Thank you, Martin, for this open piece and for the shout out. I am American, born in Western NY, but now have lived in WI for 23 years! A midwesterner! I’m inspired by color, nature, and travel. I bought into the value of education and have three degrees - two of them advanced- but now feel the system, here at least, is broken. I’m a mother of three young adult men, a wife, a friend, an introvert, a sister, and a perfectionist who wishes she wasn’t. I also try to see the good in everyone. Thanks to you and Jason for starting this poetry publication! I’m already proud to be a part of it!