Andrea Gibson was a winner today

Love letter to a shooting star on their way to the afterlife

You have probably heard by now that Andrea Gibson, spoken word poet, author of the Substack blog, Things That Don’t Suck, and the subject of the documentary, Come See Me in the Good Light, died on July 14th, near 4 a.m.

They were diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2021, and so we all knew—and they knew—that the day would come. And it came. And so, here we are - celebrating a life that was rich and full and gave itself fully.

I cried when I heard the news, last night, as I was climbing into bed, I felt a wave of gratitude-and then, sadness. Gratitude for all that they gave to me and to the world. For their incredible voice, their fierce tenderness, their permission.

Sadness, for the loss. They were such a gift to this planet. And though I know their work will live on, it felt—for just a moment—as if a light went out in a world that so desperately needed that light.

I spoke into the dark, sending a prayer to chase them so they might know what an impact they made in this world - in my world.

Rest in peace, Soul Caller.

I am not going to write that ‘the world lost a bright light today’ because Andrea did not believe that.

“Whenever I leave this world, whether it’s sixty years from now, I wouldn’t want anyone to say I lost some battle. I’ll be a winner that day.”

As their partner wrote, sharing the news of their passing: Andrea Gibson was a winner today.

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This video was my first encounter with the extraordinary force of love that was Andrea Gibson: Watch it here

They stood before a microphone and called—almost sang—their beautiful words into the world with such passion, such fire, such raw truth. I was surprised at first. Then undone. I wept as I listened, from recognition. And a love not romantic, but wild and rooted and real that poured up from a well I hadn’t known was there. And stayed with me ever since.

This morning, I went searching for that video again. I wanted to share it. But more than that, I needed to see it. To witness again, with new knowing, what I hadn’t understood the first time: The years of art that would follow. The truth-telling. The medicine of a life that said yes.

This morning, I sent a note to my sisters, my children, my husband. I wrote:

I just wanted to come and sit for a moment in a circle with you—my co-travelers on this earth. To celebrate a life that meant a lot to me.

Now, this evening, I’d like to call you into the circle of blessing, too.

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They were a star that exploded into view—passion, energy, and joy bursting from one small human body. The poets are calling out guide them on their way.

Here’s a reading of
LoveLetter to the Afterlife
A heartbreakingly beautiful poem, which they read in their last interview.

Here’s a printed copy of the poem, from Andrea’s Substack: Things that Don’t Suck.

I love you very much.
—me