We always talk about the rollercoaster but never the line. The feet-hurting, yawn-inducing yawn to get to the crescendo that will make life worth doing. This year was the line. I don't remember much of anything of this year except that I had a mental breakdown and that I had to go to a mental hospital. The result has been a hellish three months of trying to get back to some form of normalcy. Even sitting and writing this feels like standing in an 85 minute wait line on a balmy summer day at an amusement park. This year ended with a bang and I am hoping the finish will be better than where I am right now.

ii The Heart

I chose myself

not mostly,

not just close to,

100%

I came home

i The Homefront

I knew what we were in for

as soon as Gramma collapsed

at the Scrabble board

iii The Heroes

If you take to the front lines,

do it online

Don't hurt anybody.

Like your forebearers, commit global freedom

Canada didn't try out for the team this year.

We gave handouts instead.We slapped wrists?

We were preoccupied with the royals. What? No.

No, not Andrew

iv The Horror

Can we call it what it is Now? Or

are we still Cuttingwomendownnothingnew

Drown out the top 40's newsreels

for a bit. Have a moment of silence

For Afghan, Arab and Persian Humans

Who are not fighting for freedom, they're dying.

Individuals on the ground because we can't SAY

with a resounding STOP! Not another person

goes missing. Not another girl cut. No, you may not

call your God.

To Israel and the rest of the Free World,

you Know who you are. I see your bravery

The whole of middle Earth

is ready for Your light, for

reality. Eyes to see

unclouded by monarchy

unshrouded by theocracy

unbound, what message must we

send the Saudis?

No Law but Freedom

Nothing God-given

No Modesty. Just Pride

in commitment to self-actualization

Absolutely. No. Sacrifice.

China, I...

still imagine Tibet's hills sometimes

I would climb those mountains in reverence

not to governance and order, but to goodness and grace. I know. I know I remember

the Michaels. No. I can't see you right now. Thanks

v. The Horcrux

Putin,

it wasn't the crack down on dissidence

the obstruction of justice, it wasn't the freezing of assets,

The saddest part about your whole war

was when children's Tylenol

ran out. What? Oh, wait. that was for Justin.

The year 2022 has been like if eating food didn't make you gain weight, but made you lose weight instead. It's been a magical journey of exploration and growth both for me physically and mentally. I've grown as a writer and as a person, while not really straining myself too much. The "food" that I'm eating to "lose weight" hasn't been detrimental to me so much as it's been helpful for me. 2022 has been one of the best years I've lived in a while. I'm ready to eat more food and lose weight in 2023...