What if darkness isn’t something to fear,

but a requirement?

What if relaxing into the long night

is the secret?

I have sat alone in darkness

the quiet covering the bareness of my shoulders.

Unspoken feelings formed there and floated up in me,

pushed forward, heaved out.

Far t...

Is a widow ever not a widow anymore?

Is a mother ever not a mother?

Even if, God forbid, all her children die?

In the sensation of the life within,

in the pain of labor’s push,

in the holding of a tiny creature that miraculously emerged from her own body,

something shifted

so...

Originally penned by a slave-ship captain,

a confession of sorts;

this, his prayer of praise

for a conversion of heart.

Something struck that wretched man,

who chained kidnapped people in a hull

and ruthlessly carried them far

from family, from home.

Fifty-foot waves slamming...

Living in the unknown

is more comfortable as an idea

than it is a reality.

When we find ourselves

in the in-between, we cannot help

but reach out for stability,

flailing our arms

like the blindfolded negotiating

newly arranged furniture.

Alas, it is no use.

The exit and the answ...

The tightness in my jaw

from holding

back tears

of sorrow.

The rise in my shoulders

lifted by

societal

tension.

The upset in my stomach

when reading

my cousin’s

racial slurs.

The thickness of my tongue

when I am out

of words but still

have something that must be said.

The twitch in my...

Privilege.

Privileges.

Privileged.

Sounds almost like it can be earned,

like I did something – deserved.

So seductive, this fallacy.

Then I don’t have to feel badly.

Then I don’t have to feel guilt for my advantage.

Then I don’t have to change my leverage.

How do I set it down,...

What is silly to some

is serious to others.

What is life-threatening

is life-saving for another.

What is prudent and wise

is foolish in other eyes.

Both have nightmares

that disturb their slumber.

Both have hopes

that awaken their wonder.

Both have trouble

hearing other voices.

Tw...

My refrigerator is full,

my cupboards far from bare.

Is that enough?

I have sheets for my bed,

a pillow for my head.

Is that enough?

I have meaningful work to occupy my days,

a consistent income stream.

Surely, that is enough.

I have a partner, dog, writing pen;

car, family, and...