Sheena Patel

An informal ode / in english / to the two faces of your mouth 

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Part I
 

In your mouth 

I find

lush green valleys    

and heady mountain tops

where perilous cliff ledges 

meet soft snowy drifts 
 

I find 

deep, cool rock pools

filled with creeping starfish 

and feel the violent ocean surf

tangle the octopus 
 

I find 

whistling caves 

of swirling bats

where amongst 

the beat

of leathery wings

we paint

ochre 

on the walls
 

Part II
 

I ate the pomegranate seeds 

and I sank underground 

to be with you.
 

I see now,

you hoard

the hearts

of others

taking them

with you

into this dark,

careful to

promise nothing 
 

I see the bones

of my predecessors 

hung 

over doors

shamefully 

decorating the walls

pitifully pulsing with life
 

Mouthful 

by 

mouthful

you suck 

out of the air 

all the words

I ever said,

to sustain 

only you. 
 

You 

are a coward.

At your feet 

I spit the 

bitter seeds 

I've rolled 

gently 

around 

my tongue 
 

I want the light

and the 

brave sun 

on my face
 

and my skeleton

in my body, 

whole.

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Sheena Patel is a member of 4 BROWN GIRLS WHO WRITE. She is interested in exploring the strength in vulnerability and the female perspective in myths.

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Get in touch with Sheena.

 

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