10

in tears,
i find the stones
for the bridge
i build back to myself

one less tear i have to cry
one less cord tying me to pain
one less millimeter of dagger in my heart

9

i fear bearing children
because i do not want
my womb
to be the only
safe place
they will ever know


-----


some cultures believe
that our hair
stores memory;
is it any wonder then
that hair can only be
destroyed
if you burn it?

8

like
mangoes
cactus

i have evolved
my exterior
to protect
my interior

skin full of poison oil
skin covered in spikes
skin that will hurt you

flesh that delights
flesh that is sweet
flesh that is precious

7

our ancestors, who art in our bones
hallowed be your names;




give us this day, our daily poem