I Know I Will Die, But Not Today
at my end, when
this body is levitating ash
I hope what remains
of my remains
is the origami heart-stir
the bone-softening laughter
the throat-nuzzle voice lift
and the tear-river rush of
my love for you
Friends, I know my poems have been…deeper…maybe darker than usual. I’m okay. Attempting to gracefully move through some recurring shadows and self doubt. The closer the book launch gets, the more ‘me’ I’m slogging through. It’s important and hard and part of my poetic process. Thanks for all the love and support! I’ll see many of you at the launch. I’m getting excited to share my words…and some fun surprises with you!
VANESSA SHIELDS 