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Recorded Reading (1:11): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4iiwkdinb93s7kvydzu8p/he-banged-his-head-against-the-wall.wav?rlkey=vjnet7fn89iby0aqkxqkjamvf&dl=0

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he banged his head against the wall

over and over
he said
sorry sorry sorry sorry

(he couldn’t clear
a place to sit
in his traumatized home)

and then
for a moment
he stopped

and looked at me

wow he said quietly
you’re here alone
got no backup
that’s a lot of courage
thank you…

compassionate love
has led this poet
to many unlikely
and risky places

but never in her memory
has she been
recognized

appreciated
rewarded

mid-trauma

for the gift of her presence

his soul
does not need to exit
that sordid little room
to find

redemption

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This poet is physically disabled. Public housing being insufficient to her medical and creative needs, she is presently living, in order to continue working, in her minivan, publishing all of her works using one thumb on the touch screen of her smartphone, surviving at an income of a fraction of her nation’s poverty level. She would treasure any donation you might care to offer ~ http://www.UgiftABLE.com ● #72D-31S.

Please be aware that it takes several days for the poet to be notified of contributions. International patrons please contact the poet via email or post a comment for the necessary numbers.

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