For the January 2023 issue of Ripples in the Sand, Sangita sits with Richard Grahn, founder of Drifting Sands for a reading from his latest book, and a candid discussion about mental health, and the role of writing as it relates to healing. They also discuss the origins of Drifting Sands and the volunteers who make it all happen.
Richard Grahn
Evanston, Illinois, USA
Richard hails from Southern Wisconsin and has lived in virtually every corner of America. A well-travelled hitchhiker, in his younger days, he has been gathering stories for over sixty years now which fuel his love of poetry, art, photography, and music. In 2020, he founded Drifting Sands and later launched the Poets Hub (this site). His writing has appeared in a variety of online and print journals, and he is the author of the book, Longevity: Poems in the Key of Helen available from Red Moon Press.
What a wonderful interview. I so appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. The haiku/haibun community has been a literal life saver for many of us. I am happy you and your work and this journal are a part of that community.
Thank you for this fantastic podcast! I am always amazed by the diversity of wonderful work that Richard has produced over the last few years. Between music, graphic design, photography, sculpture, poetry…his creativity has no limits.
I have enjoyed seeing how Richard continues to explore and master different forms of poetry. Haibun and tanka were not familiar to me before reading Longevity, but I am appreciative to have been introduced to these lovely forms. Richard’s clear, strong voice comes through beautifully in each of his poems.
Thank you, Richard, for sharing your inspiring story and for sharing your work with us!
This is a very candid and touching talk by a person who has experienced suffering and comes back. with a spirit of giving .I am grateful that he has provided us with this inspiring website
So inspiring to listen to you Richard, many thanks for sharing your journey and reading out your poems. I have always loved your style & poems🔥.
Lovely podcast dear Sangita. Your insightful Qs add value to the interview.
Reid & Rebecca have expressed our sentiments so well. It’s always a joy to contribute to Drifting Sands and read the wonderful creations of all contributors.
Richard has taught me much about haiga and haibun and I deeply value that learning. Richard is multi-faceted—his poetry, art, music & photography all enchant me. Wishes for a wonderful & blessed 2023 for you!
What a terrific podcast! I am so enjoying this series!
Richard’s journey is a real confirmation of the healing potential of any creative modality. It has a way of bringing us outside of ourselves and the pain/trauma we are experiencing and helping transform it into something beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Richard and thank you, Sangita for hosting this fabulous podcast.
Thanks as well to all the amazing volunteers who give of their time to make Drifting Sands such an excellent journal.
Thanks for a wonderful podcast! Richard’s personal story is a rich and wonderful tale of the triumph of not only the human spirit, but also of the transformation power of poetry, writing and the creative arts.
So many world-renowned poets and writers glamour to be included in his wonderful e-zine, Drifting Sands where high skill, freedom of speech and innovative novelty draw us all in.
As a regular contributor to Drifting Sands, I enjoy having a venue for some of my best work, as well as reading exquisite literature written by people from around the world.
In addition, Richard’s own writing inspires and motivates his community to achieve new heights of creativity and global interconnection by sharing our talents with him and with each other.
His new book, Longevity, is a treasure of well-crafted literary gems full of grace, light, pathos and humor. I’ve read my copy many times and find something new to love on each reading.
Thank you so much for a wonderful in-depth interview showcasing Richard’s work and giving our whole community visibility through your skillful questioning and through the readings themselves.