Look and Listen

Biography

A Black Girl’s Poetry for the World By Kimberly LaRocca BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, KNOW YOUR WORTH, BE WHO YOU KNOW YOU WERE MEANT TO BE --New Collection of Poetry Celebrates Personal Pride and Life Challenges Don’t be scared to let go. make your move. You’re right where you need to be. Don’t be afraid. Do what you say. That moment is meant just for you To make your move. From “Making Moves” Kimberly LaRocca knows all about challenges, the ones we can’t control, and those we create. She also knows about standing tall and staying proud, no matter what. A teenage mother who had her first child at age 17, LaRocca didn’t allow her situation to define her, or let her to fall into societal stereotypes. She graduated with her high school class and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree. Author of the new book of poems, A Black Girl’s Poetry for the World, LaRocca boasts an unshakeable belief in the power of pride, self-determination, and fulfilling personal potential. “I believe in karma, and my approach to life is straightforward yet powerful: I treat others the way I want to be treated,” says LaRocca. “I could have let myself be defined by what others think, but I simply refused to let that happen. I surely created my own challenges in my life, but I refused to stop believing in myself.” While celebrating self-determination and human pride, A Black Girl’s Poetry for the World also presents insightful poems exploring all aspects of the human experience. From lost loves, strained relationships and the difficulty of forgiveness to raw anger and intense sexual desire, LaRocca ‘tells it like it is’ and literally bares her soul in her poetry. “I find writing and poetry cathartic and empowering,” adds LaRocca. “I understand my style may be subject to literary criticism, but I also believe others will find valuable meaning to which they can relate. Poetry is beautiful because no one can deny your words, thoughts, dreams, and fears.” “Poetry Lives Here” A door has opened for me. Inside that room lives poetry. It invites me in, Says take a seat, And offers me its words to eat. It embraces me. Then takes my coat. Then sings to me In special notes. It comforts me. Says stay awhile. Encourages me With its warm smile. It offers me a place to stay. And says Please come back any day. I am your friend, It says to me. I open up. It sets me free. Kimberly LaRocca is an avid reader and writer and has written numerous short stories, poems, and songs. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management degree from St. Petersburg College. Kimberly lives in Florida with her husband and four sons. Website: www.klarocca2010.wordpress.com A Black Girl’s Poetry for the World can be purchased on amazon.com and a host of other retailers. # # #

Inspiration

I've loved books since before I started kindergarten. I remember taking a book to school on my first day so that I could share with my other classmates. I discovered that writing was for me soon after. I don't write for profit or for fun. I write because I have to. I replay thoughts in my mind and the only way to get them to stop is to write.