When is the last time you took a risk? How did it work out?
oh it’s so sad/ she said/ when reading about slavery
oh it’s so wrong/ she said/ to anyone who’d listen
I listened/ to her going through the motions/ performing
they say peonies are showy flowers/ blousy bursting blooms/ for the show
at least peonies sense when it’s their time/ chance/nature to keep shut and wilt
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most
with each word
i write
i am undoing
you from
my heart
i am undoing
your lips
from mine
your hand
from mine
i am undoing
your power
over me
she is a sad
replacement
for the woman
you lost
the woman
you allowed
to leave
because
you were
never
man enough
to hold
i had too much
shine
for you not
to want
to take
a piece
it’s a shame
you continue
to take it
once you
are gone
always wanting
what you want
but what about
what I want?
not your problem
anymore, right?
you leave
leave and go
then come back
and take
want to stay
friends for you
when it suits
you
leave and have
me too
what kind
of privilege
is that?
the hurt
will pass
i no longer
hold it close
i let it go
with softness
and patience
and love
If I allowed curiosity and love to seep through the wounds, I wouldn’t be here now at the page trying to make sense of it.
A black girl walks through the meadow, enters the dark woods and forfeits her life. And I can’t but think if she was white …
Trust. Always difficult for me to hold, like light on burnt leaves. Like the coming of winter any day now.
The race talk, an accumulation of cautionary tales told through time, she, with earth in her voice, filled the void of rage with what was right for her soul. Joy.
Living Wild Studios 