We are all born within a familial stream of connection. It grows us and in turn we feed it. We live in give and take. That's basic human law, and man… - Joy Harjo

Oh, you have choked me, but I gave you the leash.
You have gutted me, but I gave you the knife.
You have devoured me, but I laid myself across the fire.

I take myself back, fear.
You are not my shadow any longer,
I won't hold you in my hands.
You can't live in my eyes, my ears, my voice, my belly, or in my heart my heart
my heart my heart

But come here, fear
I am alive and you are so afraid
of dying.

I straighten the blanket over her, to keep her warm for dignity.

The most powerful poetry is birthed through cracks in history, through what is broken and unseen.