The gap between what is and what could be 
is so wide and deep most cannot see 
the impact of not knowing one’s true identity
except for those of us who have lived this unwillingly

I try to imagine a world where all adoptees are free 
to read the first chapter of their life history
After a decade of working to change policy
I no longer believe in this possibility  

The injustice is palpable
Substantive change is improbable
The grief is unbearable
Liminal spaces are unsustainable