Redacted by Red: The Omission of Memory

Written By Cecelia Shervheim

The Refugee as Abolition: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon

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The Refugee as Abolition: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon -

Cecelia Shervheim

Newspaper cut 

Torn 

Taped 

Scrapbook 

Bloody|disjointed|rewritten 


What are the stains covering? 

Whose stories do they hide? 


You say, I repeat. 

I see, I do. 

You teach, I learn. 


I memorize your scars 

Bruises 

Aggrievances 

Woes 


From your lips 

The tumbled whispers 

Of the only story 

I’m taught to scream 


I want to scream 


Another story 

Trampled 

Outrun 

By bigger pockets 

Deep enough 

To empty all ears of opposing words

So don’t hear 

I won't repeat 

learn 

whisper 

scream. 


The page crimson 

A drip reaching arms 

spreading to the deckled edge 


I wish it would stop 

these paper cuts 

Scratching my skin 

poking my thoughts until time allows for healing

numbing 

forgetting. 


But it’s pain self afflicted 

Reading the same newspaper 

Everyday 

Learning nothing new 

From words redacted by red

Cecelia Shervheim

Cece is an artist and writer graduating this year with a degree in art and Japanese. Her poem Redacted by Red: The Omission of Memory explores memory, identity, and cultural connection, reflecting on how stories shape personal and collective histories. Through poetry, visual art, and storytelling, she bridges perspectives and sparks conversation. Having previously lived in Japan, she plans to return after graduation to teach English while learning from and connecting with people across cultures. An avid traveler, rock climber, and nature lover, Cece is passionate about immersing herself in new experiences, exchanging ideas, and using creativity to foster understanding in a global community.

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