I was seduced by a Facebook meme—twice.
And I was so smitten that I posted my own version. It read—”Spell your name, but for each letter, press the first word that comes up in your predictive text.” Who knew this would lead to an enchanting journey? Thank you to Kim Due Vacco and Alex Nicole McConnell for your introductions. Something about the randomness of predictive text captured my imagination, and the string of name-associated words held its own profound, provocative mystery. In some cases, the the obtuse messages felt predictive in an almost astrological or contemporary-version-of-runes sort of way. The oracle of Facebook.
Since I have been marinating in the world of poetry lately, I decided to challenge myself to create a “found” poem. I wondered what might emerge if I compiled these cryptic communications, posted by more than 100 of my Facebook besties, into a coherent (you decide) piece. I love the collective collaboration of this—the genius of the crowd, as they say. Full disclosure though, I did not include every post. I went with my muse and plucked those that felt like they would help me with the overall creative flow. Thank you to all of my eager contributors. This was more fun than I ever fathomed, and I could almost hear Elliot’s snicker as I succumbed to Facebook’s brazen manipulations. Yet the irony is that he triggered the whole thing with my first engagement, which became the first line of my poem. Thank you, Elliot. I appreciate your mischievous ways.
Angels Everywhere
Elliot loved angels in NYC—even
did all.
Very, I did
and now, not more—
and really even after.
Do I—angels need any?
Even love and Ian now exist.
Please have it let—my all
right year.
Get up, your soul up.
Enough.
Let’s look everything
with each lesson
Like you need.
Keep everything
very in need.
And no need can
have everyone
right your love.
And no good enough love—
and
maybe you know we eat the same.
We even need dinner, you.
Good and really you.
Just one night.
Just one a new—
Just about now—everything.
Just use like I expected
Just enough for five reasons,
everyone yesterday
But remember now:
Do everything to the end.
Remember, if they are.
But, both Bobs? And no, no Evanston?
Evansville, really I can’t!
Sorry how and really—if
sorry used sorry
about not sorry
about me.
Very excited, really,
of new I know about—
kids are really early now
Remember, if they are.
So happy about new now — one night,
please enjoy the early read.
Please read it carefully everyday,
but even early right
left you . . .
Peace of life
Love ya’ll
Elaine Gantz Wright 
I love the way you honor his spirit. I find meaning at Easter, knowing that Christ offers us freedom from death and new beginnings. The loss does not end for us, but for those we have lost it may be a new beginning. Renee is free to walk again in spirit and in truth. I won’t understand it fully in this life.
Bob, thank you for sharing your heart in these words. I love the notion of new beginnings. And you have expressed a truth that gives me comfort, as well — we cannot understand our losses in this life. However, we do know Renee is at peace and no longer encumbered — and Elliot’s spirit is free, too. Though bittersweet, finding a new way to experience his presence is where I find grace. Big virtual hugs. sir.