Susan Notar: the COVID Poetry & Art Project
As we continue the COVID Poetry and Art Project and enter the second pandemic spring—we’re struck by this sparse, elegant poem about the eerie stillness that’s come to define so many aspects of this global health crisis. Northern Virginia poet Susan Notar shares her poem from last spring, and then talks with us about feeling creative in a different way during these times of uncertainty and turmoil. She shares her thoughts on the arts having many purposes—capturing outrage and helping create change, but also soothing our souls and even serving as an antidote to the darkness all around us. We couldn’t agree more—which is why words matter now, more than ever.
Susan Notar
The Pandemic Spring
by Susan Notar
A false new birth.
This too blue sky.
These red tulips with yellow pistils
yawn open.
The sparrows outside my dining room window
harvest soft fluff
grass
twigs
for their nest
to welcome their chicks
they know just what to do
when we remain dumbfounded.
Read this grief.
The burials without funerals
No one there
like Eleanor Rigby
without the music.
Hard to imagine this
or after
no gloves
no masks.
When I open my eyes
What will I see
Then.
[“The Pandemic Spring” was originally published on MikeMaggio.net as part of the original iteration of the COVID Poetry and Art Project. Read the original post here.]
Image courtesy of Susan Notar, who says, “I really like this image as it includes the Pride Flag, BLM banner, and the American flag in one photo. I've spent my work life helping people in a variety of ways, from survivors of domestic violence to survivors of atrocities in the Middle East.”
Chatting with Susan
Can you tell us a little about this poem or piece of art and how you came to create it? How has the current crisis (or crises) influenced your art?
I wrote this particular piece early in the shutdown during an abnormally cool spring in Washington during the height of the panic when we'd go into grocery stores and all of the food and toilet paper would be gone and the streets were eerily quiet. A little while later my former mother-in-law, who I loved a lot, died of COVID and we were unable to have a memorial for her. I was super sad and freaked out, and nonetheless flowers were blooming, and little birds in a tree outside my dining room table window were building a nest. It was this surreal contrast of death and life I wanted to illustrate.
I think, like many artists, I am feeling creative in a different way. We were hit by this worldwide pandemic, the outrage after George Floyd's and other deaths, and absolute political upheaval, and many of us have wanted to capture that. I've also wanted to capture though what remains beautiful and good as maybe a bulwark against all of the ugliness.
Like many people, I've turned to zoom, and am in a regular poetry writer's group that used to meet in person and now meet virtually.
What role do you think the arts play in times of turmoil and uncertainty?
The arts can certainly be an area from which we find solace and an outlet for our outrage and confusion. I like to think that the arts can also remain an area of beauty and an antidote to the darkness that all too often right now is surrounding us.
What are you viewing/reading/watching/listening to these days?
I am an NPR addict and read a hard copy of The Washington Post every day (old school I know), but find myself with a lot lower tolerance to the repetition of COVID news. I've binged-watched many shows on Netflix including a French comedy called Family Business about a family starting to grow pot illegally in Paris.
Do you have a favorite local writer or artist (DC area)?
We are so lucky to have such a rich cultural scene here! E. Ethelbert Miller, the poet and writer, and I are friends and I really love his work. I love David Ignatius's novels and just read his new one, The Paladin. I also really enjoy Christylez Bacon, the local Grammy-nominated musician. His beat boxing and song about mambo sauce really make me smile. I love dancing to the Thrillbillys when they can play, which is mostly virtually these days. I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention my boyfriend, Steve Little, who is an amazing guitar player and plays sometimes with Mike Scoglio (in the Justin Trawick band) at the Inn at Glen Echo, the Hamilton loft, or Bluemont winery.
Susan Notar
About the Poet
Susan Notar is a poet living in Northern, Virginia. Her work has appeared in a number of publications including Penumbra, Joys of the Table, an Anthology of Culinary Verse, and the forthcoming Written in Arlington, Poems of Arlington, Virginia. She works at the U.S. State Department on the Middle East. She has one tall and delightful son.