Oh, gosh. Due to being post-Botox, I've largely been offline, so this was the first I knew of Andrea's death - though I've since read the tribute recently posted on their Instagram. I am one of the many who never met them but was touched by their words, work and presence - especially at the intersections of gender, sexuality, and chronic health struggles - so I agree this is a gut punch. Their poetry changed my life, and I'm now crying at my keyboard.
It does feel poignantly apt that their soul chose today, though.
Thank you for your kind and supportive words about my own writing, and I'm sending hugs and solidarity,
Thanks for this; yes, it seems only to have been recently announced. I was more expressing my gratitude that I'd learnt of it through your gentle phrasing and framing, rather than any of the other ways such things can be discovered these days. So thank you.
I share your feelings that some of their work was sensitive, but their soul and their vulnerability was a source of solace.
Yes, their Letter is indeed additionally poignant.
I’ve been writing a comment in my head for days (much like it sounds is how this poem was created - though my comment won’t remotely rival this incredible poem). Yet, I still don’t have something matching or that can speak to what this poem has made me think and feel. Know that I’ve come back to it at least half a dozen times already - and it’s been a week full of Andrea Gibson’s words being everywhere as well. Your words are significant to me, my friend, and I’m always so grateful when you share them and I know you that much more because of your brave sharing and always amazing alliteration (don’t laugh too hard at my attempt). 💛🤍💜🩶 Thank you for this newsletter and new poem and artwork - they are gift. As are you. 💫
My dear friend, please know that the fact you have returned to this poem so many times is deeply meaningful to me (more so than I have words to express, which means you don't need to worry at all about not having your own, either). So thank you. And I'm glad the drawing paired with the poem okay as well 💙
Dear Jessi,
Thank you for sharing this post and your poem.
I wasn't aware of today's significance, so I thank you for enlightening me as always.
The placement is rather wonderful - kudos to the people who designated it such.
It also brings an additional layer of bittersweetness to the loss of Andrea Gibson, Colorado Poet Laureate.
What a gut punch that is, even though I knew they were terminally ill.
Sending hugs,
Casey
Dear Casey
Oh, gosh. Due to being post-Botox, I've largely been offline, so this was the first I knew of Andrea's death - though I've since read the tribute recently posted on their Instagram. I am one of the many who never met them but was touched by their words, work and presence - especially at the intersections of gender, sexuality, and chronic health struggles - so I agree this is a gut punch. Their poetry changed my life, and I'm now crying at my keyboard.
It does feel poignantly apt that their soul chose today, though.
Thank you for your kind and supportive words about my own writing, and I'm sending hugs and solidarity,
Jessi
Hi Jessi
There's no need to feel guilty, if I'm understanding you.
It seems their loved ones have only just broken the news.
Some of their work touched on sensitive territory for me, but I loved them as a person.
Hopefully you've had a chance to experience their Letter from Love...which has an extra layer of poignancy today.
Hugs,
Casey
Hi Casey
Thanks for this; yes, it seems only to have been recently announced. I was more expressing my gratitude that I'd learnt of it through your gentle phrasing and framing, rather than any of the other ways such things can be discovered these days. So thank you.
I share your feelings that some of their work was sensitive, but their soul and their vulnerability was a source of solace.
Yes, their Letter is indeed additionally poignant.
Hugs to you
Jessi
Such a powerful poem. Thank you for sharing!
Oh thank you Raff - so kind! I'm so glad you're writing now as well.
Wonderful, helpful, inspiring - thank you for writing and sharing this Jessi!
Oh thank YOU for such a generous and thoughtful comment, lovely Beth!
I’ve been writing a comment in my head for days (much like it sounds is how this poem was created - though my comment won’t remotely rival this incredible poem). Yet, I still don’t have something matching or that can speak to what this poem has made me think and feel. Know that I’ve come back to it at least half a dozen times already - and it’s been a week full of Andrea Gibson’s words being everywhere as well. Your words are significant to me, my friend, and I’m always so grateful when you share them and I know you that much more because of your brave sharing and always amazing alliteration (don’t laugh too hard at my attempt). 💛🤍💜🩶 Thank you for this newsletter and new poem and artwork - they are gift. As are you. 💫
My dear friend, please know that the fact you have returned to this poem so many times is deeply meaningful to me (more so than I have words to express, which means you don't need to worry at all about not having your own, either). So thank you. And I'm glad the drawing paired with the poem okay as well 💙