Poems in Tarot #2

Rowed my way across a sea of appointmentsonly to take on water. I did a

You invaded my open spaceCarving maps of your convenienceDestroying my identityDialects, exploitingMy cultureForcing conversionsFracturing my

outside this hospital roomimpatient strangers with empty armsand a new name insidememy belly a cavern

Shame is found in church,where women go monster huntingwith glances. Shame is found in hope;in

            I: Evocations Hopes merge into dreams that disappear in the distanceand are left behind

You smile, if a little thinly,then hum, a positive havering meant to defer the imminence

So, light to the sombre and dark—some other’s word and warm.I keep a soul shrouded.               

I’m getting usedTo not saying your name Like I’m getting used toThis crease between my

I know you are hereRight next to meWithin meHolding me tightJust when the tide isn’t

How should I please you? Tell me, pray do.So full of criticism,You crack my head