Mourners - it's here! The official We the Mourners book trailer! Video created by Jett Shields. Filming, editing and *ORIGINAL SCORE* created by Jett Shields! Yes, my son (with the help of Teagan - thank you!), has created this for me...for us! I'm so grateful and, as usual, in awe of his creative work! For… Continue reading BOOK TRAILER! WE THE MOURNERS
POEM A DAY – July 4
Pools Conca Verde Srl, Italy, 1996* Zia Silvana wears fairytale-apple red onher lips a black bathing suit, her breastsheave in the dazzling sun. The pool stretchesbefore me, an Italian dare. Hundreds ofpeople gather on a perfect summer afternoonat the waterpark as my stomach stormswith anxiety. Barriers like bricks on chainstied to my throat: can’t speak… Continue reading POEM A DAY – July 4
POEM A DAY – July 3
Puce, late 80s Mid-summer. A for-free cottage. My mom’s ex-boyfriend’s generosity exposed in hot sand. A tennis court out front. red leather chairs that ripped the back of my thighs. ketchup and mustard. Boiled hot dogs. The blue and red dots of Wonderbread bags. Mastering the front walkover on sand-covered crabgrass. A lake we couldn’t swim in. The boy my sister… Continue reading POEM A DAY – July 3
POEM A DAY – July 2 & Launch Gallery
Youth in West-End Summer, 1990s I remember summer heat rising like invisible smokelatching on my skin as I walked four blocks to Atkinsonpool for lessons. I remember moisture chaffingmy thighs, wicking in my crotch, blue-one-piece-bathingsuit discomfort, polyester pressure. I remember the concretedeck, rough under my knees as I leaned over a half-nakedboy pretending to be… Continue reading POEM A DAY – July 2 & Launch Gallery
VANESSA SHIELDS 