I’m René-Robert De Lasalle Poem by adam lizakowski

I’m René-Robert de LaSalle

“I was born in Rouen, France. As a kid,
I went to a school run by Jesuit priests.
I studied to be a Jesuit, but
I left religious training in the year 1665
In search of adventure.”
That is how begins the memoirs of one
Of his favorite American heroes
Not from historical novels, but living discoverers
From blood and bone, faith and fear —
Those who fecundated his mind for years.
LaSalle could be a bridge, a bank,
A great district city, the name
Of a train station, an unwritten poem,
An untold history about discoverers,
Or also the fear before the new and unknown.
The window through which he looks is on
The twenty-eighth floor of a building
On North LaSalle Street in Chicago.
He is brave. He made it to this city.
He lives here. He manages himself well.
He has rooted himself and just now is buying


A new apartment for himself, or maybe he will rent it out.
He is not sure which yet, but he wants to profit,
Certainly. He is calm. He knows at what he is aiming.
He has a strong belief that he shall triumph.
It is not a mere hope, that possibly he will make it.
Now he will not be frightened by a gesture.
Or a casual look straight in the eyes.
He loves this city. He looks at the sun
Shining on his future. He has developed
A great faith in himself, in his opportunities,
A faith in which there is no place for dark fear
Populated by the monsters of his imagination.
The period of childhood and adaptation
In a new country are behind him. He has evolved
And has taken in much courage and light into his eyes
And soul, for his faith resides in his heart.