NPR Tiny Desk Contest 2023 - Andrea Gibson - MAGA HAT IN THE CHEMO ROOM

[@wakingtheworld]

"I don't wear political attire to chemo because I desperately want this room to be a country where no one looks at me and identifies me as their enemy".... Yet another powerful punch from the heart, Andrea... Bless you ❤

[@colettecarse7878]

I loved this poem. And I also think Andrea did wear political attire. I work with a quirkily conservative group, and although we all avoid political discussions, everyone can tell I'm a progressive. Andrea's proclamation of that domain far out stripes mine. I like fashion. I'm not criticizing. I'm just saying that humans are smart and our dialogues occur in many modes.

[@starfighter1043]

Meanwhile the whole just of her poem was talking about maga hat and how bad she hates them 🤷‍♂️😂 you can't even make this shit up 🤷‍♂️ literally 🤣

[@fiat2496]

she doens't wear political attire but silently judges and condemns and demonize people that have equally strong but opposing political beliefs. so obnoxious and oblivious

[@benbarclay5546]

I flew across a country to help a friend die of bone cancer over 18 months, and we got quite busy with all the details, and one day he said: "I never knew dying could be so time consuming! I'm going to limit this dying stuff to just 20 minutes out of each hour, and then live the other 40". He's "dead" now, but we planted his ashes under one of his favourite 700 year old grandmother cedar trees, and bits of him have blown off past saucy ravens into the nearby salty ocean, and bits of him are sinking into the soil and being taken up by his distant cousins the fungi and tardigrades to do interesting things with, as part of the soil cycle, the carbon cycle, the life cycle. And now the story cycle.

[@joanells]

I love the idea of saving 40 minutes an hour to live. Good idea.

[@benbarclay5546]

@@joanells One of the 700,342 great ideas he had in his life. He was my best friend, and we got 55 good years together.

[@joanells]

@@benbarclay5546 I am sorry for your loss (truly, though that sounds banal) and it sounds like he was a fascinating guy.

[@benbarclay5546]

@@joanells All my kids and nephews and nieces, whenever I see them, bug me for "Bill Pegg Stories". We did a lot of silly things together, but looking back, they all had a deeper meaning.

[@JF-kv1gm]

You were blessed to have a friendship such as this...and it didn't end when he "died". You were connected before and continue to be connected. But, of course you miss him. Sending a virtual hug from Italy.🤗

[@barbarawalker1318]

Dear Heaven. I do not have any life-threatening illnesses (that I know of, anyway). But I am approaching 78 years old, and my friends are slipping away. Some are leaving little by little, some suddenly. This is so perfect. Thank you.

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

Thank you ❤

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

thank you, Barbara. Love to you.

[@joanells]

I am listening to this as I sit with my husband..he’s in the chemo chair. I f***ing love this poem. And you, for always nailing the hard truths. I’ll carry that vision of queer loving , humor filled, heaven in my mind and heart. ❤️❤️❤️

[@billjuliejohnson4443]

Thinking of you and your family, Joanell. Julie Allyn Johnson

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

"queer loving, humor filled, heaven" might be my favorite phrase of all time. thank you. Love to both of you!

[@powertothepatients838]

Wishing strength for your husband and peace for you both!

[@spunky0201]

Jesus Christ, algorithm! Where did this powerful gem come from? I burst into the best kind of tears watching this. The ones that open you up. That make you feel bigger in the sense of better. My word. Thank you, Andrea.

[@Silvermoonscorpion]

I've heard you speak of panic attacks while performing in the past. Maybe that's strictly with audience's, I don't know. My husband and I have battled cancer. Him once but his is in remission. Me, twice and I'm in limbo. You wouldn't know Id ever had it if you look at me. Thank you for all your words. Strength when you're weak. Thank you for your endurance. Determination. I SEE you. I FEEL you. Be well. Be cured. Thrive. Thank you for every sentence. Every word. Your heart and soul. Please don't stop. This was a delicious treat. Thank you, hugs. 🕯️

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

Thank you so much. Wishing you healing. ❤

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

Sending wishes of health to both you and your husband.

