Fire in the Face

One day, I woke up with a hot air balloon certainty.

I had been in one; I felt the rope in my hand.

My mom’s arms holding me as I reached for it.

It is November 7th, and the air is warm instead

of cold. I have a habit of writing lies to tell truth,

but this is true: I am sad and scared and

angry and my face has not stopped hurting.

I have been free to step outside but

I haven’t. What is there to say. Everyone is saying it.

That morning, I felt

the fire on my face. I trusted it.

 Flying over Louisville; the city, the forests, the fields.

Casting a long and silent shadow. One among many.

Trusting. We are not coming down.

Fire in the face.

I have a few appearances coming up with new audiences or artistic collaborations. I hope to see some folks there! 

November 9th, 2024

Performance for Lan “Florence” Yee’s exhibition opening, “Do Weeds Still Grow in Heaven?” in Ottawa, ON at Gallery 101, poetry readings by myself, Lydia Collins, and Lukayo at 3 pm

November 19th, 2024

Music and Meditation Series, MacKay United Church, 39 Dufferin Road, in the sanctuary, 7pm

December 8th, 2024

Writers Read at North Grenville Public Library, 1 Water Street, Kemptville, ON, with AJ Dolman and Jennifer Baker, hosted by Chris Turnbull, 2-4pm

xo,

Conyer