The first thing I think of, when Jeremy Williams (aka Will Wizard) comes to my mind, are his persona poems. I remember his Harley Quinn, particularly. I remember his ability to do voices of almost any character you could name. But not just their voices. He understood the drive behind each one, he understood their motives, their morals, their codes. And when he couldn’t, he wouldn’t write about them. I requested an Ariel persona poem from him, and he wanted to do it, for me, but he was reluctant, because he didn’t get her, couldn’t get into her head, couldn’t see past the spoiled teenager.
The next thing I think of, when I think of Jeremy, is his immense skill when it came to cosplay. He was a scavenger of thrift stores and antique and junk shops, always looking for pieces to repurpose, to refit, to magically transform into just the right treasure to complete a costume for himself or for a friend. For a con, perhaps, or just because he wanted to. He loved crafting and creating. He loved the problem solving involved, and the joy it brought to others.
Really, though, what I think of most often when I think of Jeremy is his kindness. He radiated welcoming and weird energy for everyone who came to Red Dirt Poetry. He offered encouragement, and only ever the gentlest criticisms when he thought new poets were ready and confident enough to think about improving the craft. He always had an ear to listen, he always had a hug, he always kept a watchful eye to make sure friends didn’t need intervention or help to get out of uncomfortable situations. To be around Jeremy was to be safe, accepted, and loved.
When my friend passed in January of this year, I felt such grief, and immediately knew I hadn’t been the friend to him that he had been to me, and that he had been to so many others. I had hardly spoken to him in recent months, hadn’t seen him the last time I visited Oklahoma City.
Moving forward several months, I’ve had some experiences this year that have helped me get more in touch with my playful side, and I decided to dress up for Halloween. And for this costume, I needed a sword. And aviators. I put the call out on Facebook, quite honestly expecting the aviators to be the easy item to find. Jeremy’s friend and roommate, Justin, generously and kindly offered to send me something of Jeremy’s, and after exchanging some questions and photos, I received a box of four swords on my porch.
I ordered professional quality face paint, red wax hair dye, and some fingerless gloves. I pulled my black jeans out of my closet. I practiced the hair dye and face makeup. I got excited and talked to anyone who would listen about my costume, and just hoped for the opportunity to wear it.
The first opportunity was for a show that some friends’ band was playing in, and as I applied the hair dye and attempted to get the black paint around my eyes just right, as I saw myself transform into the character, Gideon Nav from The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir, I felt excitement and delight. I’m not sure if he knew the series or not, but as I put the sword across my back, I felt as if Jeremy would be pleased, and proud, that I had taken this opportunity to play, and that he got to help.
Ink and Vein 