Sometimes we keep going not for cosmic retribution, our just reward, or as an inspirational anecdote.

We keep going simply because we have no other choice.

—-

In this collection of poetry, short stories, and artwork, Rue Sparks exposes the reality of broken bones, scraped knees, and calloused hands.

After the sudden passing of their wife in 2017, Spark's began writing poetry to chronicle their grief journey. The next seven years would take the lives of three more family members, halt a thriving career in digital advertising after the onset of debilitating illness, and begin a severe decline in health ending in the need for neurosurgery.

This chronicles that journey and those like it, exploring themes like grief, chronic illness, and queer identities.

These poems, artwork, and short stories are their legacy; created for those among us who suffer and want to know we're not alone.