We have come here to honor Rachal—
you cradle her ashes in your hand.
Whispering into your palm,
you bend to place your sister in the running stream
that meets the river.
I walk away to give you some time alone.
There are teenagers jumping off high rocks.
The surface of the green water reacts to their bodies.
But when the world is quiet, the water reflects
a border of summer trees.
In stillness,
one can see the water bugs skimming the top.
I say words in my head, looking out.
Words for my late cousin Katy,
passing five days ago, at nineteen.
Then you come over to me,
ash on your lips
as always
from where you kiss her
before you let her go.
Shirin Abedinirad, Reflective Journey, 2023. Land art, Kâhta, Adıyaman, Türkiye. Presented at the Commagene Land and River Art Biennial, the work brings together doors salvaged from the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquake and mirrored panels that open onto the surrounding landscape. Moving between obstruction and reflection, the installation pays tribute to what the artist describes as “the indomitable spirit” of those who, in the face of adversity, seek “solace and renewal” through resilience and hope. Artwork courtesy of featured artist Shirin Abedinirad.
