There is a hole dug deep below us,
It seems to be still a work-in-progress
As dirt flies out into a foggy air.
Badger is looking for healing roots
With a particularly head-strong mission:
Administer a quick cure
To this thing that makes us ill.
We have always avoided this medicine
In favor of something more gentle,
Hiding or lying or denying
When aggressive truth comes.
We have always hoped it would pass
Without noticing us in the shadows
Under the stair-well.
But maybe it’s time to let Badger
Dig a little deeper into the heart.
This is my journey
— Nate Long “Owl”
ink with digital manipulation