I hope this BAP changes things. I hope this conversation changes things, Sherman. I truly, truly do, deep down in the deepest depths of my too-privileged, too-cynical, little black, half-white, Indigenous American poet heart. And, yes, yes indeed you are, a "very powerful literary figure." Ultimately, I'm still trying, as a young writer to learn how to hold space for some of these struggles and most complicated conversations to occur instead of rushing to lambast and rage at all I still don't understand, and all the venerated forebears, you relatives, who have nourished and compelled me such in vital ways. Fuck almighty is it hard. Also standing by my "fuck, Sherman Alexie" of early years though, a not-so-long-ago 'then', because, well, quite frankly it sounds awesome, and I know you actually love it in ways. Plus, I made buttons, and I'd hate for them to go to waste; *insert winky emoticon here*. Vulnerability, too, is power. You're a good egg, Sherman. We love you. I love you. Swil Kanim, at a recent Seattle gathering of Native luminaries and change-makers, reminded me to say that more. Because, well, it changes things. I believe him. I'll try. Love, Sara Marie.