The Patronage collection explores themes of privilege, support, accessibility, and artistry through writing connected to nature and emotion connected to the rawest origin of each feeling. The theme is interpreted and re-interpreted by dozens of writers devoted to the beautiful word.
What inspired my poem?
Illuminator is born from my reading of the origins of the written word. The first painstakingly produced books formed the basis of a new method of communication. Where at first stories were kept alive by word of mouth, suddenly books offered a new way to preserve myth and legend. However, because most people could not read, the books were interpreted by the literate storytellers who traveled to share the written tales. As such, the stories changed at the whim of the reader.
I love the idea that each reader reads something new into the same story (and get a wonderful glimpse of this when I read varied comments from different people based off the same poem) but also believe people need to be able to interpret the stories on their own instead of being fed the understanding of someone else. It is individual reading of a story that makes writing so diverse and able.
What is an illuminator?
The scribe penned the written word when books were built page by page. He worked with accuracy and intention, often copying the same page hundreds of times. The illuminator came through afterward and illustrated each page with the minuscule detail and artwork that makes ancient scrolls and old books so rich and beautiful to look at.
I invite you to enjoy Illuminator and taste the history of words flow like ink on your tongue. The following is an excerpt of my poem, Illuminator.
She holds the pen as the
Willow tree holds her branches
Ink drops drooping,
Embodying the olive-green leaf . . . please continue reading here and feel free to share your timeless thoughts!