Irena Kagansky-Young

Write anything you desire, he said, A testimonial in relation to us as poets and people”

Sure, I replied, faking an abundance of confidence, while freaking out on the inside.

Would I Irena Kagansky; an emerging poet and selectively extraverted writer, be up to the task of honoring our two-decade long friendship? Do I dare to put into words, the authenticity of our connection as “poets and people”?

We both first appeared on the Toronto spoken word scene in the late 1990s me, an aspiring poet artist, a Jewish woman with a disability who had just immigrated from the formal Soviet Union, Wakefield, a brilliant Black man, who always managed to impress folks with his infectious energy, that larger than life personality and his fierce Barbados exuberance. In parallel, I too, struggled to overcome a long journey though dysfunction, looking to find myself as a poet and defeating my own insecurities on the way to what I hoped would be a brighter future.

My knees shook and palms sweated profusely under that spotlight at the old Renaissance Café on the Danforth. Brewster on the other hand, stood tall, chest forward and arms wide open. We had one common story, as many artists tend to do. In our own way each of us yearned to be understood.

In 2006 Wakefield moved to Calgary, Alberta while I continued writing magazine articles, attending local literary festivals, and working on an English degree at York University.

Since then, Wakefield and I have stayed connected and welcomed any updates on each other”s successes. Recently we reconnected on a project when I asked him to assist me on writing piece I was working on, which was meant to be displayed publicly as part of an art installation. During one of our many creative exchanges Wakefield graciously invited me to join Calgary’s incredible online community he created and now moderates.

The Indie YYC is a fantastic and vibrant online community. It offers new and emerging poets, artists, and musicians a tremendous opportunity to highlight their work and step out of their comfort zone via video poems, stimulating discussions, and inspired connections. Becoming more actively involved with the Indie YYC, has done wonders for me not only as a poet and artist, but also as a person.

My creative self-confidence and exposure have increased exponentially. It has opened my eyes to what is possible while bringing me to the realization that I am not alone in my search for beauty. Do not get me wrong, I am still working out the kinks, with the continued support and encouragement from my friend Wakefield Brewster. I am still often afraid of facing vulnerability as part of my journey, but since joining the YYC circles, I have gained a greater sense of belonging, creative comradery, and purpose.

While I was integrating into the vibrant Indie YYC community, Wakefield& careful reassurances, subtle nudges and words like: “Your work is brilliant, you’d better know it,”helped me to overcome my insecurities. As my confidence waivered he would teach me how to “be kind to my creativity.” Wakefield artfully guided me towards mastering my work to, in his words, “figure out exactly how you think, how you mull, how you muse, how you are and how you consider and acknowledge it truthfully and honestly.” I am blown away as I type these words.

It seems impossible to describe this man; now Calgary’s Poet Laureate, who has not only won people over with his poetry, magnetism, and remarkable humanity, but is revered for his many efforts in community building, youth education and mental health and wellness, all the while approaching it as a labor of love. A mere thirty words would hardly suffice to express the magnitude of Wakefield’s reach nor the profound impact he has had on me as a poet and co- conspirator. That is why this is not a testimonial, but more a tribute to Brewster’s creative brilliance and the incredible, often unspoken connection we share.

Wakefield is not just a “poet of the people” but a natural born leader who truly embodies poetry and is a testament to the strength and perseverance of the human spirit.

I believe that Brewster and I both understand the triumphs and pitfalls of the human condition, the chaotic nature behind the immigrant experience and exactly what it means to represent a visible minority in a world that often holds both judgement and bias. I very much feel as though, Wakefield and I, have shared core beliefs and value systems that are based on a desire to use poetic reverence as a means for healing and education.

Every step of the way Poet Laureate Wakefield employs kindness and supreme diligence when helping support young and emerging artists on their creative journeys.

His remarkable poetic magnetism, monumental public performances, community outreach and unapologetically infectious flair for the creative are what invite so many of us myself included, to listen with an open heart.

As “poets and people” I am convinced, we see patterns not only in our writing but in our day-to-day lives.

We are never too busy to write. We are internally motivated and always guided by our own experiences. Calgary’s Poet Laureate and my friend Wakefield Brewster is no exception. He is continually curious and driven by his passion for words. He works to spread his message of hope and unwavering optimism everywhere; urging people like me to “get on that stage and speak their truths.”

So many of us are infinitely grateful for Brewster’s fiery dedication to his craft and for tirelessly inspiring others to do the same. Your love and generosity help promote growth and lead people to believe in the healing power of Spoken word Poetry.

Thank you, Wakefield.

Always your friend & co-conspirator,

Irena Kagansky.