Such violent and unkind thoughts from such a pretty lady! That’s exactly why I burst out laughing when it occurred to me that this image, and this text, would be the perfect juxtaposition of beauty and ugliness, right on a single postcard. Of course, we don’t typically think of beauty and violence existing side by side, or even within the same person. And yet — to feel our own aggressive and antisocial impulses is one of the most human things about humans, alongside our capacity to love our fellow men deeply and loyally. As for the person who came up with this text? (That would be me.) I guess it was just one of those days when everything looked bleak, and everybody was getting in my way. Although, now that I think about it, my hopelessness and depression are nobody’s fault or responsibility but my own. Many a well-meaning friend or family member, over the years, has offered to spend time with me, or make me laugh, or even send me money, to cheer me up and help lighten my load. And yet — my sadness and anger persists, on more days than I’d care to admit. On a good day, though, those negative feelings can find a beautiful outlet in creative self-expression. Buy me roses, and I just might trample them under some heavy boots. Thank you very much, though, for the thought. If you are a sweet and happy sort of person, I just might come to love and loathe you, in equal measure. ❤️‍🔥—Y.B.D.