Play Nice

by Rachel Harrison

Yes. Yes. I accept you, demon. I will not cover your mouth. —Anne Sexton, “Demon”

It needs, it seeks affection Hungry, it fiends Look at me, look at me, you lookin’? —Doja Cat, “Attention”

Behind every crazy woman is a man sitting very quietly, saying, “What? I’...

But so often, being right means nothing but winning a round of a losing game.

Everyone’s really upset.” “I’m upset,” I say, my voice breaking. “I’m really, really fucking upset.”

I hate that Dad hates that I’m gay but will never admit it. I hate so much about our family. I hate that I need you all.”

Lucky to live with scars, I said. And he said, Better to live without.

But I think we’re beautiful now, wearing the evidence of our pain. No one can deny it exists.

Remembering is not always a light shone into darkness. Sometimes it’s a claw reaching out and dragging you back.