Almost Finished

Last year I was an incense
Musky, floral, composed of rich plant material
Resetting the ambiance of spaces
Spiraled & waved in the crevices, anointing the embraces
Match lit, I blew and spread my ashes in remembrance,
and good riddance to once before
No longer need the catalyst to create more
This year, I’m going to be a flame, being guided
through my inner ignition.
I’ll blow up, erupt, sparkle— friction
No shame in growing higher than what was tossed my way.
You can’t ignore my blaze. I’m scorching yet soothing
Will have you up to your neck in amusement of my hues
shed, and I choose how wild to be…
Insects and bees confide in me, reminding me that last year,
I was a butterfly
Multicolored, two-toned
Now you see me
Next you don’t.
He wanted to catch me in his palms and clip my wings.
Said, “Yemi, you float around too much! Land on one thing.”
confused about what I brought, which ate at me.
But not more than I ate at myself
Guts poured out, ill reflections, and health.”

 

The quote “I am America, daughter to immigrant parents who dreamed a dream — not of wealth, but of love.” by Soo-Jin Lee and is standing next to it reading it with a standing microphone in front of her.