A Secret Rape in Whydah

I must get back to Dahomey
to Ezili's open arms
away from the indignity of these brothels
and the haunting grunts of men
I must get back to Dahomey
To see my sister's midnight skin
To forget the sting of whips and take-- at last
my throne again

my body is here
but I am not
I float above
beyond these constraints
calling this body, this self, to join me
to dance
to sing
to listen
​...from a higher place

I asked my spirit why it came here
wet with tears and body aching
reeling from wanting and fear
--but chanting still

Beginning April 2019