[@sassiejoan]

I have treatment tomorrow. This made me cry for the empty chairs, for the fellow patients that became friends that I won’t see again… 💔

[@cynhanrahan4012]

Never thought I'd be cheering along with a poem set in a chemo room, but I was. I am.

[@bonesonstones1]

This absolutely destroyed me. What a heart-breaking, gut-wrenchig, so deeply beautiful thing you did, Andrea. It took me on a ride I wasn't expecting. I'm sending you all the love I have ❤️‍🩹

[@DreamChuckie]

Andrea is an angel 😇 💗

[@ccrailey9473]

…couldn’t have expressed it any better. 🙏🏾

[@wakingtheworld]

Andrea nailed it and so did you, Vanessa, with your comment...

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

the poem took me on a ride as well! Don't think I've ever had so many different emotions writing a piece. thank you!

[@youricg6480]

I don't doubt it one second@@AndreaGibsonPoetry I've been digging into your work through Spotify and KZbin. I was thinking that as artists, poets, musicians mature, sometimes their work becomes inexplicably so touching. I think maybe it's to do with all the years of looking inside and engaging in the act of creation. Eventually maybe they dig so deep and pull back so many of the onion peels, that when we interact with the person's work, it just comes as this incredibly powerful force the leads us right into our own hearts. That's power.

[@Dulanec]

Thank you for sharing the depth of your soul. I wish my small prayer can lighten your load for an hour and I could give you a big hug.

[@socladriana]

Thank you Andrea for widening your humanity and letting us witness it through your art. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@nancysnyitar3936]

You are a force to be reckoned with, Andrea. Your courage and honesty inspire and humble me. This is one hell of a magnificent poem. Thank you for sharing it with humanity.

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

thank you for watching!

[@alexisedmonds1224]

I'm just so grateful to be alive at the same time as you. Thank you for sharing your perspective with us.

[@fluffylittlepal]

I wasn't ready for this...am always stunned by your ability to see, feel, and articulate the big and little things. But I've been in that room too, and had it buried, deeply, till now♥️😭

[@camdenadler235]

Only upon hearing or reading your profound poetry do I realize the inadequacy of my own grasp of language to sufficiently express the depths of emotion. Thank you so much

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

thank YOU so much.

[@BarbaraMackenzie]

"...live of natural consequences like kindness, like caring..." 💓 So many gems.

[@kathyrandallbryant]

Oh Mercy. Thank you for this beautiful, deep, multi-faceted wondering about how we stay and how we leave. phew. I needed my tissues.

[@janicemason6089]

I don't have the words to express what your poetry does for me, so I just want to say thank you so very much for your latest beautiful, profound words.....and for the video....I love to see your hint of a wry smile. I watch and listen to it every day and send out loving thoughts and energy to you and everyone you care for ❤Thank you❤

[@karenholm7897]

I started listening, smiling in wonder at these amazing words; then unexpectedly broke into forceful tears. "Powerful" is too weak a word to describe this performance.

[@juleewinterbourne6010]

From one eye lash to another, I'm glad to be on the face of humanity with you. Tears...literally streaming down my cheeks...your work always inspires and moves me...this piece is fucking brilliant. I can't wait to hear you on NPR ❤❤❤

[@julietd1187]

You came into my feed for whatever reason, but who cares why. I feel compelled to say (to a total stranger, which I get is odd), that I think I really see you?! And I appreciate you. You move me by your honesty and vulnerability. I can feel your willingness to connect to anyone open to hearing your truth. I have no doubt that your spirit self is and will forever be felt and heard on all planes. I will be keeping my ears open! May you have many days of joy, love and wonder. xo

[@mariep1296]

This comes very close to an experience my mom and I had in a chemo room. She the patient, me the one trying to control my angry emotions. This poem changes how I see that experience. Love to you dear one. xo

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

thank YOU

[@maxrodriguez3632]

Wasn't anticipating crying this early in the morning. Beautiful

[@julier8093]

All the feels, always. You are a treasure, Andrea.

[@KimLemboMusic]

A friend forwarded this to me today and I just cannot stop listening to you. Down the rabbit hole of your stunning, other-worldly understanding of love, life, compassion and forgiveness. Wow, Spirit sent this my way and I've sent it out to others. Thank you.

