Jacob Lawrence, "Struggle No. 29," 1956
Jacob Lawrence, Struggle...From the History of the American People No. 27. ...for freedom we want and will have, for we have served this cruel land long enuff... --a Georgia slave, 1810 (1956)

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Isn't she a closet dom?

When we first met one of the things I most admired her for was her great love of children and animals. She said that to her they were "innocent," that is, uncomplicit in the world's meanness. I thought I understood that.

Lately it's not so clear. Isn't power the one true reality for her?

As a child people called her "bossy." As an adult we call it domineering. Wasn't the innocence she loved really nothing but helplessness in relation to herself?

Fall. Exhausted-looking woman slumps on a bed. Moonlight through open windows paints her silver.

"She never said why." Silver tears on a wet silver face.

Her beloved childhood friend has walked out of her life. No explanation. It was like a verdict from a secret court. She's had no chance to understand the charges, explain her motives, change the judge's mind.

By morning she's laughing again. But her anguish runs after her like a loyal dog.

Isn't this the root of her chronic failure in relationships with adults?


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