Splash! Icy fingers caress my legs I watch as mud beads up on my boots The sun peeks out behind the clouds Light reflects off the glassy surface I see my face looking back at me Tears stain my cheeks I can't help but smile at the image I see The bright, shiny boots and … Continue reading Ode to Puddles

Dear other children, I think about you often, almost everyday, and I see you in my dreams at night. I often wonder who you were, what your names were, and what your story was. Like me you were stripped of a name, a voice, an identity. We spent so much time together in the same … Continue reading Grief letter

Dear Mary, I want to start this letter by first saying that I will no longer refer to you as my mother. Aside from giving me half your DNA and pushing me out of your womb, you've done nothing to earn that title. From the day I was born, you neglected me. I had to … Continue reading Letter to Mary

Dear Little One, Take a deep breath, feel your heartbeat, look around you, you are alive. They took away your childhood, your innocence, your freedom, and your dignity, but you are braver and smarter than them, and that's why they couldn't take away your life. I see you at night, wondering if you can make … Continue reading Letter of compassion

It's night-time, although I'm unsure of what time it is. I'm wearing the gray shorts and t-shirt that I and the other kids always wear. My hair is knotted and hangs over my face. I stare at my bare feet as I'm let outside to the back of the building. My hands are bound behind … Continue reading Buried Alive in a Coffin

Dear death, We've had a long-standing Friends with Benefits relationship. I don't really like you, you don't really like me, but we both got something out of the deal. You fucked with my head for fun, and I got the peace and comfort your presence brought when I was so alone in the world. My … Continue reading Breaking up with death

Why did you pluck me? For your own vanity? I give you my life to nourish you Yet you would harm me for no reason I give you oxygen, I cool your home You would destroy that for show O foolish ones, where does it end?

The water rushes over the rocks Rocks that have been there before humans walked the Earth A bird drops a feather Floating delicately through the air Landing gently on the surface above the rocks A sign of protection The birds watch us and guide us Looking down from the sky The rocks are our strength … Continue reading We are all connected

It's a late spring day and the hot desert sun is already beating through my windshield, stinging my cheeks with a slight burn even though it's only mid morning. I'm finally driving up into Stone Mountain, a mountain smack dab in the middle of the deep valley that is Tucson. I stare every morning at … Continue reading Stone Mountain Park

My name is Asa, not my legal birth name, but a name that was given to me by a very special person. It's literal Aramaic translation is healer of that which is broken. Where I came from.... I want this story to be about where I am now, and about my journey forward, but all … Continue reading Where I Came From and Where I’m Going