Things We Forget

I’d choose Phillis Wheatley’s first teacher to ask how it felt to witness genius.

I’d meet Florence Nightingale’s confidant to understand her private doubts.

I’d choose Hildegard of Bingen to ask how she made spirituality and creativity dance together.

I’d meet Madam C. J. Walker to ask how she built an empire with nothing but vision and grit.

i would choose Sappho’s lovers to find out how it felt to be the muse of a poet who loved so fiercely.

I’d choose Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz to ask how she found brilliance in confinement.

I’d talk to Charlemagne to ask what it feels like to unite a fractured world.

I’d meet Ayrton Senna to ask how someone drives with both ferocity and compassion.

I’d choose Aung San Suu Kyi’s mother to ask how a daughter learns political strength.

I’d meet Nellie Bly, who wrote investigative journalism on the lives of working women. I would like to find out how she chased truth without fear chasing her back.