water bearer...

I remember now,

How the threads of life unravel

A time ago unwrapping blessings became difficult

But I remember a love that kept me embalmed in water

And made me a water bearer.

There were times when I wished for even a fathers shadow

Days when I yearned to be yoked to my mother.

When I swam unclear waters hoping to cleanse

And I was baptised over a hundred nights

Washing in sacred tears that made the god of my grandmother weep to her knees.

I remember how to unclench my fists

I had nestled my insecurities into my core

And forgotten I had roots

But now that i see holiness in my skin

Now that my heart has grown into its own

Days of been an island are over.

water bearer - Tapiwa Mugabe

Doll parts by Jeff Bark for Oyster 104