I.

Grandma Sarah holds me
in a reservoir of unshed tears.
bring her lips to my forehead
suck something out.
set me
flowing,
gasping.

II.

Mildred Thompson heckles my father,
he finds his seat, and I leap
from his skull, full-lotus, suckling
High John de conqueror root,
a butterfly dancing
up my spine.

III.

My mama leans back, legs akimbo,
Paulette dances obeah, Fía peersinto the beyond,
Able Mable pledges
allegiance, Mama Bethany say,
respond.
I sweat myself out
their pores.
No one hears
a cry.