You Know How You Can Be
"You know how you can be"
Said to me by an old boss, chastising me for speaking sharply to a male coworker.
I know how I can be.
Soft when I think the full weight of my opinion might crush you.
Firm enough to hopefully hold a boundary, but not firm enough to make you angry.
Sunny and cheerful, but briefly. Holding a smile hurts my face.
Dark and ruminating. Walking the slippery slope of guilt and regret. Rehearsing conversations over and over and over.
Could have, should have, would have.
You Know How You Can Be, 2026
Acrylic on wood panel
36”x24” excluding frame
Presented in a handcrafted solid-wood frame with a black satin finish. Arrives professionally wired and ready to hang.
You Know How You Can Be
"You know how you can be"
Said to me by an old boss, chastising me for speaking sharply to a male coworker.
I know how I can be.
Soft when I think the full weight of my opinion might crush you.
Firm enough to hopefully hold a boundary, but not firm enough to make you angry.
Sunny and cheerful, but briefly. Holding a smile hurts my face.
Dark and ruminating. Walking the slippery slope of guilt and regret. Rehearsing conversations over and over and over.
Could have, should have, would have.
You Know How You Can Be, 2026
Acrylic on wood panel
36”x24” excluding frame
Presented in a handcrafted solid-wood frame with a black satin finish. Arrives professionally wired and ready to hang.
