My Mother Said I Can Bloom By Owolusi Lucky You can keep secret of hurricane Behind a neatly ironed suit. I gave, you took. Many things, exhausting. You gave me a shell to paint. I folded myself in a card, you kiss it, burnt it, Blow the smoke into promises. Night passes quickly. Emotion to you comes in season. Snow fell, your footsteps faced north, or south, Or to that thigh thicker than mine. The one you named after all your hobbies. I water the pot, they bloom, and whisper, “Water yourself.” I remember as a lil girl my mother Said I was made of flowers, I can bloom. She patted her round belly. I’ve shed old leaves, left your greenhouse. If you return, please water the plants. They are wise.
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