Let me tell you what I do know: I am more than one thing, and not all of those things are good. The truth is complicated. Itโs two-toned, multi-vocal, bittersweet. I used to think that if I dug deep enough to discover something sad and ugly, Iโd know it was something true. Now Iโm trying to dig deeper. I didnโt want to write these pages until there were no hard feelings, no sharp ones. I do not have that luxury. I am sad and angry and I want everyone to be alive again. I want more landmarks, less landmines. I want to be grateful but Iโm having a hard time with it.
Richard SikenWe can do anything. Itโs not because our hearts are large, theyโre not, itโs what we struggle with. The attempt to say Come over. Bring your friends. Itโs a potluck, Iโm making pork chops, Iโm making those long noodles you love so much.
Richard SikenI'm saying your name in the grocery store, I'm saying your name on the bridge at dawn. Your name like an animal covered with frost, your name like a music that's been transposed, a suit of fur, a coat of mud, a kick in the pants, a lungful of glass, the sails in wind and the slap of waves on the hull.
Richard Siken