when we say Black Lives Matter

when we say Black Lives Matter

we are saying three words

that carry the weight of hundreds of years 

of pain and oppression

of strength and perseverance

between them

when we say Black Lives Matter

we are recognizing a dark history

too often covered up

and forcing it into the light

a history we can choose to stop repeating

but only if we fight for a better future

when we say Black Lives Matter

we are saying that black people

deserve respect, safety, and love

that they are needed, beautiful, and valued

that they are worth protecting

and admitting that we haven't always protected them

"Red"

Red is a powerful color.
I like wearing it,
especially on Monday.

- my grandmother

9/20/2020

upgrade, mirror, revelation

One reason I wanted a nicer wheelchair,
one of many, the smallest reason really,

is that in a basic chair with my leg up, 

it looks temporary

and that leads to misunderstandings.

"Poor thing, you broke your leg."

No. I obliterated my leg three years ago.

There's a difference.

This isn't temporary.

In front of me: a full-length mirror.

My elbows on the armrests.

I look at myself and thought

"I am a kid in 

a (real) wheelchair

and will be, off and on,

for the rest of my life."

And that's all it took,

an upgrade and a big mirror for

a revelation.

About time, I suppose.