Black sheep is a loaded term. Bestowed upon oneself, the term portrays a false air of contrition, as if acknowledging that familial contrast comes with subliminal, if measured, apology. Some extend the apology into a ritual of indulgence, granting themselves permission to continue their dissociative behavior because, hey, they'
Commerce in an optimistic downtown
when money circulated by sidewalk
Putting pencil to pixel, learning to
retrace family landmarks from memory
A search aimed at giving voice to
relatives spoken of only in whispers
Lessons on gray areas from colorful
characters toiling in black and white
Finding one's place with benchmarks,
backsights, and cornerstones
