Al Dennis Jr. sells sweets in one life and poetry in another.
Dennis is a customer sales executive for The Hershey Company with an office in Maple Valley, and he is also the author of “Fearless Stains,” a book of poetry and photographs. Dennis describes the work as an anthology of his life.
The 32-year-old Dennis said the book was inspired by his two sisters Edwina and Albertine, who died in 1982 from a cancerous brain tumor.
Dennis said his parents were from Liberia on the west coast of Africa and moved to New York in the 1970s. He was born on Staten Island.
“They (his parents) did not know anything about counseling,” Dennis said “There were gaps in my life that extended from her loss (Albertine) and not having closure. The book gave me an opportunity to dig deeper into myself.”
He said the poems begin in winter, “the more cold part of my life.” The second section is autumn and Dennis said the works are more “love oriented.”
The poems come from his early years in New York, which he described as difficult.
“There were some rough times in New York,” Dennis said. “There was a lot of fighting. I remember my mom sleeping with scissors under her pillow.”
Along with writing poetry, Dennis said he has a passion for boxing and mixed martial arts. He boxed as an amateur while attending the University of Texas at Dallas. He earned a bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master of business administration degree.
Dennis said despite the challenges of his life, “I feel like I’ve survived for a reason. I’m still fighting everyday of my life.”
Sister
By Al Dennis
Our most beautiful and meek Albertine received God’s Blessing to rest almost three decades past;
For in a place of peace does her spirit now dwell, far beyond Staten Island’s headstone on weathered grass.
The memories shared are both unique and sweet, dearest Albertine;
And His Grace allows you to remain within our senses whether tangibly or unseen.
With all of our love we present these words for your heavenly eyes to see…
In loving memorial, we will see you soon, and O’ what a day that will be.
