This poem is dedicated to the illustrious and esteemed Hiram Sims. He is currently the Library Commissioner for the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL). The husband of Charisse, father to 6, and doer-of-all. He is a jack of all trades. He has no idea the legacy he is leaving to his children and the community. I wrote this dedication poem for my last class of CLI, Season 11, USC Chapter.
Hiram, this poem is dedicated to you. It is a Hiramian poem (yes, he named it after himself). The first line has to capture your ear, and the last line of the poem must be the title of the piece. So, without further ado, here is my dedication poem to the creator of The Community Literature Initiative and The Sims Library of Poetry (The only (Black owned) poetry library west of the Mississippi).
Check out Sims Library of Poetry @ 2702 W. Florence Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 531-2511 library@communitylit.org
The House that Sims Built
With a suitcase and a dream,
you built a living legacy.
Built and filled bookcases to house d
the books once they became more
than the suitcase could fit.
So gifted, yet still humble;
The consummate professor; lover of words.
Turning out great poets as easily as some turn a key in the lock,
unlocking verses, haikus, iambic pentameter, free verse, and so much rhythm.
Kicking out quotes the way Adam Vinatieri kicks field goals,
But not helping me to kick my book buying habit.
Hand tired from writing
Gotta’ write one more line before
retiring to bed.
Can’t retire before then.
Gotta’ get this rhythm down
to the rhythm of the boogie, the beat!
Packing class full of as many lessons as you can;
like that suitcase
packed with books and a dream.
The one that started it all-
The house that SIMS built!
Special 2 Me 