My Viral Poem Comes to Life Through Dance

"Sorry I Haven’t Texted You Back" Finds its True Voice in Movement

I’m so honored to share that my poem “Sorry I Haven’t Texted You Back” was adapted into a dance performance as part of project brOKen. I was there on May 2 for this incredible event that uses dance and art to explore mental health, addiction, and disabilities, while also celebrating hope, healing, and recovery.

The “Sorry I Haven’t Texted You Back” poem has always lived in two worlds. It uses redaction to show everything we don’t say out loud—even to our closest friends. Because of that duality, I’ve never been able to read it at a poetry reading. It just didn’t feel right to speak only one layer of the piece aloud. It bummed me out because, ironically, it’s almost one of my most visually recognizable pieces! I realize now it was probably never meant to be read…it was meant to move.

Dancers Inès Le Cannellier (black dress) and Ananda Daniel (white dress). Photo by @jaystevenhamilton

Thanks to the vision of María Daniel and iDance Ministry, that’s exactly what happened. Two dancers embodied the emotional push and pull of my poem—one expressing the things we do say, the other moving through the weight of everything left unsaid. And as they danced, the words of the poem played loudly over the sound system, narrated specifically for this performance. A woman’s voice shifted in tone and energy throughout—rising, cracking, softening—mirroring the inner battle of appearing fine while quietly unraveling. That audio added another layer of depth and truth to the moment, and it gave me chills. I have chills again just recapping the performance!

Dancers Inès Le Cannellier (black dress) and Ananda Daniel (white dress). Photo by @jaystevenhamilton

I remember exactly where I was when I wrote and designed the poem “Sorry I Haven’t Texted You Back.” It went on to become the title poem of my second full-length poetry mixtape. And hearing and seeing it in THIS way is something I will never forget!

Project brOKen was presented in partnership with the City of Plainfield, the Plainfield Performing Arts Center, iDance Ministry, and the Township of Scotch Plains. I’m beyond grateful to have been part of something that aims to raise awareness around mental health while offering space for healing and connection.

With love and thanks,
Alicia