Twirling in Gratitude

 Twirling in Gratitude. 

I could write a dissertation about my return home to Providence but in short— my tender heart is full and my breath is finally steady. I have so much to say about the amazing time I had over past four days but for now I must begin with a note of gratitude. 

Thank you to my magical therapist, Ayda Astra, who has held my hand on my healing journey for the past 7 yrs as I returned to my body and claimed my space in this beautiful mess of a world. 

Thank you, to my little brother, my little sister, my nephew, and my niece, for still loving me. I am so sorry I couldn’t take you to safety with me or protect you all from familial and structural harm. I am grateful we all survived and I love you all deeply. 

Thank you, to the Posse, for being my day 1 anchors and for taping me back together all these years. 

Thank you, to my neighborhood and high school friends, who made time to reconnect with me during this visit after decades of being away and out of touch. 

Thank you, Laura, for being a portal by helping me to arrive back home in purpose. The amazing Wedding Cake House, all the feminist, queer, & third spaces you introduced me to, and inviting me to serve on a community based arts and youth centered org board—all helped Sekile to return home along with Monique. 

Thank you retrospectively, to all the cultural institutions, community based orgs, school counselors, and teachers that poured into me 

as a young person and kept me on course while I navigated social and economic inequities and an abusive home life. 

Finally, thank you, Providence, Rhode Island, for all the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, cultural diversity, memories, and opportunities to live anew. 🖤