Since You Left

Melody Martinez

Melody Martinez was born on December 26, 1986, in San Antonio, Texas. Growing up in a bustling household with eight brothers and sisters, Melody's childhood was filled with the vibrancy and challenges of a large family. These early experiences instilled in her a deep sense of family values and resilience. In her senior year of high school, Melody's life was profoundly impacted by the passing of her best friend. Struggling to express her emotions verbally, she turned to writing, penning letters to her friends, teachers, and family to convey her feelings. This difficult period marked the beginning of her journey as a writer. Melody was initially hesitant to share her work publicly, but after her friend's death, she submitted a short story about his accident to a magazine. To her surprise and delight, the magazine published it. This unexpected validation ignited her passion for writing, particularly poetry. Melody became a dedicated mother to six wonderful children, three of whom she adopted in 2008. The adoption process was fraught with challenges, as she faced discrimination due to her age and marital status. Despite these obstacles, Melody's determination led her to seek legal assistance, and with the help of a supportive lawyer, she successfully navigated the adoption process, expanding her family with love and perseverance. For over 14 years, Melody lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she built a life and community for her family. In recent years, she made the significant decision to relocate back to her hometown of San Antonio, reconnecting with her roots and the familiar environment of her early years. In March 2024, Melody experienced an unimaginable loss when her daughter, who will forever be 25 years old, passed away. This devastating event profoundly impacted her, bringing intense grief and a struggle to find a path forward. Amidst her sorrow, Melody found herself once again unable to vocally express her feelings out loud. Unable to find the words that seemed like they would never come, she discovered that writing offered a vital outlet for her emotions and a way to process her grief. Through her words, she found a glimmer of hope and a means to navigate life without her beloved daughter. Writing has become a source of solace and strength, allowing Melody to honor her daughter's memory while finding the courage to carry on. Today, Melody is focused on her healing journey, using writing as a therapeutic tool to cope with depression and loss. Her resilience and love for her family continue to drive her forward, as she seeks to create a future filled with hope and meaning, honoring her daughter's legacy every step of the way. more…

All Melody Martinez poems | Melody Martinez Books