An excerpt from "Building Roots: A History of My Heart"

radio silence reverberation

the pulling of strings

plucked gently

one at a time

to the tone of one

to the strum of none

up to the present moment

a sway in an empty auditorium

holding my voice in hostile harmony

listening to the way my hands are pulled

behind my back

guided by the vacancy of your presence

lead astray

straight to the backdoor

swift exit

and ownership to the negative degree

no apology

and in this I understand

the depth of your surrender

the sound of your dismay

the stillness of your heart

plucked gently

to the tone of none

to the strum of the forgotten

held in hostile harmony

cradled in contempt

in caution

swift and sweet

I will remain

shaken and shifted

I will lean forward

with my hands behind my back

guided by the vacancy of your presence

choosing to own

my romance

my desire

called out

for the sacrifice of my own consideration