I’ve been writing more prose poetry recently. I like how this type of writing combines the ability of prose to weave a narrative and the rhythms and musicality of poetry. In a way, it’s almost more flexible than either prose or poetry to be able to convey my musings in the ways they inhabit my mind.
Anyone who knows me well knows about my fascination with death and what comes after death. Rather than it being dark and depressing, I find death and the way humans interact with something so inevitable in our own lives (whether for ourselves or those we love) to be beautiful because it exemplifies the ways in we connect with each other. I’ve heard the saying that “grief is love with nowhere to go.” And so the fact that we grieve and remember those who have passed in all these different ways is a testament to the love we have for each other, the ties that bind us even when one of us is lost, and its a unique reflection of our cultures, our traditions, and the values that we hold.
My piece “remember” is my reflection on this topic. It’s a personal piece, as most of my writing tends to be, and it touches on the different aspects and traditions that populate my life. In a way, it’s also about finding our way through our grief and finding a way to remember those we love. I’m honored that The Bureau Dispatch wanted to include it in their Volume 05: Wayfinding issue. The interesting thing about The Bureau Dispatch is that they also include photos of each of the author’s workspaces and a listing of the items found in that workspace. It’s both a celebration of the author’s work and the different ways that the authors work. I hope you enjoy reading my piece and the little peek into where I primarily work on my writing. Please let me know what you think and, if you want to share, how you like to remember your loved ones.