My dear @gracielaacevedo,

I am floored by your insight.

the internal strangeness that persists in you despite the need for a forced transformation of your identity

Why yes, I believe you nailed it. I don't think I ever wanted to let that free person go, but I make accommodations to a world that is very different. Not only is my childhood gone, not only is that child gone, but I'm sure the world I grew up in doesn't exist anymore. But that's where my essential nature was formed, and I think that's where a piece of me will always be.

You are so smart :) I've never been able to articulate this essential tension, as you have. It's interesting. We write to express ourselves and as we do we cannot help but reveal ourselves.

Thank you for reading my piece with such care and interest, my dear friend. 🌷