I do not choose to write. I have to write–even when it hurts…

I write in order to find myself.

I write in order to grow.

I write to put the veracity and spirit of all my thinkings, feelings, and doings on trial.

I write to challenge the sludge of religious, political, nationalistic, cultural, social, and economic nonsense that engulfs us all.

I write to glean the signal from the noise.

I write to find hope in moments of despair, clarity in moments of confusion, and courage in moments of dread.

I write to connect with others.

I write to connect with the future, should my words survive me.

I write because I have the deepest reverence for words.

I write because words matter.