Litany for Yemaya’s Love

My mother never took me to the shore.

You forfeit power when entering the ocean.

She only yielded to water behind closed doors.

Ma’s sobs filled my dreams. She had dark emotions.

You forfeit power when entering the ocean.

Our house had this heavy humid southern air.

Ma’s sobs filled my dreams. She had dark emotions.

Teas were usually the only sweetness there.

Our house had this heavy humid southern air.

Mother’s job was to provide, not be gentle.

Teas were usually the only sweetness there.

Belittled me was made to feel fragmental.

Mother’s job was to provide, not be gentle.

She only yielded to water behind closed doors.

Belittled me was made to feel fragmental.

My mother never took me to the shore.