Name: J.P. Martinez
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Current City: Fort Myers, FL
Occupation: Minor League Baseball Coach
Age: 32
What does poetry mean to you?
I was a voracious reader as a child and quickly became fascinated by words and language. I have long been mesmerized by the mastery of both in poetry, by the many forms it takes, and by its role in music.
Favorite Poets: Shel Silverstein, Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams, & Bob Dylan
Favorite Poem: “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
Why do you like this poet/poem?
I have drawn on the strength this poem gives me more times than I can count. It speaks of overcoming unimaginable adversities and taking responsibility for our lives and was instrumental in my development as a young athlete.
It was given to me by my favorite coach when I was a freshman in high school and has hung in any locker of mine every year, ever since.