Reading “When it Really is Just the Wind, and Not a Furious Vexation” by Kyle Tran Myhre

Poetry Lunch S6E8

Reading “When it Really is Just the Wind, and Not a Furious Vexation” by Kyle Tran Myhre, published in Poem-a-Day by the Academy of American Poets.

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So much in this poem, while it’s playful, feels not far-off but now — part of the point, I think. The apocalypse is happening. Has been happening. Cooler heads are not prevailing… and yet.

Here we are, still. For now. Here we are! Even with people to love and things to hold and sweet moments to share. It’s a constantly confusing time to be alive and there’s so much easy guilt and grief to sop up and soak in daily.

I like the image of flowers that appears twice in the poem, a bouquet of endless disasters toward the beginning and one nestled in a neighborhood garden toward the end. I love the specificity that accompanies each imagining in this poem, good and bad, and the togetherness it leans into. The recognition of life because of, vs in spite of, other lives.

The world is always ending, as are we. May as well cook for each other and tend gardens while we can.

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Link to Poem

Find the poem through the Academy of American Poets here.

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About the Author

Kyle Tran Myhre, also known as Guante, is a poet and activist whose work explores the relationships between narrative, power, and resistance. He’s performed at the United Nations, been a member of two National Poetry Slam championship teams, and uses spoken word and storytelling as doorways into critical dialogue. His most recent book, Not a Lot of Reasons to Sing, But Enough, is available through Button Poetry. Read more on his website here.