On Writing Sweet Queens
Sweet Queens invites readers to traverse the poignant memories and layered narratives that define a life shaped by this borough. Each poem is a pulse—a moment in time filled with vivid imagery and lyrical honesty that draws on the rich tapestry of the borough’s culture, from subway rides to summer nights, and the stories of those who have been touched by its streets. This chapbook is not only a reflection of my personal journey but also a collective narrative that honors the voices of those who share this space.
Growing up in Queens I thought nothing of its racial, ethnic, cultural, and bio landscaped diversity. I was sure everyone could walk everywhere; bus or train further; could get great noodles for some pocket change; hear every language; observe every type of face; or could see the whole world from a broken latched roof or a fire escape. The buzz of Mister Softee zipping through sizzling streets as we giggle upside down on monkey bars. The estuaries, oceans, rivers, skyscrapers, bridges, brick walls, graffiti and public parks with greasy skater kids waxing benches, sipping quarter waters and tropical Fantas and snacking on Funyons and lemon heads. The Boys and Girls club basketball hoop. The girls with the hoops, the shorts, the boots. The pizza slices. The Chinese spot chicken wings. The sound of apartment bells buzzing. Rice on someone else’s stove… all of it. I had no idea how rare, and how vibrant, how amalgamated, and how quickly it wouldn’t be.
My mother was from E 69th street and worked as a chronically ill doctor’s secretary. My father was from Astoria projects over the bridge in Queens and worked for the city in the Parks Department. Both of my grandmothers were in the hospital sharing a room. My mom went to visit her mom and my dad went to visit his mom, and that’s how they crossed paths. He asked for her number. She rejected him. Then later on, a failed horse riding date at Central Park eventually sealed the deal.
My mom’s shaved head, no makeup and non-shaved legs juxtaposed my dad’s long sinewy body with long wavy dirty blonde hair, gold hoop and ocean blue eyes. They carved out a little basement in Astoria and made way for my brother and eventually me. They were everything I loved about what it meant to be a woman and a man. There were no sports on the TVs in my house, no beer in the fridge, no makeup in the cabinets, no high heels or purses. My parents taught me to be my natural born self and I didn’t realize what a gift that was until much later. There’s something really beautiful in the juxtaposition of aggressive, intercrossing, grit and flowery, inquisitive, nurture bumping up against each other with a cool, smooth backdrop of everything but palm trees.
I am excited to introduce Sweet Queens, a poetry chapbook that serves as an homage to Astoria, Queens, weaving a tapestry of vibrant memories, personal loss, and cultural resonance. Through powerful verses, I explore the complexities of identity, community, and the raw emotions tied to a city that is both home and battleground. The poems reflect a journey through the multifaceted landscape of Queens, infused with the grit and grace of its streets, as well as the haunting echoes of those who have come and gone. In dedicating this work to the now-deceased Astoria, I strive to capture the essence of a neighborhood that is alive in memory and spirit, even amidst the shadows of gentrification and loss.
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Danielle Bero, born in Queens to hippie parents, was given a dose of Shel Silverstein, Tupac, Jazz and classic rock. She was first published in Highlights for Kids when she learned to read and write. She is a Fulbright Scholar and Posse alum, with two master’s in education and an MFA from the University of San Francisco. She co-founded a school for foster youth, leads public schools, and cultivates spaces for the arts to bloom. She is a Bowery poetry, Glam Slam, Lehigh Valley intercollegiate slam, Ubud Writers and SASfest poetry winner. Some of her written work lives in Divine Feminist and Stained anthologies, Juked and Lavender Review.
Her micro-chapbook Schooled was published by Ghost City Press (2021). She is a Jack Straw Fellow, Poetry Brothel cast member, poetry camp counselor, musician and filmmaker debuting a seven-time award winning short titled Fruit Loops, with an original soundtrack. Forthcoming short films include Pride or Die and Dusa-Stoned. Danielle is looking to bring creative arts to the forefront. Find more at www.DanielleBero.com and follow her on Instagram at BeroQueensPoet.
Category: On Writing
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