they said because of our thickness, we would never measure up to the standard of beauty

here we are with galaxies emerging from our weary, black women’s bodies

the healing properties of seas

i am enough

i am love

i am a spark of the divine

i ain’t smiling and that makes me smile from the inside out.

there are tasks i want to {BE} and do and there are tasks i do not want to {BE} and do.

leaning into those take that bring me joy is what i {Be} and do today and the next day. and the next.

that’s all a bear can ask for. that’s all i want. and {Be} and do.

i ain’t smiling. but i’m wide arse, teeth shining, smiling for me – on the inside.

A fellow creative called out for submissions for a collaborative, community zine while she took compassionate leave after a death in her family.

Sarah Shott @ The Compost Heap made the call and I answered with a poem. The theme was hope.

You can read the full version over on Sarah’s website.

My contribution is above along with artwork from Nicole Madonna (Pennsylvania, USA)

Enjoy.

It’s time. Time to be looking down at the ground and seeing the trees’ bounty around my toes.

I love this view.