I’m excited to announce the publication of an anthology – Upon Waking: 58 Voices from the Shadow of Abuse. One of those voices, is mine. Two of my poems are included – “The Child Knows No” and “In Which I Sue for Memory and Associated Damages.” I’m honored and proud to be a part of this amazing group of brave poets.
A lot of my poetry deals with abuse. A lot. I’ve struggled with that. Am I a one subject poet? Why can’t I write funny? I’m funny in real life. What happens on the page?
What I’ve come to realize is pretty simple. I write what I write because I have to. Sometimes I am compelled – I know I’ve written before about how a poem might make me feel ill until I get it on paper.
I write what I have to write because I’m a writer. I am a published poet because I’m lucky and honored and grateful that there are people and groups and journals that want to share those pieces of my heart with others.
I’m a writer and I’m a published poet. The first, always comes first.
I want to commend the other brave poets who took that step of not only putting their thoughts to paper but became willing to share those with others. I believe in our voices and know that someone, sometime, will read our words and find courage and comfort as well.
And enjoy beautiful poems. Because we crafted a lot of beautiful truth in Upon Waking.
If you are interested in hearing from the poets in this anthology, there is a reading this Saturday April 6th at Moon Palace in Minneapolis. From 2 – 4pm. I’ll be reading – and the anthology will be available to purchase. If you can’t make that, you can find information about future readings at poetryaboutabuse.blogspot.com. There’s a link to purchase the book and information about future readings across the state.