Jane Hseu

They tried to bury us. They did not know we were seeds.

My students break my heart.

Then they put it back together again.

And again.

 

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

 

A job that (mostly, somewhat) pays the bills. In the best moments, helping students grow, write their stories, learn. Having time for my own writing and reading, and gaining inspiration from visiting artists.

A life partner who is my best friend and lover (“Camden Town Rain,” Mary Lou Lord). A child I adore, who enables me to laugh and sigh with frustration.

Creative community, joy, support.

A purpose, creating art/literature/writing to help heal our damaged world. A calling.

Writing and Righting: The Word and the World: Speaking to Dominican students about stories fostering compassion that compels movements

 

Writing, as Sandra Cisneros writes, to survive memories

 

Writing to belong

to find my tribe

among strangers

who affirm the words

we are too afraid to say

to each other in the light

 

Writing for our lives