Poetry: Alternate Universe by Olivia Gatwood & TedxABQ "We Find Each Other in the Details"

"Alternate Universe" is a strong poem. It speaks to the nature of emotional investments not just in relationships but in ourselves and the effects of misogyny on both. It's simple, it's funny, and Olivia's performance of it is awesome.

I think my favorite line is this: "I have so much beautiful time."



I found Olivia's poetry through this TedxABQ talk she did about finding each other in the details. Personally, I'm a big believer in small moments. Small moments where we give thanks, or love, or support or just memory to someone or something. She speaks there about a simple interaction between her and her best friend that she turned into a poem, and uses it to show the audience how she teaches others to write poems too.

In this, she tells us it's about the details. We can tell stories about small things that are also about big things too. How a story or a poem about a bikini can also become a story about fat-shaming or body positivity or self-acceptance. If you're a writer, it's a really good way to think about framing devices. If you're a human, it's just a good way to think. 

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