When I came of age in Durham, North Carolina, one of the sounds that imprinted on me was the sound of the train whistle blowing, passing by on the railroad tracks that cuts through the center of the city. It filled me with restless yearning for the big life that I wanted — the sound simultaneously evoking a feeling of home and of not-yet-home, and how powerfully I wanted to get there. Now, with more than a decade of making my home in Brooklyn, having the big life I have wanted and continue to want so fiercely, I can hear the whistle blow and feel that rise of restless yearning and know that, in a deep way, I have already arrived. Still miles to go, yes, but the lights are on at home, y’all. Thanks for welcoming me.

First published on Facebook, February 11, 2013