For artists
this can be a time to grow;
to use all those bright colors;
to try out new ways of being;
and, through it all,
to become a head taller
than one’ s current self.
Too many people
— myself included —
edit dreams
even before
we allow ourselves
to have them.
Editor’s note:
As we wrap up this epic poem accompanied by beautiful illustrations, we would like to give our utmost thanks to Dr. Harste for his wonderful work. We also want to use this opportunity to pause and reflect on what has been going on in the world impacted by this dreadful virus. Like Dr. Harste’s work tells us, we started out with puzzled feelings, and moved on to fear and frustration. We terribly missed our connections with other people. At the same time, we felt grateful to those who have kept us safe. As the number of U.S. confirmed cases continue to crawl up, we should assess how things have spiraled out of control. We want to ask, what we could have done differently to prevent the tragedies many individuals, families, and communities faced. Someday, when things become better, we should never forget what it was like to be isolated, fearful, and angry, and more importantly, what had caused such feelings. We can make a better and stronger world only when we take appropriate actions to prevent such tragedies and to transform our lives.