My perspective only shifted when the God of Travel forced my hand, slowly and surely, by exposing me to all that the world had to offer. Life became less serious; it became more joyful.

I've learned to find a home in the smile on a stranger's face, the odd comments I overhear from passersby, and the wonderfully timed helping hand from a local. I've learned to find a home in the stars overhead, the distant backdrop of a landscape, and the native species who reside in the wild. I've learned to find a home in silly online communities, late-night Dungeons & Dragons gatherings, and hour long phone calls with friends.

I call upon Sekhmet: Opener of Ways, She Whose Opportunity Escapeth Her Not to enflame my swift action, to uphold ma'at, that we might do what is just, and prevail.

Turn away traitor, make action of anger, stand over our shoulders with measured breath; Great Lady of Laws, set right all injustice, for you are the Protectress of Divine Order.

I shy not away from the fury that guides me, righteously burning the bridges I must. Safeguard the fire we light in resistance. Bolster our hearts against the enemy.

What haughty Delusion; this dream To be your angel, collapsed into A nightmare of miserable failure — Into, still, these shadows; dancing demonic Phantasmagoria,

Their umbral blades, and strangling tendrils, Swindling the oxygen out of my lungs, until I either choke, or expectorate the truth I am

Unforgiven.

You? You've long lost every need to retain Any memory of me, therefore every reason; Every incentive for Forgiveness.

The shades are mine; my soul's vindication.

I cannot forget myself. I cannot forgive myself.

Thórr grant me blessings

Flood my body with strength

Reach across the worlds to me

Touch my soul, let it find its purpose.

Your trust is my sword,

Your protection, my shield.

I pick myself up and endure,

A Prayer to Aphrodite for Good Things to Come

Beloved Aphrodite,

Bearer of beauty, joy, and promise

I open my heart to You today,

Not with demands, but with quiet hope.

I have walked through storms.

I have waited in stillness.

Now I ask, in Your sacred grace

Let sweet things find me.

Draw kindness to my doorstep.

Send laughter into my days.

Let love in any of its forms

Touch my life gently, like sunlight on skin.

I trust You, Lady of Love,

To guide good things toward me in Your time.

New beginnings. Healing moments.

The soft unfolding of blessings yet unseen.

Keep my spirit open and my hands ready.

Let me meet what comes with courage and joy.

Aphrodite, You who delight in the sweetness of life

Let that sweetness bloom in mine.

the world feels too small for this body of mine and She cloaks me in her embrace and i'm shielded from the world

my insides bleed out and She aids me with bandages made of love and light and roses and the urges subside

She is the love i grow within me and She is the warmth i radiate

She grows flowers withing me made of survival and life

Hail, you who welcome us into the dark,

Perfumed rooms draped in velvet and silk

And dizzying candlelight.

You who bubble on our tongues,

Who delight the senses,

Seduce us with gentle touches

"Gambling with The Devil in New Orleans."

I told my Mum I looked up at God in broad Daylight in that parking lot. I told her I prayed, and I did. "I think she might suspect us by now, Baby." I told the Devil on a twin sized bed, my Mom just thankful I'm still here, again. I hung up the phone and he curled his arms around me, they were warm. I remember the night his arms were cold, every doctor I saw saying I was lucky to be alive, that I had a Guardian Angel who was "paying attention." And I did. My Mum says it too, "First day of Kinder garden, Baby. I thanked Your Guardian Angel." He's always had his eyes on me, and he's an attentive one. The Devil doesn't like to look away.

I don't know when I knew him by name, I just knew I'd been faced with unexpected gambles with him my entire life. They make movies about it, but sometimes losing poker is sexy, If you strip. That night, stakes so high I shouldn't have stayed at the table. He was the the dealer, shuffling a better hand. I felt those same hands stay the blade that was meant to take me, but I also felt them roll the dice. "What's it going to land on this time, Kid?" He growled. But he wasn't smiling this time, a grimace, a tear. I don't want to make The Devil cry, Mama. I want him to cradle me, gentle like you did once in that old rocking chair.