Remember when everyone thought Janet lost her mind? The hair, the music, the insert. The phase I’m in. You know, when I’m me. A return.

Rebellious, sensual, sexy, intellectual. Fun.

The last time I felt this free was in 1997.

wild red hair. piercings.

confident.

My family clutches their pearls.

“Little sister is tripping” they say.

You bring out the best in me, the worst in me—me. The first, my first who actually fell in love with me. Not in my self-created fictitious world, but reality. You’ve loved the woman.

You let me be me. Encourage me even.

and that smile…makes me smile, coyly.

You are my sexuality. Or is my sexuality you?

You are my velvet rope. the thing that allows me to break free. to take risks.

Our love is one hell of a risk. Finding our sanity in a chaotic city.

I took a chance with you.

When I feel empty, you fill me--

feel me?

(2022 Edit): And to Jan… These cheeks, this smile…thank you for helping me love them.