On Connection

Poet Tempest (Running upon the Wires) ruminates on making art and the importance of staying connected to others while being true to oneself in this slim, eloquent work composed during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. “[C]reativity is an act of love,” Tempest declares. “It takes creativity to dress well, for example. To parent. To paint a windowsill. To give someone you love your full attention.” Tempest urges readers to bring forth their creativity and to engage with art, whether it’s books, music, or film, because “Immersion in other people’s stories cultivates empathy.” They also argue that connecting with others is the key to self-discovery rather than the oft-touted rugged individualism. They touch on their battle with “debilitating” depression and social anxiety and write that making art saved them from the streets and “[s]leeping in churchyards with my best mate and his heroin addiction.” Though Tempest isn’t communicating anything groundbreaking in this short treatise, their prose remains elegant and well-turned. This thoughtful meditation will resonate with anyone looking for new ways to engage with their creativity. (Nov.)