“Anath” by Gayle Bell
In the beginning of a time
we knew as sacred
Friendly enemies
at the cornucopia
The mark of Cain
furiously scrubbed and oiled
Laying at bay the darkness
the curse of dark continents
You ruffled my hair
twined in my fist
Growl the name
my momma shouted
You taste like dark mango
looked at me all hot eyed
I looked at you all hot eyed
The moment was air and opportunity
But you are like this aren’t you
I would like for you to consider
the way my thighs round with wrinkles
Curved like the grooves of a 45
They are mad like the dance of
the squeal of tires
in a blacktop jealous 45 smoke and pop
The hiss of the winner
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Gayle Bell Artist Statement:
I am a 66-year-old black woman. My writing highlights the life of the displaced, the addict, and the mental challenges of BIPOC individuals.
My writing seeks to honor the shy child that I was. I prove my self-love with every line. The little girl me is validated.
