On Wednesday, August 20, please join the Chicago Poetry Center in celebrating the life and legacy of poet Andrea Gibson. The event will include a brief tribute reading by local poets as well as an open mic-style opportunity for readers to share work written and inspired by Andrea.
Angel of the Get-Through: A Celebration of the Life & Legacy of Andrea Gibson
Wednesday, August 20, 6 p.m. doors, 6:30 event start
Haymarket House, 800 W. Buena
Hosted by Marty McConnell
Seating and reading sign-up will be available on a first-come, first-served basis so early arrival is encouraged. Registration is not required but requested so we know how many folks to expect. Beverages and books by Andrea will be available for purchase.
Haymarket House is fully ADA compliant and wheelchair-accessible. Masking is encouraged.
This event will also be livestreamed — tune in here.
You are not weak
just because your heart feels so heavy.
I have never met a heavy heart that wasn’t a phone booth
with a red cape inside.
Some people will never understand
the kind of superpower it takes for some people
to just walk outside some days.
I know my smile can look like the gutter of a falling house
but my hands are always holding tight to the rip cord of believing
a life can be rich like the soil,
can make food of decay,
turn a wound into a highway
to somewhere beautiful.
— Andrea Gibson, 1975-2025
