“DEAR—“ was inspired by a pilgrimage I took with my dad, Gregg Saito, to the site where my grandparents were incarcerated during WWII: Gila River, Arizona. Beginning with letter-poems to family, the project soon bloomed to include correspondences with fellow writers, poets, colleagues, students, friends, and community members. Photographic portraits by Dave Lehl added another layer of intimacy and expression to the archive. The archive is ongoing and can be found at www.youaremissing.com; the chapbook contains selected letters, Densho archival images, photos, and new poems of mine.

Signing chapbooks at the launch of “Dear—” on February 8, 2020 in Clovis, CA.

The project launched with a community reading in Clovis, CA featuring readings by Gregg Saito, Janelle Saito, Marion Masada, Nikiko Masumoto, Valarie Kaur, Devoya Mayo, Akiko Miyake-Stoner, Naser Nekumanesh, Lee Herrick, Lisa Lee Herrick, Nohemi Samudio Gamis, and Samina Najmi. Many thanks to United Japanese Christian Church for generously hosting us today, and to the wonderful aunties who provided delicious refreshments! View images from the launch reading here.