Thanks for hosting, Patricia! May all your wishes be granted!
I had something else planned, and then I read this recent book by Neil Gaiman. Along with being an author, he is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. The explanation says he went to social media and asked people to tell him what they need to be warm. Thousands answered. He wrote this poem. Then 12 artists were given a part of the poem to illustrate. Considering our world's heart-breaking conflicts today, the thousands of people at our borders, and refugees in camps all over the world, it's a stunning, heart-rending book.
Reading this, and then watching a national news program made it even more poignant, the news showing the needs of people in my own city, state, and country, watching the combat from wars happening right now. Gaiman's words, with twelve artists illustrating a part of his poem, create a compelling message for everyone. People need warmth. They need it in varied ways, a hot potato, a kind word, or waking from burrowing "beneath blankets and comforters". They are in need!
Here is one sample page, art by Bagram Ibatoulline.
And you can listen to Neil Gaiman reading his poem HERE on The Marginalian.
Finally, it brings me to consider Gaiman's question and to ask "What would you answer"?
Thank you this, Linda. Hearing Neil Gaiman read his poem was the perfect way to start the day. In this season of love and giving I want to remember that for me feeling warm begins with an open heart.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful thing to have an open heart, Rose. I'm so glad you enjoyed the poem this early morn. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteOh, my goodness...what healing words. What tenderness and care. Artist such as this are healers, for sure. Thank you for the treasure of this post. I need to share this book with so many young people.
ReplyDeleteTo keep warm? Certainly shelter with a roof. Think of how many don't have this. It's a very small thing, but we do donate a local fund that keeps people's heat on through our New England winters. Thanks for telling us about the Gaiman book. I'll look for it later today.
ReplyDeleteDidn't know about this book. Thanks so much for spotlighting it!!! It's a beautiful idea and so timely. To me, warmth is home and loved ones -- things I sometimes take for granted.
ReplyDeleteThe powers that be are scrambling here in Denver to find ways to shelter our increasing numbers of homeless people, singles and families, many who have been sent by Gov. Abbot, Texas. And, of course, that is just my city, among thousands of needs all around the world. Thanks, Linda, Susan, and Jama for sharing what keeps you warm: sharing the book, shelter & heat, and home with loved ones. No one would argue about your wishes, just want the same, I guess.
ReplyDeleteNeil Gaiman has an incredible way of capturing emotion, in this case – what it means to be warm. I heard him speak a few years ago, and when asked about his writing process, he said, “I make stuff up and write it down.” Sounds easy enough, right? If only the problem of making people warm were as easy as handing them a baked potato, but perhaps that simple gesture is a way to start. Thank you for sharing this work of his. It was new to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! So glad to hear about this. In addition to all the things people have mentioned, songs warm me :)
ReplyDeleteThis is on my TBR list, Linda. So powerful! Today, to be warm, I need Israel to stop bombing Gaza. I need Hamas to care for its people, ALL people. I can't stop shivering.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book -- thank you for spotlighting it! To feel warm toward our nation, I need for us NOT to be the ones on the UN security council who veto a ceasefire in Gaza. I. Can't. Even. (Sorry...this news is weighing me down this morning...)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you both, Patricia & Mary Lee. I saw the UN news last night. Can we be even more shocked & dismayed. Thanks for your reply. The book touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you so much for Gaiman's poem. Listening to his reading is a gift. As I contributed to the coat drive, I thought of little children who needed warmth and how their mothers are asking for warmth for them, not theirselves. I need to move quietly throughout my house to think what I need to keep me warm. My house is warm but I often think of those who live in shacks with broken women (true story) or a child who comes to school in a storm without gloves or even a warm coat (another true story). This poem you shared is just the right piece for this time of year. May the warmth of family fill your house with love and hope.
ReplyDeleteI would listen to Neil Gaiman read the phone book. Thank you for that link. Love him!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful book—yes, “you have the right to be here.” Beautiful, sensitive, and moving art, thanks for sharing it Linda, I look forward to spending time with it. For your question, love, peace, understanding, flexibility, and a warm blanket. 💙 your post!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Carol, Marcie, & Michelle. I just read an article from NPR about the terrible conditions in Gaza, and for the International Help, too. Wishing won't change it, but I am hopeful that soon things will improve.
ReplyDeleteLinda, thanks for this. I'm adding it to my tbr shelf, and I'll be going to listen to Neil read the poem in a bit. This looking amazing!
ReplyDeleteSo powerful hearing Neil Gaiman read this poem. Thanks for showing us this book, Linda.
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