JourneyS From The Journey -
Textile Narratives

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A Safe Haven

When the yelling started at home, I sought refuge with my adopted Grandma and Grandpa across the yard.

They were close enough to know what was happening and made sure to make my escapes as nurturing as possible, including stories and cookies on the couch lined with doilies and rides with Grandpa in the car with my dolls.

I made it because of these people. -M.R.

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First, Do No Harm

For those diagnosed who shouldn’t
And didn’t who should

For cures of the fatal
And fatal cures

For those controlled
And those set free

For consent to treat
And treating nonconsent

For those researched
And researching of those

For pathologies cured
And death made pathology

Honoring the devoted
The mistakes made

Learning from the past
Accountable for the future

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Ubiquitous Unimaginable

This truth is the rule,
not the exception.

Met with disbelief.
Met with blame.
Met with shame.

Cries for help,
pleas for protection,
begging for extraction.
Danger is inherited,
survival is bequeathed.

Voices rise to shout into
the void that is patriarchy.

Until the wind of witness
becomes a gale force—
where one plus one equals multitudes,
where power isn't proven,
where trust isn't taken, and
where this unimaginable truth
is the exception.

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Between 5 and 10

The trip to New York, London, home
The drive to my volunteer work
The phone call to mom
My winter jacket

The meal shared with friends
The ring that signifies my love
The buildings that protect my freedom

How many slaves does my life require?
Probably between 5 and 10

Is it worse that I still rely on slave labor?
Or that I don’t know how many?