"The history of English is inextricably tied to the history of war, to the history of empire; they cannot be separated. And hence our literature cannot be separated from these histories. Language is one of the most powerful weapons of war. It is also one of the war's first victims."

---Robin Coste Lewis @ Portland Arts & Lectures, on 4.20.16

Fatherhood, Fathers & Fathering

June 16, 2022

by: Sam Rivas, Contributor & Guest Author

Decanon Project features poems on Fathers, Fathering, and Fatherhood. Each poem demonstrates the complexities of masculinity and how it can either be rigid or softened in the role as a father. As someone who has my own complicated yet beautiful relationship with my father, I found the poem “Coniferous Fathers” by Michael Kleber-Diggsss to be relatable. Anytime I get a chance to see my father or any father fall out of the toxic masculinity cycle, I feel comforted by their letting go so they can love us softly. Happy Father’s Day to all of the newly loving fathers out there!

“As a Father of Daughters” by Hannah Aizenman

Worldly Things by Michael Kleber-Diggsss

Poem: “Coniferous Fathers”

Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong

Poem: “To My Father/ My Future Son”