Inspired by Myth: A Review of Donika Kelly’s Triptych Virtual Visiting Author Series Event

by Kristin Murphy (’23)

I am beyond grateful to know that a space exists where my mind can be captivated and relaxed at the same time. This space is Triptych, the University of Detroit Mercy’s virtual visiting author series. The Triptych series began when I was a senior at Detroit Mercy, but it has remained an event that I look forward to attending regularly, even after graduating.

It was my pleasure to attend the second Triptych installment of the year featuring the highly accomplished poet Donika Kelly. Kelly filled the virtual room with laughs, and shared defining moments that led her to claiming her craft as a successful poet.

Her poems were rich in imagery, imagination, and reminiscences from her lived experiences. This reading exemplified the symbolism of three that Triptych demonstrates: a place where creatives can share stories, be inspired, and redefine what it means for us as members of a community to call ourselves writers.

To show my gratitude for Donika Kelly’s presence, and the Triptych series itself, I created a poem inspired by the mythological essence in her poetry:

Dear Diary: Cerberus

To carry three heads is a mighty burden

Though it serves my master and my world well

I find it difficult to balance

Three necks bridled with stiffness, three necks to groom, to guard

My thoughts are never singular or coupled in form

Uniquely combined, the thoughts are heavy

Not in the me, myself, and I sense

But what is true, what is false, and what I am at the moment

I speak from the mouth that my master wipes clean, the head that he pets softly

But these thoughts are ours

Kristin Murphy is a recent alum of Detroit Mercy and a current Lighthouse scholar at Wayne State University. She is working towards a master’s degree in public health, but literature has remained a favorite subject of hers. Kristin enjoys reading, creative writing, and exploring the city of Detroit.