the sun without you

A poem

sunrise, home. 2022

I used to think
that sunset and sunrise
only looked good
if you were stood by their side
but now I realise
they look good on their own…

Just like I do.

the sun without you
is warmer
and brighter
and bigger
i stand where you stood
and be myself
in the sun
without you.

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the sun without you marks the first in the series of poetry I will share here on An Unfamiliar Comfort. I have books and sheets and paper cups all pushed away with poetry graffitied on to it from the last 15 years. I will share more as I move my way through Substack (I’m still fairly new here). But thank you for being here and for reading. I appreciate it.

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And finally. Last week was the time when I discovered (very delayed) that Patti Smith is on Substack!! Life - changed. As a long time Patti Smith lover and professional Just Kids recommender, this was the best news I’d had in a long time. I heard through this great article (first published on Daily Maverick/Maverick Life on June 6th 2022) over at On Substack by Diane Coetzer.

Coetzer writes

There are hundreds — possibly thousands — more gratifying moments in 30 years of writing about South African, African and international music and musicians. But few of these have been as deeply and consistently joyful as being a subscriber to Patti Smith’s Substack.

Smith’s substack is a weaving of poems and song and readings and thoughts- all in glorious written, audio or visual form. As Coetzer says, it is truly a sheer joy.

One week in and I am having the time of my life.
Thank you, Patti.

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