Three Layers and a Brassierre
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
3 Layers and a Brassiere (Rewind)
(For Gwen Rappopart)
I’m not worried about the cold
The frigid wind from the north
Signaling the end of autumn.
I’m not worried about the change of season
Snow covering the remnants of pollen that made me sneeze
I’ve got three layers and a brassiere
To keep me warm.
The winter winds signal the change
Herald the beginning
A change of season
A wave of emotions.
Holiday cheer
Gatherings of days gone by
Joy tinged with melancholy
Memories fade
Families spread out
Ancestral hearths abandoned
Growing cold
I’m not worried about winter’s chill
I have three layers and a brassiere
To keep my body warm
But my hearth
My heart
They shiver
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Book Details
About the Book
On a frigid November weekend in 2012, I took a trip to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My plan had been to catch a train, hit the city and just wander about taking in the sights. I wanted a lost weekend, to wander around to find something—just what I really didn’t know. But these uncertain plans took an unexpected turn when, instead, I hitched a ride with a friend.
I met an amazing woman named Gwen who was in her eighties, and over the course of the weekend, she shared stories of her remarkable life. One afternoon, we were heading out, and her family, being protective as families can be, gathered sweaters, scarves, and jackets and proceeded to try to convince Gwen to put them all on. Her response: “I’ve got three layers and a brassiere, that’s enough to keep me warm.”
On the ride back to Detroit, I thought about Gwen her life and the three stages of life—childhood, adulthood, and those final days. Maybe all we need are those three layers, not all those mountains of things, just to see us through to warm our hearts, our spirits, and a brassiere to hold the memories.
About the Author
Michelle Elizabeth Brown was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. A public speaker, author, poet, performance artist and activist, her work is strongly influenced by the socioeconomic, political and human rights history of the city.
She has been described as “a fearless champion for diversity at every level, unafraid to tackle the most difficult issues our communities face” using her words in speeches, editorials, performance art, books and poetry to find common ground. Her efforts have been rewarded with the Esteem Award for Outstanding National Service Female (2012), Inductee to “Who’s Who in Black Detroit” (2011), Michigan Pride Media Award (2007), National Poetry Society Award of Merit (2007), Triangle Foundation Catalyst Award (2005), Spirit of Detroit Award (2005) and Human Rights Campaign Diversity Outreach Awards (2004–2006).
She is a guest columnist whose commentaries appear in print and online media. She is also a novelist, has written a children’s book, cohosts an award-winning weekly blog radio program, and a bimonthly open mic stage for emerging artists.
“By shedding light on our ability to appreciate and respect each other,” she says, “we can move forward as a community.”