For my mother, Martha Frances Kinney.

English/German/Irish

Keats, Rilke and Beckett. I engage them, read them as if they are my ancestors. They touch me through you. They come to me and encourage me.

Keats's mother, sister and lover all named Frances, "Fanny." I make the connections. I am emboldened.

Mother, had I known, had I made the connections earlier, I might have endeavored to call you "Fanny." I think you would have liked it.

What I do now is dedicated to you and all those who have been beaten down and not encouraged, to all those not loved in the way that allows a proper development and thriving.

That we all may become fearless with inner strength and depth of feeling.

Following Voltaire: I stand upright for you. I speak my thoughts, declare the truth and see for you. I am bold and proclaim myself for you. I dare to live for you.

With love,

Max