Age sixteen was so sweet I craved to live in it forever
slowly but consistently He made passes at me unraveling the beauty in my essence
aimed at keeping me from growing cold

Cold…?
I had just left home a few minutes ago yet to take my first dive and view the world in its variety of expressions

I love you
I love you
I love you
He spoke with such tone of obsession

I tried
I tried to cuff my ears for years but the love song didn’t seem to have an end so I gave in

Yes
I said yes with a vague mind hoping to experiment but got trapped in love with the one who first loved

In just one moment like a lover’s first kiss I allowed his breath in my mouth
drew in life and suddenly started living
Lip in-lip out I had a taste of his strengths now mine to keep

©Imani Dokubo

2019