Berry Grass is a trans writer who lives in Philadelphia (previously: Tuscaloosa and rural Missouri). They’re the author of Hall of Waters (2019, The Operating System). Their essays appear in The Normal School, The Wanderer, and Barrelhouse, among other publications. They currently serve as Nonfiction Editor of Sundog Lit.

39°56'53.7"N 75°08'50.0"W

I find myself living in Philadelphia, a quick walk away from historical sites of the founding of a settler colonial nation I care nothing for. The architecture changes the closer you get to the site of the First Continental Congress, or to Ben Franklin's house. But my mom, who used her house decor to take virtual trips away from the hometown that she wound up never leaving, would have loved how easy it is to go from neighborhood to neighborhood and feel like you've traveled somewhere new and bright with possibility. Somewhere with hope.