Do I directly benefit from the enslavement and genocide of the original people of this land? Absolutely.
To Cumin, Saffron, and Star Anise, sisters / of the roasted goat and rice ritual, daughters / of smoke and gossip, glowing and bloodwarm
I was begging / for some grandeur even if it meant / a little blood or whole limb
a rooster crows from a neighbor’s backyard / pinche gallo, Abuelo spits, looks quick / to see if i wake from the noise / of Spring
She is determined to follow the smoke—a hymn / for what’s gone missing.
if you believe me to be your enemy know this I accept
under the dark sitting pretty / on the patch of hardwood floor / where confession / and callousness meet
The water flows through hollow bones and returns / as a song. It sounds familiar in the beginning / Then always changes.