A Different Kind of Birthday Wish

The Gentle Reminder of a Moth

With my birthday coming up (in less than a week!), It's made me think about the celebration that really speaks to me at this point in my life. I really love the kind messages of care and celebration that I get every year. They warm me up and make me happy, and they remind me of how close I am to all of you. But I'd like to ask for something different this year.

Instead of sending me birthday wishes, I'd love it if you'd like to order my new book ahead of time. I put my whole heart into writing these poems, and they would make an excellent gift for you, a friend, or a student. That you would help me out would mean a lot to me and be a gift that keeps on giving.

Here is where you can find it: Pre-order Brutal Companion.

However, as much as I'm looking forward to this important event, I can't help but think of my grandmother, who isn't here to attend with me. Even though she died more than twenty years ago, I will never forget her. My grandmother was the mother of my mom. She was a kind person who would come from Costa Rica to see us when I was a kid. Those visits were magical. Only a grandmother can give you stories, warmth, and a sense of belonging.

When I'm in my backyard, every once in a while, a moth glides by her spirit, touching my thoughts as if she were checking in on me. James Wright wrote about this feeling in his poem "My Grandmother's Ghost." Wright's words reveal the ethereal presence of his grandmother in nature, which is something I really feel. I admire his skill at being able to capture and characterize those precise moments.

As I keep writing, memories and moments like these keep inspiring me. My new book will give people the same sense of connection and reflection. I'm truly grateful for your support and for considering this special request. You are an important part of my journey, and I appreciate your help, no matter what form it takes.

Pre-order Brutal Companion

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Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

As I approach this next year of life, I am filled with gratitude for the past and excitement for what’s ahead. Whether it’s through the simple act of ordering a book or the deeper connections we share, your presence in my life is a gift I treasure. Here’s to memories, old and new, and the beautiful ways they continue to shape us.

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2024 Events

• August 24: Library of Congress National Book Festival

• September 7-8: Printer’s Row Lit Festival

• October 23: LitQuake at Grace Cathedral

• November 2: The LGBT Community Center, BGSQD

• November 4: KGB Monday Night Poetry Reading Series

• November 16: Volumes Bookcafe, Wicker Park, Chicago

Pre-order Brutal Companion