Final Discussion: Rose Quartz

it is happening again

Gather matters of the heart
So we can act a fool
It's incomplete without you
The silver soul is running through
It's a vision, complete illusion, yeah

Silver Soul by Beach House

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Schedule

These are the dates the discussion posts will go up, but remember you can go at your own pace and contribute when you’re ready!

• Kick-off: November 10, 2023 ✓

• Midway Check In: November 21, 2023 ✓

• Final Discussion: ☁️ Last minute RSVP here

  • Didn’t finish? Who cares? Come hang out anyway.

  • Remember you can always use the comment section to leave your thoughts, reviews, and reflections at any time.

queerthology

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Rose-Colored Tears

by Dani Trujilo

I pass the places
that mark me Indian
the signs that point me
to the reservation
Deadman’s Cove
and the Pioneer Museum

Poetry has always been hard for me. Hard to understand, hard to write, hard to appreciate. That’s changed for me in recent years. Now that I’ve been reading poetry from BIPOC creators, especially those who are Latiné and NDN like me, I finally can feel the words.

I absolutely loved the poems in Rose Quartz by Sasha Taqwseblu LaPointe. I laughed, I wept, I cringed, and I smiled.

a thousand bees between
you and her body

honeysuckle fireweed
that stinging itch

the burn you learn to ignore
because your tongue tastes

of honey

“Beekeeper” was one of my favorite poems. I found the word choice to be incredibly romantic and I loved how LaPointe used all of the senses to draw us in. We hear the buzzing of wings, see the darkness of candlelight, feel the insects crawling, and eventually, we taste the honey.

***

and I’ll wait until I leave
Half Moon Bay
to scream into my fist
and say all of the things
we are not supposed to say

“Half Moon Bay” made me angry. People have said the most outlandish things to me, assuming that by being mixed, I must prefer to pass as white.

“If the Indians are so poor, why do they have so many cars in their yards?”
“What percent Indian are you?”
“I’ve never met an Indian before.”
“I think it’s sexy that you’re Native.”
“I’ve worked with Indians before and never had an issue.”

I answer with silence.

***

I woke up in the belly of a beast. I pull myself out through its matted fur and take one full breath in the daylight.

“In The Belly of the Wolf” felt like LaPointe had scanned my brain and written my spirit into the page. You don’t realize how bad things are until you’re finally free.

***

I asked you to cover my mouth with your
hand I was feeling adventurous and after all
it was my night darling you refused
you couldn’t stand to see me silenced

Is there anything more romantic than this?! I think no. “Your Nights” will stay with me forever. There is no better way to be loved than with respect as the foundation.

I absolutely loved this poetry collection and I can’t wait to read more from Sasha!

☁️

Dani Trujillo is a fiction storyteller born of Pueblo and Mexican descent. The desert is her happy place and serves as inspiration for many of her works. She holds a Bachelor of Anthropology from the University of Hawai‘i and a Master of Forensic Behavioral Science from Alliant International University. She currently resides on the East Coast with her husband, two spooky black cats, an elder chihuahua named after jeans, and the plethora of ghosts inhabiting her 1949 home.

dh.trujillo

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Welcome to the Final Discussion 📖 Rose Quartz

Remember to keep the comments and replies respectful and hate free.

Final Thoughts

• Overall, how strong was the poetry collection for you?

• Now that you’re done reading, how did the book make you feel?

• What was your favorite poem? What about it made it your favorite?

• Are you planning on reading more from LaPointe after reading Rose Quartz?

& Other Gemstones

• What did you think of LaPointe's use of colors? Did her use of specific colors and metaphors resonate with you in any way? Did any of them contradict your expectations?

• Many book club members mentioned (via DMs or email) that this was a particularly heavy read. What did you think of LaPointe’s exploration of sensitive topics, such as miscarriages and failed marriages? Did it affect your overall enjoyment of the book?

  • Gentle reminder that there is a comment section.

• Throughout the book, LaPointe addresses talks about her relationship with her brother. How did you feel about their relationship as seen through these poems?Did it evoke any personal memories or emotions related to sibling bonds?

• Anything else you’d like to say or ask? You know where to go (it’s the comment section.)

I’ll see you in the next one! ♥

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