Rene’s Lantern
Rene Livingston-DeTienne (R.B. Simon, poet & artist) unexpectedly passed away in January, 2025. This is my tribute to one of my best friends: to hold her lantern and keep sharing her poetry and passions.
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Rene's Poetry
Publishing as R.B. Simon, Rene was an astounding poet who had just shaken up the poetry scene with her vivid language and gritty, real, and impassioned content. She published an extraordinary amount of poetry in the last years of her life - saw 2 books published and was looking forward to Milk + Cake Press publishing her 3rd book, “Bird, Bone, Blood” in 2025.
THE BOOK HAS NOW BEEN RELEASED. ***BUY YOUR COPY HERE***
In addition to poetry, Rene was a gifted artist whose work accompanied many of her readings.
Rene was on staff of The Harbor Review and had transitioned to Small Harbor Publishing, a press she believed in with her whole heart. Her contributions will be sorely missed.
Links to (a selection of) Rene’s poetry, interviews, and mentions:
“Bird, Bone, Blood” poetry collection by Milk + Cake Press.
Interview with Rene’s partner, Dannee about the Bird, Bone, Blood book launch at Madison 365
Tribute from Wisconsin Fellowship of Poet
Review of “Bird, Bone, Blood” in The Harbor Review
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Rene's Advocacy
As passionate believer in harm reduction, peer support, disability and queer rights, Rene easily inspired others with her caring heart and ferocity around those she loved. And when Rene became fired up over something, there was no holding back that blaze. Learn more about what Rene cared about.
Harm Reduction - link to Harm Reduction Works
Art Therapy as a way to support substance use struggles
LGBTQIA+
Motherhood
and much more!
Here are some links I think Rene would want folks to know about who are struggling or curious about these things. She was the most selfless person I knew when it came to helping others. This list will be ongoing and I encourage her friends and loved ones to message me more.
Safe Communities (local to Madison, WI)
As a non-traditional art therapy student, Rene wrote up this opinion piece in 2021.
Rene’s biggest love was her family: partner Dannee and Rene had a lovely piece written up just after they married in 2021. Rene was also a devoted mother and dog-mama.
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Rene's Poetry Videos/Audios
Rene was a gifted poetry reader and we are fortunate to have interviews where she shares her process and passion of writing.
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Social Media for poet R.B. Simon
