poem and a photograph that I keep as small fragments of my own story. And as life is made of cycles and new beginnings, this week (25/09) I will take another luminous step: the official launch of my first book, “Raji, Mi Familia”, in Madrid (Spain).
With all my affection, I also present here my most recent poem: “Note to a Narcissistic Mother”.
I hope you enjoy it and that each word resonates in your hearts in some way.
Warm regards,
Alan Leites 🌻
Coming Up: Meeting with Alan Leites: «Raji, Mi Familia» (Madrid, Spain)
It is with great pleasure that I share the honour of being invited by the José Hierro Public Library (Usera) to present my book “Raji, Mi Familia. A Story of Resistance, Courage and Love”. The event will take place on Thursday, 25 September, from 18:30 to 20:00, and will consist of a conversation with me and a guest, during which we will discuss the themes explored in my work: immigration, adoption, multi-species families, speciesism, resilience, life in Brazil, LGBTIQ+ lives, intersectionalities, and animal rights advocacy.
At the end, there will be a book signing session. Admission is free until full capacity is reached.
Meeting with Alan Leites
Date: Thursday, 25 September
Time: 18:30–20:00
Venue: José Hierro Public Library (Usera)
Address: Avenida de Rafaela Ybarra, 43, 28026 Madrid, Spain
Free entry until capacity is reached
It Happened: my participation in the exhibition “Focus on Poetry” (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
On 13 September, the exhibition “Focus on Poetry” was inaugurated at the Centro Cultural Sueli Gomes in Niterói. I am delighted to participate with a poem and a photograph entitled “Me”, in which I transform my experience of forced migration into art. At the launch, my dear friend and curator, Lucilia Dowsley, gave voice to my poem. Hearing her interpret my words from afar was so moving that I felt present in every verse. 💛
This is my first publication in Portuguese, and for that reason, it holds a very special place in my heart.
Thank you, Lucilia, for so much affection. ❤️🙏🏽
Exhibition “Focus on Poetry 4”
Curator: Lucilia Dowsley
Venue: Centro Cultural Sueli Pontes
Address: Avenida Celso Kelly, 378, Piratininga – Niterói – Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
Free entry
Poem “Note to a Narcissistic Mother” by Alan Leites (English automatic captions).
The poem “Note to a Narcissistic Mother” is structured as a poetic farewell letter, in which the lyrical voice adopts a confessional yet liberating tone. The text weaves a tension between the pain of the past and the strength of the present, showing how dignity can be reclaimed amidst the ruins.
Through powerful metaphors—the “thousand pieces” representing the fragmentation of the self, the “sunflowers” symbolising rebirth, and the “rainbow” as a sign of fulfilment—the work constructs a poetic journey of healing and emancipation.
The poem, therefore, not only exposes the wound left by the relationship with a narcissistic mother, but also celebrates the intimate triumph of freedom, raising a poetic vow to enduring happiness.
Copyright Alan Leites © 2025. All rights reserved.
Besides YouTube, you can now also listen to my poetry on Spotify (Portuguese only)!
Just click the icon below.
