For several years a friend of mine would organize a group of writers to participate in a beautiful practice in April of “A Poem a Day.” We would gather online and write daily poems. Reading each others thoughts. Giving feedback, guttural reactions, virtual hugs, anonymous tears.
This year the shared sentiment of anguish and lack of bandwidth resonates for many of us. Where would we find the words to frame in a poem? How could we channel the burn out from witnessing genocide in Palestine into poetry? What purpose would these words have?
And yet…I still want to try. So here is me trying to find the words. Here is me attempting to continue this April tradition, even when Mercury Retrograde starts today.
April fools falls on Mercury Retrograde
Retrograde in the middle of witnessing genocide
Perpetuates helplessness and sadness
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April will mark one year since I became an orphan
Mama’s grief and heartache without her beloved
Led to the light leaving her eyes
The will to live disappearing from her spirit
Reuniting with Papa became her only goal
And I wasn’t going to stop her
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April ushers in Springtime
Flowers bloom and blossom
Amongst the loss experienced
by myself, by my family, by everyone
Bittersweet beauty
Abounds in April