Xp Bonaire IslandLife Feature Story
In 2023, Wilco Harbers, a poet based on Bonaire, shared a deeply personal chapter of his life with the release of Dansen naar de ochtend, a poetry collection that delves into the themes of love, loss, and emotional healing. Written after the death of his husband, Arno, in 2021, the collection became a poignant reflection of Wilco’s journey through grief. This year, Wilco expanded the reach of his work with the English translation of the collection, now titled Dance Towards the Dawn, which was officially launched on November 1, 2024.
The original Dutch edition resonated deeply with readers, capturing Wilco’s emotional journey through mourning and recovery. The English version, translated over a year by Matty Stutterheim-Smid and Michiel van Bokhorst, aimed to preserve the emotional depth and lyrical beauty of the original. Wilco emphasized that the translation process was about more than just words—it was about translating his grief into a universal language through poetry. "Poetry is my way of sharing my experience of loss, healing, and love," Wilco says.
The official launch of the English version was a much-anticipated event. On November 15, 2024, Wilco held a book presentation on Bonaire, featuring a collaborative performance with local artist Ang Winkle and live music by saxophonist Alan Bowen. The event not only celebrated the book’s release, but also had a special moment when the first copy of Dance Towards the Dawn was presented to Hospice Kas Flamboyan, an organization that provides end-of-life care. This symbolic gesture honored the hospice’s important work, aligning with the themes of loss and healing central to Wilco's poetry.
Wilco’s journey from grief to healing is not just confined to the pages of his book, but is brought to life through his performances. In October 2024, Wilco performed Dance Towards the Dawn in Curaçao at Teatro AULA Habaai. The performance combined poetry with live music, offering an immersive experience that drew the audience into the emotional journey of loss and recovery. The poetry readings were complemented by percussion music, which added depth and atmosphere to the emotional intensity of the poems.
In his performances, Wilco creates a shared emotional experience between himself and the audience. “Each poem is not just read; it is felt,” Wilco explains. “I want my audience to experience the emotions I felt while writing the poems, and the performance allows that connection.” These readings invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of grief, love, and healing, forging a bond through shared vulnerability.
The launch of Dance Towards the Dawn and Wilco’s performances have generated significant interest across the Caribbean. Wilco has continued to receive invitations to showcase his work, and in December 2024, he will perform at the Cathedral of Thorns in Curaçao, expanding his reach within the regional artistic community. His work resonates not only with those grieving the loss of a loved one, but with anyone who has experienced love, loss, or recovery. Wilco’s poetry speaks to the universal human experience of navigating emotions, making his work widely relatable and impactful.
The emotional depth of Dance Towards the Dawn has garnered praise for its honesty and vulnerability. Wilco’s ability to translate grief into art has made the collection not only a cathartic release for him, but a source of comfort for others experiencing similar emotions. His performances and poetry readings create an atmosphere of reflection, offering a space where the audience can process their own grief while experiencing the healing power of love and memory.
For those interested in experiencing the full emotional impact of Wilco’s work, Dance Towards the Dawn is available in paperback. Signed copies of the book are often available at his performances, where Wilco engages directly with his audience, or contact him via his website for a signed copy when you are on Bonaire. The book can also be purchased from local bookstores, including Bruna Bonaire and Bookstore Del Mar B.V.
Wilco’s poetry not only explores personal loss, but also celebrates the power of memory and the strength found in love. His work speaks to the human ability to heal, to remember, and to move forward, making Dance Towards the Dawn more than just a collection of poems—it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
For more information about Wilco’s upcoming events or to purchase Dance Towards the Dawn, visit his website at www.wilco-harbers-poetry.com, or connect with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GedichtenWilco.
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