One of two poems included in the zine reflections on octavia butler’s earthseed: the books of the living. Gathered by adrienne maree brown in 2015.
I closed my eyes and handed over my heart.
The sun beating on my shoulders as they washed my feet.
White blanket below me, transfixed by grandfather drum, grandmother sound.
Life all around me, too scared to look, afraid to remember.
The scent of eucalyptus and calendula rubbed gently across my back – flowers preserved for releasing the pain of past stories. They whisper, change will save your body, I cover my heart.
Hands moving, hands pushing, hands tugging at my skin; I lose feeling and scream to recover my soul.
I’m here, heart hints.
I’m here, heart yells.
I’M HERE! heart explodes.
I knew you’d find me.
Adela Nieves Martinez 