Glass Boy Giving His Golden Heart

Glass Boy Giving His Golden Heart

A mixed-media sculpture and poetic tribute

Artist Statement: This piece is a representation of my son Rachid—his generosity, his fragility, and his unguarded love. The figure stands like a child of ten, offering his golden heart with an oversized jade hand, while the other hand, fingerless, supports the gesture. His body is made of cracked glass, embedded with gems, appearing whole from the front but fractured beneath the surface. His face is clouded, featureless, masked to please others. From behind, the cracks are undeniable, and a darkness lingers in the space where his own heart should be.

Rachid has always given more than he should. From a young age, he shared everything—his toys, his prizes, his attention—with his siblings, never asking for anything unless they could have it too. His empathy is radical, his love unfiltered. And yet, he struggles to feel worthy. This work is my way of saying: I see you. You are precious. You are whole, even in your brokenness.

Accompanying Poem:

Hidden Brokenness of the Glass Boy

Jade hands outstretched

To give his golden

Drumming heart

Ten fingers on giving hand

None on his taking hand

Used to support

A pure golden treasure

Offered

Hidden tatters glean in the light

Only visible to those with true

Sight

Face masked and changed

To please others

But they will not be happy

Until everyone

Shatters