my head was split open
a mustard seed
a newborn still wet with afterbirth
there were things I needed
from your words
from your mind
but you fed me fallacies

my body was slight in stature
a girl of eight years
they wanted to bleach my skin
dilute me in the holy waters
so I could become
more hallowed than human
yet saved by human mercy

when she comes to me
water-born and slick with life
I will not use love or fear
to teach her those things
she will know truth
and prowess,
loveliness, and loneliness
of the most vital