#itwow

Hi readers!

I got an email today saying that the It The Words of Womyn (ITWOW) anthology is printed and being sent to the contributors. I should expect to get a hard copy in 14 days at the most. 14 daysI I can hardly wait!

If you want to get your hands on your own copy they are available here.

Also, I’m considering buying a few extra copies and doing a giveaway! What do you guys think? Keep…

Far beneath the skin

an itch stings into existence

burrows its way through layers of dermis

climbs to the surface

causes fingernails to rake across forearm

so that goose bumps follow

            For when you walk by

Far

a long, long way to run

over the hills and beyond the horizon

not close enough to breathe in my ear

  Far beneath

            the depths of the ocean it calls you home

            the surface a molten core burns

  Far beneath the skin

            lies my love for you

the soul somersaults and high-dives into the abyss of longing

is potential for destruction

  All we are is skin.

Beneath dermis, color has no relevance.

Far beneath my love stirs self-hatred of my skin.

Follow up with summer job lady: ask about the prescribed curriculum for the ELA enrichment classes and job training

Follow up with Tia Chucha’s: propose dates for the summer session of In the Words of Womyn

Submit to the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly by Saturday

Begin selecting poems for my open mic feature next week; find titles for poems, too

Write my formal leave of absence letter to my substitute company for the summer

Write to tumblr teacher buddies

Tomorrow I begin my second "job" as a workshop facilitator and community volunteer at Tia Chucha's. I will be facilitating the women's writing circle, In The Words of Womyn (ITWOW) on my own, and I am both anxious and excited. Jenuine began the workshop three years ago, made the initial connections, and laid the foundation. I only hope I can do right by ITWOW as it has done right by me. It was a only a year ago that I timidly walked in to Tia Chucha's with my journal and pen, to be greeted by friendly strangers who accepted me for who I was. These women are no longer strangers. ITWOW has been a positive force in my life, and I want it to be the same for others. 

For more information:

In The Words of Womyn strives to create and foster a safe space in which womyn can develop as writers. ITWOW empowers womyn “to give sound to our story and volume to our voice” through the practice and sharing of the written and spoken-word arts.

In the workshop, womyn of all ages and experience levels can discuss and practice methods of writing both prose and poetry, and practice sharing and performing pieces aloud. In The Words of Womyn cultivates a positive environment, encouraging critique, development, and enrichment of writing skills while simultaneously  promoting creativity, inspiration, and community.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.inthewordsofwomyn.com

Thank you to my ITWOW co-facilitator, Jamie, for helping shoulder responsibility

Thank you, las mujeres de In The Words of Womyn, for attending in the heat, on Friday nights, and contributing to great discussions every time!

Thank you, Jenuine, for your vision, guidance, and faith from afar

Thank you Tia Chucha's for the helpful employees/volunteers and for providing a safe space for the arts