Singing the Night

The title of my book was inspired by a poem I wrote while listening to someone sing passionately as he walked down the street on a late summer evening, while I was nestled away in my garden. It also serves as a metaphor for the youth I have worked with for many years. The youth are like the night sky—sometimes obscured by clouds and storms, yet at other times beautifully illuminated with starlight. This collection of poems attempts to honor both of these realities.

The following videos were taken by Adrienne Fitzpatrack during the book launch.

Home is both a feeling in your heart and a physical space that provides safety. It's where you feel the most comfortable, loved, and protected. Having a home should be a basic right, but sadly, it is not. The poem "The Boy Walks" speaks to this tragic reality.

In my exploration of home, I reflect on a memory of my mother, Emma Beausoleil Conway Pilon. The poem, "Returning Home," captures my feelings during a visit after a 25-year absence. My mother's presence still lingers.

In sharing my poems that reflect both the vulnerable stories of youth and my own history, I recognize how poverty and difficult circumstances can erode a person's spirit. This window serves as a reminder that we are not as isolated from each other as we might believe.