I have always been drawn to the fearless, unapologetic, strong women who roar: the ones that seek out adventures on their own, who carve their own path with their experiences, who shape the world with their ideas, and shake it with their voices.
I am honored to have a poem included here in this #MeToo e-Book- such an important project giving a voice to women everywhere.
Keep roaring,
How is it November?! Life has been moving at a rapid pace for me, but I took some time to slow down and talk about some things that are important to me. Check out my interview below about travel, women writers, and my chapbook, Next to Everything that is Breakable at Speaking of Marvels.
Truly grateful for this feature, and wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving holiday!
Great news! My poem “All Safeties Off” was published in Pittsburgh City Paper.
Check it out here.
All Safeties Off
It was Christmas Day in our backyard
when I first shot my dad’s hunting rifle —
felt it kick back into my shoulder as he looked on,
keeping distance
as shells went flying.
I fingered the trigger,
breathed the weight of it all
burning hot metal
swallowing painted targets
my shaky hands steadying & aiming —
all safeties off.
And I thought, here I am
deep in December — sweating
because
there was something
within the chamber
I couldn’t point to
barreling through me just the same
& the weapon clicks
white knuckle grip
I need to reload, but what’s the point
if all my ghosts wear bulletproof vests
& don’t understand the word no
or stop
& my dad yells, Bull’s eye!
& I drop
the gun.
from this side of the sun 