[@gregorylee07]

this is the first time since i rang that bell years ago i actually cried thinking about those chairs - but good tears. thank you.

[@brittanyDELL]

You are so earth shatteringly profound.

[@xoFrecklesxo]

Magnificent. Tiny Desk would be lucky to have you.

[@captjames19]

(Recovering from openly weeping)…thank you ♥️ your kindness, love, openness, genuineness, your…humanity (still weeping) thank you

[@shandisiler3485]

This is outstanding. It deserves every accolade.

[@Paulydude1]

Beautiful. Thank you. My heart broke a little.

[@whysguy]

A beautiful, brave, and kind piece. Best wishes to you...and to the rest of us, who need insights like yours. Thank you and be well.

[@bobs6503]

Andrea, such a beautiful and loving message! Please hang in there and wishing you love, love and more love!

[@1983Wells]

This is the prayer I've been trying to figure out how to whisper to God. Thank you. Your words are holy, and helpful, and so heart-achingly necessary.

[@nataliekeifer417]

My cousin Chrissy died from synovial sarcoma just over one year ago. I became a fan of yours prior to Chrissy getting sick, but over this past year you have truly helped facilitate the grieving process for me in profound ways. Your words have a way of breaking through any pretense I have, and get right to my core; illuminating my authentic Self. You remind me of what I truly believe, and then I feel Chrissy's love again. Thank you.

[@AndreaGibsonPoetry]

Wishing you gentleness through this time. Sending so much love your way.

[@JamieAndersonMusic]

Powerful. Thank you.

[@maryjorosania-harvie6490]

wow. I am floored. Much love and healing to you, Andrea Gibson.

[@BevMattocks]

I'm British and I only discovered you last night (the anxiety to bliss questions video). I can honestly say you've moved me in a profound way as I work on my own self compassion following mental health struggles. This is the kind of stuff that changes lives and to make a difference to someone else's life in a profound and positive way is one of the primary reasons we are on this earth - now, more important than ever, in a nasty, greedy, power-crazed & corrupt world. You are truly awesome ❤️

[@mistipassarello5350]

I found you through the "We Can Do Hard Things" podcast. And I am so grateful, so very, very grateful. The first poem I read of yours was "First Love," and after that was "Homesick." Thank you, precious soul.

[@veritablecascade]

This is beautiful. I had it on repeat for a few hours this evening. I love it. I am going through the worst year of my life so far, such pain and my heart cracked so wide open. Your poetry and words have given me such comfort in my life. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself.

[@elizabeths502]

I listen to Andrea so much these days that I've starting having Pavlovian tears of a kind of devastated joy at the sound of her voice. I love her work so much!

[@jonwindholz9362]

Wow...how do I even describe the raw emotion this brought out of me. I am trying to describe the feelings, but I am crying too fucking hard. @4:06 is still making me bawl. Wow...ummm...good job. That is all I can think of saying at this moment. ❤️

[@thomasthebankengine818]

This moved me. Like. Wow. May God eternally bless you, friend, I’m ROOTING FOR YOU ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Theloversconjure]

Sending so much love and light to you. ✨💜

[@SkyIaam]

I’ve loved your poetry since I, at 16, heard your performance of ”I Do”. I can’t honestly fully understand what this poem is conveying, because I’ve never experienced anything close to it, but the way you articulate and speak gets me as close as I can get, I think. Poets like you remind me, time and time again, how profound and powerful language and poetry is, and how deeply connected you can feel to other people. Thank you for bringing us together

[@Ron_DeForest]

This is so powerful and beautiful I shared it with the few people I hold in my heart before I finished the video. I can only hope someone with a soul as beautiful as yours will live forever to help change the fabric of our society so that the world you describe can exist one day. I know in my soul we’ll live in a world that anyone can feel as they feel, love whom they love, identity as they identify and no one will blink an eye. My only regret, I won’t live long enough to see it. Maybe my next life.

