flowers for my sister, Kukla…
who died 5 years ago today. Blunt, I know. But personally, I like the brutal honesty of the sound of the words. Five days ago, or five years, it all pretty much feels the same to me. I miss her as much as ever. My sister lived life in a big way, and she filled a lot of space in my life, which means that the hole she left is equally large and empty.
I miss being able to share my recent work with her. I know she would have appreciated the process, and had a really good laugh out of the disastrous day I had in the print studio that resulted in this group of collages.
Even though it sometimes feels like I have been stuck in the land of grief forever, when I look at the work I see evidence of having put one foot in front of the other and forward movement. I realize now that loss inhabits an unmapped place that is lacking in rules; and pretty much what you need is an abundance of patience while trying to navigate your way out.
On a much more positive and lighter note, it was 27 years ago today that my one-and-only stand-up guy Alberto and I went out on our first date – which was just the beginning of all kinds of great adventures together!
A golden-winged warbler
leapt from it’s beach plum perch -
a shower of water droplets
trace her flight.
your forever friend
I think the one with the yellow jumping out from the top right corner is very exciting.
Thank you Janet – I am always happy to have additions to my collection of April poems from you. And am completely grateful to count you as my forever friend!
Thanks Jackie: that is one of my favorites in the little mini-series too. Great to see you and your show in Philly!
stunning, words and the visuals. And hats off to Kukla and Alberto! I am glad you are able to see the good and the bad even when the bad seems overwhelming. Great way to put it, grief being unmapped territory you need to work your way through with patience. Well put.