Artivists Unite!

Jacquair performing, Talena in the foreground

At a recent event in New Jersey celebrating the release of Jacquair Gillette's new poetry book, "Freedom Letters" (13 letters inspired by St. Paul's 13 New Testament letters), he was introduced by Paterson poet laureate Talena Lachelle Queen as an "artivist." That is, an artist who uses their creative voice to highlight social and political issues to inspire change.

I've been thinking a lot about that lately, as many friends are posting about events in Minneapolis. And how my favorite musician, Bruce Springsteen, almost immediately released a protest song... reminding me of when I was very young and first heard Neil Young's "Ohio" and began to think about issues beyond my own bubble.

As a writer, however, I've never been able to express or explore these feelings. It seems so pointless and clumsy -- and, from my vantaged point-of-view -- irrelevant. Compared to real life. Compared to seeing a man shot point-blank with bullets to the back of his head.

I try to expand my writing, but I fail when trying to address social issues. I admire those who do this effectively. At one poetry workshop offered by Dimitri Reyes, I was introduced to a poem about Eric Garner, "A Small Needful Fact," by Ross Gay, that particularly moved me. It is a perfect poetic expression of the type of artivism I would like to achieve. Understated, not preachy, yet powerful.

I imitated his poem the other day, shamelessly. I've posted it below. I'm still learning -- and, hopefully, still growing as a writer.

A Small Needful Fact

         (after Ross Gay)

Is that Alex Pretti used to

walk his dog, Joule,

with his neighbor, Annette,

on the banks of Lake Harriet,

perhaps waving at an acquaintance,

passing on a mountain bike,

and, in all likelihood,

passing a sun-filled day

after his night shift,

where perhaps he monitored

a woman under attack

by her own immune system,

and took her head in his hands

and gently shifted the pillow

under the back of her head.