this was an absolutely beautiful post. What a very pleasurable read. And what an inspiration! I want you to know there is no doubt in my mind you are very definitely following in the footsteps of your namesake. And I have every confidence you can indeed fill her shoes.
Andrea had that rare ability to draw people in like a magnet. I spent many hours listening to their poetry and was inspired again and again by the beauty they created from pain. Iām so glad you were Andreaās beautiful shadow and shared in that journey. Thank you for keeping their light shining. ā¤ļø
Thank you so much for reading! They really did have a way about their poetry that was unmatched. I hope to continue spreading their love and their name!
Damn, Andrea! the way you wrote this actually sort of touched my heart. also, i'd never heard of gibson before i thought this was a bit of a narcissistic poem (which i would've still adored btw), so now i'mma stalk gibson hehe
Please do stalk them. They are such an amazing poet and truly truly gave me the courage to share my poetry. This poem is the first ever poem I read at an open mic and it was for their memorial. Here actually I'm going to share with you one of my favorites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XK-hb_bjqU
Of course! One of my favorite poets. They were diagnosed with cancer around the same time as my dad and passed about 2 months after. Their words helped me so much to process the grief I was going through from the caretaker side and Meg (their wife) a poet and teacher in her own right has been an inspiration as well.
Thank you! One of my favorite poets and I feel so honored to share their name. I hope to do it justice by continuing to share the love and hope they spread!
I was moved by your writing and only knew Andrea from after she passes away and the lovely things said about her on Substack. She must have been an awesome person to inspire such loyalty.
This is so so lovely to read, even more so on this tough day. Its the first time Iāve come across someone here who has felt their impact and itās just the most beautiful communal feeling. Also read a few comments and itās so moving. Thankyou for bringing us all together
beautiful, and an honor at once to her and yourself, that a name is just a name until we find meaning for ourselves. I once wrote about my namesake, but lost it to time. Perhaps I should revisit this, thanks for making me ponder š¦āā¬
Such a beautiful homage, Andy! This is deeply moving. Andrea Gibsonās work has been a life raft for so many, and you have honored their legacy beautifully by tracing the impact they had not just on your artistic voice, but on your literal identity. This piece is going to resonate deeply with anyone who has ever been saved by a stanza, a chord, or a stranger's voice.
This is beyond relatable. I myself first found Andrea Gibson when I was diagonosed with my illness, and having found them made me feel so, so, so much less alone!
Your poetry is beautiful, and I don't know if you intentioned it but this poem reminds me of Acceptance Speech After Setting the World Record in Goosebumps, which is one of my favourite poems by Andrea--ever!
What touched me most was that this doesnāt read only as a tribute, but as a testimony to what poetry can do in someoneās life. The lines, āAs if I was drowning and your words gave me life,ā are especially powerful because they feel deeply lived rather than simply admired. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt reflection and for reminding us that a poetās voice can continue to shape lives long after it falls silent.
Wonderful Poem as always
Thanks for sharing and keep writing š«
Just highlighting this part
Andrea
An inspiration.
Where now there is a void that your presence once filled.
You taught me how to fall deeply in love with a stranger.
Iām thankful for all the sunrises and sunsets we shared
That we breathed the same air.
Thank you so much! ā¤ļø
This is gorgeous āØ
Thank you ā¤ļø
Hello Andy,
this was an absolutely beautiful post. What a very pleasurable read. And what an inspiration! I want you to know there is no doubt in my mind you are very definitely following in the footsteps of your namesake. And I have every confidence you can indeed fill her shoes.
Thank you so much Kelly, it truly means a lot <3
Hi Andy,
I meant every word. You are one of the finest poets I know. And one of the finest people.
That's so sweet of you. You are such an amazing poet and I am so blessed to have you on my side as a supporter as well!
Andrea had that rare ability to draw people in like a magnet. I spent many hours listening to their poetry and was inspired again and again by the beauty they created from pain. Iām so glad you were Andreaās beautiful shadow and shared in that journey. Thank you for keeping their light shining. ā¤ļø
Thank you so much for reading! They really did have a way about their poetry that was unmatched. I hope to continue spreading their love and their name!
Damn, Andrea! the way you wrote this actually sort of touched my heart. also, i'd never heard of gibson before i thought this was a bit of a narcissistic poem (which i would've still adored btw), so now i'mma stalk gibson hehe
Please do stalk them. They are such an amazing poet and truly truly gave me the courage to share my poetry. This poem is the first ever poem I read at an open mic and it was for their memorial. Here actually I'm going to share with you one of my favorites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XK-hb_bjqU
Beautiful.
Thank you!
Placing the feet in the footsteps - yes! Beautiful tribute.
Thank you ā¤ļø it felt fitting to share after being there for the show last week.
Thank you for introducing me to Andrea Gibson! God what a treasure of a human.
Of course! One of my favorite poets. They were diagnosed with cancer around the same time as my dad and passed about 2 months after. Their words helped me so much to process the grief I was going through from the caretaker side and Meg (their wife) a poet and teacher in her own right has been an inspiration as well.
i also love andrea gibson. how beatiful that you both share the same name!
Thank you! One of my favorite poets and I feel so honored to share their name. I hope to do it justice by continuing to share the love and hope they spread!
I was moved by your writing and only knew Andrea from after she passes away and the lovely things said about her on Substack. She must have been an awesome person to inspire such loyalty.
Thank you! They were an amazing person and cultivated a lot of love and hope in the world! š I could only hope to aspire to such kindnessā¤ļø
Love it! I think you should set up a stool. Flip and on camera and record a reading for us to see!
I really like this Andy :) to me it's like an origin story. Would love to hear you read it!
Do it! Do it!
Thank you I absolutely will! I have a recording of my performance of this somewhere but I was struggling to find it! If I get some
time before my surgery I will otherwise keep an eye out! I plan to add voiceovers to everything I missed once I can breathe from my nose again!
This is so so lovely to read, even more so on this tough day. Its the first time Iāve come across someone here who has felt their impact and itās just the most beautiful communal feeling. Also read a few comments and itās so moving. Thankyou for bringing us all together
beautiful, and an honor at once to her and yourself, that a name is just a name until we find meaning for ourselves. I once wrote about my namesake, but lost it to time. Perhaps I should revisit this, thanks for making me ponder š¦āā¬
Such a beautiful homage, Andy! This is deeply moving. Andrea Gibsonās work has been a life raft for so many, and you have honored their legacy beautifully by tracing the impact they had not just on your artistic voice, but on your literal identity. This piece is going to resonate deeply with anyone who has ever been saved by a stanza, a chord, or a stranger's voice.
This is beyond relatable. I myself first found Andrea Gibson when I was diagonosed with my illness, and having found them made me feel so, so, so much less alone!
Your poetry is beautiful, and I don't know if you intentioned it but this poem reminds me of Acceptance Speech After Setting the World Record in Goosebumps, which is one of my favourite poems by Andrea--ever!
What touched me most was that this doesnāt read only as a tribute, but as a testimony to what poetry can do in someoneās life. The lines, āAs if I was drowning and your words gave me life,ā are especially powerful because they feel deeply lived rather than simply admired. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt reflection and for reminding us that a poetās voice can continue to shape lives long after it falls silent.