I want to blog something meaningful, I really, really do but this virus still has my brain in a fog. I can read but can’t seem to keep my thoughts together long enough to write much. So I’m making a quickie post. If I’m making no sense, I blame it on the microscopic invaders that are swimming around my bloodstream and throwing rave parties in my brain.
As Asian Pacific American Heritage month begins, I’m looking for local activities and hopefully will find something. I’m still in the process of trying to figure out what the whole thing means to me as a person.
Big thanks to Mor Chang and the people at the Asian American Poetry website for their spotlight and all the work they do to support Asian American poets. If anyone’s curious as to what I look like, head over there and take a peek. I’ve been “online” for over four years and it’s my first full-faced photo on the net. It’s a big deal to me because I’ve always been squeamish about putting my photo online not to mention the fact that I hate having my picture taken. It’s a kind of coming out of the closet for me.
I hope you take a look at some of the poetry, too. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot more reading than writing and have found several favorites among the writers linked there. The beauty and diversity within the AA community is beautifully illustrated in the unique and talented voices of its writers and deserves its fair amount of appreciation.
It is nerve wracking having a photo on-line but you’re beautiful and strong in the pic. And the poem is very powerful too. I especially like the way you phrased the first paragraph.
Thank you for pointing out the website and about Asian American Awareness month. Didn’t know there was a month tagged for us.
Thanks Jaye.
It's actually Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month but I moofed it. I've edited in a correction. Yeah, we get our own month. Bush proclaimed May of every year to be the month to "honor the achievements and contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans".
It's something, right?
Now I feel even more ambivilent knowing that Bush decreed it. Oh well.
Yeah, no kidding! I figure it's kind of like taking lemons and making lemonade even if the lemons are a bit funky.
Salaam Sume dear,
Sorry you’re still unwell but thanks for mustering up the energy to post this!
I had no idea about this website – and as for the photo, you look beautiful, masha-Allah!
I’ve started “poetry Monday” at my blog & I really like the poem you posted at AAP – if you’d like it posted at T&B next week drop me a line & let me know. (I’ll post a link to the AAP site too if you like.)
Feel better!
Warmly,
Baraka
What a great idea, poetry Monday. Would you mind if I copied your idea? I’d do it on a different day!
It’s nice that we get a month where people *have* to pay us a modicum of respect. Too bad it’s only 31 days, but it’s a start.
Btw Jaye, it was Bush Sr that made it into a month long observance, if that makes you feel any better. We should celebrate, I think being the flavor of the month and all.
Thanks Baraka. Yeah, I saw your post and I agree that it's a great idea. Poetry is so under-appreciated thought I hear world wide interest is increasing. I hope so anyway.
Jae Ran, look on the bright side. At least we finally got a whole month when Bush designated it in err…1990. Until then, it was only the first ten days.
Salaam Sume,
Mashallah, that’s a wonderful photo! Thank you for sharing with us.
Your loyal reader from the UK.
Harlowmonkey,
Not at all – the more the merrier!
I was inspired by a fellow blogger who was doing Poetry Thursday
Warmly,
Baraka
Your poetry really touches me, Sume. Poetry is such a delicate yet powerful art. Some people have just “got it,” and you really do! Now I am proud to say that I “know” two poets who have been featured at the AAP Web site — you and Lee Herrick. You’re both so talented, I can hardly stand it!
Thanks SweetBasil and Ji-in.
Ji-in, I’ve enjoyed reading through some of Lee’s work. He’s very talented. I’m getting all excited to see a book from you! Hurry up! If it’s anything like your blog, I know it’s going to be a winner for sure!