Poetic Interlude - Anastacia-Reneé Reading "Stem"

The Rest of Us is doing something different for Season Two. Every other week, we will feature two of over 30 poets in a segment we call “Poetic Interlude,” launching during National Poetry Month. In this Poetic Interlude, Anastacia-Reneé shares their poem “Stem” and a reflection prompt on rest.Creative expression is a portal to rest as liberation. Creatives, including poets, show us how to embrace our humanity and act on our truths. We in The Rest of Us community view this as a deep connection to one’s own agency — our definition of rest. Settle into the work of Anastacia-Reneé and even explore your own creativity, which we define as liberatory rest.ABOUT ANASTACIA-RENEÉAnastacia-Reneé is a queer writer, educator, interdisciplinary artist, playwright, TEDX speaker, and podcaster. She is the author of (v.) (Gramma/Black Ocean), Forget It (Black Radish), Sidenotes from the Archivist (HarperCollins/Amistad), and Here in the (Middle) of Nowhere (HarperCollins/Amistad). Side Notes From The Archivist was selected as one of “NYPL Best Books of 2023” and the American Library Association’s (RUSA) “Notable Books of 2024.” Reneé, a recipient of the James W. Ray Distinguished Artist Award, was selected by NBC News as part of the list of "Queer Artist of Color Dominate 2021's Must-See LGBTQ Art Shows," for “(Don’t Be Absurd) Alice in Parts,” an installation at the Frye Art Museum. She served as Seattle Civic Poet (2017-1019) during Seattle’s inaugural year of UNESCO status. Her work has been anthologized and published widely.  You can visit Anastacia-Reneé at anastacia-renee.com/home. Say “hello” to Anastacia-Reneé on Instagram @Anastaciarenee5.You can also visit therestofuspodcast.com to read Anastacia-Reneé’s poem and reflection prompt along with other poets.PODCAST TEAMHost, Dana Tenille WeekesProducer, Annabelle OhEditor, Sagheer MuhammadContent Manager, Annabelle OhIf this episode feels like a message or mirror, feel free to share it with someone who is looking to think about rest differently. 🎙️ Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. ⭐ Leave a 5-star review. (We are grateful for you doing so.) Until next time, rest, my friends.Connect with Us Website:www.therestofuspodcast.com  Instagram:@therestofus.podcast@danatenilleweekesSubstack:@therestofuspodcastLinkedIn:Dana Tenille Weekes