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I have always been a person who thrives on stimulation, but there are times when even my capacity for excitement can be overwhelmed. Recently, I found myself in a whirlwind of events that left me feeling both exhilarated and exhausted.
The decennial Furious Flower Poetry Conference in Harrisonburg, Virginia was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The schedule was packed with talented poets, artists, academics, and essayists of color, each sharing their unique perspectives and experiences. The energy in the room was palpable, and the collective wisdom being shared felt like a spiritual IV drip. I facilitated a panel that left the audience, my fellow panelists, and me in tears. It was a profound experience that left me wondering if this is what it feels like to "make it."
A week after the conference, I attended my high school reunion. I approached the event with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I expected superficiality and judgment, but to my surprise, I was greeted with warmth. Seeing my high school classmates was so illuminating. The sentiments they shared with me allowed me to pay homage to a younger version of myself that paved the way for the woman writing this now. I am proud of her. I feel like I have only now grown into my dynamism, but according to others, I was dynamic back then. Who knew, not I.
The constant compliments on my appearance were a pleasant bonus, but it was the connections and the wisdom I picked up that truly mattered. A large question I had was answered that night. Would my younger self be proud of me, I left that reunion knowing without a doubt that I may have exceeded her expectations. Now, that is a self-love win no one can take from me. I wish this for us all.
Amidst all the joy and excitement in my corner of the world, there has been a pervasive sadness in my community. The wrongful conviction and subsequent execution of Marcellus Williams, the hateful rumors regarding Haitian immigrants (and more) so many have been feeling heartbroken and angry.
My heart aches for my community in many ways. My spirit is experiencing this all very differently. In the aftermath of the hateful Haitian immigrant media frenzy, I have felt a deep sense of pride in my Haitian heritage. Dear to my heart, more than ever is the Haitian flag motto.
“L'Union fait la Force - “Unity makes strength”
Marcellus’s final words were a prayer in my opinion, it filled me with this feeling that although the people still on earth were mourning, he was aware that something greater awaited him. Something so much better than earth. A place where wronged Kings and Queens go to thrive and be valued. It made me wonder if perhaps Marcellus knew leaving this earth was a blessing, a journey to a better place. May the wronged humans rest in power, while the rest of us live to fight for peace.
As I reflect on these experiences, I've realized that it's okay to feel overwhelmed by both positive and negative emotions. It's a testament to the richness and complexity of life, the co-existence of emotions.
PS: I hit a Substack milestone and am grateful to all my subscribers. You motivate me to show up with my pen even when I don’t know what I want to say—so much love to all of you.
Other Reads
"I Hope You Make It"...
Life Imitating Art, Mimesis
Check out these other Substackers on my Substack Summer! Thank you for the summer reads -
, & <3
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