To the Reader

I pray that you develop nourishing roots; there is nothing I want for you as much for you to feel rooted to this world and fully alive.

Am I allowed to say "I pray" if I don't have a definitive stance towards theology?

I pray that the harmful people exit your life, and that one day you escape the persistent, haunting ghosts.

I pray that you always have the strength to overcome the smallest, grating annoyances of modern life.

I pray that someone eventually witnesses you. In totality. In love.

I pray that you find comfort in some sort of family, some sort of community.

I pray that you emerge from the crucible of affliction with a greater capacity to love.

Above all,

I wish for your safety.

And I wish for your humanity.