Throughout Tina Lawson's adult life, she's been reflecting on life's moments through poetry.
Some of her writings capture life's humor or everyday events. But she hasn't shied away from the devastating times in her life, the losses and the regrets.
Until recently, the poetry was a personal outlet.
But after the sudden death of her mother in 2009, Lawson started considering the possibility of sharing her reflections with others.
The result, a compilation of about 60 of her poems, was published last November.
Her 74-page book, The Color of Butterflies ($16.95, PublishAmerica), is available through www.publishamerica.com, and soon will be sold on Amazon and possibly in local bookstores.
"The poems are 20 years of my ups and my downs," said Lawson, who is a bus driver for the Conroe Independent School District. "Any person could see themselves in them and, hopefully, be inspired."
Behind the mic
Lawson will read from her poetry when she opens the 5th annual Black History Month Open Mic Night at the Central Library in Conroe, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24.
"Usually the library has a guest writer kick off Open Mic Night," said Melissa Baker, marketing and program coordinator for the Montgomery County Library System.
"Last year we featured a nationally known writer. This year, (Lawson) will be an inspirational local hero."
Writers of all ages are invited to share their original writings, including poetry, prose and songs. Participants are asked to select family friendly content.
Last year, Lawson said, she was one of the community members who came forward to read. It was her first time to share her writing publicly.
"I was excited, and nervous. The audience applauded and liked it. That encouraged me."
Memories of mom
Lawson dedicated The Color of Butterflies to her mother, Christine Martinez, who died of a heart attack at age 54.
"When she died, all of the things you wanted to do, you can't come back. I thought I had more time."
Lawson has written about her mother, about a two-year period of unemployment, and about her struggles and concerns as a single mother.
Varied topics
One poem, "Lost Father," is about children who must find their way without a man in their life to guide them. "I can teach them all day, but I can't tell them how to be a man," said Lawson, who has three children.
Another piece was written more like a song. The piece was inspired by a man she once knew who was addicted to crack cocaine. Her poem addresses drugs' ability to overshadow everything else in an addict's life.
"When they're on these drugs, that's their passion," she said. "Right or wrong, their job, their relationships: they're gone."
Whatever she's writing about, Lawson said, it's heartfelt. "One poem came to me at 2 or 3 in the morning," she said. "So I got up. It wasn't going to go away."
Longtime friend Shirley O'Neil said she is continuously is impressed with Lawson's wisdom. "She's in inspiration to all of us," said O'Neil, who also lives in Conroe and works for Conroe ISD.
"It's a quiet strength. When the world is crazy, she's a rock."
O'Neil said she appreciates Lawson's openness in her writing. "I'm not a poet, but what she writes down is exactly what I'd say if I could write poetry."
If you have a suggestion for a Faces in the Crowd profile, send an e-mail to Alan Fossler at alan.fossler@chron.com.
