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Nya S Abernathy's avatar

Rose, I haven't told you all the ways that you show up in the world have ushered in liberating, life-giving, bolstering ways of being for me. One day, in person over a delicious beverage and surrounded by plants, I will tell you and I won't hold back. You will get your flowers from me in this lifetime, and I hope you get them regularly from every person you've tended to unto their blooming.

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rose june's avatar

Nya 😭😭😭

I cannot wait for that day, and to sit in mutual awe, because your wonder waters my capacity for wonder regularly.

That’s all I have for now because I’m sitting with all you’ve shared and preparing myself to be comfortable being held in such high esteem 🖤

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Marla Taviano's avatar

I love this. I hope one of your many books is a book about your writing praxis.

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rose june's avatar

That’s a good idea 🤔

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Marla Taviano's avatar

Books about writing are my favorite.

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Kanika's avatar

I'm truly stunned. Thank you for being a conduit for this work. Your words are a gift- a salve 💕

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rose june's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, glad to know my words resonated! Sending gentle landing hopes your way 🖤

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Addie's avatar

Just discovered your work via Alex's favorites list for the week. Your words feel warm, embracing, deeply considerate. My husband and I read Clifton's Blessing the Boats to each other when we wed..

"may the tide

that is entering even now

the lip of our understanding

carry you out

beyond the face of fear

may you kiss

the wind then turn from it

certain that it will

love your back..."

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rose june's avatar

I love that a poem! It reference it often for transitions. The other day I was walking, beginning to get anxious and the words came to me, and I realized I had it memorized from reading it over and over. It saved me at that moment, and it keeps on saving me. 🥹

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Addie's avatar

Beautiful! I love the idea of calling up a poem when you're experiencing anxiety; I'm going to have to try it.

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Marc Typo's avatar

And the Haitian quote takes me right back to my mother’s arms.

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Martina Abrahams Ilunga's avatar

I also have a Haitian mother who took (and still takes) great pride in her children’s appearance. Vaseline and cocoa butter on deck. Beyond that, another way I felt “well kept” was through a reminder my dad would say to us everyday: “represent.” As in, represent our family and name well. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve also come to understand it as a reminder that I am also represented - by my family’s love and devotion.

Thank you for sharing and for opening your paywall 🙏🏾

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Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Rose, I see so many of my truths about why I write and who I write to/for in your words. I'm so happy to have found so many heart-centered writers in this space, especially ones who look like me and share some life experiences. Thank you!

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Rachel Leeke Alexis's avatar

I love your writing and the concept that we can be reservoirs for care. Also, as someone in month two of learning Kreyòl I tried my darndest to figure out what you wrote and only get through the first three words 😂. Thank you for sharing.

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Alycia Owens's avatar

Wow wow wow, I found someone special here. Thank you for the reminder of the metrics that truly count.

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Marc Typo's avatar

These words, so soft. Thank you ❤️

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Morgan Strehlow's avatar

I think it was Sharifa who told me I needed to read your writing and she was right. You are tremendously gifted with words. If/when you are ready to explore the traditional publishing route, I'd love to chat with you about it.

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