Today, I rode through an autumn snow flurry of falling leaves on my way to work. A single leaf separated from the flock and slapped me sharply across the lips. I can still feel the place where it touched me.

Yesterday, I hurt my shoulder while tumbling on the grass. The insistent throbbing has diminished, but I can still feel it when I lift my elbow or reach back. The pain today reminds me what it means to be alive in this body.

Today, I decided to get a tattoo. A narrative of my life and those who came before me, shoulder to shoulder, head to toe. For the fierce pain of it, of course. And to remind myself that I am here.