Slashing became a part of my life at 21. Shocking behavior, some might think, but not so to me. I'd been two decades in a severely-dysfunctional family and I could only guess at what healthy was. Cutting and hurting myself gave me a strange sense of elat …

I am reprinting several articles I wrote in the late 80s and early 90s. All of these are true stories. In fact, the things that happened to me, chose my life's mission--to fight against all kinds of violence against women, in particular, rape, incest and t …

All names are changed to protect the guilty.  This was a second gang rape.   Dear Tom,   I’m sure you remember me. We both lived in the same town at one time and you and I were in the same grade school. You know my family. You remember me.   But, of …

A year ago I wrote a story on my use of anti-depressant drugs and my experiences in the mental health system.   My subsequent choice against anti-depressants has led me into a different arena–the criminal justice system.   Last February, I made several pol …

  What do you want? What is it you want? As your amethyst eyes Slither over my face Paw my neckline Denting my nonchalance My demeanour so cool – You’d swear I drank milk.     What do you want? What is it you want? Do you assume me Your answer, so easily W …

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me, And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter. I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired …

The truth about me is that I tuned in to Oprah’s Life Class for a few minutes today.  The challenge that impaled my chest only one minute in was, Are you addicted to your story? Impaled my chest? Yes, I’m a super-sensitive person so bristles sprang up …

  If only I had known How tough it would be to be jump-started daily by a vacuum cleaner hose Cracked over my legs And Mom’s shrill tones Yelling, accusing. Frantic, I fall out of bed still shaking and sweating ice from being locked up Alone, last night in …

  I will be your friend always, no gaps, no forgettings. Not until the mountains are worn away, and the rivers are nothing but sand and rocks, not until it thunders and lightning comes in winter or until it snows in the summer, or until heaven and earth ar …

Today I feel like a ghost who is destined to lug a hundred pounds of chains around for eternity. Okay. Not really, but I am that pale.   Yes. I have had a bit of a bug the last few days. Exhaustion. However, I’ll power through it. I have books to read, …