I took a trip to Cincinnati this weekend to give a poetry reading at the university. I had a free day, so I went sightseeing. There was a special exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum whose theme was the fluidity of identity. I won't go into too much detail, but part of the exhibit invited patrons to take a little card labeled "You don't have to be yourself. Who do you wish to be?" and then anonymously write whatever on the card and hang it on the wall with the others people had filled out.

I took it as a good sign that I couldn't think of anything or anyone I'd rather be than myself. But then I thought about how I want Irish citizenship. And how I want to become a nullo. So I wrote "An Irish Nullo" on the card and hung it with the others. Sure, I was being glib, but I still meant it! I wonder if the artist will look up "nullo"...

Good for you. I hope to join you next year, when I do I'll say exactly what I am, we are special.

Thanks, Jan. I’m trying in small ways to make the world more aware of us. A writing project or 2 are in the works. Good luck on your journey.

I grew up in close (enough) proximity to Cincinnati. While Ireland has its beguiling appeal (no snakes, Guinness, people with freckles with cool accents), an uptight burg like Cincy could use a nullo or two (or more) in it, if only to subvert its rigidity.

Being Irish, I wouldn't mind being a Irish Nullo!