Heavy Backpack

By James L. Chen

a saner version of me would have never released this collection of poetry nor allowed it's imperfect representations of self come to light. I do not wish to exist under scrutiny and yet here is part of my soul exposed. Poetry was for a period of time the only vessel I had to communicate the nuances of my own experiences and struggles, and I was in part dependent on this form of communication for the invigoration of my spirit in a grander journey of survival, crafting space and becoming. Here's to making mistakes and never looking back. First Edition Description: PAiNt is a spoken word author, artivist (artist + activist) and creator based out of Edmonton, AB. They are one of Edmonton's 2016 Slam Finalists with the Breathe In Poetry Collective. Their work is eccentric and deals with themes such as sexual assault, polyamory, lateral violence in queer communities and transgender issues. They have made and sold zines locally, such as Rise of The New Age Terrorist and Reality Hackers: A Manifesto for the spiritually disabled, chronically depressed and clinically defiant. Heavy Backpack is Paint's first official publication. It is a mix of spoken word pieces and poetry they wrote when life took an unexpected detour following an assault. Paint is a survivor and lives with bipolar disorder and ADHD. They question the spiritual significance of these disorders and are painfully optimistic for future and the possibilities of technology. The poems in this chapbook in many ways saved my life (let's stop pretending it's not me writing about myself here). I wasn't much for memorization and often took to the stage in layers of colourful clothing and wigs. I was a person in evolution, finding form. The process and experience of taking these words to open mic's and slam's allowed my truth to be witnessed. I was also grateful to access supports via work, friends and family which contributed to my healing. I would not be the person I am today without the community poetry offered me.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1300679468
• ISBN13: 9781300679462
• Release Date: June 2021
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Length: 134 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.8" x 8.3"