After we saw that having was out of the question––as in, anything in our possession, including accomplishment, it eventually became clear that none of us would be clever enough, quick enough, or hard-working enough to be the brilliant exception.
At the school of roots, we learned of purity, that it was possible under certain conditions. We learned the conditions, but the dirt kept on.
We played in it, laughing with the unclean birds above us and their songs called us out.
What a beautiful piece of writing.
Love and respect to you, friend.