The Cost

Oil Paint on Canvas

2021

The end of almost a second year with the pandemic. The end of almost a second year of people waking up or claiming to and all I can think about how much it has cost to learn how to be at rest. Not to hurry or to rush after anything or anyone. Not to have to alter yourself or change yourself to be presentable. All of this time “off” also has me thinking about what it has cost to be able to dream. To have the time and the energy to imagine a world and space that doesn’t exist yet. I’ve learned it’s expensive to dream. I’m grateful for all of the people that have held space in order to let me rest. To the generations (new and old) of Black women that have prioritized their safety and health over what is expected of them. It is expensive to rest, but I am worth every dime.