3: Liberated (from Her Womb)

by JAHAAN SHAHEED

in Fall 2017

i.

First born.

Did your mother warn you about her?

Speak her into existence,

Pray upon you the challenges that you supplied

the World.

A mirror of the women you love the most,

Best, worst. Reincarnated.

And talking back.

ii.

First born.

Has his spirit returned?

One without fear,

Breaking to learn assemblage.

He wasn’t birthed first,

Just headstrong.

A reflection of your father and his father,

In physical absence, perpetual presence.

iii.

First born.

Shall the last be the first?

Most high, exalted

One.

She entered this realm, Breathing

light and levity, balance. The

Manifestation of your own

Holy Trinity.

Jahaan is a writer, editor, and lawyer. She was raised in Atlanta, educated in DC, schooled in Harlem, and resides in Philadelphia. She currently represents death-sentenced prisoners in proceedings around the country. She is an associate editor of A Gathering Together.

For Centuries I've Held You In My Prayers/Today I Am Resentful.

Instrumental In Environments