One year when I went through a depressive episode, it lasted months, maybe even the entire twelve of them. I couldn’t get myself out of it—all my usual tricks were not working at all.
The only time I felt like I was back to my usual self was when I was around people—at parties or dances or at work meetings. In a group, somehow my brain could temporarily let go of the heaviness. I still can’t explain it. All I know is that one day, finally, I realized the weight of that time had lifted.
I chose this poem because it talks about what it’s like after the many months of sadness, how you can remember it, how you can be scared of it happening again, but also how it feels to be in this new place and how you want to hold onto that for as long as you can.
This poem, for me, has so much light at its end.
This poem is published in Aaron Smith’s collection Primer and is posted here with permission from the poet. You can learn more about Aaron Smith and his books here.
Thank you, Aaron Smith, for letting me share this moving poem.
It’s National Poetry Month. Every week during the month of April, I am sharing poems I love from contemporary writers. I hope to pique your interest in poetry, if it needs to be piqued, and to show you that a really great poem can be accessible to all.
“See” you soon with the last poem of the month—from our national poet laureate.
Photo credit: Markus Spiske from Unsplash.com
Upcoming Online Writing Workshops
Prompt-Writing like Speed-Dating: Prompt, Write, Next, Prompt, Write, Next (online)
Sunday, April 23, 1-3:00 PM Eastern on Zoom
If you’ve attended Let’s Write Together with me, you’ll recognize the format: I’ll share a piece of writing to inspire you, offer a prompt related to it, and you will have time to write. Except I’ll be offering a new piece and prompt every 10-12 minutes during this two-hour workshop. Think of it like speed dating—there’s another piece and prompt ready to inspire you just around the corner, with plenty of time for sharing at the end. This workshop is in partnership with Press 53. Cost: $45. Register here.
Ignite Your Flash (Nonfiction) via Three Essays
Wednesday, May 3, 11:30 AM-1 PM Eastern on Zoom
Learn the joy of writing brief personal essays. We’ll look at three powerful pieces: a list essay, a profile essay, and an object essay. You’ll then choose one of the given prompts to start your own flash first draft in class. Facilitated by Shuly Xóchitl Cawood. Cost $45. Register here for this workshop only.
This workshop is part of May Is for Moments: A Flash Nonfiction Workshop Series.
Flash in a Dash: Exploring the Micro Essay
Wednesday, May 24, 11:30 AM-1 PM Eastern on Zoom
Small essays can still have a big impact. We’ll look at flash essays that pack a punch in under 300 words and explore why they work. You’ll also be given a prompt to dive into your own micro draft in class. Facilitated by Shuly Xóchitl Cawood. Cost $45. Register here for this workshop only.
This workshop is part of May Is for Moments: A Flash Nonfiction Workshop Series.