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crusty midwest demi femme, mapped

Mequon, WI and Chicago, IL

KEMI ALABI

my father’s open palm, drum taut, all war song.

crown of lye, barrette & braid.

two chords plucked out my mother’s throat,

wrapped in foil, hurled off a lake bluff.

sink full of the boys’ dishes

& my wet, shriveled hands.

all this, sea:

bruise blue, ghost thick.

& there:

somewhere between chicago & home,

my third skin scorched onto a highway,

pipe tucked in my boot,

gina’s breath singed to my neck.

the sin of her,

my first good meal.

the entire tongue.

every finger & lash, sweet lightning.

whole body, gospel.

whole mouth, cauldron.

whole heart, witch witch witch.

& there,

land:

a bed I built myself,

fresh country.

& there,

sky:

endless choir

of cocoa &

rose &

my name.