I am the one who is constrained
I am the one who is isolated
I am the one floating in a bubble of my own making
But there’s a bridge behind me
Where I am choosing not to look
A bridge to meet you
I give you safety in your isolation
I give you distance from which to observe but not to participate
I give you room to explore the surface of things
But you’re longing for depth
I need you to fucking break this bubble
And step into life
Whether you sink or swim
But I think you’ll swim
I know you will
Whether you’re heading to the shore or swimming downriver to meet the sea
But I also need you to go deeper
I need you to sink beneath the surface of life
And find you have gills to breathe
— Written after Goddesses in every woman art workshop, session focused on Hera, hosted by Gabriella Kaplan. 18 May 2024