In this hybrid essay collection, Arterian attempts to reckon with her privileges alongside with the experiences of her partner—a man of color who is subjugated by the same society from which she directly benefits. This work also chronicle the daily realities of a longterm relationship and its challenges, and the rarity of their love. Yet the recent losses the two sustain takes a terrible toll, and the relationship may, it seems, finally buckle. Their challenges build between interstitial pieces that document Arterian’s insights regarding the role she has inherited due to the facets of her identity. Iterations of this manuscript have been a finalist for the Cleveland Poetry Center Essay Collection Prize, the Dzanc Nonfiction Prize, and twice for The National Poetry Series.

An extended excerpt is in the chapbook With Lightness & Darkness and Other Brief Pieces (Essay Press).