Yes/No

Not Grateful

To the uncle who abused me

To the lovers who battered me

To the mother who sided with them

To the brother who villainized me 

To the father who bought it

To the niece who ransacked my trust

To the friends who refused to bear witness

To the relatives who denied aid when I was dying

I am not carrying your Shame anymore. It never belonged to me.

---

Yes Grateful

To the ocean

To the galaxy

To the muses

To my students

To my resilient body and mind

To John and Bianca and Emmett

To the relatives who offered shelter and encouragement

To the creatures who helped, even when I couldn’t ask

I am not giving up. I choose Joy.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Visit the Bookshelf for more writing and art by Shé