“A Love Note” in Poem-A-Day

A poem I wrote for my beloved, my jaan, Willem, was published yesterday in the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-A-Day series. I have always been dramatic and effusive, and I welcomed this chance to declare my love. The occasion happened to coincide with Eid, and added a beauty and excitement to the celebrations.

Here is a link to the poem. The website includes a recording of me reciting the piece, as well as this small note:

“A Love Note’ was a second anniversary gift for my husband Willem—Willem, who had held my hand through the deepest throes of mental illness, who had loved me so fiercely that I, at last, began to believe I deserved love. The poem came from a place of both wonder and fear—that a love so beautiful and delicate must be an illusion, that it was only a matter of time before it dissolved. I am awed each day as it perseveres; for me, it is only through the concept of God, despite my gripes with Them, that I can begin to comprehend it.”