Half a Year Later

By Thomas Page

John has just told me we’ve been running Academy of the Heart and Mind for six months. Wow, that’s kind of a long time. How do you celebrate a website milestone? Is it like a birthday? Do I need to buy it a present? Do we get cake? I would definitely like some cake.

Kidding aside, working on this website since May has been an interesting and formative experience. I’ve been able to try out different forms and send them, much like the birds which frequent my work, out of “the nest” to see if they resonate with other people. Interestingly enough, poetry was the last thing I would expect if I were to talk to a past version of myself about what I’m writing today. I’m sure the twelve-year-old Tommy would have said I was silly for writing poems for the internet.

Well, little Tommy, adults are silly people.

I would like to thank John and Jessica for coming up with the website as a place to test my hair-brained ideas. I would like to thank my family, especially my mom, my dad, and my sister for being very nice and read what I’m daring to call art. I know there’s some poem or story you’ve read that you’ve been nice enough to say was “good.” You all have been very supportive and I’m able to grow as a writer and poet.

I also need to thank the readers of this website who, for some reason, have taken an interest in what I’m writing. I appreciate each and every one of you all.

I would like to welcome all of the artists who have joined the Academy family. I enjoy reading / seeing your work. I’m happy that the website is hosting so many talented artists. I’m excited to see what’s to come. I know John and Jessica have a lot of exciting things planned for the future.

Here’s to another half year!

There better be some cake, John!

Thomas Page

(this will also be on the blog section of the website)