I was going to urge Queens, NYC area people who were not planning on attending the UPR Solidarity Event in el Barrio tonight to head to Terraza 7 Train Cafe for a fundraiser for the poet Ricardo Leon Peña Villa, who had struggling with his health and was in the hospital.

It was with great sadness that I received the news that “El Poe”, as he was affectionately called (and with a certain amount of reverence, I may add), passed on today at 11:55 am in Manhattan.

I was blessed enough to have shared poetic space with Ricardo. I have been to his home numerous times to party, converse, drink, and share dance (and other cositas ricas). It was in his apartment in the Lower East side where I met my most recent baby daddy, and she has been blessed by the muses ever since.

I urge all who can to come out to Terraza tonite to celebrate Ricardo’s life and the words that he gave the earth to remember him by. Also help support his familia as they make sad decisions that come with the inevitable reality of humanity.

Terraza 7 Train Cafe
40-19 Gleane Street NY 11373
Elmhurst, NY
7-10 pm
7 train to 82nd Street