Here we are, a year since Hurricane Helene hit us. There were many events to mark the date, including “Whether the Weather,” presented by Temple of Seaweed at Story Parlor, which I had the honor co-curating with Heather Laine Talley. An evening of sacred storytelling that raised funds for the beautiful relief and recovery work of Swannanoa Communities Together. It was a gift to bear witness to the tender works of the poets and storytellers and musicians who participated. I contributed a short poem/song (shared below).

The day before was my first time vending at AVL Zine Fest (thanks to Nathanael Roney for the invite), a sweet and inspiring experience. That night I was wow-ed by the magic of the circus at the 10th Annual Asheville Juggling Festival. Arts and awe!

These moments reinforced the necessity and power of connection, creativity, grief, and joy. And, as always, love, love, love.

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changed by the rain

came a storm –
hurricane
and the rocks –
rearranged
each of us
losing friends
to the water and wind

felt my heart
almost burst
with the rivers and earth
with the land writing lines
stories in geologic time

through chaos
what is born?
after our world’s been torn
building with
what remains
we were changed by the rain

Recorded live at Story Parlor September 28, 2025

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An altar

One way Jason and I have grieved is with an altar made of stumps from trees in our neighborhood that were killed by the storm, all of which were old friends.

Rings of our hearts.

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Onward

As we hold on to hope and visions of liberation, here’s a suggested read: Abolition is about making things. Excerpt: “We are actually in a consistent battle to unleash and free our imaginations in the face of unrelenting oppression. I’m not sure how many of us recognize that imagination is an important terrain of struggle.”

More next month. Take good care.

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