If you're a city resident, you may know Norman Rodriguez as the guy who goes around during the September season with his Isuzu Rodeo dressed up with flags and other patriotic paraphernalia.
But, more than just a stylist, Rodriguez is a poet and a prolific one at that. He today launched his third book of poetry and this one is 109 pages long.
He did the launching at the BTL Park where he was dressed like a prophet, not a poet - he told us why.
Jules Vasquez
"What's with the outfit? How does this fits in with the overall team of the book?"
Norman Rodriguez
"A poetic privilege - I thought about Moses going into the wilderness to be home, to be shape, to be made complete and this book represents my last move before perfection. If I don't write perfect poetry after this I wouldn't write again. Actually I was searching for the word 'panning to perfection' on the internet because I couldn't put my finger on the word 'pilgrimage' at that point. That's what I wanted - that's what I would have name the book but when I went on the internet and I saw 'panning to perfection' came up - basically that's what it is; a move towards perfection."
"For me my poetry would be meaningless if people cannot use it to educate themselves or to come to a point where they realize that they are in not in this position alone."
Reporter
"What's your favorite piece that you have in the book so far?"
Norman Rodriguez
"I think it is "Little Super Woman" because that relates to my daughter and having had a chance to father a daughter I realize not just meaningful it is but how much I personally have to give into a relationship with my own daughter."
The book, "Panning To Perfection" is available for sale at Angelus press or directly from Norman Rodriguez at 6020675. Those in the US can find it through a link on our website for 10 US dollars.