[@Fed-up_Christian-Liberal]

This video popped up randomly in my KZbin feed. I generally don't get into the spoken word art form. However, I was mesmerized from the first word out of your mouth. I subscribed 1 minute in! You deliver with such passion and cut straight to the point. I have been saying "take the effing politics out" of: medicine, schools, toys, candy, books, and whatever else they invent to deflect from their hate-fueled garbage. Bless you for your art, and I wish you the best in your treatment. As for MAGA hat guy, maybe you can bring him a rainbow t-shirt with easy port access. Because kindness is nonpartisan. 😂

[@DoctorJoanieTool]

Amazing. I am rooting for you. 💯 I am rooting for us all.

[@Riverockzen]

Thank you for sharing your shining brilliance and velvety shadows.

[@malachi_k0nstant668]

Andrea Gibson has made me cry so many times over the last decade, damn it lol. Beautiful. Completely beautiful.

[@janegross8017]

I’m so deeply touched, inspired, and grateful. Wishing that I could connect with you and everyone who appreciates your poetic truth telling. Sending love to all.

[@jrambeau15]

Thank you🫶🏻 endless love for you and all your beautiful words

[@doorwaysintomusic]

Wow -- I want to tell you how much I love this song -- how profound, funny, beautiful it is but I am so blown away I can hardly think or type. I am totally rooting for you to survive -- the world needs your lovely light and humanity (and humor). Thank you so much! Sending you much love and healing vibes!

[@shannondh83]

Thank you from deep in my heart.

[@riverlover]

Beautiful.....sister sending you love and healing

[@sbk-ramdass-444]

You’re amazing and inspiring! Keep on doing your thing, spreading the love and goodness. So glad you are doing well. Much love and respect.

[@jillhochwald1487]

my darling andrea, how i adore you. i carry you in my heart as you journey forward. i, too, sat in chemotherapy rooms being treated for breast cancer some 18 years ago. expect a miracle dear one. sending LOVE. this piece was absolutely brilliant!

[@jeremyalder]

Damnit, Andrea, you've done it again. Thank you.

[@cindydixon2285]

Just beautiful. I'm with you, Andrea.

[@delannareed1]

Andrea, your poetry lifts me up, sometimes shreds my heart, but always makes me glad I heard it. Thank you for sharing this challenging time with us and bringing me into deeper communion with myself.

[@StephenKirlew]

Amazing!! Thank you!

[@RunningOnABall]

Thank you Andrea, much love to you x

[@OUTSPOKENWALLFLOWER4444]

TY for this. My family doesn't understand.💞

[@marciabrodie2904]

I have watched this twice now. I cried both times. Thank you. So beautiful and powerful.

[@saspetherick1973]

always rooting for you lovely xxx

[@jayball4155]

I go to infusion every other week. This has been my routine, off and on, for two years. (I'm NED long past my initial prognosis.) I have endured many upsetting conversations in adjacent infusion bays. Trump hate speech of one kind or another. I have always said nothing and just kind of prayed for them. Like snap out of it. We are all in this building full of care and kindness. It's a model for how society can be. And yes, thank you, I will take a warm blanket and a can of ginger ale, if you have one. But two weeks ago, the MAGA guy next to me was watching Fox, and the they were going on and on about "the war against masculinity" and wondering how long Adam Schiff had to wait for his first kiss from a woman besides his mother. And I finally snapped and thumbed my Come Help Me button. When I told the nurse why I called, and added, "I don't come here for more rage than I already feel about my cancer," I was whisked away to another chair across the room with the urgency and blur of the final scene of The World According to Garp. From the extra pampering I received, the staff communicated their support, and maybe their approval, too. But I have come to feel uneasy about it. I wish that I had loudly protested that Fox "News" should be banned from the infusion ward. That's the fascist cancer in our body politic. We have got to stop pretending that it deserves the protection of the First Amendment...but no, there's no protesting in an infusion ward. I love this poem, and I hate the hat that inspired it.

[@ikesmom100]

Wow. I love this so much. Thank you.

[@lorilevari8861]

Your honest, vulnerable truth is sending healing ripples out into the world. Your words are awakening the depth of love. Your life is making a more profound difference than you can know while you are in a body. I send to you my deepest gratitude. God is working through you 🙏 ❤

[@whitneyspotts9132]

This is everything. Thank you for your vulnerability and incredible talent.

