SNUFF

I know they taught you how to shine, sister

but they didn't

they taught you how to flash

hot in the pan

they taught us all how to burn hot and burn out

they didn't protect us

they didn't teach us how to sustain our flame

so we fell in love with our embers

the smallest parts of ourselves

What about how to shine when they try to snuff out your flame?

Did they teach you that, sister?

More specifically about the flame, the way that they will try to wield YOUR flame

Do you know how to snuff yourself out but keep your flame lit within?

Do you know how to flourish underground?

Do you know how to millimeter inch your roots deeper and deeper?

Do you know how to erase at least one of your senses to survive your surroundings?

Of course you do

You are a daughter

Learn how to keep your flame in the dark,

in all spaces

in all places

& if you don't know how, start with this fact

It's their privilege to see your flames