POEM A DAY – July 2 & Launch Gallery

Youth in West-End Summer, 1990s

I remember summer heat rising like invisible smoke
latching on my skin as I walked four blocks to Atkinson
pool for lessons. I remember moisture chaffing
my thighs, wicking in my crotch, blue-one-piece-bathing
suit discomfort, polyester pressure. I remember the concrete
deck, rough under my knees as I leaned over a half-naked
boy pretending to be injured, assessing the contrived
situation to decipher how to help him. I remember yelling
for help into the blue sky like a lunatic, water from my hair
dripping on his chest. I remember pink nipples rising. I re-
member the rock-pit-stomach of anxiety each morning
trying to remember how to save someone, the tests
the splashing, the grazed body parts, my youth burning.

IT’S SO HOT! I’m still flying…

I’m still flying from the book launch, and recovering in sweaty readings session by the pool! When I think about the launch, envisioning myself in the theatre, I get pops of bright-light moments: clapping hands, sniffling noses, numbers called out, silences held in hearts… laughter and anxiety in my body… then elation and astral hovering… then blissful gratefulness and LOVE OVERWHELM! What an incredible, profound experience we shared. Thank you to everyone who came in body and in spirit and in love! I am utterly affected, and my soul piece is spasming in ecstasy!

I’ve created a gallery page for the launch as well as upcoming tour events, so all the images and video are pooled into one place.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE GALLERY!

Thank you to everyone who took photos and shared them! And, my son Jett filmed the entire performance, so at some point, that video will uploaded as well.

I do want to share these four images, however. They capture the joy… love… elation… and gratefulness of the evening!

This is me after the event…I do believe I’m actually glowing.

This photo was taken by Rebecca L. I had no idea she was snapping pics…I cry just looking at this! Thank you, my Queen.

These are the mourning cards you filled out! Thank you for mourning with me!

This photo was taken by my daughter, Miller. It was a moment during my introduction when I was sharing my inspirations and describing how my body feels when I was writing. I’m pretty sure this is the exact moment my soul hovered over me, over us.

You know, I’ve always had dreams of being a performer, an actress, a host, a singer… and when the dreams don’t come true any other way than making them happen on my own… from writing letters to famous authors requesting mentorships to singing and dancing on Nonna’s backyard picnic table to creating and hosting a storytelling series to publishing my own books… I am finally, now, at nearly fifty, giving myself the joy of loving the work of it, of loving the magical connections and letting them exist in my body and heart as big feelings that keep my courage fire burning. And I can’t do it without you! Without your texts and emails and voice messages and cards and thoughtful, generous gifts… gah, the flowers alone! Without your hard, long hugs, your hand-squeezing, your across-the-room looks, your smiles, your laughter, your showing up.

Being a maker, a creative, a poet, a writer… is an endeavour that is never really solitary. Even though I’m a singly body sitting in a room writing in a journal or on a laptop, you are with me. Inside me, in my heart chambers, specifically, thumping and bumping and graciously alive-ing with me.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.