My Markings as Prayer

For my past, present, future

and nothing more

or no one else

I battle the war within

of dysfunctional beauty

and hopeful wounds

the things people have told me

the things I’ve hidden inside of me

I cry out loud

praying for a break in the cycle

I laugh out loud

praying for forgiveness

Each day I carry with me

the burden of my direct maternal line

the pride of the women’s lives before mine

Each night I set free

the resentment for my upbringing

the gratitude for my forward singing

And I reach back

I stretch ahead

I pull from within

As I announce my shame dead