So sorry to read about the death of poet Rachel Wetzsteon. She was the poetry editor at The New Republic as well as a member of the faculty of William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. Her death has been deemed a suicide. She was 42.
The Times obituary described her as a “prominent poet whose work was known for its mordant wit, formal elegance and cleareyed examination of the solitary yet defiant lives of single women.” One of her poems was included as well—“Sakura Park,” written about a small park near Riverside Church, known for its cherry trees.
The park admits the wind,
the petals lift and scatter
like versions of myself I was on the verge
of becoming; and ten years on
and ten blocks down I still can’t tell
whether this dispersal resembles
a fist unclenching or waving goodbye.
But the petals scatter faster,
seeking the rose, the cigarette vendor,
and at least I’ve got by pumping heart
some rules of conduct: refuse to choose
between turning pages and turning heads
though the stubborn dine alone. Get over
“getting over”: dark clouds don’t fade
but drift with ever deeper colors.
Give up on rooted happiness
(the stolid trees on fire!) and sweet reprieve
(a poor park but my own) will follow.
There is still a chance the empty gazebo
will draw crowds from the greater world.
And meanwhile, meanwhile’s far from nothing:
the humming moment, the rustle of cherry trees.
Another place to go: The New Republic has written a thoughtful memorial about Rachel and also included two of her poems.
RIP Rachel.
May heart at last find peace.
Her poetry so moves me.
Such a lament, this poem – a beautiful lament – let her be at peace now.
“There is still a chance the empty gazebo
will draw crowds from the greater world.” This will surely happen – she is a powerful poet. G
Hello,
I am the editor-in-Chief of Quill and Parchment. During National Poetry Month each year we publish “Poets on Poets”. Someone who studied with Rachel has submitted a poem about her. I would like to be able to use this photo as part of our title page graphics. Do you know who captured this image, or to whom I might make this request?
Poetically yours,
Sharmagne Leland-St. John
A little more research turned up Star Black as the photographer. Does anyone know how to reach her?
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