Anything like this ever happen to you? The StairsFor D.M My Nonna’s house is a sanctuaryan extension of the Catholic Churcha rectory a block and a half awayfrom the gold-gilded arches and theweary-faced saints statues of St. Angela Merici Jesus is herehe waits for me on the landing at the top of the carpeted stairswhere… Continue reading POEM A DAY – January 8
Tag: love
Love as Activism
Today marks the fifth anniversary of my Nonna's passing. My tummy has been in knots all day. My guts toiled in memories. Today is the last exam for my daughter; her eleventh grade year concluded. Today my son will attend a funeral for a classmate; a bright, compassionate, kind light of a human who passed… Continue reading Love as Activism
On Mandatory Suffering
I've been contemplating suffering. I've been suffering pain in my body chronically for decades...my autoimmune system (has two diseases!) on high-alert for as long as I can remember...and more recently, a lower-back issue that's been on-and-off since 2022. The term 'comparative suffering' has been bopping around between my parts for years now too. I don't… Continue reading On Mandatory Suffering
Four Years, Solstice, Teeth, Tomorrow
Beautiful Maria Bison Today is four years since my beautiful Nonna passed away. I awoke feeling her spirit near. My mom sent me a text with the above photo included in it. This is one of our favourite photos of my Nonna. Can you see her gentleness, her curiosity, her love, her love, her love?!… Continue reading Four Years, Solstice, Teeth, Tomorrow
VANESSA SHIELDS 