Pictured is PJ Paparelli Director Of The American Theater Company, 2008.

Peaceful Journey...A Poem For PJ Paparelli

Over the years we've met in many a cafe to discuss

The Project(s). You were motivated by my passion for writing

so much about the subject. We laughed and shared stories of

childhood commonalities, Though you were from Scranton and

I am from Chicago, which are two totally different galaxies. You

were very focused with your interviewing technique and you 

really wanted to know why I chose to write so prolifically, About

Cabrini Green and who I was dedicating my story to so you c

Could convey the feeling specifically. Together we pored over 

so many poems Then you asked me which one I liked the most,

You told me that you really enjoyed 'Ghetto Teachers...I Will

Remember You' so with those words in mind that is what I will

post: I will always remember your thoughtfulness and kindness

I will remember your creativeness. Your open mindedness. Your

foresight, Your insight. Your sense of humor. I will always

remember when you met my teenaged son and tried to find him

a mentor. I will remember the way you spoke about meeting the

dance troupe from Washington, DC. You were enlightened and

fasscinated. I will remember the food drive you started for

patrons of 'The Project(s) to bring canned goods to help

support St. Mathews food pantry in Cabrini. I will always

remember how you stopped in the park to pitch a tent for the m

members of a Cabrini Green reunion. I will always remember

seeing the intense Project(s) rehearsal. I will always remember

how you approached the residents of Cabrini with such humility

and not like inanimate objects. I will always remember the way

you looked on the opening night of The Project(s). I will always

remember you, PJ. I wish you a peaceful journey.