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Sara Joy Tiberio's avatar

This was a lovely read this morning, Andy, and very relatable. So often there is another emotion under my fear. And though I don't always remember, it always seems to help when I treat fear as a friend or a lost child. I'll think of your poem next time and maybe that will help me remember!

Andy Smith's avatar

So glad it spoke to you, Sara. I don’t remember it in the moment most of the time either, but trying to remember more and I’ve found poetry is so helpful with that

Nancy Sobanik's avatar

Andy, thanks for sharing this interesting personification of fear, and the idea that fear itself is a manifestation of loneliness holding onto grief. I regretably will miss this next open mic as I will be away next weekend (at a poetry festival!). Hopefully I'll see you at the next!

Andy Smith's avatar

Thank you, Nancy! We’ll miss you at this reading but will look forward to catching you in the summer

Melanie Cole's avatar

This makes me want to comment "<3" but there are so many emotions behind that. As an avtibe griever (do we ever become inactive?), that final line really stuck with me. Wonderful work.

Andy Smith's avatar

Thanks, Melanie. It does feel like there is always something else to grieve. Glad it struck a cord for you.

🪶✨Stephanie Oswalt's avatar

I love this. And I love the specific imagery of "at the weeping maple/

the white-crowned sparrow"

beautiful

Andy Smith's avatar

Thank you, Stephanie. That image was informed by my time in the Pacific Northwest where there are many beautiful weeping Japanese maples and white crowned sparrows who really take it upon themselves to let everyone know the sun is up

Poetry Tracks In the Snow's avatar

Beautiful poem Andy!

Andy Smith's avatar

Thanks, Holly!

Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

Hosting fear at home...

keeping fear fed, safe, warm, hugged.

Learning fear’s true name.

Megan Youngmee's avatar

This was stunning andy. Such a gentle and caring, compassionate and holding for the fear/grief that just needs to be tended to. Loved it.