Holy wow. This is brilliant and inspiring in ways I can't quite explain, but I feel it doing something really pleasant and important in my body this morning.
(Also, BIG yes to using language in poetics ways, which lets us remember the inherent artificiality of language. I think we're *always* translating when we're putting stuff into words, and I think writing poetry helps us forefront that truth, in really pleasurable and strange and articulate and sometimes playful ways.)
Yes, I feel like Jessica really helped me see how much more roomy my inner world can be when I invite poetry into my life which immediately helps my body feel more safe.
These poems are so moving. So human. It makes me think of Audre Lorde’s comments about how poetry is not a luxury but indispensable for constructing a different reality because the usual patterns of our language have already been fashioned by the systems of power that hold us. Poetry releases language from this function, freeing it to do other things - the ultimate deconstruction, perhaps.
LOVE THIS. "Tell all the truth but tell it slant" has been my email signature for more than a decade for all of these reasons. Also, can I excerpt from one or two poems (with credit of course) for our inspiration board at my work?
Writing poetry is also what I have been doing with my deconstruction feelings and thoughts the last couple years! There is something about writing a poem, even a crappy one, that helps calm the spinning, reactionary, religious trauma thoughts into something you can take a breath in and from. It’s also just what you said; so much harder for people to argue with. I loved reading your poetry and article! Thankyou.
I planned to come here and write a long comment but I'm just sort of speechless. I love your writing so much, Jessica. I can't even remember how I first found your IG account, but I'm so glad I did. And now I understand a little bit more why I can't say, "I have a hard time praying," but I can share "Tidal Prayer" over and over again.
I love these poems, they speak to me in a way that makes me feel them. I’m going to have to look for more.
I’ve found poetry a way of distilling down to the essence of a moment, and it has helped me to start to see what I actually feel to be true. When there isn’t room to include all the words, to prevaricate between this and that, to talk round and over and through the overthinking, then poetry cuts through to the core idea.
Love all of this. I have an Emily Dickinson/bird tattoo, fittingly, and you’re making me want to go back and reread her work! And your 365 Days of Peace is always such a great way to end my day, so thank you for those little poems ❤️
Holy wow. This is brilliant and inspiring in ways I can't quite explain, but I feel it doing something really pleasant and important in my body this morning.
(Also, BIG yes to using language in poetics ways, which lets us remember the inherent artificiality of language. I think we're *always* translating when we're putting stuff into words, and I think writing poetry helps us forefront that truth, in really pleasurable and strange and articulate and sometimes playful ways.)
Yes, I feel like Jessica really helped me see how much more roomy my inner world can be when I invite poetry into my life which immediately helps my body feel more safe.
These poems are so moving. So human. It makes me think of Audre Lorde’s comments about how poetry is not a luxury but indispensable for constructing a different reality because the usual patterns of our language have already been fashioned by the systems of power that hold us. Poetry releases language from this function, freeing it to do other things - the ultimate deconstruction, perhaps.
I have GOT to read more Audre Lorde. That is amazing.
Oh you will LOVE her!!
LOVE THIS. "Tell all the truth but tell it slant" has been my email signature for more than a decade for all of these reasons. Also, can I excerpt from one or two poems (with credit of course) for our inspiration board at my work?
Of course! Thank you for asking. ❤️
Writing poetry is also what I have been doing with my deconstruction feelings and thoughts the last couple years! There is something about writing a poem, even a crappy one, that helps calm the spinning, reactionary, religious trauma thoughts into something you can take a breath in and from. It’s also just what you said; so much harder for people to argue with. I loved reading your poetry and article! Thankyou.
This is lovely. "You can't argue with a poem."
I planned to come here and write a long comment but I'm just sort of speechless. I love your writing so much, Jessica. I can't even remember how I first found your IG account, but I'm so glad I did. And now I understand a little bit more why I can't say, "I have a hard time praying," but I can share "Tidal Prayer" over and over again.
Grateful for you, Bethany.
Jessica your poems were such a breathe of peace during covid ish time❤️ For me there was a New Year’s Eve one that I still think about
I love these poems, they speak to me in a way that makes me feel them. I’m going to have to look for more.
I’ve found poetry a way of distilling down to the essence of a moment, and it has helped me to start to see what I actually feel to be true. When there isn’t room to include all the words, to prevaricate between this and that, to talk round and over and through the overthinking, then poetry cuts through to the core idea.
LOVE these poems. So good. Thank you, Jessica.
I love your poetry, friend. And I'm glad you took time to explain your process/evolution with some prose. It's all beautiful.
I just loved this and needed it, too.
Love all of this. I have an Emily Dickinson/bird tattoo, fittingly, and you’re making me want to go back and reread her work! And your 365 Days of Peace is always such a great way to end my day, so thank you for those little poems ❤️