When Beautiful Words Heal

During difficult times, I turn to words.  I seek out authors and poets who know words deeply. Who arrange sentences so beautifully, it is impossible not to feel every single word.  For the first month of 2021, I am turning to poets and authors who meet this criteria.  I hope that you seek out your own beautiful words to help heal, soothe, and comfort your soul during these times. 

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I came across this poem by Alberto Rios on Twitter, New Years Day.  This poem filled me up with some much needed hope.  New Years Day is a time when many of us look forward to new beginnings.  This poem captures the feeling of hope and progression at the start of a new year.  Whenever I am feeling "some type of way" about the world, I find that poetry helps to make sense of whatever complicated feelings I am having.  The words inside of a great poem can serve as a "mirror" to help me understand what I am feeling, and their beauty just makes things a little bit better.  This January, I  encourage you to turn to poets when you are looking for a "mirror" to help you make sense of your feelings. 
For more poems by Alberto Rios, and other "mirror" poems, go to Poets.org. poets.org/poem/house-called-tomorrow.

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Elizabeth Acevedo is a poet and an author.  Her first book, The Poet X is written in verse.  Her second book, With the Fire on High is not written in verse, but is clearly written by a poet.  Her latest novel, Clap When you Land, is a mix of poetry and prose.  I listened to this book on my Overdrive Sora app, and it was a joy.  This is a story of two sisters, one who lives in the Dominican Republic, and one who lives in New York City.  For most of the book, each are unaware of each other, until the death of their shared father brings them together.  Elizabeth Acevedo is a beautiful writer, and this book was exactly what I needed.  I highly recommend this audiobook while taking a long walk or bike ride through your neighborhood.  

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It sounds terrible to say that sometimes I need a literary palate cleanser.  I have to admit I don't love every book I read.  When I have one to many "meh" experiences, I turn to what I know I'll love.  This January, I am turning to Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison.  Beloved is part ghost story, part love story.  It is both beautiful and jarring.  Toni Morrison's work is transcendent.  It goes beyond most of what I have read.  Part of the reason why Morrison is so important is because her language is so beautiful.  Reading every sentence in any of her books is an experience that will challenge and change you.  After reading Morrison, I believe you to will turn to her to time and time again.