Red Cord of Redemption
My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s this year. After a series of wanderings, the last of which resulted in him missing for over 72 hours, doctors and the police deemed it no longer safe for him not to live in a secure facility. While packing up his home’s belongings this spring, a ‘medal-like, DIY decor item,’ was found somehow hanging from the ceiling of the basement he collected a lifetime of memories. Reflecting on my relationship with my grandfather and the impact that his illness has had on my family, I wrote this poem.
Portraits of Mississauga
In the summer of 2023, Rachel volunteered as a community engagement facilitator for Visual Arts Mississauga’s ‘(VAM) Portraits of Mississauga’. This project featured art workshops held in libraries across Mississauga, where participants of all ages could learn self-portrait techniques. Diversity was a significant theme present in the initiative. In the end, all of the participant’s portraits were compiled in a publication, with a copy available at each of Mississauga’s libraries. Rachel wrote and performed this poem for the initiative’s launch celebration.
Joy Isabelle’s Soul Food
I am grace and grit
I am my Irish temper and West Indian attitude
I am The Nutmeg Princess
I am the Celtic Goddess Danu
I have a sunshine soul
I glow brightly with aptitude
Effervescently I will radiate love and light
In what I say
In what I do
Even if my voice shakes
Even if I may not always be the loudest in the room
I am not just eye candy
I am soul food