Bridges Aren’t Handouts

I grew up on welfare programs in a small town, isolated from much of the world. Programs like Medicaid made sure I could see a doctor when I was sick and a dentist when I needed one. Food stamps made sure I didn’t go to bed hungry. Those programs didn’t make me dependent.  They made…

Reclamation

My river of tears, the grief of lifetimes— the mourning song of all the versions who held it in far too long just to survive. A vigil for all the pain endured in silence.