[@odnarlo]

This brought me to tears. You’re phenomenal!!! I felt this very same heartache growing in me young with the seeing of the truth after having some near death experiences and a traumatic home environment that left life being as unpredictable as it life truly is if you think about it. I started my novel at the end of last year with the intent of trying to add my name to the list of people who tried to help humanity feel those fundamental human truths, my book to the list of “books that change you”, so that I might have the affect of this poem. The something that comes along in your life as perfect storm, that hits you just right with everything it’s got, everything I’ve picked up along my way, along with it, tireless amounts of hours, days, weeks ticking by in dedication to cultivating the perfect middle for all to feel welcomed, come as they are, and rest in truth, love, and peace.

[@pnf197]

Incredible personal testimonial of being at the intersection of disease, identity, gender and politics, all domains coexisting within each of us and when they come into stark conflict, a new poetry evolves. Beautiful and brilliant, I hope this poem is a testimony to having beat the cancer and cancers within. Powerful!

[@baebealien]

"I'll only have tears that I'll struggle, and struggle, and struggle to explain..." ❤

[@nannabunch]

Absolutely incredible! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@annanimity2034]

Your words will live forever and that is magic. If I could give you a year, if everything and everyone who loves you and will could give you a moment more, I believe we would. I would.

[@risinglotushealing2767]

😭 your words & heart speak so much truth you crack my soul open every time I hear you ❤️🙏🏽

[@sueityourself6291]

❤ love every word you speak and I miss seeing you perform.

[@emp6531]

Love you, Andrea. I'm rooting for you always.

[@susiebhappy33]

Absalutly Beutiful, thank,you from the bottom to the top of my heart❤

[@jandickinson4422]

God bless you and all those who hear your message. You are loved - you are love. ❤️

[@ginokleber]

absolutely wonderful! my favorite poet 🧡🌟

[@pauldidier6101]

Andrea, finding this video today was a gift and an inspiration. For all of you replying while going through chemo, sending you love and light.

[@Oakspell]

this is everything. thank you

[@tinasam1]

Bless you. ❤❤

[@JRC1232007]

You are such a gift, Andrea! I can't stop listening to this. A soul-filling poem.

[@sii479]

Oh your work! It's so unbearably lovely

[@nuttyfroot]

Wow Wow Wow.... just... Wow.

[@MissChristineMusic]

Wow, so beautiful and powerful. Thank you for your words. 💜

[@blakeandthemusic]

Wow! Bravo! Thank you.

[@juliasharp2857]

Thank you...thank you so much ... 💕💞💕

[@maggiecraigie8114]

So glad this came to me. Thanks so much, brilliant.

[@jefferyschic]

I'm glad you exist beside me on this planet❤

[@ambersnider1301]

God, it’s like you send butterflies to my soul😌. You are my therapy at times. And my soul has a poem collection which you are definitely part of soul sister♥️🪬✨

[@FrankMalaba]

Another masterpiece. I Love You Beyond!!! Thank You For Being Here.

[@jasonbakermusic]

Love this! Bless you 🤗

[@CutePunkAZ]

That was incredible. I am legit about to ugly cry. Amazing. Keep on being you. You is what we need in this world. Thank you. 😌

[@TheresaAlberti]

Oh, so heart-achingly beautiful!

[@oliveorphan6916]

I’ve been watching you since I came out almost a decade ago, your poetry could really move mountains. Always brings me to tears to this day, truly incredible. Thank you for sharing this

[@Kamelifts]

my first and strongest poetry love............... i am the maga hat in the chemo room. I love you, and I love you, and I love you.

[@Mercil355]

Rarely do I watch anything on KZbin that moves me to tears. I can feel the humanity in every word she uttered, now I am bawling. Politics has flooded every aspect of my life and the lives of everyone around me, to the point of exhaustion. It has become an almost futile exercise of the mind and spirit, making me feel undeservingly like Sisyphus. As bitter as I want to become, I will continue to be as empathetic and compassionate as possible, no matter what. I'm so glad I watched this. Thank you.

[@sydastark]

Thank you for this I say while I cry. You are in my heart.