I live my life out loud, not because I want to hurt anyone, but because I want to stop hurting. I live my life out loud because the secrets have cost us too much. I live my life out loud, not to …
Nance's Poetry
Naivete
I was so proud of you, as you stood in your cap and gown. A college graduate at age 50, you overcame so much to walk that stage. Teen pregnancy Drugs Alcohol Abuse Lies Hatred Hostility Insecurity and …
The Bucket of Tears is Empty
Your perfect wife abused me as a child abused her son told her boyfriend's friend he could have sex with me. I was 12. Your perfect wife called the mother she supposedly loved so much to …
Persistence
I'm embarrassed and confused. How can someone who loves so much be so deeply hated? How can someone with so much conflict resolution training and experience be unable to communicate with her …
White Girl Tears
I cry, not because I am fragile, like some silver-spooned infant wanting her next dollar, manicure, or jewel at your expense. Like my heart, my nails are natural, unadorned, rich in the …
I Am Not the Label You Give Me
I am complex and multifaceted. I have many titles and wear many hats. That's okay. I give others permission to be diverse, too. We all are more than our job titles, more than our …
This Moment
This moment. I am debating whether to go back to work or add to the workout I cut short this morning. This moment. I am enjoying the solitude of my space, the city, and my corner of …
We’ve All Been Hurt By Racism
I've been hurt by racism, too. My experiences might have been different from yours. But they are valid, too. I didn't understand why people made me feel bad about my new friend. I almost …
Impermanence
I am neither loser nor winner. Losing happens. Winning happens. Neither is a permanent experience. The only thing I am for this life is human. I have female body parts, but they …
Burnout
Too many demands, Not enough appreciation. Too many expectations, Not enough compassion. Too much drama over the tiniest issues and harsh punishments for small …