WGI Writer Ethel Khanis had her poem, “The Opportunity of Saying No,” published on Réapparition Journal! Check out our interview with her and the link to read her poem below!
https://www.reapparitionjournal.org/theopportunityofsayingno
1.) Tell us about your poem, The Opportunity of Saying No.
The poem was written while in a writing group with other mostly queer people with chronic illness. We spend a lot of time writing about our experiences, which ranges from poetry to prose. This writing came out of my feelings around medical experiences. I wish that all interactions would be based upon an expectation of asking for consent and acceptance, rather than placing the onus on a (usually unwell feeling) person to say no and appear unreasonable. So this poem is an ode to saying “no” more often and standing behind it without feeling pressured to consent due to a power dynamic. This is an optimistic, utopian view that I wish were reality.
2.) What inspires you?
I am inspired by my experiences as a new-ish chronically ill person (over two years), and by connecting with the people around me. I also enjoy weaving facts into stories and building in all facets of an experience.
3.) Tell us about your writing process?
My writing process usually involves writing in a notebook with other people, on zoom or discord. The company is lovely and connecting. Sometimes, I write on a laptop as a way to process and think about the world around me. Although, the tiny pressure of being among others that are writing helps me focus.
4.) How did participating in a WGI workshop help your writing process?
Participating in the WGI / Body Politic Long Covid Writing Workshop was the start of my writing during my long covid journey, and for many years. It jumpstarted my writing, and encouraged me to join another writing group (mentioned above), while also meeting with the people I met through WGI.
5.) What are you working on next?
Participating in the WGI / Body Politic Long Covid Writing Workshop was the start of my writing during my long covid journey, and for many years. It jumpstarted my writing, and encouraged me to join another writing group (mentioned above), while also meeting with the people I met through WGI.
