In late April I attended the poetry reading and art exhibition of the participants and facilitators of Warrior Writers and Combat Paper NJ. The event, held in the Personal Visions Gallery at the Ratner Museum, was the culmination of a week-long workshop in which veterans and service members made paper from their military uniforms for the purpose of creating art to explore and express their experiences and responses to war. Poetry writing was also taught as part of the workshop and several of the poems were read at the event and were included in a chapbook.
As you can imagine, the sharing of stories through poetry and visual form was profoundly moving. Beyond the content of each artist's work, I was also moved by the strong sense of support between all members of the artistic community developed over the course of the week. The camaraderie of the artists was inspiring as they encouraged one another to stand in front of the audience to present their poems. Public speaking isn't easy for most people, and the sharing of deeply personal artistic expressions takes that challenge to a completely different level. I was impressed by the quality, honesty and power of their works.
Untitled
by Valerie Stemac
When I say that I am okay
I'm not saying that I am okay
I'm saying that I don't want you to worry
When I say that I'm okay
I'm not saying that I am okay
I'm saying that there is nowhere that is safe
And I don't know how to trust you
When I say that I am okay
I'm not saying that I am okay
I'm saying that it is all still
Too messy and complicated to put into words
When I say that I am okay
I'm not saying that I am okay
I'm saying that I hope that you don't notice
That my hands always shake
That I still haven't slept
That sometimes I throw up
From being in a room full of strangers
That I almost always sit
With my back to a wall
That I am trying to decide
If I could outrun the man on the sidewalk
When I say that I am okay
I'm not saying that I am okay
I'm saying I know you think
That I should be by now
You can read more about Warrior Writers and see videos of their poetry readings on the Warrior Writers website, where you will also find a list of upcoming events, books for sale and information on how to donate and get involved. Check out the Combat Paper NJ Facebook page for news about their mobile handmade papermaking workshops. You'll find additional information and a place to donate on their website (new website coming soon).
"Compassion Fatigue" by Valerie Stemac
"The Enlistment Game" by Kevin Basl
"Don't Forget Me" by Larry Tenhoff
