I came from a traditional immigrant family where education meant there were only a few valid paths: doctor or lawyer - and I didn't want to be either one.

I came from a traditional immigrant family where education meant there were only a few valid paths: doctor or lawyer – and I didnt want to be either one.

There is life here. Anyone reading this is breathing, maybe hurting, but breathing for sure. And if there is any light to come, it will shine from the eyes of those who look for peace and justice after the rubble and rhetoric are cleared and the phoenix has risen. Affirm life. Affirm life. We got to carry each other now. You’re either with life or against it. Affirm life.

War and tooth enameled salted lemon childhoods All colors run, none of us solid Don’t look for shadow behind me I carry it within I live cycles of light and darkness.

I’ve read too many books to believe what I am told.

I will dance and resist and dance and persist and dance. This heartbeat is louder than death.

I will not dance to your war drum!

Writing must always have intention because words have power.

Do not fear what has blown up. If you must, fear the unexploded.

War and tooth enameled salted lemon childhoods All colors run, none of us solid Don't look for shadow behind me I carry it within I live cycles of light and darkness