Taneshia Atkinson
“return to wala”

your first home was in water
a traversing matriarch
it spoke you into existence
and now it calls you back
inviting you into the full body
back to the womb

a sentient simulation
a binary affair
there is no placating
you are water
or you are not

a cognisant current
in resonance with your movements
rhythmic, reflection
cradled in vision
all water has a perfect memory

an element in languish without you
an inherent yearning
coercing you to withdraw your anchor
and submit to your ascension
can you feel the tide moving to sing you home?

silky smooth on skin
salt soft and scintillating
water dissolving your exterior
exposing your sanctum
we are sacred

wash your sorrow
wash your sick
slow dance at the mouth of the water
yield the unspoken language
how can anything be tepid when it’s all a wonder?

if wala could speak
she would say you are home now
a drowning and a revival
alluring you to the sky
only to fall again
returning you to the full body

home