Sherese (Reese) Francis

Today is my birthday. This week my dad came home from the hospital after surgery. This week I ended my governors island residency that I’ve had since May. This week I performed my poetry in the subway. Today I’m reflecting on one of the most difficult years of my life. Many see me put on a brave face for the world but this year tested me emotionally, mentally, physically, financially. There were many moments I wondered if I could keep going. There were many moments of tears and feelings of loneliness. I am here today with gratitude that I made it to another year, my parents are still here and the bright moments I was able to find in the midst of my struggles. I’m opening up to what this year has for me and to put into further practice what I’ve learned from the past year and my growth. Today I celebrate myself.