Sheila

“the leather strap the broom the switch
habits before freedom
freedom: the lie which is true
before: kept fed but close to death

the penitentiary the gun the rope
is at hand now that you free
free: kept down with your eyes down
now: night riders patrol in cars

those born again die free
a lie for grateful slaves
grateful: who are better off
lie: who is better off

dig down into the unmarked earth
lay there and be free”
― Chanelle Benz, The Gone Dead

“The soul knows no greater anguish than to take a breath that begins with love and ends with grief.”
― Steven Erikson, Toll the Hounds

“I'm not a god in the traditional fashion, I am a patron. Patrons have responsibilities. Granted, I rarely have the opportunity to exercise them.”
― Steven Erikson, House of Chains

“Can you be from a place
you have never been?

You can find the island stamped all over me,
but what would the island find if I was there?

Can you claim a home that does not know you,
much less claim you as its own?”
― Elizabeth Acevedo, Clap When You Land