“Who are you?” cradled in the mouth of those closest to you may present a welcome

pause for contemplation of one’s being. But in those unknown or seemingly strange, an

unwelcome suggestion at our fickle position so often between Self and Other. It is in the

gaze of another that we must learn to be Read. To be outfitted in a moment with a

series of words and condensed descriptions. To contend with the lurking shadow of

judgement we both give and receive. To deal with the unknowing or deep knowing that

we are not exactly as we are perceived. Learning to Read the Flesh speaks to

embodied fiction of these stereotyped finalities. It is built from my journey of contending

and learning to be seen, Read, and ultimately to embrace my Other. It acknowledges

the destructive quality of Shame but hopes to center the continuation of its Story. It is

this Story from which the face of Other can be rebuilt and Self re-defined. It is in this

space I hope we can all find the freedom to Play.