By Ron Kavanaugh, a friend of Phebus Etienne

(originally blogged on January 2, 2008)

I met Phebus Etienne many years ago. The exact date escapes me. Most likely it was near the beginning of Cave Canem. I would say we were friends by the time the wonderful anthology The Butterfly’s Way: Voices from the Haitian Dyaspora in the United States was published in 2001, in which she contributed a poem. Easy and shy, Phebus always greeted me with a warm smile and welcoming words. Our conversations usually started with, -how are you and the magazine? -how’s the poetry? We replied, respectively, with a long breathy, “well…”

I have many conversations with people at events throughout the city –readings, panels, workshops. But, in many ways we assume “friendship” with people. After meeting one, I’m introduced to another as “my friend Ron.” But I’m never really sure of or comfortable with the designation. Never knowing exactly what to say or when it’s appropriate to walk away. I don’t really know them. Would never confide in or ask for a favor. But I was always happy to see Phebus. Always happy to hear of her progress as a poet.

Today, I discovered Phebus was dead. Almost long dead–ten months. She died of a heart attack in March ‘07.

I will miss this friend and her warm smile.