Resplendent Reading Report: Poetry Moves

I was flipping through the latest Poetry Moves collection a couple months ago. After reviewing all 10 pieces, it was clear. One shined brighter than the rest, in my head and in my heart.

Back up a second: What's Poetry Moves?

It is an excellent program that puts poetry into buses throughout Vancouver. It's a collaboration between C-Tran (our transit authority) and the very good nonprofit Artstra. (Wait...Artstra? I know! I was thinking the same thing!)

Without further ado, here's the poem that struck me:

I slept and missed my stop. I froze and missed my chance to say I'm sorry. Just today I counted out one hundred private ways I blew my only life. But as I wished for a dozen do-overs, the future waved to me outside. A blessing I'd done nothing to deserve. Not too late. I'd just arrived--

Half a Sonnet Stepping into Tomorrow Armin Tolentino Vancouver, WA

Then I wondered: why did this one hit me so hard?

As someone who has strived to be an overachiever while battling deep bouts of internal guilt and shame around not doing enough, this one landed deep. I would learn that those internal voices weren't fair or founded. They weren't even mine, really. I'd collected them from my primary caregivers and even from people who didn't care about me at all. They were wrong for me to collect. They aren't mine, and I have since (mostly) given them away.

But what a beautiful journey Armin has walked us through in under 60 words. The pain and anguish of letting yourself down - again. The grave pit in your stomach from missing your chance to make things right - and for what? Personal pride? Lack of courage? And then the fact that the universe simply doesn't care. It will always give you another chance, no matter how heinously you may think you've let yourself and others down.

Not too late.

No, my readers, it is not too late.

In fact, you've just arrived.

I look forward to seeing you around!

Update and kudos: Congratulations, Armin!

Turns out our Armin above was just named Clark County Poet Laureate. Well-earned, well-deserved, and hopefully a sign of many more wonderful things to come from this brilliant poet.