As the phone rings, I’m wondering: is this a contrived proposal? What does Ubuntu and education in Zimbabwe have to do with my ponderings about hyper-local politics, Judaism, Palestine, and end times?
Then I hear Mutamba’s voice through my earbuds. His laughter. His joy at reconnecting. My nervous system settles immediately as I experience that thing that happens with old friends, where linear time gives way to spiral time, and you are instantly transported back to every moment you’ve shared.
I ask him how he’s doing as I tidy the kitchen. He tells me he is working with others in his community to figure out a mutual support system. I have so many questions. We find ourselves talking about community spaces, intergenerationality, burnout, food sharing, aging…
We chat for a good half hour before we even think about the book launch. And in that time, I realize how obviously connected our work is. Though our specific projects are different, the questions at the root are the same. How do we show up for our responsibilities in this moment? How do we build collectives in a culture of individuality? What would our ancestors say? Our grandchildren?
I talk to my generous friends who are hosting the event. I suggest maybe it should be a panel discussion to address some of these questions. But Sree says: what if the conversation IS the music? The poetry? It will happen, regardless, organically on the stage.
She’s right. And I think–not for the first time–about how grateful I am for the wisdom of friends. How even the things (we think) we know need to be reflected back to us. Regularly. In a societal structure that doesn’t echo our values and commitments, it is vital that we offer these sacred reminders to one another.
I invite you to join in our conversation tomorrow. This link will provide you with logistical details, an intentionally crafted container to hold us. But I can’t tell you exactly what will happen. What particular chemistry will unfold in the exact and unpredictable combination of beings and thoughts and instincts that find themselves enmeshed on this particular evening in this particular place.
As the wildfires burn. As queers murders go ignored. As legislation threatens Indigenous sovereignty. And as the specific but no less painful challenges and losses of your own timeline press on. The remedy we offer will not be distraction, nor solution, but simply a hand to hold. May we summon each other. May we in some way become together. Whether you join us in body and/or in spirit, be welcome.
<3
PS For those in Nogojiwanong (Peterborough), reminder I am at Take Cover with Nathanael Larochette on Friday the 13th. AND we have added a second night!
Constellations of Belonging and The Other--Why Bother?
I have taken up a new practice of creating poetry live during events to reflect back the wisdom and feelings of the group.
Here, you can read the poem we wove together at the Neighbourhood Centres’ cross-border event, Future of Democracy. The group titled the poem Constellations of Belonging.
And here, you can read a poem composed of quotes from presenters and participants at the Abraham Festival event, The Other - Why Bother?
Stay tuned for the poem made from a visualization exercise at the recent PATH fundraiser for Tiny Homes.
Launch details!
Toronto Book Launch and Celebration
Featuring Moyo Rainos Mutamba on mbira
Monday, June 9, 7pm-10pm
The Society Clubhouse, 967 College St., Toronto
All Ages, Accessible
$20 or pay-what-you-can
Fundraiser for Ubuntu Learning Village
More details here.
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS at this link
Peterborough on June 13
Featuring Nathanael Larochette
Friday June 13th, 2025
7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Take Cover Books, 59 Hunter Street East
Tickets $10 or Pay-What-You-Can
More details here.
NEW DATE ADDED!!!
Peterborough on June 14
(same details as above–totally different sets. come either night! come both nights!)
