Writings for Winter

New poem.

New poem.

I love this question, thank you :)

The people in my state (Minnesota) give me hope. Women give me hope. Poetry, tattoos, children, strangers who ask if other strangers need help carrying their groceries. Independent bookstores, the way pets love, the feeling of entering a dimly lit room for the first time

Overhearing strangers at coffee shops talking about how to resist sexism, racism, xenophobia.

Movie theater marquees lit up at night. Kind gestures between patrons at a bar. Libraries. Librarians.

The blooming of flowers. Squirrels scattering across the yard. Strangers asking to pet other strangers' dogs.

New poem.

Recently, after years of graduate school, supervision, and an exam, I reached the highest level of social work licensure in my state. The schooling and Board requirements are the least of what it took me to get here. It would take me years to explain what this means to me.

I have no doubt that my experiences with sexual violence and the enormous trauma they caused led me along this path.

Somewhere out there, in another world, another version of me might be living a life that looks very different.

I am so very, very sorry for the loss of your husband! I am overwhelmingly glad and relieved that my poem helped you navigate his death. Sending you all the love and joy from my side of the universe - I hope life will be so beautiful from you!