Writing Through the Anxiety
- Admin
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
I have anxiety, and it’s playing a game with my head right now. So what do I do about it? I start writing. Usually, I don’t know why I’m anxious, but as I write, my mind begins to sort it out.
It’s the day before Independence Day, and I’m staring out my window at the Statue of Liberty. I specifically asked for this view instead of Manhattan because I wanted to be reminded of what I’m fighting for every day.
And of course, now I realize why I’m anxious.
Tomorrow is my father’s birthday. He died ages ago, and our relationship was complicated by the abuse he inflicted on me. Nonetheless, he was my father—and I miss him. I don’t miss the abuse or the constant fear for my life. I miss his sense of humor. I miss watching him play dominoes. I miss going to the racetrack with him.
My anxiety comes from the things I don’t miss, and I won’t get into them here. I’ll get to why I’m actually writing this blog post.
Next week, July 12, 2025, the Canyon Poets will be featured at New York City Poetry Festival on the Blackbird Stage at noon. Come by if you’re in town. I’ll be reading alongside Jessica Femiani and Jacob R. Moses. I hope to see you there.
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, I’ll be reading my poem “Breakwater” for Moonstone Arts Center during their Betrayed: Violence Against Women anthology event. I’ll post more information once I have it.
Also, I was just published in Cathexis Northwest’s July issue. And finally, I have a poem coming out soon in Half and One—I’ll post it on my Facebook page when it’s released.
That’s my news. Thanks for reading.
Congratulations on starting a blog post and for reading in the Big Apple!