LGBTQIA2+ – Brook Bhagat

I am proud to share that my poem, “Wanderstar,” is forthcoming in the 40 West Arts District anthology Progress, not Perfection. “Wanderstar” honors Colorado Poet Laureate Andrea Gibson, who died of cancer last summer. The anthology includes a special subsection of poetry dedicated to Gibson, each one written after a different poem of theirs. “Wanderstar” is written after Andrea Gibson’s Orbit.

I learned about the unique poetry writing prompt and opportunity in a workshop facilitated by 40 West Arts District Poet Laureate Marissa Forbes at the Castle Rock Writers’ Conference in August. Truly, it is a small Nearby Universe after all!

I will be reading “Wanderstar” at the anthology launch party from 3-6 pm on Saturday, December 13, at Mint & Serif, 1388 Carr St. in Lakewood, CO. Progress, not Perfection can be purchased using the online order form, and all preorders receive 10% off. Please join us for this unique opportunity to celebrate Andrea Gibson and this amazing collection!

The bravest poems are magic. When spoken aloud, they make our armor disappear in thin air. They open our eyes and hearts. Then the next heart finds a voice, and the next. Queer Lit Night, at the PPSC Learning Commons last month, was that kind of magical poetry reading.

The evening included poetry from visiting authors Ashley Cornelius and Nico Wilkinson, faculty members Kenny Idleman and me, and students and community members who shared on the queer open mic. It was an experience of beauty, art, and community I’ll never forget. Thank you so much to everyone who came and helped make it possible, especially Ashley, Nico, Dean Deidre, Cecilia Kruger, Rotimi Ariyo, Laurie Anderson, Amie Sharp, Emily Forand, and Sharon Bjorkman and the Queer Empowerment Club.