Episode 126 | Navigating Vulnerability and Identity through Poetry

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto had the honor of joining Penny Kittle for a powerful, heartfelt conversation about his poetry collection, Blue Ink Tears. In this episode, they dig deep into the long journey that brought this book to life—over 20 years in the making—and discuss how his experiences as an educator, school leader, and Dominican-American have shaped his writing and my mission. Penny and Roberto talk about the importance of vulnerability, especially as a Black Dominican man, and why sharing our authentic stories can be both an act of courage and inspiration for others. They explore the structure of Blue Ink Tears, breaking down the emotional spectrum behind its three sections—blue, ink, and tears—and why it was important for him to create a collection that’s both memoir and poetry, reaching readers on multiple levels. Throughout their conversation, Roberto shares poems that open windows into his life, from celebrating love and family, to confronting pain and navigating complicated relationships within our educational systems. They discuss the challenges and rewards of putting personal work into the world and why storytelling—our own and our community’s—matters so much. Listen as they unpack the stories, the struggles, and the hope behind Blue Ink Tears, and why Roberto believes everyone’s voice deserves to be heard. Whether you’re an educator, a student, a poet, or simply someone searching for meaning, this conversation is sure to leave you inspired to put your own truth down on the page.