Status Updates From All These Ghosts

"O my Kentucky. You
hurt me and you heal me.
You cut me and you cut me.
...
You hurt me. You cut me
and I wish you loved me
as much as I love you. I would
not just stitch you. I would never
cut you to begin with.
...
Prove it, right now. Love me
as much as I love you.
...
holy still even when polluted..."

"Kentucky, we walk a ways together, no matter
if it is in cold rain or moonlight. Sometimes
the only music is hammers and saws, but we
keep going, aiming for the high ground where they
will be standing with their arms out, saying,
Come here, and rest. Let me help you."

My Mother, Orphaned at Ten. Bawling. My mom wasn't orphaned at ten, but she lost her dad when she was six. And I've never thought about mom in that moment. But I will reflect on it now.

When Times Are Dark

When times are dark
build a crackling fire
and gather good people.

Does a Kentuckian need a reason to feel homesick? No; but reading these poems makes me yearn for home.