“is that really you?

capable of such cowardice.

i confront you.

frontally.

without armor.

except for my look.

of devotion.

always beginning from the inside out. viewing you through a lens fit for you.

or so i thought.

and still do think.

and continue.

to love.

and to hope.

drawing from within.

from the one place still unsilenced by terror.

from wounds.

towards dignity.

standing upright in front of my easel.

being human.”