Yo Que Soy Una Mujer (I That Am Woman)
Annie Merz
My Spanish isn't enough
to convince them to use birth control.
Their grandmother left out the secrets of rhythm method
when they once met to talk of womens' things.
Now on her old knees — one Hail Mary and a candle for each
For each girl who has a baby cradled in purgatory.
Yo Que Soy Una Mujer
will not succumb to couquetry. . .fidelity. . .dependency.
How beautiful to gather with the women — Las Otras —
celebrating the moon, the cycle, and bleed to the earth
Then watch Her — La Tierra — speak with her flowers,
petals of crimson red and piquant scent.
pero
I That Am Woman swell at his touch,
and cannot slight his penetrating eyes.
Eating my words
I savor the subtle taste of sweat from his lips
and still have his scent with me at the alter
murmuring the familiar prayer
wondering if purgatory is such a bad place after all.
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