iii    holstein way (reclamation song).  
                                                                 

Born soft, bulging, with sympathy 
& all manner of fruitful & barren laws,
you cannot help but randomly burst into prayer.

Always, till you wander into that tangible
second of ecstasy sweet communion with self.  

In those silent moments, your little black girl 
smiles from inside you, smiles a Sunday morning.

She’s your reflection        a mirror which you’re always 
backing away from       a small sacrifice for the better of others.

Pray that you pray for her joy,
her days of abundance, expansion.
Teach her to pray with precision
for there will likely be days
when her breasts will search for ripeness
but black rot might come easier.

Learn to touch yourself again & yet again
till you wander into those moments of ecstasy,
sweet communion with self, begging you
to fulfil a wish, to no longer erase yourself

Belinda Zhawi