Category: Poetry

Worthy

by klgonnerman, posted in Literature, Movie, Poetry

I’ve been part of an interesting online discussion among aspiring writers, who have been asking, “Is my story worthy of being told?”

It’s essentially an immaterial question for those of us who write for life. Much as I would like to publish and share my writing, that’s not its true function.

A natural answer might be, “Everyone’s story is worthy of being told.” I believe this to be true. Transformation happens when each of us discovers a true voice and the best means of personal expression (whether in an area we officially recognize as “Art” or in doodles or excel spreadsheets or whatever).

But what happens when some stories have been heard, and heard, and heard some more?

It’s our responsibility to make sure that the stories that haven’t been told get told.

It’s our responsibility to raise up and celebrate stories, and to shine a special spotlight on those that haven’t been told often, well or authentically.

Here are a few of my favorite discoveries of late:

  • At a recent Slice Magazine writers’ conference, I was introduced to four amazing poets, whose stories, work and experiences I can’t stop revisiting: Javier Zamora, a Salvadoran-born poet; Hafizah Geter, born in Nigeria; Ricardo Alberto Maldonado, born and raised in Puerto Rico; and Jenny Xie, who moved to the U.S. from China as a child. The panel was focused on how these impressive artists explore their past and heritage in their work, hence why I have highlighted their heritage in this short paragraph. Its not fair, because I should take the space to list each of their extensive accomplishments, because they are formidable poets grappling with important, complex issues. So, there’s your homework – read these poets. They are impressive.
  • Tchaiko Omawale, an independent filmmaker, is in the finishing stages of fundraising for her feature film, Solace, based on her personal story. It promises to be amazing. Check out the trailer.
  • Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family is a story we should all spend time with. From a very young age, Nicole (born Wyatt) knew she was a “boy-girl,” different from her twin brother. Thanks to support from her mother, eventually her father, and an extended fight for her rights, Nicole was able to realize her true identity.  This book should mark a journey toward empathy and understanding for those who are interested but uninformed about transgender rights, realities and public reaction.
  • Lest we leave the babies out, Roseanne Thong has written children’s books with a unique approach to the old standards. Two stand-outs are: Round is a Mooncake (a book of shapes) and Green is a Chile Pepper (focused on colors). Since I am probably buying more baby presents than anything else right now, I have taken an interest in writers of children’s books with a unique perspective.

Every story is important. Every story can lift us up, whether we relate directly to a particular issue or whether we relate just as one human to another. Every story should be told, and anyone with an urge to create should do so.

But when we see that some stories aren’t getting the press they deserve, that people are not accessing the unique perspectives that enrich our lives, we should speak up. This is a really short list.  Who would you like to lift up?

 

 

Fired Up

by klgonnerman, posted in Poetry

Last night, I got a gift. I discovered two poets: Denice Frohman and Dominique Cristina. After listening to their work, I am fired up. I am back.

Their energy, their words, their stories, their perspective, their messages combine to remind me why we fight, what words can accomplish, and what we can accomplish together.

These are two of my favorites. Take the six minutes to watch them both – they are well worth it.

“There is no telling my mama to be quiet. My mama don’t know quiet.” Yes! I want to jump up and cheer along. And that last line? Just perfect.

“There’s no right answer, I say, but they are far too comfortable with the right to remain silent.”  As someone passionate about education, “No Child Left Behind” is right on the money and reminds me of the world I want to change, the world I want to see, and the fact that I can do something to get closer.

Thank you, Denice and Dominique for sharing your gift. Now let’s go! There’s work to do.

Why We Bother

by klgonnerman, posted in Poetry

I’m going to let Pablo Neruda make the argument. Suffice it to say, I read this poem and I know why art matters, and why we must support artists, and why it’s always worth the time, the effort, the doubt. This is why.

Poet’s Obligation
by Pablo Neruda

To whoever is not listening to the sea
this Friday morning, to whoever is cooped up
in house or office, factory or woman
or street or mine or harsh prison cell:
to him I come, and, without speaking or looking,
I arrive and open the door of his prison,
and a vibration starts up, vague and insistent,
a great fragment of thunder sets in motion
the rumble of the planet and the foam,
the raucous rivers of the ocean flood,
the star vibrates swiftly in its corona,
and the sea is beating, dying and continuing.

So, drawn on by my destiny,
I ceaselessly must listen to and keep
the sea’s lamenting in my awareness,
I must feel the crash of the hard water
and gather it up in a perpetual cup
so that, wherever those in prison may be,
wherever they suffer the autumn’s castigation,
I may be there with an errant wave,
I may move, passing through windows,
and hearing me, eyes will glance upward
saying, ‘How can I reach the sea?’And I shall broadcast, saying nothing,
the starry echoes of the wave,
a breaking up of foam and of quicksand,
a rustling of salt withdrawing,
the grey cry of sea-birds on the coast.

So, through me, freedom and the sea
will make their answer to the shuttered heart.