not all opportunities, no matter the pay or prestige, are worth it for me as an artist. why? because at the core of why I am an artist, a poet, in the first place is because I have a story to tell. I need time, emotional reserves, intention to tell my story. Taking on any opportunity sometimes has the effect of diluting or delaying that emotional reserve and intensity. Also, there is no price to be out on one’s story. It is invaluable.