The Journey Inward

They died today.
I read the news in line at the post office,
and tears quickly filled my eyes.
I felt like I needed to sit down,
to curl up and hold myself.

They died today.
I wasn't ready for the news,
but I should have been.
I knew it was coming,
but I hadn't practiced being ready.

They died today.
At 4:16 am, surrounded by loved ones,
Andrea Gibson was a "winner,"
leaving this world having lived and loved deeply,
her heart "covered in stretch marks."

They died today.
The reality hit me hard, 
as they are my favorite poet.
They inspire me and give me hope,
they help me find perspective and joy.

They died today.
All I could think was,
How will I get through the next 3.5 years without their voice?
I texted with my friends, who knew how much I loved Andrea,
and we all took moments of silence.

They died today.
I think a piece of me might have, too.
I'd never met them, 
but reading their work made me feel like I had.
I'm so grateful they enriched my life and made me love deeper.

Photo:  Andrea Gibson Instagram page, July 14, 2025