Writers' Club educator, mentor, writer and friend Lois Stavsky is curating an art exhibition at the Bronfman Center at NYU called Something’s Missing: Visions and Voices of Loss. Given the recent catastrophes in Japan and other places in the world, this event seems quite timely. At our March 9th meeting club writers focused on the theme of loss and who knows—some of our work may find a way into the show. Lois has shared, as a preview, two pieces of art that will appear in the exhibit. In between is a taste of what the Writers' Club produced when considering voicing visions of loss.

Alice Mizrachi and Trystan Bates

Just a Little Boy

Mean faces laughing at me

And pushing me against the gate.

Oh no, this is the part I hate.

I don’t want them to see me cry,

I’m just a little boy, too young to die.

Fists pummeling against my back,

My head and my shoulders.

As if I’m being pushed against boulders

But I can’t wait until I’m older,

    and stronger too,

So I can show them what I can do.

                                    — Thandiwe

What follows is an example of a list poem.

  
What I’ve Lost:

My mother
My tortoise, George Brent

Endy Collado

My Internet connection
My television
My worry about what school my son is in

My favorite pen
My sock
My downtown spot
My iPod
My ability to download music
My money

My patience with what’s going on
    in this country
My faith in a lot of folks’ ability
    to think

                         — Rodger

It Seems to Me

It seems to me that I am in a tight spot
And can’t get out.
It seems like the world is going on without me,
Tossing me like a piece of paper.
It seems to me that my mother may die
And I won’t have money for her funeral.
It seems to me that my hardships
Are just beginning
                                          — Crystal
   

 Endy Collado

 Until You Find Hope

The color of loss
Is gray like a fog
A thick fog that won’t clear
Until you find Hope
In something, someone, or some place
Maybe even yourself.

                                        — Dallas

The Opening Reception for Lois Stavsky's Visions and Voices of Loss will be on Thursday, March 24, 7-9pm

Amadou Diallo by Macah ZeldisThe art will be on display until May 17, 2011

The Bronfman Center is located at  7 East 10th Street in Manhattan.