Starry Stained Glass By Chan Hurst
When I read of Chan Hurst’s death, I just froze, head to toe.
Chan – known on the site as Archaic Poet – reached out the hand of friendship to me some time ago. He was as talkative and gregarious as I can be (!!!) and was a complex man.
He had so many layers – so much in him.
In fact, he was very much like the collages that he loved to create. Made up of this and that, all parts that made a wholly unique picture.
He once wrote to me, “I’m more than just gay or artist.”
I let him know, for the most part, I am a loyal friend but that I am horrible at keeping up with correspondence, especially when inspired to write poetry or stories. We spoke of this... he was not only supportive, but understanding.
He said when he was creating he, too, struggled with replies.
It was wonderful to find someone who expected so little of me – understood the creative drive and how it can take over a life, lock you in a room until all you see is the art. It is a rare thing to find someone who knows you care even when you so rarely say you do...
I am torn up, about his death.
There are many many many people here on soup who I care a great deal about and yet I rarely connect with.
I’ve joined Team Serious, So now correspond more regularly with a few poets who I hold very dear... but I have other “dear ones” who I rarely connect with – not for lack of them reaching out TO ME... but for me not returning their lovely soup mails and comments. I am HORRIBLE.
These are dear people, People like Nette, Kathryn Collins, Francine, Catie, Tim Ryerson, Charlotte, Ruben, Chris, Andrea, Nikko, Marlon (Hi Cuz), Brian, Charmaine, Eileen, Carrie, Jag, Andrea, Sara, Lizzie-Dear, Caleb (Miss you!), Frederic, Mandy and David (Miss you guys) and many other people.. lovely people who say kind things...
I think of you so often. I am sorry have neglected you. You all deserve more attention.
I am sending love out.. as Chan would want.
Without conditions or expectations... just sending it out, because I am as hopelessly flawed as the next person. I struggle and fail... but I do care. VERY MUCH.
We have had a hard year, this year on Soup. Poets are dying-- life is unpredictable. We are here. And then we are not. No guarantees. Regardless of how we can give each other time... be flexible as friends -- life is short and fragile. :(
SO... my invitation to soupers is to simply
send some love out ...
mention a friend, someone you care about.
Tell us something about them
Mention a good heart, a kind person, someone who touched you...
Post once or many times.
Be sloppy with your love, say it like Chan.
Be real, let it all hang out...
This is a Love In and A Wake,
all rolled up into one.
___________