James Galgano Poetry

So how are you doing, hope you're feeling fine
Hope life is still worth living and your enjoying the climb
To each tomorrow where ever it leads
Fill each moment with memories and good deeds
In your darkest hours which I hope are brief
I hope there are loved ones from which to find relief.
Should you need a lamp post to guide you,
Look within and you will find
The best trail blazer
to lead you out of each bind.
So now in closing I wish you all success
But most of all I wish for your
good health and happiness.

Peace,
James

I was born in queens in new york city and suffered a brain injury as an infant, there was no special education except mental hospitals.
Instead I spent 11 years in catholic school NS 1 in a seminary school studying to become a priest  before I found a way to get through all this difficulty at school.

We moved from New York to Arizona in 1967 and I got involved in the anti war movement and the environmental movement; as well as union organizing.  In 1973 I met the woman I still live with, Donna, and have lived together for 2 years. We married and have been together through thick and thin ever since. I had a hard time getting a job due to my appearance and politics but never let it get to me.  

I went to Scottsdale Community College and then to Arizona State University where I was able to get a job in the film library and then as a custodian. After my son was born in 1982, I dropped out of college to work as a custodian but became a full time custodian, parent and union activist at ASU. Our son grew up at the university with the students, professors and others who worked there.

We stayed in Arizona until Donna was able to get her masters degree and a job in San Francisco. We decided to get away from the right wing racist government of the state once and for all.

I began college at San Francisco State University and got a degree in history but it didn't produce any jobs so I obtained jobs as a custodian at schools and then a hospital...there my union activities got me into trouble with management. Their retaliation against me over this lead to my permanent injury to both my wrists and palm muscles and nerves. They were found guilty and had to pay for me to go to college . This time I was able to fulfill my dream by getting a dual general and special education credential two years later.

I then got a job at a middle school in the city helping students to face their difficulties and disabilities and get a good education to be
successful in general education , then in high school as well as life. All of my students are children of color from the inner city. They are the love of my life and my crusade. My son is in the military and stationed in Korea. I worry about him each night and am angry with this government for its constant protection of the rich and wealthy at the expense of the rest of us. That is a cliff notes story of my life, please share
yours with me if you feel so inclined.

I know it took alot for you to cross the genrational and cultural gap that seems at times to divide us to reach out. I thank you for that we have so much to learn and share from each other and this hopefully is the start.  Peace. 

James